My blog is called Bunny’s Blog, and it is dedicated to my rabbit Bunny Jean Cook, who was my companion for 9 years.  I would like to share some information with you about adopting a rabbit as a house pet.

If you would like to add a rabbit to your family, first do your homework! Rabbits make wonderful house pets, but they are different than owning a dog or cat.

I recommend you visit the House Rabbit Society website, which is a great resource for prospective rabbit owners. I also recommend reading the House Rabbit Handbook by Marinell Harriman, which I used as my go-to guide.  Once you’ve learned about the proper care and feeding of house rabbits, make sure you have a safe place to keep your bunny. You will need a cage big enough for your rabbit to stand up and move around, but bunnies can’t constantly be kept in a cage. Read More on “Rabbits as House Pets” »

I had been grooming pets for about six years.  Most of that time was spent at a veterinary clinic in a fairly upscale neighborhood in my city.  I groomed between six and 10 dogs during my eight-hour day.  These clients were very nice, but also particular as to how they wanted their dogs to look.  I groomed poodles (toy to standard), cocker spaniels, Westies, Soft-coated Wheatons, and Yorkies.

I did not know what I was getting myself into when I applied for the open animal groomer position at the Nebraska Humane Society.  Eighteen animals a day, on average, are bathed, dipped, trimmed and shaved in my grooming room there. Most of my days are filled with matted fur, fleas, ticks, ringworm and other coat and skin issues.  I groom dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, ferrets, and an occasional goat.  It is a great job filled with surprises and rewards daily.  But there is sadness there each day as well.  Animals arrive in deplorable condition, matted and emaciated; their eyes sad but their tails still wagging.

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I got more than I bargained for that night when my co-worker’s sister-n-law handed me the leash and said, “I can’t handle him”. There, at the other end of the 6 ft nylon lead was this bear-cub look alike with glowing amber eyes. At 7 months old and 70 lbs he was far beyond the puppy you put in your lap and snuggle with on the drive home. He was a casualty of divorce and I said I would take him for the weekend and see what happens. He stared up at me as if to say.. “well, what now?” I responded with, “you picked the right night to come home, we’re having steak tonight.” It was love at first sight.

Here we are, 3 and a half years later and we are inseparable. He is my best friend, and I know he will love me till the last beat of his heart as will I love him till my last breath is drawn. It has been a whirlwind adventure with “Chunk”. I have learned so much about life through this crazy dog, the most important thing being… keep life simple, let the little things excite you and make you happy. I have played in the mud with him, never have a clean house, I have split my sides with laughter at his silly antics, such as chasing people around the dog park with a garden hose on at full blast. I have cried many times in his velvet brown fur as he licked my tears to comfort me. Unlike many humans… he has ALWAYS been there by my side. He makes a pretty good anti-theft pillow too. Every morning I wake up and say “good morning… big dog”. I get my free microdermabrasion treatment courtesy of his sandpaper tongue, and so begins a new adventure for the day. With all this dog has given me, I had to give back.

I now volunteer my time with Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida. We work tirelessly to save Labs that have been abandoned, surrendered and abused and neglected. There is no greater feeling in the world, and no human could ever show the appreciation and Thanks that these dogs give when they realize you will not be taking them back to that horrible place. I have spent my last dime on dog food and fostered 8 puppies on a whim…but I wouldn’t have it any other way, because having a Lab…is having the greatest love of all.

Written by Shannon Ashmore

Are you a creative writer?  Are you passionate about your pet?  We are hosting a summer contest for pet bloggers.  Each Friday we will choose one pet blogger to feature, with a link back to your blog.  Send your submissions to CONTEST@ThePetStoreOnline.com.  Deadline is each Wednesday at 11:59 pm and we will post the winner on Friday morning.  First Pet Blogger post will be Friday, July 15th.  See the Rules for more information.

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