Why me!!???

[bigsis7]

Why are bunnies so good at stealing your heart!! Yesterday and they have a white lion head rabbit there that stole my heart! He/She is adorable and isn’t scared of me! She runs from other people, but when I go to pet her she walks up to my hand, sniffs it and then demands to be pet! Arg! Happy/sad moment cause I can’t get her/him and happy cause well I found my bunny soul mate. (one of them) I got somepics of the bun so here she/he is! My mom is going with me to visit him today! Kk looks like your letter will come in handy!

162446294871.jpg
16244634154.jpg

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Awwwww I’m pulling for you -I think we all are!!! *fingers crossed*

[bigsis7]

Thanks kk!

[Lisa_43]

I will cross anything I can for you Bigsis7. You deserve to have a bunny.

[bigsis7]

Thanks guys! Well my mom decided she didn’t have time to come to the pet store with me, but my dad came! I found out the bunny is an 8 week old female lion head (new it was lion head before). This was the first time I got to hold her because you need a parent with you to hold them. She cuddled up next to my neck and gave me kisses!! My sis wanted to hold her, but when I handed her over she went a little psycho, so my sis handed her back and she cuddled up again!! ARG!! Why does she have to be so sweet! I can’t really ask my parents for her because I just barely got my ferret (12 weeks ago) and that was hard on my mom because she felt pressured into it by my dad and I. I don’t think I’ll have my dad on my side this time. I am going to try and get my mom over to the pet store, but she says she’s scared cause last time she want in a pet store with me I ended up with my ferret. Any ideas? Should I just wait? I feel bad by making my mom feel stressed and pressured, but do I choose between asking for a soul mate or sparing my mom a bit of stress?

[bigsis7]

Here’s a pic of her cuddleing!

1624351478771.jpg

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

ok I shouldn’t egg you on, your parent’s will kill me, but I say keep on begging.

I’ve had mixed results in your position. While I never got a horse (And I do understand their reasons for that) I did talk them into not one but four guinea pigs; So within reason, I think enough begging can wear them down…And I know full well I’m not the only BB member who thinks you would make a fantastic bunny mom-even though your young you have the heart for it. Good luck sweetie!!

[Deleted User]

BigSis, when I think of the stunts I pulled to have a pet sneaking them in, sitting out in my jammies in freezing weather refusing to come in, etc; I think begging is almost a good and sane thing.

Having said that, I will add my voice to your defense as a bunny mama. If your mother had me for a kid, she would appreciate your commen sense and dedication.

[bigsis7]

OK. I’ll try to keep begging. My mom’s just good at making me feel bad. My ferret doesn’t really stink so much anymore, so I have a better chance. My parents have threatened to give away Oliver if I ask for a pet again and in the contract I had to make to get Oliver I said I promised never to ask my mom again for another pet. So that leaves my dad to ask or me sneakily asking my mom with out saying “Can I get a bunny”. I just don’t think my parents realize how bad I want a bunny! I don’t think they know how dedicated I would be to this pet and how much I love bunnies! It’s quite sad really, but I’ll show them kk’s letter and show them how much I have learned about rabbits etc. Thanks again!!

[Beka27]

i know she’s cute and that makes it very hard. if i have to go into a petstore that sells bunnies (altho i try hard not to) i too want to plop down 500 bucks and take every last one home. but there are so many more bunnies that need homes in shelters and rescues all over! i think you need to be patient. if you really wanted a bunny first and foremost, i think you should have held out for a bunny. but you DID get a ferret so i understand your parents’ position as far as no more pets. i’d really suggest you keep out of petstores that sell animals if you can avoid it…

[ScooterandAnnette]

Hey bigsis – do your parents have a garden? I recently learned from another thread here that bunny poop and litter is compostable, so once I get my composter set up (this weekend) then I’ll be adding their litter to the compost and it will help make my garden lovely and productive. So if your parents have a garden then a bunny could actually benefit it! lol

– Annette

[bigsis7]

Beka: I know what you mean. It’s just that my mom and dad really can’t get me out to a shelter. Especially if they think I’ll end up with a pet.

Annette: We do have a garden and my sister loves to garden so I’ll mention that to my parents!

[Beka27]

which is why i don’t think now is the time… it’s unfair to your parents to say “pretty please, can i get a bunny?” and then surprise them in 4 months… “oh and btw… it’s going to cost 300 dollars to spay her.” when they AGREE you can get a bunny, then i will bring up that you are going to go to a shelter to adopt one. they can even help you pick one out. babies are MESSY. they are smellier than adults when they go thru puberty. they are not perfect with their litterbox, usually not even close. they *are* cute and cuddly for about 2 months. that sweet baby that was cuddling uder your chin will be biting the heck out of your hand (and stomach and ankles) in 4 months. trust me… skip over the baby. when your parents agree, tell them you want to rescue a bunny. it will be much more satisfying than an impulse purchase at a petstore. i know how badly you want one. we’ve been over it time and time again… but bunnies are not “going away” anytime soon. there will always be a bunny that will need rescuing.

[COOKIE'N FLUFF MOMMA]

i have to agree with everything Beka said. I do think you would be a great bunny mom but they are very expensive and if they have an emergency sickness it will be very costly. If they will let you have one, they will take you to a shelter to get one. Plus you can save the money on the spay /neuter and they will more than likely been litter trained so you can mention that to your parents. Good luck!  Good things are worth waiting for

[bigsis7]

Thanks everyone for their input. I went to the pet store again today and the lil bun ran to the door cage when she heard me and practically hopped into my arms!! Then she started giving me kisses. All the while I’m thinking “Awww I love you too….wait stop it! I can’t get you!” I mean there is a teeny, tiny chance I can, but I don’t think so. I just got a ferret and my parents don’t think I can handle anymore animals. I am working on finding articles on rabbits and printing them.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

What kind of articles? I can help you if you like!

[bigsis7]

Thanks KK! Well ariticles that promote rabbits as good pets and articles about how they don’t stink and such. Also maybe some stories about rabbits who were bought at a pet store and forgotten by their owners. I found one once, but I forget where it is. It was about a rabbit that they bought and it was taken care of for a few days, then left in an outside hutch and forgotten.

[COOKIE'N FLUFF MOMMA]

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-7/brandolino-poem.html

this might be what you are looking for, great poem\ story     good reason to always adopt a bun

[bigsis7]

Thank you PoesPlayHouse!

[RabbitPam]

bigsis7,
That bunny is a heartbreaker, and you’ve obviously bonded and would make a great bunny mother. But your folks have made a contract? They sound serious about it.

Are you enjoying your ferret? How long have you had it?

[bigsis7]

Rabbitpam: I made a contract when getting my ferret. I’ve had him 3 monthes and he’s such a doll! Love him to death!

[RabbitPam]

Glad to hear it. If the bunny’s meant to be, I think your Dad will soften. Meanwhile, stay out of pet stores and snuggle your ferret.

[bunnytowne]

well from what I am told ferrets can be smelly rabbits generally aren’t unless they are not spayed neutered then the urine can be strong  show your parents how well you luv and snuggle and take care of your ferrett. maybe they will agree on a bun. however if not then later enjoy your ferret for now if it is meant to be it will if not it won’t. 

[BinkyBunny]

Well, I have to agree with Beka. The thing is I know you would also make a wonderful rabbit mom! And as cute and wonderful as the bunny is, your time would really be divided up between the rabbit and the ferret as that can sometimes be a dangerous mix.      AND this cute bundle of cute cute cuteness bunny WILL be messy shortly after school starts again since that is about the time she will be reaching sexual maturity. It will be much harder to deal with while buried in schoolwork.   They are both animals that need space and exercise and if they are not able to come out together, then they will each have limited time and exercise. It’s alot of work.

I don’t remember what age your are, and what your plans are for college, but these animals will no doubtly be alive, as i know you would take excellent care of them, by the time you yourself would be dealing with even more school.

I think the contract that your parents gave you was a fair one, so how about this – Tell us more about your ferret and pictures please! This is the lounge so it doesn’t have to be about bunnies. What is your ferret like, what does he like to do, what does he eat, what are his active hours? Teach us about ferrets!

[Nicci607]

great idea, BB!!!!! 

I always wanted to learn about ferrets too!!!! are they as much fun as bunnies are???????????????????????

piccies -PUHLEEESE-…

 

 

[Sarita]

I’d love to hear more about your ferret too and see pictures.

I don’t agree though that you should keep begging to try and wear them down. That would not be mature. Also don’t bring home a surprise one day – your parents are too smart for that :~)

Instead just love and care for your ferret. After all you have him know and he deserves your utmost attention and care. How long do ferrets live?

We have a huge ferret rescue in my area too – I’ve met a few but never interacted with them. They look like they would be fun curious little creatures.

[bigsis7]

Haha! Ok guys! Well Oliver is a lot different from bunnies in some ways and in some ways he is similar. He loves to play and romp around! He loves me to chase him around and likes to bite my toes! He eats a natural raw diet that consists of raw meats such as chicken, steak, and pork. He sleeps up to 18 hours a day and usually wakes me up bright and early to play!! Oliver is not only very playful though he loves to just cuddle and be my bff. I’m always telling people the only man in my life is Oliver! lol! Ferrets can live up to 10 years, but average is 6-8 years. Ferrets are carnivores, yes, but I know several people who have bunnies with ferrets and they are all bonded! And the bunnies run the household! Of course! Oliver is as cute as a button and has to be the center of attention! He gives kisses and can be cradled like a baby. He is out of his cage at least 6 hours a day. Minimum they should be let out a day is 3 hours. I’ll try to get some pics! Well any other questions just ask!!

I am going to make one last attempt (for now at least) to get a bunny. I wrote a letter explaining to my dad how bad I want a bunny and printed out information about them as pets. I also got a magazine and underlined important information about bunnies. If this doesn’t work then I’ll let it rest for a while cause I do agree with Sarita begging and trying to wear them down is sorta immature.

[bigsis7]

Well surprise surprise parents said no. My mom also told me that I need to move on from pets and forget about helping them and just be happy that I got a ferret. I am happy that I got him and I love him so much! It’s like she doesn’t want me to foster, rescue, or really even volunteer at shelters. She wants me to find something else to do. Like animals are just something that can be thrown away and forgotten! She says that all the pets in the world will be fine with out my help because “all pets need is love”. I think she forgot food, proper care, time, interaction, proper handling, and vet care. She wants me to get another “hobby”, but what! I’m not good at sports except swim (which I do), I don’t really like dance or singing, and I don’t exactly like cooking and art. I babysit, pet sit, dog walk, swim, do good in school, member of chorus and band, what else does she want me to do! I feel like she doesn’t know who I am! She says that I’ll never have enough pets that saving animals shouldn’t be what I want to do. Just retarded that she thinks I should give up my dream just because she doesn’t like animals. Sorry that was so long! I need to vent! We just ended the comveration about 10 minutes ago, so I might sound like I’m being unfair to her cause I’m still fuming!

[Beka27]

i can understand your frustration, but let me tell you a little secret, bigsis. you are not the first teenager to be misunderstood by the ‘rents… and you won’t be the last.

you have a full schedule it sounds like… so… just do your thing. enjoy this time. i personally think that the fewer responsibilities you have right now, the better. you have your whole life for “responsibility”. don’t rush it. your interests will change as you get older. i’m not saying you will not love animals (i think that is too ingrained in you, which is awesome!) but when you’re on your own, you can do your thing to your heart’s content. you can decide what path your life takes. that might be rescue work, veterinary medicine, or something unrelated. animals may just be your “off-the-clock” passion.

not everyone truly cares about animals. they might have them, think they are sweet and cute… but in the end, they believe they’re disposable. it’s unfortunate, but it is the truth. i think *most* of our parents were the same way. they liked pets, but they didn’t go out of their way for them. you’ll turn 18 someday.

[BinkyBunny]

It may be that your mom associates your involvement with animal rescue with you wanting them in your home, and so far you have proven to be pretty persistent. (and hey, that’s a great thing when you are working towards success in whatever you do), but I can see how that could get tiring for a parent. (I’m not a parent, but just sort of trying to see both sides here) You all share the same household and have to make compromises and it sounds like your mom did, and so when she sees that you want “another” animal even after you made a contract, then, she may feel  like no matter what compromises she makes, it will never be enough – like your goals are going to lead to consequences that will just wear her out.  So I know it’s hard, but if you can appreciate and see it from her point of view, you might see where she might now feel the way she does…sooo….

I think you might have more success by proving her wrong. Be happy with Oliver as your one and only right now, and when and if you do go volunteer at a rescue, be sure not to ask to save one of them yourself. You can make a huge difference at a rescue without actually bringing one of the animals home. Grooming, cleaning etc etc. They need help in all forms!

You can also try and raise money for your favorite rescue. You could do all kinds of fundraising activities, etc. I bet if you bring in a monthly or quarterly donation through some fundraiser – like do a Swim for Buns (swimathon), and have people donate a buck a lap. It’s like the same thing as a bikathon etc (people donate per mile), or donate a portion of your dog walking money. Ask you parents to reward your good grades by adding to the “donation” jar for every good grade.   Whatever you can think of.

 

ADDED:  You sound like a very intelligent,caring,hardworking daughter, and I bet your parents are very aware of how great you are.  They just also have to find what will work for them too,  as you all have to live  under the same roof.   And so that may mean each person has to give a little.  It does sound like you mom did with the ferret, so if you can appreciate that about her, and let her know it, it will go a long way.

[RabbitPam]

Sometimes a passion when you’re young is a good clue to what you would like to pursue as an adult for a career. I agree that you have a busy schedule now, so could use the time to concentrate on your studies and get good grades to optimize your options for college. Of course, your ferret will be keeping you company.

Do you like sciences? Biology? Medicine? You may be a natural for a vet or technician, but that’s very different from caring for healthy animals. You might consider dropping the subject of new pets around your parents (I’m sure BB’s insights to their point of view is on target) but do some research at the library and with school career counselors on work with animals.

If you learn what’s out there, what studies are necessary for which animal related fields, etc. you might find you want to pursue a long term goal. That may translate into getting good grades in biology and chemistry and getting into advanced courses for college prep. However, if you can’t bear anatomy, blood, or suffering, you’ll know not to go down that road. I’m not sure I’m being clear here, but it’s just a way to keep your options open later, use that perseverance in your school work (always a winner with parents) and get to the age when you can have your own animals. I forget how old you are, but when you start wanting to get a summer job you might want to try to work for a vet to get an insider’s view of what working with animals is like. And you’d be saving money.

Volunteering is wonderful – but it seems to involve your Mom (does she need to drive you there?). Try to be patient with her for a while. She’ll understand you more as you get older. You sound like a terrific person and I bet your parents are really proud of you in many ways.

[bigsis7]

Beka and BB: Thanks guys. I have decided that what I am going to try and do is show my parents how much pets and animals NEED to be a part of my life and hopefully instead of me asking them for a pet they will offer to let me have another one down the road. I think that would be the greatest gift of all. For now I am going to spoil my ferret rotten and make sure he gets top quality care. He has it pretty good right now, but there are a few thing he would like. I am also going to ask the pet store if I can print out information and put together a packet of rabbit, ferret, rat, etc. care and see if they can give it to the pets new owner. Right now I do donate 25% of the profit from pet sitting to shelters.

Pam:I do love subjects related to science! I have thought over the idea of being a vet, but I’m not sure I would be able to euthanize a pet or do surgery on one. I love helping and working with people so I have thought of maybe being a psychiatrist or one of those people that does therapy with animals involved. I’m not sure yet.

[Deleted User]

BIGSIS…you are an awesome young woman. Just have to tell you that. Great idea about pet info packets. I believe that there is a career for you with animals besides being a vet. You strike me as a person that could invent a new field. Enjoy your time with Oliver, continue to do for animals in general that does not involve your parents efforts (transportation etc).

[osprey]

There are also things you can do from home that do not require someone to drive you anywhere.  All you need is a computer.  Does your favorite rescue and/or shelter have a presence on a website of their  own? petfinder?  MySpace?  LiveJournal?  FaceBook?  BunSpace?  Craig’s List?  All of these places are useful for raising awareness and raising money, as well as finding potential adopters.  Is there a chance that you could volunteer to do any of these activities from you home?  At The Rabbit Haven we use all of these outlets, and there are 3 of us that cover them.  There are also email newsletters.  Are you good with photoshop and/or video editing? There are many things you can do without having to travel!

[bigsis7]

Thanks guys!!! Osprey, I I love that idea! I actually do cl for one rescue, but others thought I was to young. Guess I shouldn’t tell them my age……. Well if you guys didn’t read, I just rescued a VERY sick, neglected ferret. I diagnosed his disease on the spot and my mom was very impressed! I am going to re think the vet thing, but will most likely be an exotic pet veterinarian since that is what I like working with.

[Deleted User]

I missed the story of the rescued ferret. But boy, you impressed your mom? Good on you and lucky for the poor ferret. Whatever you choose to do with animals, it will be a success.

But I am hoping you will be a bunny savy vet…we can’t have enough of those!

[bigsis7]

Yeah i was surprised my mom was impressed! She’s a nurse, so maybe that’s why??? Yeah I’ll be like a bunny, ferret, etc, savvy vet.

[BinkyBunny]

We could definitely use more “exotics” savvy vets! I know you said you originally couldn’t do it because you couldn’t euthanize animals if they needed to be, but in a vets care, it would be to prevent further suffering if they were terribly injured or critically and painfully ill.

I remember when I was deciding on what I wanted to be, I decided to interview a couple of people who were already in that profession. So maybe as you ponder this new career goal, you can interview a couple of  vets and include a question about euthanasia -  how they may deal with that aspect of the job, and they may give you tips and advice that may be helpful for you in dealing with it mentally.

I have no doubt you would make an excellent caring intelligent vet. You cover all your bases, educate others on what you know, and you are persistent in getting answers. That combination is great for a vet who has to deal with the ever-changing information about exotics.

[RabbitPam]

bigsis7
Way to go! It sounds like you have your mother’s skills as a nurse combined with your love of animals. That’s an excellent combo, and I think BB has an excellent suggestion. After all, as a vet, or a rescue worker, or even a researcher, you are keeping animals from euthanasia by healing ones that might otherwise have died. You can’t save them all, but you can make a huge difference in the lives of the animals and for people who love them.

You know, with all the school work kids have to do, maybe interviewing vets could be worked into a report assignment you’ve gotten anyway. When I was an art major I did a final paper in Sociology by drawing famous sculptures from each period. Maybe you could earn science credits by volunteering.

[Author]

Messages