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 Jensen is up for adoption and you'll be able to get to know him. 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.
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!
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!!! |
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
Halloooooo Everypawdy!
My name is Jensen. I am Jenson Gregory Woofworth, and you can call on me at any time. 877 - Woof - Now! Just kidding! But fur real, I am a happy boy who is ready to be at your bark and call. I love everyone and everything. I've been told I am a walking green flag dog...that must be a good thing. I'm middle aged male who is ready for 'INSTANT FAMILY, JUST ADD DOG'. Great with people of all ages from tiny to timely. I'm open to all breeds of dogs as friends, no biases here! I even like cats...especially cool ones. I enjoy long walks (or short ones), social events (like the dog park), toys (all sorts), and of course - CUDDLES (who could pawsibly resist my floof?!). You could say I'm the whole Jenchilada! I hope you'll consider swiping right on me, I'm ready for a serious (and fun!) relationship. Are you my pawfect match? |
Check Out my EXTENDED PROFILE
with lots of other photos here or click on my picture!
Recent Adoptions
Pupdates!
We will be posting some pupdates for Tedd E. Bear soon!
New 'Mews'
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.
Saying our Goodbyes
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