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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.
We've said goodbye to a long time ALPRAS Sanctuary Dog and a Former ALPRAS Dog who had a great life with his Forever Family. Jack Sparrow, a Sanctuary Cat is looking for some help and of course Spock is still looking for a home of his own. 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 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!!! |
Featured Dog of the Month
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My name is Spock. I haven’t had a rough start like many of my friends. I had a loving owner who had to give me up, but not before finding me a safe place to stay at ALPRAS while I found a new family to love and care for me. I am looking forward to finding my Forever Home.
There are some really good things about me. If you want a dog that loves to play but can settle down when you do, I might be the dog for you! I don’t really need a lot of walks, although I do like the dog park and meeting other dogs. I don’t mind cats and they don’t mind me. They say I’m a Lounge Hound because I like to lay on couches and dog beds especially if there are blankets involved. My favorite types of toys are Chew Bones and Woobies. Woobies are amazing for tossing around in the air and cuddling! I have a lot of energy too for playing with other dogs of all sizes. Sometimes they think I'm part Gazelle. I'm still young and strong and would love to be in a home with a pack of other dogs, or kids, or both! It's been 3 years since I've started this journey of finding a new home, but I'll never give up. Pick me and together we will ‘Live Long and Prosper’! |
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Recent Adoptions!
I got Akasha 'Irma' - Adopted December 25, 2017
I got ADOPTED!
I am so happy to be adopted!
It was the best Christmas Wish come true EVER!
I have a new home with a family that has given me a Dog Brother and two Human Puppies to play with :D
I don't think there is anyone luckier than me!
Pupdates!
Pet in Need
Jack Sparrow, a Sanctuary, cat needs you!
Current Need: Dental Work.
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Saying our Goodbyes,
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Recently Added Memorials
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It is with a heavy heart we let everyone know,
Jasmine PI (aka Jazz), passed away on February 28th. Jazz had recently been declared a full Sanctuary Dog in December and no longer up for adoption due to her age and her little likelihood of finding a family after nearly 10 years. Mostly Blind and Deaf, our well loved 3 Legged wonderdog had become very much in need for a wheelchair. Before we could obtain it she started taking a sharp downturn in health. Her leg wouldn't hold her at all and she could not even drag herself despite having a very strong chest. She had been getting more and more confused as to where she was, even needing help finding food, water, and the door to outside. Finally on the last few days, she was exhausted despite sleeping over 90% of her days. On the 28th it was decided to help her pass when she had clearly given up. Jazz was humanely euthanized with her caretakers present and her face cradled in loving hands. She went very peacefully and even the vet stated that she looked incredibly relieved. Jasmine PI was a strong girl and a fighter. She overcame many obstacles in her life and we were honored to have her as an ALPRAS dog. |
Any Donations made in Jazz's name will go towards Spock's continued care as a fellow Disabled Dog.
Gremlin Madmartigan was an ALPRAS dog that was adopted all the way back in 2007. Gremlin was a fun loving energetic Boxer Mix who was a very beloved member of a pack that began with a wonderful little pit bull named Jessie eventually included two other ALPRAS dogs, Anko and Sakura.
His family misses him very much but are grateful for the many years they had with their vibrant, fun, and loyal companion.
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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