I can't even begin to pretend to know a total stranger's situation. Who am I to say, "nope, won't sell you this animal because I know you're poor"?

That's the problem with the world nowadays. Too many people wanting to tell other people what *they* think they should be doing. Let's all mind our own business, and let others live their lives the way they want too. If they want to make mistakes, that's what life is all about, and they're theirs to make.

I do layaway for people all the time. I'll even extend the time out beyond what most sellers will do, just because I try to be a nice person. And I've asked for layaway myself a lot of times. Does it mean I can't pay my bills or am using rent money to buy animals? No way. Our household income is six figures a year - there is always extra money, just never one giant lump sum right now. If someone were to tell me they wouldn't sell me an animal because they were convinced I couldn't afford it based on my wanting to make payments, I'd be livid. They'd of course be within their rights to make sales or not to whomever they chose, but that'd still sting.

I don't agree with taking out loans or taking out a second mortgage on the house to buy animals, but I keep my trap shut because it's not my life. If people want to take that risk, then hey have fun. I'm gonna be over here, paying cash as I have it.