more on that later, but suffice to say that it is a Toyota 4runner, holds 3 people and their bikes and backpacks, five dogs, the dogsled, the scooter and the boat, though probably not simultaniously, and is better on gas than my VW bus such that I don't have TOO much eco-guilt...

At least you're going to use it for off-roading 'n the like, contrary to the folks who buy 'em for the status and to "compensate."

Sucks about the pet store, but then not many chain stores I've been to seem to take care of their pets.