All of my local fish stores and chain pet stores do a horrible job in keeping their bettas... it breaks my heart to see them each time I go... so I now purposely avoid the betta section if I can help it. And if I can't help it... I don't get too close to look into their eyes.... that's where I lose my willpower!

I also wanted to reiterate that it's very likely you'll find someone pretty local (within an hour's drive at least)... I did some searching and found a couple of breeders with excellent references not too far from me. They often post pics of their bettas for sale on their own website... or you can go and take a look and pick one from viewing in person! Plus... the stress of shipping is much less, as you know YOU'RE taking care not to jostle them around on the way home. My next betta... if I can resist the urge to rescue another from a store (and just plain keep away from the betta section), will be from one of the responsible breeders I found close by. From chatting with one in particular through emails... I find her to truly care about their little bettas... and most care about the homes their bettas end up in. This one particular breeder and I are on the same page with caring for them... so I promised myself, I'd buy my next betta from her.

Let us know how you find "the one"! (or 2 or 3....) image

Michele

Last Edited By: Mattsmommy2 Sep 28 08 7:15 AM. Edited 1 times.