Fall 2007

The Faithful Friend

posted October 15th, 2007 by
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My name is Max & I have a little something I’d like to whisper in your ear. I know you humans lead busy lives. Some have to work, some have children to raise.  It always seems like you’re running here & there, often much too fast, often never noticing the truly grand things in life. Look down at me now, while you sit there at your computer.   See the way my dark brown eyes look at yours?  They are slightly cloudy now, that comes with age.  The grey hairs are beginning to ring my soft muzzle.  You smile at me; I see love in your eyes.  What do you see in mine?  Do you see a spirit, a soul inside who loves you as no other could in the world?  A spirit that would forgive all trespasses of prior wrongdoing for just a simple moment of your time?

That is all I ask.  To slow down if even for a few minutes to be with me.  So many times you have been saddened by the words you read on that screen, of others of my kind passing. Sometimeswe die young and oh so quickly, sometimes so suddenly it wrenches your heart out of your throat. Sometimes we age so slowly before your eyes that you do not even seem to know, until the very end, when we look at you with grizzled muzzles and cataract clouded eyes.  Still the love is always there, even when we take that long sleep, to run free in distant lands.

I may not be here tomorrow;  I may not be here next week.  Someday you will shed the waters from your eyes, that humans have when deep grief fills their souls, and you will be angry at yourself that you did not have just “one more day” with me.  Because I love you so, your sorrow touches my spirit and grieves me. We have now, together. So come, sit down here next to me on the floor.  And look deep into my eyes. What do you see?  If you look hard & deep enough we will talk, you & I, heart to heart.  Come to me not as “alpha” or as a “trainer” or even a “Mom or Dad,” come to me as a living soul & stroke my fur & let us look deep into one another’s eyes & talk.  I may tell you something about the fun of chasing a tennis ball, or I may tell you something profound about myself, or even life in general.  You decided to have me in your life (I hope) because you wanted a soul to share just such things with.  Someone very different from you, and here I am.  I am a dog, but I am alive.  I feel emotion, I feel physical senses, and I can revel in the differences of our spirits and souls. I do not think of you as a “dog on two feet.”  I know what you are.  You are human, in all your quirkiness, and I love you still.  Now, come sit with me, on the floor.  Enter my world, and let time slow down if even for only 15 minutes.  Look deep in my eyes, and whisper to my ears.  Speak with your heart, with your joy and I will know your true self.  We may not have tomorrow, and life is oh so very short.

Love Max
(on behalf of all canines everywhere)
Author Unknown

New Easter Bunny?

posted April 15th, 2007 by
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By Cyndy Harnett

Congratulations on owning a new pet rabbit!  You might have lots of questions on what to do as a rabbit owner, but taking care of your new pet rabbit isn’t difficult.  It’s basic pet care, like caring for a dog or cat.  There are some daily tasks, and some tasks that need to be done less often.  The mostimportant daily task is providing fresh food, hay and water. One of the least favorite tasks is trimming toenails, which should be done about every 4 to 6 weeks. Here’s a general timeline of tasks
for new rabbit owners.

Daily:  Provide fresh rabbit pellets, grass,hay and water on a regular schedule.  Some rabbit owners include greens such as Romaine lettuce or parsley as part of a daily diet. Hold and handle your rabbit.  Daily handling makes a gentler pet.  A rabbit behaves like a cat since she will come to you on her own terms.  Give a limited amount of treats.  There are many kinds of treats.  Check to see what is suitable for your rabbit.  Watch for changes in your rabbit’s condition or behavior.  Discharge from the nose or a rabbit who has stopped eating may mean a health problem for the veterinarian.  Provide out-of-thecage exercise time. Daily exercise helps controlweight and aids digestion. Exercise should be supervised and take place in a “rabbit proof” area.

This is a good time to play on the floor with yourrabbit. Weekly: Clean the cage. This may need to be done more often if your rabbit lives indoors or the weather is warm. Clean the water and food containers.  Examine your rabbit for signs of poor health.
Catching problems early such as sore spots will keep them from getting worse later. Check food and supplies needed for the coming week, or else you may be going to the store just before it closes to buy rabbit pellets.

Monthly: Brush your rabbit.  Wool breed rabbits need brushing or trimming more often.  Trim toe nails about every 4 to 6 weeks.  You may need a helper the first time or two.  Clean inner ears, if needed.  Check cage, equipment, and exercise area and make any repairs.

Seasonally: Change or add toys for rabbit fun and enjoyment. Protect rabbit from hot or cold weather.  Weigh your rabbit.  Weight gain or loss may indicate a health problem such as molar spurs.  Go to the veterinarian for a check up.  While not mandatory, it is recommended.  Rabbits do not need annual shots.  Having a pet rabbit is a wonderful experience, and you’ll find taking care of your rabbit is easy.  A happy pet rabbit may get you the best reward of all, a lick on the face!

FOR MORE INFORMATION Cyndy Harnett is the owner of www.RabbitsAtoZ.comfor pet rabbit products and information. She has enjoyed house rabbits for many years.

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