PetSmart makes Gazette's 'Good Business' list

Over the past few years, we've recommended avoiding a number of retail establishments because they mistreat employees (WalMart and McDonald's), are homophobic (Chick-Fil-A), support divisive idiots like Rush Limbaugh (Aamco), and a variety of other reasons.

We've also encouraged patronizing a smaller list of businesses that do the right things by their people and the causes they believe in (Costco, Starbucks).  Well here's one to put on your list of places that deserve your support - and we have an outlet right here in the Rim Country.

According to an article in today's (Nov. 4) Arizona Republic, Phoenix-based PetSmart has signed an Arizona Unity Pledge supporting gay rights.  What that means is that PetSmart is committed to creating an environment that is free of discrimination and bullying against workers or members who are gay.

That may not sound like a big deal, but it is.  A lot of companies are afraid to sign the pledge for fear of alienating homophobic customers.

As an additional bonus, the local Payson PetSmart works closely with the Humane Society of Central Arizona to help find homes for abandoned and abused animals.

So here's to PetSmart.  Please patronize them.

(To read the entire article, click on news.azcentral.com.  And for home delivery of the best newspaper in the Rim Country, call 1-800-332-6733.)