Katmais_mommy
Well-Known Member
So, I work at a big chain pet store. All of my co-workers know that I'm a rabbit enthusiast and I know more about rabbits than any of the employees.
My co-worker (who I dont like) asked me where to buy a bunny. I asked her why and she said that a few customers have asked if we(the store) sells them. We tell them no. So, in reply to my co-worker, I said yes, I do know where to buy them. She then asks where to buy them. She and I have always got along pretty well, but this is where my passion for rabbits kicked in.
I said, "I know exactly where to buy them. I even know of a few breeders in the area. But I'm not going to tell you. There are far too many sitting in shelters. So, next time a customer asks about a bunny, tell them to check the animal shelters."
She gave me the dirtiest look but I stood my ground. The store/company does not sell dogs or cats (or rabbits) because we advocate adoption. I thought it was only fair to advocate the adoption of shelter rabbits too.
Whenever customers have come up to me in the past looking for rabbits, I tell them about the shelters that have a number of them.
I'll be honest and say that I got mine from a breeder, for free, since she was a friend of a friend. But when I got them, I had no idea about the population of shelter rabbits and the horrible stories of domesticated rabbits being set free. I know that in the distant future, I would like to rescue a rabbit from a shelter.
I'll say that I learn something new about rabbits every day, whether it's from this site or from a fellow customer I meet at work. I had NO CLUE what I got myself into when I got Kody and Katmai, but i dont regret any of it. It's hard work and time consuming. They require space, good diet, and lots of love. And when adults come into the store looking for a bunny for their child, I'm speechless.
I know that not all children are "bad with bunnies", because it depends on both the child and the temperament of the rabbit. But I dont know that and I never want to take a chance, knowing that a rabbit's life may be at risk. I know that these parents dont mean any harm because they dont know how much work rabbits require.
It also bothers me when I see that rabbits fall under the "Pocket Pet" category. I know alot of rabbit owners will agree with me when i say that rabbits are a lot like dogs. They require litter training, neuter/spay, and space. They also may require medication. All require nail clippings and check-ups.
So, i was surprised to hear that a small herd of people came into my store, weeks after Easter, looking for bunnies.
Most people also ask for a dwarf/small breed. To me, my Lionhead/Dutch mix rabbits are definitely the stereotypical small breed rabbits:jumpy/hard to handle type of bunnies.
I've also noticed a pattern in the pet-owning area. Most parents buy their toddler a goldfish or betta fish. Then, they buy a hamster for their 6 yr old. Then, they buy a guinea pig for their 8-10 year old. Then they buy a rabbit for their "tween". Then they buy a puppy for their teen or for themselves as an adult. Honestly, I have no problem with this pattern. I think it is a good idea and a good way to ease a child into having a responsibility. As the child grows older, the responsibility grows slightly larger. In my opinion, i think this pattern provide a smooth transition.
I'm not saying that i'm against buying. It's just that I like to promote adoption. Everyone has their own reasons for buying a cute baby or an adult pure-breed. I intended this to go towards the "bunniesare not little pocket pets to be kept in cages their entire lives"direction.
It's sad to admit, but in my state, there is a rabbit network that is devoted solelyto taking in only domestic rabbits that have been set free by their owners. They dont take in rabbits from the public. It makes me sad that there are SO many rabbits there. My state has a lot of woodland. So people think it's okay to set them free. Luckily, this organization is dedicated to this one problem. http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/
SO sorry for the rant. This was just an opinion so please respect it and feel free to disagreeI'll respect your opinion too I'm sorry in advance if I have offended anyone, because it wasnt my intent.I truly love everyone on here and I've always appreciated everyone's advice on my posted topics. :biggrin:
My co-worker (who I dont like) asked me where to buy a bunny. I asked her why and she said that a few customers have asked if we(the store) sells them. We tell them no. So, in reply to my co-worker, I said yes, I do know where to buy them. She then asks where to buy them. She and I have always got along pretty well, but this is where my passion for rabbits kicked in.
I said, "I know exactly where to buy them. I even know of a few breeders in the area. But I'm not going to tell you. There are far too many sitting in shelters. So, next time a customer asks about a bunny, tell them to check the animal shelters."
She gave me the dirtiest look but I stood my ground. The store/company does not sell dogs or cats (or rabbits) because we advocate adoption. I thought it was only fair to advocate the adoption of shelter rabbits too.
Whenever customers have come up to me in the past looking for rabbits, I tell them about the shelters that have a number of them.
I'll be honest and say that I got mine from a breeder, for free, since she was a friend of a friend. But when I got them, I had no idea about the population of shelter rabbits and the horrible stories of domesticated rabbits being set free. I know that in the distant future, I would like to rescue a rabbit from a shelter.
I'll say that I learn something new about rabbits every day, whether it's from this site or from a fellow customer I meet at work. I had NO CLUE what I got myself into when I got Kody and Katmai, but i dont regret any of it. It's hard work and time consuming. They require space, good diet, and lots of love. And when adults come into the store looking for a bunny for their child, I'm speechless.
I know that not all children are "bad with bunnies", because it depends on both the child and the temperament of the rabbit. But I dont know that and I never want to take a chance, knowing that a rabbit's life may be at risk. I know that these parents dont mean any harm because they dont know how much work rabbits require.
It also bothers me when I see that rabbits fall under the "Pocket Pet" category. I know alot of rabbit owners will agree with me when i say that rabbits are a lot like dogs. They require litter training, neuter/spay, and space. They also may require medication. All require nail clippings and check-ups.
So, i was surprised to hear that a small herd of people came into my store, weeks after Easter, looking for bunnies.
Most people also ask for a dwarf/small breed. To me, my Lionhead/Dutch mix rabbits are definitely the stereotypical small breed rabbits:jumpy/hard to handle type of bunnies.
I've also noticed a pattern in the pet-owning area. Most parents buy their toddler a goldfish or betta fish. Then, they buy a hamster for their 6 yr old. Then, they buy a guinea pig for their 8-10 year old. Then they buy a rabbit for their "tween". Then they buy a puppy for their teen or for themselves as an adult. Honestly, I have no problem with this pattern. I think it is a good idea and a good way to ease a child into having a responsibility. As the child grows older, the responsibility grows slightly larger. In my opinion, i think this pattern provide a smooth transition.
I'm not saying that i'm against buying. It's just that I like to promote adoption. Everyone has their own reasons for buying a cute baby or an adult pure-breed. I intended this to go towards the "bunniesare not little pocket pets to be kept in cages their entire lives"direction.
It's sad to admit, but in my state, there is a rabbit network that is devoted solelyto taking in only domestic rabbits that have been set free by their owners. They dont take in rabbits from the public. It makes me sad that there are SO many rabbits there. My state has a lot of woodland. So people think it's okay to set them free. Luckily, this organization is dedicated to this one problem. http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/
SO sorry for the rant. This was just an opinion so please respect it and feel free to disagreeI'll respect your opinion too I'm sorry in advance if I have offended anyone, because it wasnt my intent.I truly love everyone on here and I've always appreciated everyone's advice on my posted topics. :biggrin: