Monday Pet Roundup

Hi and welcome to Monday Pet Roundup!

*Did you know this week is Rabbit Awareness Month? The focus of this year's campaign is rabbit obesity. Even too many carrots may not be a good thing. Visit this site to learn more about rabbit obesity.

* Top Ten Pets. Does it surprise you that rats are on the list? Live Science shares the list, including my favorites (dogs, guinea pigs) and my not-so-favorites (tarantulas).

* I hate reading about animal cruelty, but glad to learn that some laws regarding animal cruelty are being strengthened. UPI's spotlight on animal abuse reports that in the United States, dog fighting is illegal in all 50 states, and it's a felony to attend dog fights as a spectator in 20 states. More than 46 states currently have felony laws against certain acts of animal cruelty. In China, a proposed "Anti-Animal Cruelty Act" would pose penalties for starvation of animals, and ban the slaughter of animals in the presence of minors. And in New Brunswick, Canada new laws for the licensing and inspection of pet shops, animal shelter and kennels will be in place starting June 1st.

These laws are important. According to UPI, "Animal welfare experts caution that cruelty to animals often is a precursor to violence against humans..."

* Does your dog like to run, I mean really run? Would your dog benefit from some strenuous exercise? Learn more about Flyball. Behind the Behavior blog posts a really good overview of the sport, the benefits of flyball, and how you can get involved.

Has your dog participated in flyball or other agility sports? What are your views on the cruelty to animal laws? And, if you have a rabbit, do you find that rabbit obesity is a problem?

5 Things To Know Before Buying an Easter Bunny

When I was young, I loved my pet rabbits Tibbar (Rabbit spelled backwards) and El Ear-o (Don’t ask me how I came up with that one!) They were so cute with their long ears and twitchy noses. But is getting an Easter bunny for your children this holiday really a good idea? Here are a few things to consider before you make the big decision:

1. Do you have enough space?
A rabbits needs a fairly large hutch or pen. Look around your house and see if you have a good location. Rabbits can live outside, but they need shelter to keep them out of the elements, such as sun, wind, rain and snow. The House Rabbit Society recommends keeping your rabbit inside, where it can be part of the family’s daily activities.

2. Do you have enough time?
Rabbits may not require as much attention as a dog or cat. But you’ll need time to feed and care for the rabbit, including daily play time. Will your children remain enthusiastic…or lose interest after a few weeks?

3. Are your children old enough?
Rabbits are curious and affectionate pets. But they also may be timid and skittish. They don’t always like to be held. Children should be old enough to hold the rabbit gently, and not to squeeze if the rabbit tries to get away. If pulled and prodded, a rabbit might scratch.

4. Who will do the work?
We all know the old scenario--your kids beg for a pet, then you do all the work. Will someone in the family be committed to cleaning the pen? It’s a yucky job, but someone still has to hop to it!

5. Is now the right time?
Do your children get overexcited at Easter? Will everyone from Grampa Joe to Aunt Betsy be visiting? If there’s a lot going on, consider waiting to add a rabbit to your family. Then everyone will be ready for the new responsibility.

Rabbits can make great pets. If you choose to wait, give your child a plush bunny for Easter. Then check with local shelters and rabbit breeders after. Happy Easter!

(Originally posted on Guideposts.com, March 2009)

Five Great Small Pets

This is me when I was 21, with my guinea pig Gulliver. I can’t keep it a secret; guinea pigs are my favorite small pet! Gulliver would squeak whenever he heard me open the refrigerator door--he knew where I kept the lettuce! And he loved to snuggle up with my dalmatian.

Of course, there are many other great small pets. Are you looking for a starter pet for a child? Do you live in an apartment or smaller space? Do you lack the time to care for a cat or dog? One of these small pets may be just right for you.

1. Guinea Pig. I love guinea pigs because they’re cute and cuddly, and full of personality. They squeak, shriek and even purr. Guinea pigs come in long hair or short hair, and many different sizes and colors. I recommend the short haired, because the longer hair requires more care and cleaning.

2. Hamster. Small enough to fit in your pocket, hamsters only require a small cage or aquarium--although larger systems with bridges and penthouses are more fun! Hamsters like to keep busy exploring and chewing. Check out an adorable, long haired Teddy Bear Hamster. Because hamsters are so small, however, they’re not recommended for very young children.

3. Hermit Crab. Not into something cute and furry? Maybe this is the pet for you. A hermit crab won’t cuddle up in your arms, but it’s quiet, interesting and unusual. Plus, it is pretty cool to see a seashell suddenly get up and walk.

4. Rabbit. Rabbits can be very sweet. My rabbits lived in a large hutch outside, but frequently came inside to play. Some rabbits can be litter box trained, and will hop about a safe home environment. Sometimes they are skittish and nervous. Most rabbits require a larger cage than other small animals, and will need room to exercise.

5. Tetra Fish. These fish are a good choice for beginners. Tetra fish are hardy, active and fun to watch. Neon tetra are bright and colorful. Keep them in a school of 6 or more. They’re easy to care for. Also, aquariums are peaceful.

Check out Animal World for more information and help deciding which is right for you. What small pet do you like best?

This post first appeared on Guideposts.com, March 2009.