I Don't Need This Today

WELL, today must just be a day of snark and bitchiness in the world.

Not only did I have to deal with a not so nice email from a contact at a corset company I was pitching, The Burgandy Boudoir (who I really don't suggest you do any work with based on the sheer amount of snark and arrogance I got out of one e-mail), but my dog decided that she was going to pretty much ignore my entire existence.

Me: "Jessi..."

Jessi: ...

Me: "Jessi."

Jessie: ...

Me: "JESSI!!"

Jessi: *Looks up* "Were you addressing me human?"

Me: "Yes, I was addressing you, you senile old woman. Will you please move, you're in my way, and I can't get to the sink."

Jessi: *Lays head back on paws*

Me: "Jessie...come one now. I need to do the dishes."

Jessi: *Blinks, yawns, and rolls over on her side* No.

Me: "Jessi, just do me a solid. I really need to get the dishes done."

Jessi: *Turns her head away, and begins an amazing imitation of a rock*

Me: *tries to dance to get her attention, whistles, pats her head, opens the fridge door*

Jessi: *No movement*

Me: "Ugh...fine. Lay there on the hard linoleum floor. I'm going in the other room until you stop being so catatonic"

Jessi: *No Movement*

Me: *Walking in the other room, mumbling* Crazy old senile Border Collie....

Jessi: "I heard that human!"

Ugh...what can you do?

Love and Lightning Bugs,
 

Saying Goodbye

I know I normally post about my rabbits, both the good and the bad, but today, I received some pretty upsetting news.

Before I get to that though, I think some backstory is in order.

You see, like every other teenager on the planet, the human known as me at 18 was a fucking nightmare to deal with. I wasn't nearly as bad as some of the horror stories I'm sure you've heard about other teens, but I was no angel either. I had good friends, a job, an close knit family, and an attitude that would make you wonder how my mother didn't chain me in a dungeon.

I got in a pretty bad relationship my Senior year in High School, with a guy who I thought was my Prince riding in on a white horse to save me.

I was wrong.

He hit me, he slapped me, he pushed me around, he forced me into things, and made me feel like the lowest of the low when he was around, or when I did something he didn't like. It was emotional and physical abuse, and once my parents found out about just how bad things had gotten, they shipped me off to Kansas to live with my SUPER conservative Christian Aunt.

I love my aunt,I really do...but at that point in my life, I hated pretty much everyone. Well, my aunt never married or had kids, but she always had cats. As far back as I can remember, she's always had a pair of them. For the extent my "trial 1 month stay" at her home, she had a spazzy calico named Callie, and a talkative tabby named Katie.

You should know by now, just how much I love animals. I tried desperately to form a connection with these cats, but both simply snubbed their noses at me. For the first week, I was subjected to a drastic change in my diet (I was put on vitamins and all that super fun supplement junk...ick), a change in my wardrobe, all my dearly cherished items were riffled through, and all my music and books were put away as well. It was hell, pure and simple.

I felt alone, I felt like an outsider, and I was seething.

And then, one afternoon in my second week there, I was sitting on my bed writing, and the next thing I knew, there was a massive ball of grey fluff on the bed with me. Katie sniffed my hand, looked at me a couple times, then plopped on my lap for the remainder of the evening. After that she was a constant follower, and a happy friend. I still don't know what exactly happened, but before I knew it, I was getting a job in Kansas, choosing to stay there, I realized just how much abuse I had suffered at the hand of my ex, I was singing and drawing and painting again, I was focusing on my photography and writing, my head sorted itself all out, and I was pretty content.

I learned to live again. All because a fat cat decided that I was an ok human being.

And then, today, I learned that the fat cat who was so crucial to my mental healing passed away from kidney failure. She was 12 years old, and quite the chirpy thing when she got to talking. Her favorite place was a lap, or cuddled next to one on the couch. She had beautiful green eyes, and dainty black paws. She was never in a bad mood...and she was the one thing I needed most when I felt the world was falling apart around me.

Thank you Katie. I love you, and I hope we get to meet again at the rainbow bridge one day...

Love and Lightning Bugs,
 

This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

If you have ever been a Bunny parent, you understand how common this might be. Unless my giant bun is just the most passive aggressive drama queen on the planet...

NOTE: Apparently too many people get upset by my colorful use of the English Language. All curse words have been edited with asterisks. I would edit them out completely, but I like to keep myself in my writing, as well as stay true to what actually happened.

Don't let this Glamor Shot fool you, she'll destroy everything in your house with a fucking smile on her face.

Me: *cooking dinner*

Claudia: Hey Mom, I see you. Let me out.

Me: Yes, I see you too, and no, you don't need to be out right now.

Claudia: *slams food bowl against her cage bars frantically*

Me: I said I no, calm down. I'm trying to cook.

Claudia: *throws bowl in the floor, then begins digging in it loudly*

Me: I just fed you! Stop throwing your food please.

Claudia: You don't tell me what to do. *flips bowl over, making all the food spill on the floor outside her cage.*

Me: FINE. Stop throwing a hissy fit, I'll let you out.

Claudia: That's what I thought....

Me: *opens cage door, goes right back to cooking*

Claudia: *bounces around the kitchen, sniffing snuff...doing bun things.*

Five minutes pass in complete silence and peace.

***CRAAAASH***

Me: What the hell? *looks around, notices the kitchen is bunny free* CLAUDIA!

Claudia: *hops in from the junk room, completely calm*

Me: What did you do?

Claudia: *looks at me, head tilted slightly* Nothing.

Me: You little liar... *goes to investigate*

Claudia: I wouldn't go in there if I were you....

Me: CLAUDIA MARIE LeFLUFF, HOW THE F**K DID YOU DO THIS?!?!?!

Claudia: Do what?

Me: *stares at the overturned trunk, with all my reenacting supplies spilled out on the floor.* This thing is about 10 times heavier that you...how in the everloving f**k did you even manage to pull this over?

Claudia: Talent...

And this is why being a bunny mommy can be a smack in the face of all of the laws of physics.

Love and Lightning Bugs,
 

Are you Ready for a Disaster?

It may only be early January, but here in Kansas, that means Tornado season is coming on quick! Last year we had our first tornado of the season in February, and I was unprepared when the sirens went off. This year, I'm making sure I have everything I need BEFORE the sirens go off. But, the question is, are YOU ready for an unexpected tornado if it comes knocking? 

Image from billyunderscorebwa on Deviantart

Around here, severe storms hit more often at night. Which means that spotting a tornado on the ground is much harder, and that the time between the sirens going off and a tornado hitting your city can be slim to none. In February, we had no watches or warnings, just the sudden blaring of the sirens. It was 9 o'clock at night, and the rain was pounding so hard that it soaked through my thick Carhartt coat in about 30 seconds. The wind was blowing so hard I was knocked off balance four times in the 100 feet it took to run to the storm shelter. Every minute we took to gather supplies and pets, could have cost us our lives. So what's the best option for you in a situation where every second counts?

 A well supplied Tornado Emergency Bag, that you can grab and go!

If you don't have a basement, this is what I suggest using. It takes up very little room in a closet with you, and is easy to keep stocked at all times, as well as grab in a high stress situation. A well stocked bag is key! I use a large messenger bag I had laying around, and keep it packed at all times, except when I'm rotating out supplies. Here's a list of the things I keep in my kit.

I received an emergency flashlight radio for Christmas, and it too has gone into my kit! You can find a great list of them HERE. A whistle is necessary in any kit, as it helps people find you if your shelter is buried under rubble. Small LED flashlights can often be found for just over a dollar in most checkout lines at the grocery store, and are brighter than normal flashlights. I keep an average of three in my kit, as well as one in my camera bag.

On that note, I keep anything I would be heartbroken to lose in an easy to reach place. For instance, all my jewelry is in a small chest on my computer desk, and all my critical paperwork is kept in a folder on my desk as well. Since the desk is right next to the door, it is easy to grab them quickly, stuff them in the bag, and go! I also keep my camera packed in its bag at all times, unless I'm using it. That bag, as well as the case to my laptop, sit on the floor next to the same desk. It takes me 30 seconds to pack my laptop now, so that is more time saved in a hurry! All the important cords to any electronics I take are also in my camera bag or laptop case, so I don't have to worry about that.

But what about when you don't have to worry about just yourself?

We have two rabbits in the house, and unlike dogs or cats, they are NOT easy to just grab and run with. They have special needs that other pets don't, and attitudes to match! As much as they can be a pain, I love my bunnies more than life itself, so there is no question that I take them into consideration when making my Tornado plans.

Pets have to have many of the same things we do in an emergency situation, but they also have to have access to things some people might not ever think about! Here's a good list for any pet owner to use.

If a tornado comes through and destroys everything, pet supplies will be some of the last things brought by aid agencies. First and foremost, you need a crate or carrier to keep the animal contained. Each of my bunnies has a pet carrier for transport, big enough that they fit, but small enough that they won't hurt themselves if they become stressed. If you have to carry your pet, I suggest putting a covered crate in your basement or shelter, so that the pet also has a safe place to be during the storm.

If you live out in the country, like I do, there are no pet shops around to just drive to...so you have to be sure to have enough food and water to last each pet a week. Thankfully, my bunnies don't eat too many pellets, but I have to pack hay and litter, something others might not have to worry about. Each pet should also have a clean container for food and water. I suggest putting all your supplies in a bag like the one below, which comes with collapsible food and water bowls, and a canteen for water.

 Blankets and toys are also a must! Animals can become very easily stressed and scared, which can sometimes lead them to be aggressive. The toys and blankets help calm the animals, as well as keep them dry and warm.

I hope this guide has helped you start to prepare for a possible tornado, and remind you that disaster can happen at any time...so you've got to be ready!

Love and Lightning Bugs,
 

Midwest Pet and Garden, Helping Rabbits in Need

Last February, we had a tornado bear down on our house at nine o'clock in the evening. We had no warning whatsoever, until the sirens went off. We struggled to change out of our pajamas, and into proper clothing. I gathered up my camera and laptop, stuffed a bag full of clothing and food, and some bottled water, and began to run to the cellar. The only problem? My rabbits didn't have pet carriers, so were were forced to carry their cages into the cellar. The wind was blowing about 80 mph, with straight-line winds, and heavy rain...pelting us at every step. The 100 feet from the door to the cellar was never longer.

We made it to the cellar, tired, wet, and cold. The cages were swamped with water, and my poor bunnies soaked to the bone. I did my best to dry them off, as the sirens wailed. The tornado passed, and we had only a few trees down, and some roof damage. One thing was abundantly clear though; the rabbit cages could easily cost us our lives if we had to keep carrying them down to the cellar in the middle of a storm like that. So I began looking for a good pet carrier that would be easy to use, light, and quick to load my often cantankerous bunnies into.

After almost a year of searching, I found the perfect carrier! Midwest Pet and Garden has an amazing carrier called the Petmate 2 Door Top Load Kennel, which is a must for any bunny parent looking for a simple way to load and carry your bun.

The Petmate 2 Door is an awesome pet carrier, due to one simple feature; a top loading door! Any pet parent who has a hard time getting their pet into a carrier should look into this amazing product. As I was looking for something that would be easy to use during both the day and night, I needed a kennel that would allow me to put her in without really looking or fussing with her.

There was plenty of room for her inside, and it was so simple to put together. There is even a small food dish that attaches to the front door, so she can have hay in there with her. I did a test run with the carrier, and I can have her loaded and into the cellar in 2 minutes! Not to mention how much lighter it is than her cage! It's a really sturdy carrier, with great longevity. I took Claudia outside to have a look at her carrier...

Midwest Pet and Garden was an absolute joy to work with, and has so many awesome products to choose from, for almost every animal. A couple of their best lines are the Pet Gear and Majestic Pet lines, which are chock full of great products for dogs, cats, small animals, birds, etc. If you have a pet need, be sure to check out their store!

Love and Lightning Bugs,
 

Conversations with Wild Bunnies

I had quite the visitor today! I went out to water my plants, and look who stopped by!

 "Hello human who has tamed my kin...I have come to watch you and learn the secret as to how you keep my kin inside, and controlled with an odd pink contraption when they come outside." At least, that's how I image he was talking, tee hee!

 "You brought me a carrot...I will tolerate your presence in my kingdom. But I still don't trust you. I will watch you from my favorite perch."

"What is this you have brought me? Apples? Well, perhaps you can come a bit closer. I am magnificent to look at, if I do say so myself."

 "I like you human...you offer me the gifts I deserve as king of the kingdom of 'Front Yard'. I will permit you to lie with me in the clover bed, and take my photos up close. Perhaps I will come back, and you may offer me more gifts of delicious food."

Just a fun conversation I mentally had with this adorable little bun! He was quite regal!

Love and Lightning Bugs,
 

Buns In The Sun

Well, the 'girls' have been in MOODS today. I have been trying to clean, do homework, and finish orders today, and the buns just will not behave themselves! So, in an attempt to get them to calm down and leave me be for a couple hours, I took them outside to let them get all their energy out.

Boy, was that the wrong idea, they're more wound up than ever! But, I'm always happy to have my girls out and about, and watch their antics in the yard.

You can't see the patches of missing fur, as their covered by her harness. But some bun is feeling great today! She's grooming her dewlap, which is just extra skin that many rabbits develop.

 Claudia is headed for her outside 'den'! She has laid claim to the particular bush, and every time she goes outside, she has to rearrange, clean, and sniff around her 'den'. 

 Guarding her 'den' from me, and relaxing in the morning sun.. She's so cute! Her and Maylene are never allowed to be together, as Maylene isn't fixed, and we don't want kitlings!

 She knows she's looking good today! Can't you just see her saying, "Look Momma! Look at me, look at me, look at me!"

Sitting in the sun, warming herself. Looks like it could be time for some Glamour Shots!

If you'd like to read more about my bunnies, please read the introduction post I did for them a while back!

Love and Lightning Bugs,
 

Rabbits; Not For Everyone

People who haven't lived with rabbits often ask me if rabbits make "good pets". I almost never have the time to properly explain why this question shouldn't really apply to rabbits, nor why I think rabbits are NOT for most people. Hence, since I have found time, I shall do just that.

It seems that for most people, an animal is perceived as a "good pet" if she shows affection in ways human beings can understand without much effort (e.g., lapsitting or coming when called), if she participates in games humans easily comprehend ("catch," "fetch," or "chase the string"), or if she makes an obvious effort to communicate vocally (barking to be let in or out, mewing for supper). People usually seem fairly sure these qualities cannot be expected in a rabbit, and hence, that rabbits would not make "good pets." Alternatively, some people expect such traits in all rabbits and may be disappointed in one who is unwilling or unable to comply with their expectations. For example, one of my rabbits, Claudia (a Lionhead/Flemish Giant cross), hates to be picked up, but it more than happy to lay down next to you and be petted.

The second question I get, "Are rabbits more like cats or dogs?" is a natural to follow the first. My usual response is, "Are people more like fish or cockatoos?" After all, rabbits are like rabbits, and the only way to find out what they are like is to live with one or more. You'll find that rabbits share a few characteristics with dogs, a few with cats, and a few with humans. They probably even share a few with fish and cockatoos. But mostly they're like rabbits, and learning what rabbits are like is part of the joy of living with them. The fact that this question, like the "good pets" one, is asked at all makes clear the human position that in order to be considered of value in our world, other species must conform to our notions of what is "good."

The implication that some animals (usually dogs and cats) are simply "better pets" than others rests on the assumption that in order to fit into our lives, all animals should resemble those to whom we are already accustomed. Such an assumption removes the responsibility for the relationship from the human being and places it solely on the animal. Although the rabbit is expected to comply with human expectations, all too often the human being never even considers complying with hers. But in almost every case, a wonderful new relationship is forged when you begin complying with the expectations of a rabbit. My other rabbit, Maylene (A mutt of sorts) has the tendency to throw objects about whenever she’s outside of her cage. This can be anything from a hairbrush or newspaper, to a full sized cowboy boot. But watching her toss around something, then run and binky with glee…there is nothing quite like it.

Do we expect too much or not enough? I hesitate to tell people not to expect their rabbits to jump up on their legs, leap into their laps, or lick their hands, because some rabbits do these things. But too many people expect such behaviors and express disappointment when their rabbits do not comply. None of the rabbits I live with currently do any of these dog-like things, but over the years I have discovered a range of interesting activities they engage in that the dogs and cats in my family never even thought about. Claudia may not jump into my lap, and she's more likely to bite my hand than lick it, but she manages to growl in annoyance while simultaneously cavorting with joy across the floor, and makes demands more effectively than any of my noisier critters. For instance, every time I walk by her cage, she places her paws on the bars and presents her head to be petted. If I refuse, or forget, to pet her, the cage door is soon rattling, shaking, and the floor being scratched in her anger. Maylene on the other hand, trails behind me like a puppy when she's loose in the house, and will even pull on my pant leg  to let me know she's there. She'll also hop around my feet, in a circle, and expects me to circle her after. She's my follower, and Claudia is my runner.

No small part of the problem lies in our use of the term "pet." After all, a pet is "one who is petted," implying passivity and ownership. We seldom call other human beings "pets," and most people would consider it an insult if we did. By using the term to describe animals we are diminishing their importance in our lives. We are denying their right to individuality and a lifestyle that may or may not include allowing us to fawn over them. On the other hand, a rabbit who is a companion is one who’s like our human friends, and is encouraged to develop the personality nature gave her and is appreciated for who she is.

So what should I say when people ask if rabbits are "good pets"? I don't want to assure folks that they are, because I know the implications of the phrase. On the other hand, if I hesitate and explain, they'll think I'm making excuses. They may be unable to see what is special about rabbits. Perhaps those of us who know, through experience, what rabbits are like should decline to answer these questions at all. Instead explain that rabbits make wonderful, exciting, intelligent companions for wonderful, exciting, intelligent people. After all, living up to the expectations of a rabbit takes a lot of work! Their type of person is adventurous, charmed by evidence of spunk and vigor, and willing to learn a new language, a new lifestyle, and a new code of behavior.

This brings me to another point, which is that rabbits are quite a lot of work. If you’re still interested in getting a rabbit after reading the above information, please seriously consider the following information before making a decision that will affect the life of a rabbit or two and every member in your household.

Housing

The best place for pets to live is indoors with their human families, and this applies to rabbits, too. Many bunnies today live as house rabbits, roaming freely throughout the home just like dogs and cats do. There are several reasons rabbits shouldn't live outdoors:

·    Domestic rabbits are different from their wild relatives—they don't do well in extreme temperatures, especially summer heat.

·    Even in a safe enclosure, rabbits are at risk from predators. Just the sight or smell of a predator can cause rabbits so much stress that they can suffer a heart attack and literally die of fear.

Whether your rabbit has free rein in your house or is confined to a "rabbitat," she needs a private space where she can feel safe and comfortable. There are several different housing systems for rabbits. Whatever kind you choose, make sure to keep it clean and well-stocked with hay, water, and the other necessities that make her house a home.

Most rabbit cages sold in pet stores are too small. Your bunny needs more than just a few square feet for her home. If your rabbit is free to roam through the whole house or an entire room, a small cage like this may be ok as a base of operations. But if your rabbit is in her cage for extended periods of time, she'll need a much larger place to live. A rabbit's cage should be a minimum of five times the size of the rabbit. She should be able to completely stretch out in her cage and stand up on her hind legs without bumping her head on the top of the cage. Look for larger, multi-level rabbit homes offered by some pet supply stores and specialty online retailers. These cages give your bunny a lot of room to move around. Whatever type of cage you get, make sure that the floors and resting platforms are solid, not wire, which can hurt your rabbits feet.

Not all rabbits need a traditional cage. Another option is to use a puppy pen or x-pen to contain your rabbit. As long as the pen contains the appropriate amenities, that will work just fine.

If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, you can easily build a home for your rabbit. Homemade cages are easy to make with a minimum number of tools. If you're willing to put in the time, you can build a very large, very nice cage for a fraction of the cost of purchasing one.

If you have a large home with many rooms, you can even devote an entire room to your rabbits. For starters, avoid flooring that's too slick for rabbit feet, like linoleum. Textured tiles usually work well and are easy to clean. Carpeting is fine too, if your rabbits have good litterbox habits and you can trust them not to chew the carpet. Replacing a regular door with a transparent door or Dutch door can allow you to keep an extra eye on your bunnies.

In any home, it's important for a rabbit have a secluded place to hide. A cardboard box with a hole cut in it will be fine (staples and tape removed for safety). Rabbits usually sleep during the day and night, becoming playful at dawn and dusk, so they may use this box as a bedroom.

Also, don't forget the necessities, like one or more litterboxes with litter, hay, and water, and plenty of great chew toys to keep your bunny stimulated.

Your home also needs to be prepared. Rabbits have a tendency to chew on furniture, nibble on or through cords, eat houseplants (poisonous or not) and may have potty accidents. It is up to you to protect any rabbit coming into your home as well as your belongings. We call this rabbit-proofing your home. 

Children

Parents should always be the primary care taker of any animal family member. Small children and rabbits do not make a good combination. Young children do not have the dexterity to handle a rabbit safely and securely. Often, when small children attempt to lift and/or carry a rabbit, one or both end up hurt. I do not recommend children under the age of nine to be allowed to handle rabbits. All too often, parents purchase a rabbit for a child family member; Easter is one of the heaviest times of the year for this. The child is excited, the rabbit is terrified, the child looses interest, the rabbit is ignored and unwanted and the parents end up disappointed and resentful. It is the parent's responsibility, regardless of the situation, to ensure that ALL family members are safe, happy, healthy, cared for and loved.

Additional Animal Family Members

Any introductions should be done slowly and with strict supervision. Some animals should not ever be considered for introductions. One such animal is a ferret. They are precise, accurate, and avid hunters of rabbits. Dogs should never be left alone with a rabbit. The most friendly, calm canine's instincts to hunt or herd could be awakened. Even in play, the rabbit could end up seriously injured or worse. Introducing a new rabbit with a current rabbit family member needs special consideration beyond a slow introduction.  Guinea Pigs, cats and birds are some possible animal family members, but consideration must be given to their personalities and behaviors. A bird imitating a hawk or being excessively noisy can cause stress to a rabbit , which will affect the rabbit's health and personality. Rabbits, like people, have very distinctive personalities along with likes and dislikes.

Veterinary Care

You should locate and have onboard a rabbit knowledgeable vet in your area before welcoming a rabbit into your family. Emergencies are always unexpected and the best way to handle them are to be prepared as much as possible ahead of time! You could check the National House Rabbit Society's list of recommended vets on their web site at www.rabbit.org or check your local Yellow Pages. Regardless of your choice, you will need to interview any potential vet. Locate at least a couple of perspective vets and schedule a time to actually go in and meet them. Ask a lot of questions and don't hesitate to ask detailed, personal ones. Once you have made a decision. It is also a good idea, once adopting a rabbit into your family, to schedule an appointment with your vet so everyone can get familiar with one another and to set up a spay or neuter if your rabbit isn't already altered.

Allergies

If anyone in the household has fur or hay allergies, rabbits will not be an acceptable addition to your family. If you are unsure, it would be in everyone's best interest to visit a local shelter to see whether or not any allergies are triggered.

If after considering the previous information you feel a rabbit would be an appropriate and wonderful addition to your family, please consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are many wonderful rabbits waiting in shelters hoping for a loving, adoptive family of their own.

Why adopt a bunny? For every pet you buy from a pet store or breeder, a pet in a shelter is euthanized. Unfortunately, that is the simple math. There are only so many homes for bunnies. Shelters are overflowing with unwanted and discarded pets. There is only so much they can do without your help. Supporting pet stores and breeders only contributes to the problem. Sadly, even rescuing from a pet store simply encourages them to order more from a breeder.

If you're not yet ready to adopt, please consider fostering a bunny or perhaps a bonded pair - that also gives us the ability to rescue another bunny (or two) that desperately need our help!!

Adopting an adult animal means many things:

·    They have already gone through their hormonal changes

·    Their behavior is already known and more consistent than when they are growing babies

·    They have already been through a hard time and will likely be very appreciative of a second chance

·    There is a special reward you get from saving a bunny as opposed to just getting a cute novelty on a whim

·    Rabbits in shelters and rescues have usually been socialized by volunteers as part of the rehabilitative process

·    Adoptable bunnies are already spayed or neutered and so are far less inclined to certain health and behavioral problems

If you are a first-time bunny parent, you will be far happier adopting a socialized adult rabbit who already knows how to deal with humans and is much easier to make friends with. Shelter and rescue personnel know and care deeply about the animals - breeders and petstore employees typically don't and the animals you get from them may be more inclined to health problems. In some cases they may also have been subjected to mistreatment; rescue/shelter volunteers will work with you to help you pick the best pet for you and your lifestyle, with the rabbit's best interests in mind. When you adopt an animal from a shelter, you are saving a life, giving a previously unhappy soul a chance at happiness, and are creating the space for the shelter to rescue yet another animal that desperately needs proper care and shelter

There is no greater joy than ending a life of suffering...without ending a life.

Love and Lightning Bugs,

Bunny Language: Binkies

As a bunny momma, sometimes my bunnies exhibit strange behaviors in public, and people always seem to think something is wrong with them. Well that's just not true! They're just speaking to them like any rabbit would, and most people just don't speak rabbit. So I wanted to start bringing little bits of bunny body language to you, so we can decode and better understand our rabbit friends.

After adopting your first (or adding another!)  rabbit to your family, you have to (re)learn all of the differing body language ques that they may give. And not each bunny is the same, just like no two children are the same. For instance, Maylene digs in the yard or her cage out of happiness, while Claudia digs out of frustration and anger. It just takes a bit of time and patience to understand what your bun is trying to get across to you.

I figure we'd start this first installment with the most basic, and the most strange looking, bunny behavior: The Binky. 

No, we're not talking about a pacifier for your rabbit, but rather a random assortment of running, flipping, hopping, and jumping that takes place when a bunny is happy. Watch the video below to better understand what I mean.

There were quite a few behaviors we'll be covering in the next few weeks in this video, so I may refer back to it from time to time. 

As you could see, the Binky is impossible to mistake for anything else, and the first time you see one you will probably wonder if the poor thing is having a convulsion. When a rabbit binkies, it jumps into the air and twists its head and body in opposite directions (sometimes twice) before falling back to the ground. This can be done while standing in one place, or while running, which is really weird looking, and is sometimes called the "happy bunny dance." A rabbit can even turn 360 degrees in midair. It can also bewhn your rabbit goes into a dead run from a stand still, a quick little hop, a flip, a dive off something high followed by an all out run, a zooming through one room after the next, or around you at breakneck speed, etc. All this is a rabbit's way of telling you straight out that it is happy and overall pleased with you and its life. Some rabbits binky a lot and some hardly at all, even if they are being treated well. Everyone has their own temperament, like I said before.

A common variation is the half-binky, also called a head flick or ear flick. Instead of twisting the whole body, just the head is quickly turned sideways and back. This is still a pretty impressive sight in a creature with ears longer than its head! A head flick can be performed while running, or when sitting in place. A head flick is similar in meaning to a shudder, but is a little more playful and silly. 

Now, rabbits are very 'proud' animals, meaning they take offence easily and with withdraw if not spoken back to. That means in every language they know, including theirs. That means if they binky for you, you'd better binky back! Sounds silly, but trust me, it's not that bad, and your relationship with your rabbit will be so much better for it.

If you want to go for the full binky, your rabbit will understand if you jump up a little in one place while doing a head flick. I recommend you don't try to twist your body in mid-air like a rabbit will, especially if there is any furniture around, you have a history of back problems, or are over 45 years old. Trust me on this one.

You can do a head flick too, by quickly dropping your head sideways and then back up, with a bit of a twist. If you have long hair that gets flung, your rabbit is even more sure to get the message. Some happy rabbits will head flick back at you to show that they share your happiness. It's always nice to answer a head flick in kind.

My bunnies binky often, and alot. Claudia is more of a jumper and twister, and Maylene is more of a breakneck speed runner, with the occasional kickflip thrown in. If you're bunny begins to run circles around you as fast as it can, or zooms all through the house with glee, this is affectionately called the "Bunny 500" by most rabbit owners.

If you're up for it, it's always fun to try to photograph your bunny mid-binky. It  may be difficult as first, but you'll learn to see when your bunny is about to binky, and get ready for it! Here are some wonderful binky photos for you to enjoy.

I hope you enjoyed this first behavior we covered, and if you'd like to know more about how to better communicate with your rabbits, please comment below so I can start on the next installment!

Love and Lightning Bugs,

The Girls and Me

If you've ever met me in person, you'll know I can't introduce myself properly unless I refer to myself as a Bunny Momma, and a very proud and happy one at that. If you've ever met a Bunny parent, you know we're a little odd when it comes to our 'exotic' rabbits, but we sure have tons of heart, and a bond that only a fellow Bunny parent can understand.

Since I haven't introduced them yet, here are my 'girls'.

This is Maylene, my gender confused, raised from a kit, Rabbit. This photo is from her very first Christmas with us. Tiny little thing huh?

This is her now, a beast at just over 10 pounds, and well over a foot and a half long. She's a mutt of sorts, as we adopted her from a meat rabbit breeder, so we have no idea what her breed is.

She's got some funny little habits, like drinking out of cups, rubbing her chin on everything to mark all of 'her' things, running the Bunny 500 around our bedroom, and slurping on her bottle of water right as we're trying to get to sleep...every...single....night.

But I love this girl...well....maybe I should explain that. She's not really a girl, but rather a boy whom we thought was a girl. By the time we figured it out, she already knew her name, and we were so used to calling her a 'her' that we never really changed it. I don't think she knows any better though.

She's a little over a year and a half old now, in the puberty portion of her expected 10 year lifetime. Does she act up like a normal teenager? You bet. But I still love this crazy black bunny, and all her silly antics. Besides, since we raised her, she has excellent harness and outdoor manners, and tolerates being picked up pretty well. And does she love a good snuggle on the bed with us? You betcha!

 This, is Claudia, our second adopted Bunny. She was saved from an Amish auction, from a man who was bidding on her to eat her. If you know me at all, you know I was NOT going to let that happen. This is her the first night at home with us.

She was timid, and so shy, and refused to come out of her cage at all. We put her in a smaller cage so she could feel more secure, and dang if she's refused to move anything bigger now. But both Rabbits spent a huge amount of time out and about each day, and running around, separately and in different parts of the house, of course.

This is Claudia now, much bigger than her sister, at just under 20 pounds. You may have noticed her mane of sorts, which is from her fathers side. She's a Lionhead, Flemish Giant cross, and one of the most moody girls I have seen in my life. Her coloring is called Agouti, which means each individual hair strand is banded with light and dark sections, and is tipped in black. Striking, you think?

Now, as I mentioned before she is MOODY. Imagine a 20 pound rabbit who's Bipolar, knows she can make you do what she wants, and throws her weight into her attitude fits...yep, that's her. She's the sweeter of the two, and will literally lay next to you for hours if you keep petting her head, and gently nudge you when you stop as a kind reminder that she's still there.But when she gets mad or upset at you, watch out. She will throw her food bowl, shred her phone book, scratch and bite her cage, and purposely empty her water bottle on herself to spite you...somehow.

We got her at a year old, so she's two right now, and a delight when she wants to be. I'm working on getting her harness trained, so she can spend more days outside in the fresh grass and sunshine. She's doing well so far, and has even found one bush that she has proclaimed to be 'hers', and has started building a den under.

Rabbits aren't a pet for everyone, and are much more work and time consuming than people think. But even though they don't conform to normal pet standards, they make wonderful companions once you know how to speak and understand their unique language and behaviors. As stated before, I adopted both my girls, and am a firm believer in adopting and rescuing all my pets, from dogs and cats, to horses, to bunnies and mice and rats. Please, don't buy a rabbit in a pet store, when lonely, older, and more well behaved, bunnies are alone and euthanized by the dozens daily. Save a life, adopt.

Would you be interested about hearing more about my bunnies and their antics from time to time? Let me know!
Love and Lightning Bugs,