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April has arrived, no foolin'! There's a lot that happens this month. From Passover and Easter to Earth Day and Arbor Day. There's lots of remembrance days too. What we want everyone to also remember is that April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month. If you love Bunnies and Chicks, check out the section we have on those adorable little critters and things you should know in the first articles below. Our ALPRAS Dog Roman is up for adoption and you'll be able to get to know. Check out the section of the website dedicated to information on Training, Pet Health, Safety, and more. Lastly there is some important educational information about Easter for your pets. Don't forget, if we don't have the type of furkid that gets your nose and ears twitchin', there are thousands of pets in rescues and shelters just waiting for someone and that someone could be you! All our best to you and yours. Happy April!!! - ALPRAS Team Members |
Lets face it. Bunnies. Are. ADORABLE.
For many people, nothing says Easter/Spring like a soft, warm, snuggly bunny rabbit. It can be insanely hard to resist, because the only thing cuter than a bunny is a child holding said bunny. The picture alone makes you want to have and hold onto them forever. There's just one really big problem for a really small creature that has the potential to be a great pet...they grow up. People often forget that these bunnies won't stay small forever. Most people have grasped that cats and dogs live a long time, but so do rabbits. They are a lifetime commitment and can easily live up to 14 years when cared for properly. That word, care, is super important. Just like canines and felines, these critters need vet visits, vaccinations, varied diet, safe ways to get exercise, attention, and needs that can be different than expected. It is important that you take the time to research about bunnies, because while they may seem like an easy thing to take care of, there are many ways to do so.
Will you house train your bunny and let her run around indoors?
Will you have a Rabbit Hutch, remember to clean it regularly, and have enough room for him to not just be bored and forgotten?
Will you make a special outdoor enclosure where they can burrow and run around with some freedom safe from escape, predators, and the elements? If so, will you get more than one bunny for company?
Will you be able to have other pets in the house get along with them or keep them safe from those other pets if necessary?
Other important questions also come up, such as How much money will they cost over time for their various needs. These include a varied diet, bedding, safe cleaning supplies for the enclosure (if that is the type of housing you have decided on), litter, chewing objects, and fresh veggies.
Rabbits need to be handled often and with care. They require socialization but not loud and fast paced interactions.
Just like dogs and cats, rabbits need to be spayed or neutered. This goes double for boy bunnies as bucks can become aggressive and territorial when they reach sexual maturity. Female bunnies will go into heat as well and be temperamental.
How fast will you or your children get bored of having a bunny? After the newness wears off, what happens then?
Unfortunately for too many bunnies it means disposal by dumping them off at a shelter, in the middle of the woods, or in some tragic cases they are even killed. The problem with trying to take them to shelters is that many shelters won't even take them in and dropping a bunny off in nature is basically a death sentence for them. They die of thirst, starvation, or predation.
Will you house train your bunny and let her run around indoors?
Will you have a Rabbit Hutch, remember to clean it regularly, and have enough room for him to not just be bored and forgotten?
Will you make a special outdoor enclosure where they can burrow and run around with some freedom safe from escape, predators, and the elements? If so, will you get more than one bunny for company?
Will you be able to have other pets in the house get along with them or keep them safe from those other pets if necessary?
Other important questions also come up, such as How much money will they cost over time for their various needs. These include a varied diet, bedding, safe cleaning supplies for the enclosure (if that is the type of housing you have decided on), litter, chewing objects, and fresh veggies.
Rabbits need to be handled often and with care. They require socialization but not loud and fast paced interactions.
Just like dogs and cats, rabbits need to be spayed or neutered. This goes double for boy bunnies as bucks can become aggressive and territorial when they reach sexual maturity. Female bunnies will go into heat as well and be temperamental.
How fast will you or your children get bored of having a bunny? After the newness wears off, what happens then?
Unfortunately for too many bunnies it means disposal by dumping them off at a shelter, in the middle of the woods, or in some tragic cases they are even killed. The problem with trying to take them to shelters is that many shelters won't even take them in and dropping a bunny off in nature is basically a death sentence for them. They die of thirst, starvation, or predation.
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Bunnies are the 3rd most euthanized animal at shelters. Even when shelters do take them in, it is hard to get them adopted or in rescue. Just like any animal, they deserve better. Education is vital for anyone interested in owning a rabbit so that they don't face the bleak future that too many do.
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Rabbits can be great pets. They have personalities, can be comical, and well...that soft furry cuteness is still there!
Just be sure that if you get a bunny to do your research and make the commitment they need and deserve. On top of that, instead of just buying a baby bunny, adopt one instead! There are so many rabbits looking for forever homes, and just like with dog and cat rescues, effort has been put into them. Additionally, they usually have all their shots for the year and are already spayed or neutered!
Just be sure that if you get a bunny to do your research and make the commitment they need and deserve. On top of that, instead of just buying a baby bunny, adopt one instead! There are so many rabbits looking for forever homes, and just like with dog and cat rescues, effort has been put into them. Additionally, they usually have all their shots for the year and are already spayed or neutered!
If you do still want to make a commitment to be the guardian of a Bunny, please consider the
Adoption Option: Don't Shop - Adopt !
Check out these Chicks!
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We're not chicken to talk about how baby chicks should not be given as pets to kids during spring holidays. There are very few people who want to live with a full grown chicken in the house. Though some can be house trained, most are not. They also can bring harmful bacteria from their feces. On top of that, just like we mentioned with bunnies, they also require vaccinations, appropriate housing, socialization, and guys...if you accidentally get a rooster...do we really need to explain why that's a bad idea?
Your neighbors would agree! It only takes a few weeks for a chicken to grow up and they have far fewer adoptions options available to them. Make an Eggcellent choice, just say no to getting a chick and visit a petting zoo instead!!! |
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Eggs are high in protein and contain many essential amino acids and fatty acids. They are a great source of protein, riboflavin, and selenium. When boiled or cooked, they make excellent treats or dietary supplements for dogs. Not only are eggs a healthy and nutritious snack for dogs, they can even help settle upset stomachs. Be sure to use a cooked whole egg, as raw egg whites can cause a biotin deficiency and raw eggs may contain Salmonella which is dangerous for you and your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about how many eggs to feed your dog per day. While eggs are generally safe for most dogs, overfeeding your dog can result in obesity and other health problems just like with people.
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Featured Dog of the Month
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Hi! My name is Roman.
I am an American Stafforshire Terrier who is looking for someone who is fun, active, and a strong experienced pack leader. I am a big happy boy who loves to play and cuddle. If you like spoiling a pup with toys, I want in! I love playing with toys and they say I am very silly. When it comes to cuddling, I can be the big or little spoon as long as I can be close to you. (I might be a bit of a bed hog...but you wouldn't mind that, would you?) People are awesome and I love them, even kids, but since I'm so big they say older kids are better friends to play with. Though I like other dogs, I'm probably best in a home as an only pup or in a home that has small dogs. I'm also good with dog savvy cats...I know they are higher on the pack totem pole than me......they said so. I have a ton of potential and they say I'm a super good boy, even if I can be a little hard headed sometimes. If you are looking for an active cuddlebug who is super silly too, I might be the most pawsome fit for you! |
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Check Out my EXTENDED PROFILE
with lots of other photos here or click on my picture!
Recent Adoptions
(We'd love to see Roman here soon!)
Pupdates!
Spock - Adopted August 8, 2018
New Pupdate - April 1, 2021
My Pupdate for 2021 With some new pictures!
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Spock wanted to say, Happy Easter!Spock is a happy, healthy, boy and off all his Meds. Head and Shoulders keeps the yeast and itchies at bay and his skin in great order. Spock and Herschel are best buddies and brothers always together. Its hard to believe he's 7 already. He's gotten so grey! Spock loves his family and is always right at their feet and next to his brother.
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New 'Mews'
2 Year Anniversary of
Bringin' it Back Blizzard
Its been two years since Blizzard made it back to us and she's doing great.
She's no longer in need of special foods or supplements and is an appropriate weight.
Blizzard has turned back into the spunky exploratory cat she used to be
and we are so pleased to see her happy and healthy again.
Pets in Need
At this time most of the animals are doing well. Any donations we receive will go towards food, litter, supplements, medications, and vaccinations for the Foster and Sanctuary Animals in our care.
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Saying our Goodbyes
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Recently Added Memorials
ALPRAS Memorials
On April 1st we lost a beloved
ALPRAS family member cat,
Hound of Cu Chulainn.
(Nickname KuKu)
His Story and History will be found soon on our Memorial Page or
directly linked here.
Individual animal's pages can be reached by clicking on their pictures here or on the Memorial page directly.
The 2020 and 2021 Memorials will be updated with their stories throughout the month.
2020 Losses & Memorials
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Any donations made in their names will go to the care of the Rescues or Sanctuary animals.
There are no new events currently scheduled, we hope to add one soon when it is safe for both animals and people to do so.
Thank you so much to everyone who gifts a donation we appreciate it so much!
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