HoundsGood: Chronicles of a Virtual Volunteer

Over the past year, I have received many emails asking me to protest the decision various chains have made on selling rabbits as pets.  Chains that have typically taken the stand against selling dogs and cats, like Petco or Petsmart, have continued to sell rabbits.   Because rabbits are the third most euthanized species at shelters, and they often suffer because owners did not research their care, they often suffer silently.  A neighbor might notice the declining condition of a dog, but never know a house rabbit is there. 

I have to tell you, I often don’t get involved with petitions, etc., as they tend to be a lot of folks saying “here, here,” but when pressed to take action, they want to sit on their hands and wait for someone to do it, they only want a dramatic protest to happen, or the despise the fact that they may actually have to talk to the folks with the opposing view.  In otherwords, it is very easy to jump on the bandwagon of saying someone or something shouldn’t occur, but no one has any good ideas on what should be done on the flip side.

I love talking about groups and people that are being proactive.

I would like to commend Wild Rescue, in Texas, for making a difference!   They have approached their local Petco to host rescued rabbits!   The two parties came to a great mutually beneficial arrangement.   The rescued rabbits would be more visible to the public by being at the store.  Instead of selling bred rabbits to anyone with the money, the homeless bunnies would only go to homes carefully screened by the rescue.   Employees would care for the rabbits under strict guidelines.   The rescue checks by their weekly to monitor progress.

So, this is win-win-win!  People who are ready for a rabbit in their life and have the ability to commit for life get the education they need, and know that they are making a difference by adopting rather than padding the pockets of a breeding mill.   Also, the rescue gets the chance for more awareness in the community to spread.   They can help the next bun in need a lot more quickly when they have more regular adoptions from people who care, which is the biggest win!   

See the Wild Rescue kiosk on their blog!

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