I am standing on my soapbox to bring you an important message!!!
Springtime is almost here which means many exciting things! We will have flowers and new gardens full of promise of summer fruit; we will have birds nesting and singing; we will have chilled refreshing mornings followed by warm, snoozy evenings.
Springtime also brings the Easter Bunny. You know, I love that guy. He leaves Eva and I a basket full of new toys, jerky treats and jelly beans. But sometimes human parents want to augment the Easter Bunny's largess and decide to add a life to the basket.
I know, it is odd to play with a little soul, but people do! Chicks, ducklings and baby bunnies are so adorable that they are almost irresistable. So much so that I think people forget that, after a child's excitement of finding a basket filled with goodies and a new pet, the pet will need care! And the care is no joke, my friend. Bunnies, chickens and ducks can all live to ten years or more! They need to be provided with species appropriate environments, feed, care (including veterinary) and plenty of enrichment in the form of human interaction as well as natural enrichment. It is a lot to think about! The unfortunate statistic is that due to lack of proper care most of these little gifts die before attaining their first year.
I'd like to ask anyone who has thought of buying one of these "basket-filler" pets to think long and hard before doing so. If you can commit yourself to them for years then perhaps you are ready. If you honestly cannot see yourself going to great lengths to provide for the chosen animal's needs then please do not obtain one. Your child will be just as happy with a chocolate rabbit. Or maybe and iPod. I don't know, I'm just a dog.
And remember to check rescues if you decide you really do want the pet!!!
Springtime is almost here which means many exciting things! We will have flowers and new gardens full of promise of summer fruit; we will have birds nesting and singing; we will have chilled refreshing mornings followed by warm, snoozy evenings.
Springtime also brings the Easter Bunny. You know, I love that guy. He leaves Eva and I a basket full of new toys, jerky treats and jelly beans. But sometimes human parents want to augment the Easter Bunny's largess and decide to add a life to the basket.
I know, it is odd to play with a little soul, but people do! Chicks, ducklings and baby bunnies are so adorable that they are almost irresistable. So much so that I think people forget that, after a child's excitement of finding a basket filled with goodies and a new pet, the pet will need care! And the care is no joke, my friend. Bunnies, chickens and ducks can all live to ten years or more! They need to be provided with species appropriate environments, feed, care (including veterinary) and plenty of enrichment in the form of human interaction as well as natural enrichment. It is a lot to think about! The unfortunate statistic is that due to lack of proper care most of these little gifts die before attaining their first year.
I'd like to ask anyone who has thought of buying one of these "basket-filler" pets to think long and hard before doing so. If you can commit yourself to them for years then perhaps you are ready. If you honestly cannot see yourself going to great lengths to provide for the chosen animal's needs then please do not obtain one. Your child will be just as happy with a chocolate rabbit. Or maybe and iPod. I don't know, I'm just a dog.
And remember to check rescues if you decide you really do want the pet!!!
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