I swear he seduced me

[Smudge]

There are photos in here, but I won’t tell you where

I swear he seduced me. At least that’s what I tried to tell my mother when I appeared with Smudge. I just stopped by the local pet store (i know i know…. bad bad) just to look around on the way to dinner. That’s when I saw him, stretched out, relaxed as anything, in a cage full of guinea pigs. I reached down to pet him and he stayed relaxed, and turned to look at me with those pink eyes and little smudge of brown on his nose like he had been caught digging in the dirt in his nice Sunday clothes (the rest of him, save for his ears, is all white).

The next thing I knew I was checking out with rabbit and all the necessary gear in tow.

I promise you, I have NO idea how that happened. 

So now I have entered the world of house rabbits. I knew it existed, but I never knew I’d be a part of it. I’ve had dogs, cats, rats, gerbils, guinea pigs, fish, and horses over the years; I even had a rabbit once, when I was about 5. Fluffy was her name until the day I turned her over and thought her lady parts looked liked a double set of the other gender. I immediately ran, told my parents and renamed “him” Spike. No, they did not stop me… 

FluffyslashSpike is the historically noted name though in all retellings, even approx. 25 years later. Poor thing, my mom didn’t like the idea of caged animals (good), so they built her a hutch and a run in the yard all by herself (bad). She had plenty of bedding to keep her warm, lots of food, and maybe a carrot or two every day. The guilt still lingers. She dug out under the run and ran away.

With Smudge however, I was not 5 years old, and so he came home to a giant sized dog crate 3 weeks ago, and now has run of the apartment. I work from home. I have thrifted a tunnel, a play cube, two broken baskets on a holder so he can reach his own toys, and a piece of wood that, now sewn up in corduroy fabric makes the perfect scratchy place so my rug gets a break. He also apparently gets to declare when it’s time to get up and get him some fresh veggies. This morning I awoke to a bunny bouncing back and forth across me and once he sensed I was awake, began binkying between the refrigerator and my bed until I got up and washed him some swiss chard before I even started my own coffee.

And now I am “thrifting” a second rabbit  a perfect situation just appeared on craigslist. Again, it wasn’t my fault, I swear Smudge made this happen. Okay, it was my fault I went on the Craigslist pets section, but the rest was all him. A 1 year old female Netherland Dwarf who has lived as a house rabbit, her owner loves her but didn’t realize how much attention rabbits needed and couldn’t take on a second one. Comes with everything. Pictures of a beautiful little bunny stretched out, completely relaxed, and I was hitting send on an e-mail to the poster, including pictures of Smudge so she could see how he lived.

Yep, that’s how it happened. Smudge is 4 months old, so we are about to get those troublesome little glands removed. I bet he didn’t know that part would come with all this. And soon Lucy will come and hopefully they will bond well because I am not getting any more rabbits just for my rabbit. 

On to a slightly more serious topic

I also got Smudge because I was looking for an animal to have as an emotional companion animal for now while I trained it to be an actual psychiatric service animal. I don’t want to go into details, but Smudge is perfect for the job. Any animal helps because it’s all about the energy you have between you and them that makes the relationship work, if you don’t concentrate on that, even while struggling with something, the animal is going to be frightened and react. The more positive the energy between the two, the stronger the relationship and that strengthens the ability of a person to push through something.

I am ordering a sling and a harness for Smudge. 

This is a really important topic that doesn’t get discussed enough. Animals can be better than anything else for long term mental health, it’s been proven. However it’s harder to get the general public to understand a service animal for someone who doesn’t have an obvious disability. Even more importantly, not enough people out their are training animals to do that kind of a job. I am going to go back to school to get my MS as an animal behavioral consultant. It fits right in with my work history, I have the graduate credits for the majority of a Master’s in Special Education for emotional and behavioral disabilities. I lived and worked for 5 years as the developmental home care provider for an adult with severe autism and other behavioral disabilities. I have trained many animals, including aggressive or fearful ones, for myself or for friends or just because.

Then I plan to not only consult with individuals, families, and rescues about the various animal behavioral issues, but also to run a non-profit business rescuing and training different animals to be Psychiatric Service Animals. There are so many wonderful companions stuck out there in shelters or humane societies that have a simple behavioral issue but would make incredible service animals. 

So that’s kind of my soap box. 

 Here lies the silliest bunny who controls all (look, he even gave himself the opposite of camera-induced red-eye, he is a red/pink eyed man,) Smudge

 And this is the beautiful Miss Lucy, about to join our little family. I’m willing to bet that once all the bonding has taken place, she is going to RULE the roost. Those older women always do!

[rissakai007]

Wow, that’s a great idea! I agree that pets can make an environment peaceful.

Idk about where you got Smudge but I do want to let you know that the pet store here where I live sells rabbits and posts that they are from non domestic stock and only live 2-4yrs. This is common with most pet stores, though they don’t usually post it. Non-domestic, in this case, what the pet store means is the rabbits and their parents were bred with minimal human contact and no reference to their geneology.

I’m sorry for this negative piece but it shoudn’t be overlooked. My point is just to let you know so you don’t have high expectations for life expectancy. Who knows? Maybe you got him from a reputable store that doesn’t buy rabbits from mass breeders. Take good care of him!

[Hazel]

Welcome!

Don’t waste your money on a leash/harness. They are very dangerous for rabbits, they can easily snap their spine or get tangled up and break a leg. We hear horror stories about it on this forum all the time.

[Smudge]

Wow.

That’s the most negative response I have ever gotten on any animal forum, even when asking the tough questions.

A. totally unnecessary to inform me of his life span, I know, as I insinuated, what you are supposed to do when looking for a pet. Research research research, adopt. Sometimes though impulse takes over, it’s better for him to have a home where he is loved and has a far better life than he otherwise would of, quite likely. And I would argue, most of the rabbits in rescues come from no better breeding situations than Smudge did. I will love him and keep him as healthy as possible for however long that is.

B. Ok, well instead of just telling me I am wrong, can you suggest a solution to the harness problem? I strongly believe rabbits can make great therapy or emotional support animals, but in order to do this I need to be able to expose Smudge to lots of things so he won’t be so likely to panic. It takes a lot of exposure and training.

I’m sorry, I am glad you both said hi, but maybe “hi, welcome, what cuties they both are. Smudge sounds like a great companion.” The second post has necessary information in it, but, you know, approaching the topic a little more gently might also be a bright idea. How about something along the lines of “It’s been shown now that harnesses can be really dangerous, you might want to research it more.”

[Hazel]

Posted By Smudge on 02/08/2014 10:08 AM

I’m sorry, I am glad you both said hi, but maybe “hi, welcome, what cuties they both are. Smudge sounds like a great companion.”

I would have liked to go into detail about how cute your buns are and that’s exactly what I normally do when a new member shows up. This time I was in a hurry and wanted to throw the information out there really quickly so that you don’t go ahead and spend good money for no reason. Just trying to help, I’m sorry it offended you.

You are taking this way too personally, no one is trying to rub your nose into “being wrong”. Everyone starts out making mistakes owning a bunny. I’ve bought tiny pet store cages, harness and leash, junk food and bad treats, it goes on and on. Most of us made those mistakes and all we’re trying to do is help you avoid them. We’re not trying to make you feel like we’re better than you or that you are a bad bunny owner.

Anyway, I have no advice about exposing Smudge to lots of different situations, I have no experience with support animals. I would imagine it to be more difficult with a bunny given that they are prey animals. That’s not to say it can’t be done. Maybe someone else can help you there.

Again, I’m sorry this got off to a bad start. Your bunnies are adorable and I would love to see more pictures.

[Kbana]

Hi! Welcome! I understand how you might be feeling. I think what happened is, like anyone, Hazel and Rissa responded to the thing in your post they were most passionate about. Sometimes something just jumps out at us in a post and, being a concerned caring bunch, it comes hopping out of our mouths first because it is an important topic to the writer. Please don’t take it negatively. I don’t think it was intended that way. It is so hard to communicate intention in writing sometimes. I know mood/tone can often be misinterpreted. It is the downfall of this form of communication. I’ve had the biggest fights over text before and have lost a few friendships due to this. But I digress.

I think your buns are adorable! I too got mine on a whim at a pet store and knew absolutely nothing about bunnies. Truthfully, though I understand the negatives of going about pet ownership this way, I tend to agree that now that we have our buns we are going to provide them with the same quality of life as we would any other bun, regardless of where they came from. I find it hard to believe that many rescue buns didn’t originally come from pet stores and then were surrendered once their owners figured out how much bun ownership entailed. The important thing is, there are many people who get an animal on a whim and decide to do whats best for them, despite the challenges of care or surprises, which is what you have done. You have embraced bunniness! (yeah, not a word I know)

I don’t know anything about bonding but just know that your boy will need a few months after his neuter before he is able to be bonded with your girl. He can even impregnate her after his neuter until his um, supplies, die down? haha!

As far as transport, I agree, no harness. However, if you are planning on extensive training, I would suggest getting your buns used to a small carrier as well as being handled/held. (now some buns, like mine, will never like being handled much to my dismay!) Then, if they are well trained, could you just let them hop around the room you are in with the client? If they are food motivated they could be enticed back in their carriers with food. When I had my bun in my 4th grade classroom, the students weren’t able to handle Albert, but they could give him his veggies and sit and eat lunch with him, read to him, etc.

I think therapy animals are extremely important. As a person who has always had depression in my family, mental illness is unfortunately overlooked as an illness that requires care, much the same as any physical ailment. Animals can provide a quality of life unlike anything else. Your future job sounds like a good fit for me too actually. I’m a teacher but have always had a passion for animals and have been affected by mental illness (too much in my opinion) in friends, family and myself. I am also an artist and I think there is a famous saying that there is a fine line between being a creative genius and being insane. LOL. Oh I fear I might be a little of both. Ha ha!

Again, welcome! We are happy you are here and happy to help in any way that we can. Our intentions are nothing but good. Sometimes our passion for something just gets the better of us.

[manic_muncher]

Welcome Smudge! I’m sorry for the negative toned response above, I’m not quite sure what the intent was in saying all that. I’ve tried to put a positive mind towards it, but still haven’t managed to find a good reason. I’ve been active here since August, and can honestly say I’ve never seen anything like it, so please don’t write us off!

As for the harness, yes, they can be very dangerous for rabbits. However, thinking of your intentions of using it during therapy work, I’d imagine you’d need to have something around them just to keep them from running off and doing normal bunny things (like exploring). You’re wanting them to interact with patients, I think? I read an article on a rescue site about therapy bunnies and one had a photo with the bunny on a bed, being lightly held in place with a hand, while an elderly patient was petting it. That bunny had no restraint at all, and when I saw the picture I was amazed.

I’m unfamiliar with the sling, though I’d be interested in seeing it on a rabbit. I’ve been thinking and thinking about possible options, but honestly, if I were to do it, I’d have a harness on my bun as well, while keeping a good hold on him. I wouldn’t walk him on a leash, though I’ve walked my bunnies on leashes when I was very young. With mental disabilities, I’m assuming most will not be bed-ridden, and possibly many are perfectly capable of getting on the floor with the rabbit. So as long as there is a safe area, whether it is a small room or even you bringing along an xpen, I think you could just skip the harness altogether. Otherwise, I too, would opt for the harness. I mean… you aren’t going to be using a skittish bunny as a therapy rabbit, so the risk of injury would be less, IMO.

As far as desensitizing, I leave my tv on ALL the time. Literally 24/7 my tv is on. We began leaving it on originally for the dogs, because they would bark if they heard noise outside, so we used the tv to drown those out. On top of that, my hearing is bad, so it can be quite loud when I am -actively- watching it. (keyword actively) My husband and I are action, sci-fi and (he is) horror household, so let me tell you… the bunny is exposed to sudden loud noises very often. Nothing phases him. My dogs barking doesn’t phase him, he doesn’t care. So I think a good place to start with noises desensitizing is with tv. Vacuum cleaners, sudden thumps.. anything random, will help a lot.

I really think your plans are awesome and it’s great of you to do that. Animal therapy is still so very new, it’s good to see more people using the power of pets to help people. I know my animals have helped me immensely, and Bumpy has been just lovely for my mood. I’m so glad I got to know a rabbit as a house pet. I can’t imagine my household without one now. Anyway, I hope I may have helped some, and welcome again!

[Kbana]

An xpen is a great idea Manic! I have a smaller one, bought at the pet store. Though it turned out not to be great as permanent housing, I can see how it could really work as a temporary safe place for your clients and bun to interact during a session. It is also lighter weight than the dog xpens as well as significantly less expensive.

 

This one seems similar to mine:

 http://www.amazon.com/Marshall-FC-224-Small-Animal-Play/dp/B0002ARQT6/ref=sr_1_6/179-6619890-2555239?ie=UTF8&qid=1391879125&sr=8-6&keywords=rabbit+exercise+pen

 

Kate

[Smudge]

Thank you all for responding .

I have extensively researched every animal I have had in my adult life except for Smudge (see, he made me do it) and I am used to watching the attack on the newbie who totally screwed up: this happens in a lot of different animal forums. I realize that may have made me defensive, I am sorry!

Hazel- prey animals just function a little differently but really it’s all about your energy and how well you maintain calm. I have worked with horses for years, both myself and for young children and some therapy work. I think with the bun it will take me a little bit longer to get into his head and maintain that trusting relationship than it would with most animals. But, I am starting with me, because I need an emotional support animal. Smudge is slowly but surely starting to come up near me even if I am have an anxiety attack. I think if I can succeed with him, then I’ll have a better idea of what works and what doesn’t, although use

Thank you all for the welcome! And I appreciate the advice on introducing a new bunny, Smudge may just have to be a single bunny for a while.

[Beka27]

Welcome here, Smudge. I am just seeing this welcome thread now! Your bun (and soon-to-be bun) are super cute!

I apologize for the rough welcome. I’m not quite sure how this went off the rails so fast, but everyone needs to watch their tone when replying to posts. There are gentler ways to say what you feel needs to be said. Especially with a new member who is just introducing themselves and their bun(s). We don’t like to be constantly “playing policeman” with every thread, but we will lock threads down or edit/delete posts that don’t adhere to the rules. We’ve had too much of this lately.

Smudge, again welcome, I’m looking forward to hearing how your animal support project goes. If you need any help with other rabbit care topics, feel free to post a new topic in the appropriate thread.

[Hazel]

Posted By Smudge on 02/09/2014 10:13 AM

Thank you all for responding .

I have extensively researched every animal I have had in my adult life except for Smudge (see, he made me do it) and I am used to watching the attack on the newbie who totally screwed up: this happens in a lot of different animal forums. I realize that may have made me defensive, I am sorry!

Ugh, well I feel bad now. I certainly didn’t mean for you to feel attacked or suggest that you screwed up. You didn’t screw up whatsoever. My reply was only meant to be helpful advice. I guess because it was short it sounded unfriendly.

So have you decided not to adopt Lucy at this point?

[Bam]

Hi and wellcome!

I hope you and Smudge will like it here. Rabbits are therapeutic to me. I didn’t know until I got one, though and he just happened in my life. I wasn’t even seduced, I was kidnapped =)

Warnings about harnesses are the opposite of being negativesince they really can be dangerous, but there are lots of people who uses them for bunny-agility, an activity that many bunnies love but which wouldn’t be possible without harnesses and leashes.

I’m looking forward to more posts from you =)

[Tessie]

Hey welcome to the forum!

Smudge is BEAUTIFUL. I love that colouring! (Himalayan, is it?)
And Lucy looks lovely! Are you definitely getting her or is it just a possibility at the moment?

I also love the way you put it ‘he seduced me’ haha! I think I know exactly what you mean. You don’t know how it happened, but suddenly you’ve agreed to buy this rabbit and you’re so excited… been there!

Like the others have said, be careful with that harness, but it sounds like you know what you’re doing!
I’d love to hear more about this companion animal thing, it sounds great.

[Smudge]

Posted By Hazel on 02/09/2014 12:00 PM 

Ugh, well I feel bad now. I certainly didn’t mean for you to feel attacked or suggest that you screwed up. You didn’t screw up whatsoever. My reply was only meant to be helpful advice. I guess because it was short it sounded unfriendly.

So have you decided not to adopt Lucy at this point?

Don’t feel bad Hazel, at all! I totally get what you were trying to say and I am sorry I responded so negatively. The more I read on this forum the more I realize how friendly and helpful everyone is. I’m not used to seeing that (let’s just say lab, german shepherd, and various horse forums can get WAAAAAYYYY out of control way too fast,) which helps no one.

No Lucy sadly, I don’t have enough space to keep the two separate for that long or the $$ right now to get TWO rabbits altered. I am really sad though, it did sound like the perfect solution.

But you all have been wonderfully helpful and I am grateful for all of your helpful information.

[Author]

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