Progressive Wednesday

Silly rabbit (owner)

While this week's Wednesday topic concentrates on those animals living south of sea level, but with Easter Sunday less than two weeks away I need to refocus just a “hare–   (sorry, couldn't help it) on some of our dryer companions. I speak, of course, about rabbits.

Every year about this time many parents surprise little Johnnie and Suzie with a bunny for Easter. They think it'll be cute to have a little “Peter Cottontail– hippity-hopping around the house while the kids are looking behind lamp shades for those plastic eggs filled with candy.  They're right. As an owner of two of these lagomorphs I can attest, they're adorable. Our long-eared nose nibblers are well cared for; they even have an in-house vet. Unfortunately, this is the exception, not the rule.

Countless rabbits are abandoned to shelters each year about a month or two after Easter. When the novelty wears off, the rabbit gets ignored. Most people have no idea how high-maintenance and high-cost Sir Hops-a-lot can be:

During a rabbit’s lifespan of up to 12 years, you can expect care costs of between $3,000 and $4,000 — which includes an initial $200 in one-time costs for a habitat, spaying/neutering, litter box, care book, dishes, brush, water bottle, etc., and yearly costs of approximately $300 for food, annual veterinary visits, and white wood shavings.

The Columbus House Rabbit Society has created the “Make Mine Chocolate– campaign.
It's mission:

To break the cycle of acquisition and relinquishment by educating the public about the responsibilities involved in keeping a companion rabbit before a rabbit is brought home.

Rabbit.org also has great information on rabbit care, do's and don'ts, as well as a list of rabbit rescue shelters to go to for adoption. So if you're tempted by that twitchy nose and those long ears, count to ten. Then be sure to give these sites a visit. Sometimes the best progress is made by not doing what we know to be wrong.

“Gracias– on behalf of Fido

I love animals. All animals. As you read in my bio, my wife and I have many of them living with us, a veritable “Noah's ark– , if you will. She is a veterinarian, so the rabbits, ornate lorikeet, diamondback terrapins, leopard tortoises, marine fish, and– ¦ what am I forgetting? Oh, the dog, all get the highest level of care. It's great to know that my wife/vet is always there for the animals and has their best interests in mind. The animals can't speak^*, but if they could they would all thank her for the kindness and compassion with which she cares for them.

In that light the Morris Animal Foundation, along with sponsors Merial and BowTie Publications are holding an essay contest called “Thank Your Vet for a Healthy Pet.– In their own words:

The nationwide short essay contest honors America's veterinarians for their skill, dedication and commitment to ensuring that pets are healthier, happier and living longer lives.

With only 28 accredited veterinary colleges it is harder to get into vet school than it is to get into med school and they make less money when they get out (in fact they make less than pharmacists). I mention this not to make you nervous the next time your family doctor starts poking and prodding, but rather to give you comfort the next time Mrs. Wiskerson goes in to have that thing checked out. Vets are in it for the love of the animals.

So if you think the vet that takes care of your animal deserves a little extra recognition, nominate them to be the “Best Vet in America.– All it requires is a 300-word essay (a bit sorter than this post). You can even drop us a line if you want help with the essay. Winning vets get a trip to the Western Veterinary Conference next year in Las Vegas, as well as being recognized in front of their peers. They put their heart and soul into what they do, and are greatly underappreciated. It's time they be recognized, so take the time to nominate your veterinarian.

*Actually, the bird does speak and, to prove my point, politely thanks us every morning when he gets his food. You’re welcome, Joe.