Important Rabbit Facts That All Owners and Potential Owners of Pet Rabbits Should Be Aware of

If you are considering buying your first pet rabbit, or even if you have owned one before and are thinking of getting another, it is important to do plenty of research, both into rabbits as a species, and the particular needs and concerns attached to each different rabbit breed.

While rabbits have been a popular and very commonly owned pet for centuries, our knowledge of rabbits and what they really need to be happy and healthy is information that has come on in great leaps in recent years, and what used to be viewed as a fairly simple, low maintenance pet is now understood and respected as a much more delicate and complex creature than they were historically.

Rabbits are social animals that should not be kept on their own without a companion, or they will be lonely and unhappy and not thrive. This means that spaying and neutering of rabbits is important, particularly if you keep males and females together, for obvious reasons!  A female rabbit can produce a new litter every thirty days, and you will soon find yourself with more baby bunnies than you can handle! Even if you keep your rabbits in same-sex groups, spaying can help to protect female rabbits from cancer of the uterus, which is a common cancer of mature female rabbits.

You should choose the material that you use for your rabbit’s bedding carefully, as not all products are suitable for use with them. Scented products that have artificial or natural aromas are a bad idea for rabbits in particular.  Aromatic cedar or pine wood shavings are particularly to be avoided, as both of these fragrant woods release oils that can be harmful to your pet, and even cause long term liver damage.

Rabbits can be taught to use a litter tray, just like cats can, and this is an essential factor of life with a house rabbit! However, again, you should choose the litter that you use carefully to avoid causing health problems. Clay cat litter or other products that form clumps can be ingested and block up your rabbit’s digestive system, and any litter that is dusty may affect your rabbit’s respiratory system.

It is important that you rabbit-proof your home and garden, and any areas that your rabbit will have access to. Rabbits need to chew on things in order to keep their teeth at a comfortable length, and for some reason, articles such as electrical wires and loose carpet are particularly appealing to them! View your home and garden from your rabbit’s viewpoint, and ensure that everything that they may be able to reach is safe for them.

When people think about buying rabbit food, they usually imagine ready mixed, rabbit-suitable pellet food, and perhaps the occasional piece of fruit or veg. However, the bulk of the rabbit’s diet should be grass or hay, and your rabbit should have free access to one or both of these things at all times. In order to stay healthy, the digestive system of the rabbit should be constantly moving, and if it stops due to having no more food to eat, getting it restarted again is difficult, and may need veterinary help.  Suitable hay for rabbits include timothy hay, orchard grass and various others, and you should feed lots of it when your rabbit does not have access to grass.
If your rabbit isn’t very tame or even becomes aggressive, never punish them by smacking them or speaking harshly to them. Rabbits are sensitive animals that do not understand cause and effect in the same way that we do, and responding angrily will not help.

Rabbits are viewed as exotic pets within veterinary surgeries, and while most clinics will see a reasonable amount of rabbits and be able to diagnose and treat minor health issues, and perform standard procedures such as spay and neuter, for more complex problems, your rabbit might need to see a specialist vet. Find out about the provision for veterinary care for rabbits at your local clinic, and work out where you would need to go if they were unable to treat your pet.

A loss of appetite or watery stools are conditions that in most pets (and people) tend to be minor issues that will resolve themselves within a day or so. However, both problems can be a veterinary emergency for rabbits, and so if your rabbit is off color with either of these symptoms, contact your vet right away.

It is a good idea to gain a basic understanding of rabbit health, and learn how to recognize some of the most common problems that can potentially afflict rabbits. These include problems with the teeth, which may require attention from your vet, and a range of other issues including ear mites, digestive issues, and flystrike. Some serious problems can be prevented with vaccination, such as myxomatosis, and so your rabbit should be vaccinated as soon as they are old enough.

Children should not be permitted to handle rabbits unsupervised, and rabbits do not make a good pet for young children. Rabbits are very delicate and fragile animals that can easily be harmed or frightened, and so only older children who are experienced with rabbits should be in charge of their full time care.

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One Raccoon in a Chicago Suburb Apparently Ate So Well it Got Caught in a Sewer Grate

Turns out the feeling many people relate to after a big meal isn't unique to humans.

Authorities said they found the creature stuck while trying to climb out of a Zion sewer grate. The officers had been called to the area for assistance when they discovered the unexpected scene.

“It seems this little guy has been eating a little too well and got caught in the sewer grate,” the Zion Police Department wrote on Facebook.

The raccoon was so big officers couldn’t help it out of the grate, so they called the Zion Public Works Department.

“They were able to free him and our friend was no worse for wear,” the police department wrote.


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Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday, November 5, 2017

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday - don't forget to turn back your clocks!

Click HERE to see how this all got started

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A Central Florida Woman Was Arrested on Suspicion of Riding a Horse in the Middle of a Road While Drunk

Lakeland, Florida  - A central Florida woman was arrested on suspicion of riding a horse in the middle of a road while drunk.

Donna Byrne, 53, was arrested on charges of DUI and animal neglect after she was found riding the horse on Combee Road near North Crystal Lake Road in Lakeland.

Deputies said Byrne reeked of alcohol, had red, watery eyes and was staggering. Deputies said she provided breath samples that showed she had a blood alcohol level of 0.157 and 0.161, about twice the legal limit of 0.08 in Florida.

"Ms. Byrne was obviously not in any condition to be on the road," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "She not only put herself and the horse in danger, but also anyone who was driving on the road, which is typically very busy."

Authorities said Byrne was charged with animal neglect because she did not provide proper protection for the horse, which she put in jeopardy of being injured or killed. 

The Sheriff's Office said Byrne's criminal history includes five felony and 10 misdemeanor charges, including cruelty to animals, drug possession and a probation violation.

The horse was taken to the Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control livestock facility.


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Man Claims That a Psychic Cat He Inherited from His Aunt Has Put His Marriage in Jeopardy

An astonishing purchase was made by a Siberian witch, who bought a psychic cat back in January of this year. She paid $86,000 dollars for this fabulous feline. Apparently, this cat was inherited by a man named Dmitry R from Russia after his aunt had died. The cat was originally named as Charles Utkins. When he received the cat, rather bizarre things started happening in his life. He knew something was special about this particular cat.

Dmitry R claimed that this cat put his marriage in jeopardy as well. Word about this cat, quickly spread around Russia. Eventually, this Siberian witch learned of the cat. She later would approach Dmitry, offering to buy the cat from him at his home in Blagoveshchensk.

She said this cat would be most useful in her ritual magic practices. This strange story continued to spread and quickly became viral. Dmitry said, that the cat would suddenly appear from behind locked doors, often playing mind games with him. The cat used mind control, forcing him to buy cat food in the middle of the night sometimes.

Dmitry said: ”The doors to the rooms were closed, and the cat, shut away elsewhere, suddenly appears in the room from behind closed doors, although nobody let him go.

He reads minds, but the worst thing—he inspires thoughts. And these thoughts will be fulfilled, they are impossible to resist. He made me go shopping and buy what he needed.

Before I met Utkins (the cat) I… did not believe in supernatural things. But this creature managed to inspire me to thoughts and shame me to do what I do not want to do.

For example, I do not eat fish, at all, I don’t like it, or sausages. He would wake me up at 5 am with a strong desire to eat fish or sausage. So much so, that I had to go out right then to buy it and give it to the cat. And as soon as the cat started to eat, my hunger disappeared,”

Dmitry also said, that this cat would stare out into space, seeing things that humans simply cannot. Dmitry made mention about his marriage, saying that his wife felt uneasy around this “psychic cat”. Life continued to be difficult for the couple, inevitably putting a strain on their marriage. They got rid of the cat, to the witch and walked away richer in different ways.

The clairvoyant (the Siberian witch) proclaimed by the media, came to have a look at the cat and wasted no time offering to buy it from them. When she arrived at their doorstep, she was dressed in expensive clothes.

She was young and attractive with long blonde hair. She departed to Novosibirsk with her new cat now called “Charlie”. A special veterinarian passport was made for the cat. The witch proclaimed that the cat will pay off for her. She has a website with respectable clientele. The cat will now assist the witch with seances and other rituals.

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Thinking About Getting a Lamb for a Pet? What You Need to Know

Lambs are gentle animals that are easy to handle and respond well to humans. They come in several different breeds, some of which require annual shearing (trimming) and others that shed naturally on an annual basis.

The most popular breed is a miniature lamb. Lambs are social animals and love to be around others. They can be playful and comical animals that form close bonds with their owners. Raising one by bottle-feeding forms an even stronger bond since the lamb will think you are its mother.

Most lambs get along great with children and other pets. As long you have a female (called a ewe) or neutered male (known as a wether), you shouldn’t expect to have to make adjustments to your existing residents. Keep in mind that rams (males that have not been neutered) should be neutered as early as recommended; neutering an older ram once he shows signs of aggression is no guarantee of behavior control, and he may still pose a risk to other animals and humans.

Ongoing care is relatively minimal. If you have a wooled lamb, it will need to be sheared once or twice per year. Vaccinations are recommended every year, as well as de-worming since worms and parasites can cause anemia or death.

The Negatives

Lambs will poop and pee wherever, and whenever they need. This isn’t too conducive to an indoor-only pet, but several owners use disposable diapers and cut out a hole for the tail. These will generally last a few hours, and as the lamb grows you can switch to larger sizes or adult diapers. House training a lamb is extremely difficult if not impossible, so have a plan for the waste.

Intact males or sheep with horns can grow larger and become aggressive toward other pets and people. Horns can puncture furniture, walls and even people. This is a safety concern, so most people recommend getting neutered males and removing horns. However, dehorning is considered a cruel procedure. That’s why we urge you to choose a breed or strain that is naturally hornless (known as polled sheep). Or get a ewe rather than a ram, though you should be aware that even females can have horns.

Before you start searching for a pet lamb, check with your local laws and ordinances. Most places that allow this type of pet are rural areas. You may run into restrictions in suburban or city areas or be required to register your lamb, so do your homework first.

Another negative to consider is absence. Most kennels and sitters won’t allow you to drive on by and drop off your dog while adding a lamb to the mix. Make sure you have a plan for long absences, vacations or emergencies that require you to leave your pet. An experienced veterinarian will also be needed, so check to see which vets are near you and whether they treat livestock (specify that you are planning to get a pet lamb).

If you’re still interested in keeping a lamb as a pet, here are some other things to consider.

Containment

If your lamb will be allowed or kept outdoors, use a woven or net wire fencing. Barbed wire is not recommended; nor is tethering (tying the animal to a stake or other object by leash or rope). A lamb can get caught up in both of these and also risks injury from a predator.

Lambs need shelter from heat and cold, so be prepared to build a shelter or adapt an existing outbuilding for this purpose. One suggestion is a large doggie door on a garage.

If you’re keeping your lamb indoors only, use baby gates to block off access as desired. As lambs increase in size they may also increase in their jumping height. Be prepared to install a higher gate or door to restrict access to off-limit areas.

Nutrition

Lambs need access to clean water at all times. If you are bottle-feeding, get a replacement milk made for lambs. Sometimes goat milk replacements will work, and sometimes the lamb might encounter issues with both. Consult your veterinarian as needed. Calf milk replacement or other forms of livestock milk are not recommended.

Sheep prefer coarse grasses like timothy; your local feed store should sell an appropriate feed mix. Grain supplements are good for young or elderly lambs, but make sure that you regulate the amount you give them since overfeeding grain can cause serious harm. Lambs will eat to the point of gorging themselves, so monitor their intake. Excessive intake can also create bloat just as with dogs, and this can be fatal. Lambs also enjoy salt blocks or loose mineral salt.

Don’t let lambs eat from the garden or give them clippings. There are many non-native plants and flowers that are toxic to lambs. If you have fruit trees, you will want to fence them in. Lambs love fruit trees and will eat from them until there is nothing left.

Always make sure that anything you buy or give your lamb is specifically intended for lambs, or consult your veterinarian. Most products made for goats are acceptable too, but check first just to be sure.

Grooming

Some breeds will require shearing of their coat once or twice a year. Other breeds have a mixture of fur and wool and shed naturally. If you plan to get a lamb to sell the wool for profit, you might want to reconsider. There is very little profit or availability to sell the wool to commercial markets. They already have high-volume suppliers and pay the lowest prices. If you have local craftsmen, hand spinners, or an arts and crafts outlet nearby, they might be interested in buying the wool from you.

You will also need to have the hooves trimmed as needed on a regular basis. Doing this yourself can be difficult without experience, and once you see pink you are getting close to the nerves and blood vessels. I definitely recommend letting a professional perform this part of the grooming since improper hoof maintenance can cause pain, difficulty walking and lameness.

These recommendations are important things to consider when choosing a lamb as your next pet. It is strongly advised that you check your local supply or feed store, consulting a veterinarian who is experienced with livestock, and ensuring that you will be able to provide a safe and happy environment. If adopting a lamb sounds ideal but you just don’t have the time or space, you can adopt one online




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Stephens City, Virginia – Meet Gus and Laurie, 7-Month-Old Bonded Pair Looking for Their Forever Home Together

Sharing from: The Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue: "They've only ever known each other. They were found as strays at three months old and have since lived in someone’s barn. They’re around 7 months old now and we are so hopeful that we can find someone to keep these two together. If you’re looking for a bonded pair, look no further."

If you're interested in adopting Gus and Laurie, you can apply at shenandoahrescue.org/adoption-process.

Please Share!

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Congratulations to Humane Rescue Alliance President & CEO, Lisa LaFontaine, Who Was Honored Last Night at the WBJ 2017 Women Who Mean Business Awards Program

Congratulations to Humane Rescue Alliance President & CEO, Lisa LaFontaine, who was honored last night at the Washington Business Journal's 2017 Women Who Mean Business awards program. The program honors the areas most influential businesswomen and those who have made a substantial impact in their industry and communities. Learn more about Lisa’s impact on the world of animal welfare and her passion for advocating for the people and animals in our community.

Take a look at her video: Lisa LaFontaine 


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A Vet Technician Has Been Charged with Animal Cruelty for Keeping a Dog After Owner Was Told it Was Euthanized

A vet technician has been charged with animal cruelty for keeping a dog after owner was told it was euthanized.

Andrea Oliveira, from Freehold, New Jersey, is accused of taking an elderly dog from vet Dr George Menez and keeping it alive for five months.

Dr Menez, who hasn’t been charged with a criminal offence, is alleged to have told owner Keri Levy that he euthanised her miniature pinscher Caesar at Briarwood Veterinary Hospital in May.

It was reported that the vets believed the dog could be nursed back to health.

Ms Levy said her 15-year-old dog was suffering from Cushing’s disease, a condition which affects elderly dogs.

She claims Dr Menez telephoned her to say Caesar was ‘at peace’, hours after she said goodbye to her pet.

However, she received an anonymous message earlier this month from someone who said her dog was still alive and being looked after by an employee at the vet practice.

Police said Oliveira did not believe the dog needed to be put down and thought she could nurse it back to health.

Caesar has since been put down under the supervision of a different vet.

The health of the animal before its death is now a matter of dispute.

Police said the dog was given back to its owner in good spirits and showed no signs of ill-health, but Ms Levy said his condition had deteriorated.

Police said Dr Menez allowed Oliveira to take the dog home with her but didn’t inform the owner.

‘This employee wanted to do so out of compassion for the dog and a desire to rehabilitate his health, albeit without the owner’s consent,’ Howell Police Detective Sergeant Christian Antunez told the Mail Online.

After receiving the anonymous message that Caesar was still alive, Ms Levy contacted the practice but both Dr Menez and Oliveira had stopped working there.

Ms Levy claims she then contacted Dr Menez and he gave her the name of the former colleague who had taken her dog.

His owner said the dog’s health had deteriorated dramatically in the five months and she took him to be put down at a different hospital.

You can read the initial story here: Family Dog Was Supposed to Cremated: Found Alive At Veterinary Worker’s Home

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Benefits of Having a Pet

A recent study showed that there are more pets than children in American households. Amazed? Statistics say that there has also been an increase in the number of Indian families opting for pets. Keeping pets at home has several benefits — and if you're among those who has always wanted to keep a pet, let us convince you to go ahead and get one home!

Pets can enhance your mood
Whether you believe it or not, pets are a great way to improve your mood and temperament. Research has shown that people who suffer from various diseases have lesser chances of depression if they keep pets as compared to those who are suffering from similar diseases and don't keep pets.

Help to control blood pressure
Health experts say that dog owners have less blood pressure and heart rates. This eventually reduces the need to take medicines and also helps reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

A source of exercise
Want someone who will accompany you for walks? Dogs can be great companions and will happily go out for walks, at times even urging you for a walk, when you're too tired, thereby keeping you active and fit. Other activities related to pets like feeding, bathing, playing and cleaning are also good ways to exercise.

An antidote for loneliness
No matter how low or lonely you keep, a pet will always be there for you. Whether you want to pour your heart out to them or tell them your secrets, you know it's all safe with them! Pets give you unconditional love and are always faithful.

Reduce stress
Stressed out? Pets are known to reduce stress and anxiety levels. Experts say that people can get relieve from stress and depression, if they spend time with their pets.

Long life
Several studies have revealed that people who tend to spend their time with pets are more likely to live longer than people who don't.

Better social skills
Want to improve your social skills? It is said that people who keep pets are said to be good in their social relations. Kids who grow up with pets at home are always respectful towards living things.

Safety
Having a dog at home is especially good because they also double up as caretakers. No burglar alarm can be better than a dog at home!

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10 Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Infection

If your dog has itchy, irritated skin and smells a little stinky, he could be suffering from a yeast infection. This condition can cause extreme discomfort for our canine companions and may be related to an underlying problem such as an allergy or a hormonal disorder.

All strains of yeast are funguses, and these organisms normally live on the bodies of dogs (and people) without causing illness. Problems arise when there is an overabundance of the fungus on a dog’s body, says Dr. Neil Marrinan of the Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital in Connecticut. “Overgrowth requires a trigger and loss of skin defenses,” he says.

Typically, dogs are bothered by the opportunistic pathogen Malassezia pachydermatis, says Dr. Klaus Loft, who practices dermatology at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Angell Animal Medical Center. “We see yeast in various forms in and on dogs,” he says. “It resides normally on the skin and is implicated in skin, paw, and ear infections.”

So how do you know if your dog has a yeast infection? Here are 10 common signs watch out for.

To read more on this story, click here: 10 Signs Your Dog Has a Yeast Infection


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Alberta Angler Catches Fish Nearly Cut in Half by Plastic Powerade Wrapper

An Alberta fisherman is reminding people to properly dispose of garbage after catching a fish that had been trapped in a drink ring for so long the fish had grown around the piece of plastic.

Adam Turnbull — originally from Sarnia, Ont., but now living in southeastern Alberta — works as a cabinet maker in Medicine Hat to support his real passion: fishing. The avid angler says he fishes almost daily, all around Alberta but mainly close to home.

He’s caught all kinds of fish before, but one he reeled in on Saturday, Oct. 28, from the South Saskatchewan River in Medicine Hat, left him shaking his head.

“I was fishing at Strathcona Park when I hooked the fish,” Turnbull, 28, told Global News. “It fought like every other fish and then I saw the wound.”

To read more on this story, click here: Alberta Angler Catches Fish Nearly Cut in Half by Plastic Powerade Wrapper

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A Man is Suing the United States Postal Service for Being on a “Dog Hold” that Has Prevented Him from Receiving Mail For the Past 10 Years

Seattle, Washington - To the untrained eye, Ilsa seems a little slow and a little tired. But shedding hair and a toothy grin perhaps hide some darker purpose.

“They keep on bringing it back to dogs. And I just want to get my mail,” said Ballard homeowner Randall Ehrlich.

He is now suing the United States Postal Service for being on a “dog hold” that prevents him from receiving mail, and has been for nearly a decade.

“The regular mail carrier will not deliver to my residence,” Ehrlich said one of the people named in the suit.

Ehrlich was placed on what's called a "dog hold" because the previous dog, now dead, was deemed threatening by the carrier and USPS.

Yet nothing changed when the dog was fostered out, when there was no dog even living in the house, and even now with low-key Ilsa.

Since the slot is next to his door, Ehrlich tried playing along with the complaints and installed a box near his sidewalk.

“I thought it was a reasonable compromise,” he said.

It wasn’t.

“It is not a very common complaint that I get,” said Bellingham animal attorney Adam Karp.

He's now helping Ehrlich sue over the excuse of Ilsa and the Ballard mail blackout.

“So essentially, they make the decisions unilaterally and there's no appeal from that,” Karp said.

We wanted to see what the USPS could explain about the "dog hold." Maybe it's just one mail carrier that's been a problem.  Maybe Ehrlich was wrong, and his dogs in the last decade have been terrors.

Yet neighbors tell us Ehrlich isn't alone, because there are others on the blackout list.

But the post office wouldn't elaborate because of the lawsuit.

"However, it is important to note that the safety of our employees is paramount at the U.S. Postal Service when we make operational decisions affecting customer service and delivery practices,” a statement read.

We explained the situation to Michael Offield, a former postal service safety advocate who made decisions similar to the Ballard situation. He says this is extraordinary.

“Oh god,” he lamented as he laughed and put his head in his hands.

He agreed with the attorney Karp that there were some personal problems at the Ballard USPS in his day and thinks this might just be laziness to save a few seconds every day on the route.

“Well, this is the postal service. Our last name is service,” Offield said.

But let's follow the logic.

Let's say Ilsa was just in a good mood when a camera was stuck in her face, or all dogs are a concern for the carriers on that block.

So we went next door.

And found the same kind of mailbox. At the same kind of house.

And the same size dog -- Oliver -- and Lisa Sorensen. She had heard about the drama and hesitated even talking to us.

“And we've tried to stay on the good side, to be honest, to keep getting our mail,” Sorensen said.

Worry on the streets and a case heading to court that will decide if the Ballard blackout is for real or not.

“I`d rather not be doing this. I`d rather just be getting my mail. And I've found no other recourse,” Ehrlich said.




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Family Pets Are Equally, if Not More, at Risk of Being Affected by Passive Smoking as Humans, Research Suggests

Animals inhale more smoke and - because of their grooming routines - also digest nicotine when licking their fur, a study by Glasgow University said.

Dogs are at risk of developing lung or sinus cancer while smaller pets such as birds, rabbits and guinea pigs can face breathing issues and skin disease.

Experts hope the findings will motivate pet owners to quit smoking.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has teamed up with The Royal College of Nursing for a new campaign aimed at telling owners about the damage that can be done.

Wendy Preston, the RCN's Head of Nursing, said: "Many people would be horrified to discover their second-hand smoke was harming their pet, and in some cases seriously shortening the animal's life.

"We want to make it easier for vets and vet nurses to have that conversation with patients."

Simon Clark, director of the smokers' group Forest, said he felt the threat of passive smoking on animals was "greatly exaggerated". He also said it was a distraction from genuine cases of animal abuse.

• What are the risks?

• Dogs can develop lung or sinus cancer

• Cats have an increased risk of developing lymphoma

• Birds, rabbits and guinea pigs can suffer eye, skin and respiratory disease

• Smoke exposure worsens bronchitis and asthma in animals that already have those conditions

The university, which is renowned for its small animal hospital, has been carrying out research on the effects of passive smoking on pets for several years.

Professor Clare Knottenbelt said 40 dogs - half of them from homes with smokers - were recruited for the study and samples of their hair were analysed for nicotine levels, while their owners were asked to fill in a survey detailing how often they or any visitors smoked.

The same study was then carried out on 60 pet cats, with a particular focus on whether any link could be established between second-hand smoke and feline lymphoma, a cancer that affects the white blood cells of cats.

But she said that the researchers had to factor in the very different behavior of cats and dogs, pointing out that free-wandering cats could potentially be exposed to second hand smoke if they visit other people's homes and even sit close to pub or workplace entrances where groups of smokers congregate.

She said: "A cat can be from a smoke-free home yet still have high nicotine levels."

But Forest's Simon Clark was dismissive of the research, saying: "The best thing anyone can do for their pets is provide a warm, comfortable environment where they feel safe and cared for."

~Source: Royal College of Nurses

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