Quote:
Originally Posted by Minion
I was just looking through an adoption website, looking for a friend for my rabbit, and stumbled across one that read 'came into the sanctuary after the child lost interest'.
Now I've had rabbits from the age of 4 and I do believe it teaches responsibility. My Mum and Dad have always set 2 rules about pets:
1) You can have any pet you want as long as you do your research first and accept the responsibilities, which to be fair put me off wanting a pony pretty quick at the age of 6.
2) If you buy a pet you keep it for it's lifespan and look after it how it is suppose to be looked after.
Pets have always been a member of the family in our house and not just one person's pet. I once spent an hour distinguishing between 3 neon tetra fish so that i could name them so they felt loved (a little extreme and thereafter bought fish that looked completely different). I do think if you have a child and buy a rabbit that it's the parents responsibility as well. If you want something that is cute and fluffy with minimal care a teddy is the best option, not something that is going to suffer and have to be re-homed.
My biggest hate is people that see a little bunny all cute and fluffy and then go and stick it in a hutch, never to be paid attention to again. To be fair it's not just children that do this. When my rabbit accidentally had a litter of 2 rabbits my friend asked if she could have one and I told her they were sold, as she is the same. Best friend but not going anywhere near my baby rabbits. Ironically, I kept one, and the other went to one of my Dad's friends who has a little girl. I've been getting regular updates as I was so upset to see her go. She's now a happy house rabbit, that has her own bedroom and the little girl still feeds her everyday even after 4 years  |
That's a get out clause for the parents who have lost interest, cute little bun needs a lot more looking after than parents realised. ...and that's exactly why I now have my grandson's rabbit - our grandson was 2 when my daughter now demoted back to step daughter decided a pet rabbit would be a perfect pet for our grandson. I tried to tell her but as always parents advice falls on deaf ears.
I simply could not standby and watch this little fella suffer any longer. He came here while they went on holiday and has stayed ever since -that was two years ago.
I am no hero or martyr I hate having to see to him twice a day, every day but he is really cute and after what he has been through I am loathed to offer him for re-homing. I know nothing about rabbits only what I read on these forums and answers to my questions... but by eck I do my best for the little guy. Even though I curse and swear this weather - to be fair last winter was a real nightmare with sub zero temperatures. Having to check his water regularly to ensure I kept it from freezing up, I use a thermal jacket for the water bottle.
Our rabbit has a double decker hutch full insulated and a run attached to the front. He has the freedom of our secure garden every evening while I supervise him and I take the opportunity of cleaning his hutch out at the same time.
I have seen excuses like "I don't get on with other rabbits" - well why not get another hutch and run for him - you chose the little guy.
To be honest I much prefer to see rabbits waiting to be rehomed than the knowledge of them being neglected.
imo No pet is the responsibility of a child, to me a child helps and learns parents teach and train.
Really sorry guys for the rant, but if I have stopped one person from buying a rabbit without looking into the care of rabbits first, then this rant was worth it.
18-01-2012, 01:18 PM
. 
8Likes
Linear Mode
