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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 an official Sanctuary Cat, her story, how she got her status, and her recovery back to health. We will unveil a new 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 12, 2020
My Pupdate for 2020 With some new pictures!
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Spock wanted to say, Happy Easter!He's now 115 lbs, Happy, Healthy, and off all his Meds. He loves his family, including the extra pup, a Siberian Husky that joined us last March. Spock is Herschel's body guard with other dogs. They do so well, they are genuinely brothers. Other dogs are just buddies! We will never own another dog other than a Dane, he stole our hearts!!! Love this boy so much!
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New 'Mews'
1 Year Anniversary of
Bringin' it Back Blizzard
Every rescue has it happen from time to time.
You talk to an potential adopter, call their vet and personal references, do a home visit, go over all the information, and answer any questions. They sign a contract, a promise and commitment to you, the rescue, and most importantly the animal they are taking into their home. When you leave, you leave a piece of you behind. The work and love you put into an animal. The heartache you face every time they go but the hope and happiness you get from knowing they (hopefully) have their very own forever home and you once again can open your heart and home to another animal in need.
That's the way it is supposed to go. The way you pray it will.
A good rescue checks in every so often to see how things are going, troubleshoot any issues, and whenever possible share their progress and pictures. ALPRAS checks in several times in the beginning. After the first 3 days. Then 3-4 weeks, 6 months, the 1st 'Gotcha Day', and once a year thereafter. When you adopt from ALPRAS, you become part of the ALPRAS Family along with the animal we have entrusted to your care. We keep records of new numbers and addresses so we can still be in contact if we need you or you need us. That's what family does. For instance, if for some reason the pet gets lost we can help find them, put out the word, and most importantly, get in contact with the adopter if the animal is found. All it takes is a phone call, text, or email and we will do everything we can to help.
Sometimes it doesn't work out.
Things happen we don't expect. Perhaps the animals that are already in the house can't get along despite all efforts. A massive financial or medical situation arises. An owner passes away. No matter what happens with an owner/adopter, we ALWAYS take back our animals with or without explanation. So on those rare occasions when an animal doesn't work out or a situation changes, there is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't be notified. Under no circumstance should the animal be abandoned.
Unfortunately, sometimes no matter what you do and say, bad things happen. In this case, it happened to Blizzard.
You talk to an potential adopter, call their vet and personal references, do a home visit, go over all the information, and answer any questions. They sign a contract, a promise and commitment to you, the rescue, and most importantly the animal they are taking into their home. When you leave, you leave a piece of you behind. The work and love you put into an animal. The heartache you face every time they go but the hope and happiness you get from knowing they (hopefully) have their very own forever home and you once again can open your heart and home to another animal in need.
That's the way it is supposed to go. The way you pray it will.
A good rescue checks in every so often to see how things are going, troubleshoot any issues, and whenever possible share their progress and pictures. ALPRAS checks in several times in the beginning. After the first 3 days. Then 3-4 weeks, 6 months, the 1st 'Gotcha Day', and once a year thereafter. When you adopt from ALPRAS, you become part of the ALPRAS Family along with the animal we have entrusted to your care. We keep records of new numbers and addresses so we can still be in contact if we need you or you need us. That's what family does. For instance, if for some reason the pet gets lost we can help find them, put out the word, and most importantly, get in contact with the adopter if the animal is found. All it takes is a phone call, text, or email and we will do everything we can to help.
Sometimes it doesn't work out.
Things happen we don't expect. Perhaps the animals that are already in the house can't get along despite all efforts. A massive financial or medical situation arises. An owner passes away. No matter what happens with an owner/adopter, we ALWAYS take back our animals with or without explanation. So on those rare occasions when an animal doesn't work out or a situation changes, there is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't be notified. Under no circumstance should the animal be abandoned.
Unfortunately, sometimes no matter what you do and say, bad things happen. In this case, it happened to Blizzard.
Bringin' it back Blizzard
A million things go through your head and guilt, though it shouldn't be yours, weighs heavily. We failed her, and those who were supposed to be her family and guardians failed her.
Words can't express how grateful we are to her finder. The woman who took her in, fed her, helped get rid of the parasites that riddled her emaciated body, and sheltered her. She put her everywhere on lost/found websites and social media. As soon as she was able she took her in to get scanned. When we say microchips save lives, we mean it. |
It was shocking to get the message. Traced back from her microchip, Blizzard was registered at a shelter as lost/stray.
We were surprised and somehow we knew immediately that it wasn't going to be good. It had been radio silence for almost 2 years despite repeated attempts to contact the adopter. We had become increasingly worried over the last 4 months and had contemplated doing a direct home visit. Something we had never had to even consider in actuality to perform before - despite it being listed in the adoption contract. Immediately we contacted the shelter and found that, thankfully, the finder was caring for her. We were both relieved and horrified when we reached out to them. She was still safe, but was in terrible condition. Within roughly an hour we were on the road to travel across the state to go get her. 
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There are Angels in this world. People who give of themselves freely to help others.
The Good Samaritan who found Blizzard on her doorstep is absolutely one of these.
Blizzard has a long road to recovery.
When we arrived she had been there roughly a week and looked 100% better than when she arrived.
Putting this into perspective, Blizzard was emaciated, her fur was thin and rough for her. Her skin was an angry pink from parasites and probably sunburn. She had low energy and was shell of what we had adopted out. This was 100% better than when she was when she was taken in. Devastated but determined, we took her back home with us and decided immediately that she would be solidified as a Sanctuary Cat, a place she had already rightly earned before. We thanked the Angel who helped Blizzard in her greatest time of need. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude we have.
We have no doubt that she saved Blizzard's life.
' Bringin' it back Blizzard ' is going to be a page on the Website here (Under the Sanctuary Animals tab or link here.) so that people can learn why Blizzard was such an important cat to begin with, why she was a hero, and to follow her progress as she returns to health. We will be doing weekly updates and adding some pictures too. Blizzard has always been a hero for others, together we will work to be the heroes she needs us to be.
*** NOTE *** The new page for Blizzard began running on 4/8/19.
We've switched to monthly updates.
You can visit 'Bringin' it back Blizzard' here.
The Good Samaritan who found Blizzard on her doorstep is absolutely one of these.
Blizzard has a long road to recovery.
When we arrived she had been there roughly a week and looked 100% better than when she arrived.
Putting this into perspective, Blizzard was emaciated, her fur was thin and rough for her. Her skin was an angry pink from parasites and probably sunburn. She had low energy and was shell of what we had adopted out. This was 100% better than when she was when she was taken in. Devastated but determined, we took her back home with us and decided immediately that she would be solidified as a Sanctuary Cat, a place she had already rightly earned before. We thanked the Angel who helped Blizzard in her greatest time of need. Words cannot express the amount of gratitude we have.
We have no doubt that she saved Blizzard's life.
' Bringin' it back Blizzard ' is going to be a page on the Website here (Under the Sanctuary Animals tab or link here.) so that people can learn why Blizzard was such an important cat to begin with, why she was a hero, and to follow her progress as she returns to health. We will be doing weekly updates and adding some pictures too. Blizzard has always been a hero for others, together we will work to be the heroes she needs us to be.
*** NOTE *** The new page for Blizzard began running on 4/8/19.
We've switched to monthly updates.
You can visit 'Bringin' it back Blizzard' here.
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
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ALPRAS Memorials
Over Thanksgiving we lost a beloved ALPRAS dog, Wicket Wystri Warrick. His Story and History will be found soon on our Memorial Page or directly linked here. |
Donations made in Wicket's name will go towards spay/neuter and vaccinations of ALPRAS animals
There are no new events currently scheduled, we hope to add one in soon!
Thank you so much to everyone who gifts a donation we appreciate it so much!
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