tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27516445098207797572024-03-16T00:08:32.440-07:00Feathers, Fur & The Occasional FangThe small animal side of things.Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.comBlogger365125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-73590118908383869372013-07-24T09:06:00.000-07:002013-07-24T09:06:06.384-07:00Moving On Up!Is there anyone still reading this? If so, kudos to you!<br />
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It's been pretty apparent that this blog has mostly been abandoned at this point. It makes me a little sad - I ran this thing for almost 4 years! Admittedly it was sporadic at times, but still. We've received updates, donations and adoptions through this blog, so thank you to everyone who ever read and offered support!<br />
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I'm still at the shelter, up to my elbows in rabbits as always, and I still want to bring more attention to the oft-overlooked little guys. So, that said, this blog isn't really <i>ending</i> - it's moving!<br />
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You can now find out about TAS South's small animals at:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://adopt-an-other.tumblr.com/">adopt-an-other.tumblr.com</a></b></span></div>
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Tumblr is more off-the-cuff, which means I can just quickly post a photo and some facts, rather than having to sit down and write a complete entry. I'll still be posting available animals on there, as well as updates! I know there are several adopters who have sent me updates over the last few months that never got posted - they will start showing up on the Tumblr, I promise!</div>
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In summary: thank you everyone! If you've stuck around to the bitter end, I am much impressed, and I hope you check out the Tumblr! </div>
Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-45697555746086306492013-04-13T17:14:00.001-07:002013-04-13T17:16:58.055-07:00Seeing SpotsI will never understand why shelters get "trends" of certain animals. We'll go through months where we get tons of brown tabby cats, or all black rabbits. There's no rhyme or reason behind it, but it always happens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfQehZ5vQZxa_QA6rnRDQ3sG5DclnhwtvxeKUtd946Vh7NaUM6-DGh8eHOjGQgeD1Eqy9KNI1vO2po4IcsuoQK2_HjSmcAL_zgqTtBbTx3tc4JQToMrCmmERhNqb16j_zvT3bVoaMnp8l/s1600/Lavender5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdfQehZ5vQZxa_QA6rnRDQ3sG5DclnhwtvxeKUtd946Vh7NaUM6-DGh8eHOjGQgeD1Eqy9KNI1vO2po4IcsuoQK2_HjSmcAL_zgqTtBbTx3tc4JQToMrCmmERhNqb16j_zvT3bVoaMnp8l/s400/Lavender5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Right now it's spots!</div>
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The Room is full of spotty rabbits right now. They're not Easter rabbits (that rush hasn't started yet), so I'm not sure why they all look the same, but it's pretty cute. That brown and white girl is Lavender, a six-month-old foster baby who was transferred from Scarborough with her slightly-less-spotty mom Dottie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmX0cPNQ3i4DuAJqpPzXnsXh_SRWU4n9nuRxq75AOp82W8V_tNkUGS_XkBM9QktgHNRUJq83gXasFKBpUoirxUGPfhfiwz979s9peBwvco7UmYCCbwTX1BG5IlygkiTAFQqVwt0mYveW7/s1600/Lavender6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmX0cPNQ3i4DuAJqpPzXnsXh_SRWU4n9nuRxq75AOp82W8V_tNkUGS_XkBM9QktgHNRUJq83gXasFKBpUoirxUGPfhfiwz979s9peBwvco7UmYCCbwTX1BG5IlygkiTAFQqVwt0mYveW7/s400/Lavender6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dottie and Lavender are unfortunately a bonded pair. I always try to separate kits from their moms at a young age, before a proper bond can form, because pairs are so difficult to adopt out. We tried to separate Dottie and Lavender when they arrived at the shelter, but Lavender showed signs of depression, so back together they went.</div>
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They are pretty cute together. Luckily, they've been taken off our hands. The Cambridge OSPCA contacted us asking for rabbits, since they didn't have any for adoption. They didn't mind taking a bonded pair, so Lavender and Dottie are off to Cambridge, where they will probably have a better chance than in our crowded Room.</div>
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Clover here is another spotty transfer from Scarborough. You can see from the tufts behind her ears that she's got some Lionhead in her. She is not nearly as shy as the pair. Actually, she has a bit of an attitude. I like her personality - she's sweet to an extent, but she's also not afraid of letting you know when she's had enough.</div>
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It can turn people off when rabbits grunt or flick their feet at you, and obviously I understand that. But if it's done as a warning, rather than out of fear, and there's a reason behind it, I think it's a great quality. With rabbits who don't make obvious 'leave me alone' signals, you can't always tell how they're going to react. With Clover, you're both on the same page.<br />
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And finally we have Cleopatra, a recent run of the mill stray. She's a lovely Rex rabbit with the typical satin-y fur. She looks a bit like a cow. She's an outgoing, confident girl, and she'll be a good first-time rabbit for someone. We almost named her Scorpio, actually, because the markings on her back look remarkably like a scorpion:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMwdX0acAxrxom9b_F_BiLgkkTuE7sFfhyphenhyphen6OIeeiavTL-p-NvFHS77xE1Gg5vJ0hyphenhyphencVa8SdsXzg05h6E5FPqUJEUeumcMTlmrxhKrv9rrlRS-yHhXkgEAsO1YbuPmM_1xIf6ufogO2H-v/s1600/Cleopatra_scorpion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMwdX0acAxrxom9b_F_BiLgkkTuE7sFfhyphenhyphen6OIeeiavTL-p-NvFHS77xE1Gg5vJ0hyphenhyphencVa8SdsXzg05h6E5FPqUJEUeumcMTlmrxhKrv9rrlRS-yHhXkgEAsO1YbuPmM_1xIf6ufogO2H-v/s320/Cleopatra_scorpion.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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I suspect this spots thing is going to keep going. The Easter rabbit rush tends to involve a lot of white rabbits with spots. At least they're good-looking!Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-61691631061441156842013-04-09T19:01:00.001-07:002013-04-09T19:04:03.196-07:00Sudden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This little guy was named Nimbus, and was only about 5 months old. He was transferred to the shelter from Etobicoke, where they can't keep small animals. Rabbits, like most animals, are not fully mature the instant they are weaned. People understand that puppies and kittens have different needs than adult dogs and cats, but for some reason people seem to have a hard time understanding that young rabbits have special needs too. Rabbits don't actually completely finish maturing, physically or mentally, until they hit a year old.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QXD2yNeiVWMvUFZbgNOc6c2qtGdy11X_UT9mSIMyMqHOoiEbC67tMzNLjm-tCJ8OTCXyX2BT7Oikq8m2qtmKUNpx2GQcUG163GImcwZz0zgc9cRhUko5GgBN_nhwfrNE0i7zsHB8Nj-E/s1600/Nimbus1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0QXD2yNeiVWMvUFZbgNOc6c2qtGdy11X_UT9mSIMyMqHOoiEbC67tMzNLjm-tCJ8OTCXyX2BT7Oikq8m2qtmKUNpx2GQcUG163GImcwZz0zgc9cRhUko5GgBN_nhwfrNE0i7zsHB8Nj-E/s400/Nimbus1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Because of this lack of understanding, most young rabbits that arrive at the shelter are skinny. People don't realize they need Alfalfa hay when very young, or that they need more food and more variety in order to develop properly. Sometimes, young surrenders are <i>very </i>skinny, and because of this, they are a little lethargic. Typically we feed them properly and they perk up in a week.<br />
When I went to take Nimbus' photo, he was pretty quiet and inactive. I could feel that he was on the skinny side, and when I gave him a mint leaf he practically inhaled it, so I assumed he was one of the many underfed youngsters we get at this time of year. But that's not what this blog post is about.<br />
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When we went to leave the shelter a few hours later, I noticed Nimbus hunched over oddly. A closer inspection revealed that he was breathing heavily. My friend had come to the shelter to drop off a foster animal, so I sent her to fetch a staff member.<br />
Before she got back, Nimbus began to have some sort of fit, stumbling into the walls and crashing around his cage in a panic before collapsing. Nicola, one of the staff members, arrived and she and I wrapped him up in a towel. We discussed euthanasia options but before we could do anything, Nimbus' little heart slowed to a stop and he died in my arms.<br />
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I have no idea what happened. Sometimes things happen and rabbits die. He's certainly not the first rabbit to die at the shelter and he won't be the last. I always write a blog entry when one dies, but I don't really know why. What does that accomplish?<br />
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I think I always want to write something because I want these guys to matter to somebody. Nimbus was not a member of any family when he died. He wasn't someone's beloved pet - he never got that chance. He's just another number in a records book. But he was a sweet young rabbit who never did anyone any harm, and it seems like his passing should be noted. So consider it noted.<br />
Rest in peace, little guy.Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-32218365367211920262013-03-17T19:34:00.004-07:002013-03-17T19:34:30.215-07:00Top of the MorningI am just the worst blogger ever, aren't I? It's been another two months without a post!<br />
On the upside, I did a holiday photo-shoot for the first time in over a year. It ended up being a pretty small shoot, for the best reason - I had to stop and help with an adoption in the middle! It was a great adoption, and in the end I still got some <i>hilarious </i>photos for St Patrick's Day.<br />
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This undoubtedly being one of the best. Look at his <i>face!</i></div>
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This is Charles, and he's actually the best-natured rabbit in the world. He is a dwarf mix, however, and he has inherited the squished-in face of many dwarf rabbits. Thanks to that, he is spectacularly good at disapproving faces. And he is judging you for your St Patrick's Day activities. </div>
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When I did the hamster photos, my camera decided it no longer liked the green background, so the colours turned out a little day-glo. The shelter recently took in 11 hamsters who were abandoned in a local park. Galileo here is probably the shyest, but he was not shy about taking the peanut I hid in the shot glass. </div>
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Petunia here is a recent transfer from Scarborough, who makes hilarious faces in almost all of her photos, holiday-themed or not. I enjoy the hangover-ish look here. I think she might be the one Charles was judging in that first photo. </div>
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Petunia can be a little skittish, but once you start petting her, she falls right asleep...even on a pile of plastic shamrocks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLGuCKM0bsrtip_XIyxCNr5IZiqwqiBOdKEwSFinIvZ3BDZNV9lgiux4ieEqBt6U39kdqOgtijiO0ehaOL9zA0d3Vj3ajDemo4_JUNppfABPLcv2cR1iUzxSuJoDE65g1RufhSs7RpwHJ/s1600/Petunia_SP3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLGuCKM0bsrtip_XIyxCNr5IZiqwqiBOdKEwSFinIvZ3BDZNV9lgiux4ieEqBt6U39kdqOgtijiO0ehaOL9zA0d3Vj3ajDemo4_JUNppfABPLcv2cR1iUzxSuJoDE65g1RufhSs7RpwHJ/s400/Petunia_SP3.JPG" width="341" /> </a></div>
Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-21295358971195745482013-01-15T21:02:00.002-08:002013-01-15T21:07:50.165-08:00Scaredy-Cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildFM1opP0SG-EK7J69mDsJ2updzt-QuXAQIl7_hMmiy97jqvzUdVbAUO7ainVU8RP6cbl3aOG9mEBUf_Y4VbaXQYWbQjArVkcelBUaYo6DlLOY31J_vWz6AWkwHSVmqunSQ47mv65i3P-/s1600/Stripe4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildFM1opP0SG-EK7J69mDsJ2updzt-QuXAQIl7_hMmiy97jqvzUdVbAUO7ainVU8RP6cbl3aOG9mEBUf_Y4VbaXQYWbQjArVkcelBUaYo6DlLOY31J_vWz6AWkwHSVmqunSQ47mv65i3P-/s400/Stripe4.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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When I arrived at the shelter today, I was planning to spend all my time with the cats. There was one new hamster in the Room, but otherwise the Room was pretty calm, and I wanted to do a photo sweep of all the cats. To my surprise, however, there was a sign on Adoption Room 2 declaring it was "Closed".</div>
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I asked the staff if there was a sickness going around - the typical reason for closing an adoption room. </div>
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"No, they're healthy." The staff replied. "It's a bunch of cats from Etobicoke...they're semi-feral."</div>
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"What, all of them?"</div>
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"They're not really feral." The staff amended. "But they're super shy and scared out of their minds. They need a little time to cool down before the public gets at them."</div>
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I decided to do their photos anyway, so they'd be all set once they were opened to the public. The staff weren't kidding - most of them were incredibly shy, but they were also mostly sweet, and the photos didn't turn out <i>too </i>wide-eyed. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiche_PIjwi-A6haE6Hxu_SyJzbEcdd_IC9cl48arZdcbbK_KqVYuTdVvBW_HlxzkH2ZdpSZHDdIHeoqxZ60pg8CRbTv4khAl7wjUR_w6eUxTencGuL4BAA6ZiLGIn9Y7LqftwWqels4VBS/s1600/Ayela_A640976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiche_PIjwi-A6haE6Hxu_SyJzbEcdd_IC9cl48arZdcbbK_KqVYuTdVvBW_HlxzkH2ZdpSZHDdIHeoqxZ60pg8CRbTv4khAl7wjUR_w6eUxTencGuL4BAA6ZiLGIn9Y7LqftwWqels4VBS/s400/Ayela_A640976.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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This pretty girl was the first one I did. Her name is Ayela and she's a year old. She was huddled in the back of the cage, but she's not really that shy. She was <i>very </i>vocal about wanting me to stop with the photos, though!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPhXPBFVjyCfu41f24ZYqyguV6lLDe1Hph8SCvrTM-epFpyBga_-4B2EAk4dPrbupUsPH9LJSFBVuamhdHgbfSj9K_6vNJIFypoem8lO2-sNRkZCVQOB1AobuofIVLWc6cPqz16w-dRnu/s1600/Barry_A640980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPhXPBFVjyCfu41f24ZYqyguV6lLDe1Hph8SCvrTM-epFpyBga_-4B2EAk4dPrbupUsPH9LJSFBVuamhdHgbfSj9K_6vNJIFypoem8lO2-sNRkZCVQOB1AobuofIVLWc6cPqz16w-dRnu/s400/Barry_A640980.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A640980&LOCATION=TRNT4&searchtype=ADOPT&friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&orderby=Located%20At&rows=10&imght=120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal_short&bgcolor=639ace&text=ffffff&link=FEFF81&alink=FF814A&vlink=FEFF81&fontface=tahoma&fontsize=10&col_hdr_bg=004d84&col_hdr_fg=efeff7&col_bg=004d84&col_fg=ffffff&SBG=004d84&zip=80443&miles=10&shelterlist=%27TRNT1%27,%27TRNT%27,%27TRNT2%27,%27TRNT3%27,%27TRNT4%27,%27TRNT5%27&atype=&where=type_CAT">Barry</a>, on the other hand, was just as scared out of the cage as inside. He is a lovely boy, but so very scared. He was physically shaking while I took his photo, which is a first for me. I took the shot quickly and left him alone; hopefully some time will put him more at ease.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0M7IorhLHuL3mOxUFzCQ0wdTWjK3wr4RNZUnXLQ9ecJPFjudn8lpy_S647hR-oiBzqSCcqukZO8AZcPh8v1U2qUzJXNVHLetGk-YKDzxQdChuciKUnA6o1ZHq61zJO1IBQUFYcHTgWom/s1600/Lizzy_A640974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk0M7IorhLHuL3mOxUFzCQ0wdTWjK3wr4RNZUnXLQ9ecJPFjudn8lpy_S647hR-oiBzqSCcqukZO8AZcPh8v1U2qUzJXNVHLetGk-YKDzxQdChuciKUnA6o1ZHq61zJO1IBQUFYcHTgWom/s400/Lizzy_A640974.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Lizzy is not actually that shy, although she wasn't a huge fan of the camera. She was really affectionate, especially in the cage where she felt safe. She's a big fan of head scratches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gXk-AO5FyY9zIvylZsSJ6F9TsldnMQ923R3LQ4kvbRElb9a-L9JM0NZrbHOgZlojkSxFZc09BeqsZwCLx7C4bxfZnbGfJGW5_qvkEfnpRr2ONwm7ra5ZYYDmK3Wz5PT7RFAlnj8BpMGx/s1600/Benji_A640978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gXk-AO5FyY9zIvylZsSJ6F9TsldnMQ923R3LQ4kvbRElb9a-L9JM0NZrbHOgZlojkSxFZc09BeqsZwCLx7C4bxfZnbGfJGW5_qvkEfnpRr2ONwm7ra5ZYYDmK3Wz5PT7RFAlnj8BpMGx/s400/Benji_A640978.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I have no idea where <a href="http://www.petharbor.com/detail.asp?ID=A640978&LOCATION=TRNT4&searchtype=ADOPT&friends=1&samaritans=1&nosuccess=0&orderby=Located%20At&rows=10&imght=120&imgres=thumb&view=sysadm.v_animal_short&bgcolor=639ace&text=ffffff&link=FEFF81&alink=FF814A&vlink=FEFF81&fontface=tahoma&fontsize=10&col_hdr_bg=004d84&col_hdr_fg=efeff7&col_bg=004d84&col_fg=ffffff&SBG=004d84&zip=80443&miles=10&shelterlist=%27TRNT1%27,%27TRNT%27,%27TRNT2%27,%27TRNT3%27,%27TRNT4%27,%27TRNT5%27&atype=&where=type_CAT">Benji</a> came from, because he is not shy <i>at all</i>. He must have a really fabulous personality to come from the same situation as the others, yet maintain such a loving, outgoing attitude. This guy just wants to curl up in your lap.<br />
He looks a little stoned here, but in his defense, I think that's just the way he looks. It's a style. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzRohf1nn6MArejMLywfF3hgoQGskJqhh9IYoU7ePQoY7aiFKhCOB2EgHynYRI6Ynq75kzJQ8rdIVvemJCABwk2FrFaaH582R5hhbTv3cg979bTy8HOGkVmhMTrShN5KZRdjVg8QYPf1e/s1600/Goldenrod_A640977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzRohf1nn6MArejMLywfF3hgoQGskJqhh9IYoU7ePQoY7aiFKhCOB2EgHynYRI6Ynq75kzJQ8rdIVvemJCABwk2FrFaaH582R5hhbTv3cg979bTy8HOGkVmhMTrShN5KZRdjVg8QYPf1e/s400/Goldenrod_A640977.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then sometimes, in groups like this, you have surprises. Goldenrod here was completely hidden beneath her blanket in the cage. I thought there was no way I was going to get a decent photo, but I had time and figured I might as well try. I put her on the chair and she immediately calmed down and happily accepted head scratches and rubs. She's scared of the shelter, but she is completely comfortable with people.</div>
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There is
this perception that a cat has to be perfect to survive a public
shelter. There is some truth to this. Cats get the short end of the
stick simply because there are so many of them. As a shelter that is
required by law to take every cat given to us, TAS South has to make
decisions, and a hard-to-adopt cat is going to be more at risk than a
hard-to-adopt dog or even small animal. </div>
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But on the other hand, the staff <i>know </i>cats.
This group from Etobicoke came from a hoarder situation. They're shy
and scared and not particularly socialized, but they're not aggressive. I
think a lot of people would assume that these cats wouldn't stand a
chance in the shelter, but that's not true. The staff deal with
situations like this all the time. They know they need a day to calm
down after the transfer; they know that they need some TLC to bring them
out of their shells. They know that there are good pets in there. I think these guys are going to be fine.</div>
Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-89585286333641919432013-01-13T17:43:00.002-08:002013-01-13T18:55:06.461-08:00Christmas Carol <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWENS3XMhDfwOFkoFJdSP_1-awKIeSldE2fuUFLHe_xqO6gv-iduiswj7Oo3PU2DV5lIgL5D5GU44a4nVqxZMzZOzyOyVQqRYUnmp_7ShHdPwdvpZIxx7om0xp2pCplzTB8QyXwWuv4_w/s1600/CalvinHobbes3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGWENS3XMhDfwOFkoFJdSP_1-awKIeSldE2fuUFLHe_xqO6gv-iduiswj7Oo3PU2DV5lIgL5D5GU44a4nVqxZMzZOzyOyVQqRYUnmp_7ShHdPwdvpZIxx7om0xp2pCplzTB8QyXwWuv4_w/s320/CalvinHobbes3.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>
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We had a bit of an odd situation over the holidays at South. Five days before Christmas, some Parks workers discovered that someone had been living in a shed owned by the city. The shed was abandoned before they found it, but four pet mice had been left behind - two males and two females.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdzf72FHKYBcsblpnNMtNdmUn8RI8eceZsjdyKmAyCvGrD-BYDhIV6sTT3ERD4z4ZqrOT0blGijes-sZpiJVzbkxnP8O2baoOiXObgyybJXxXlRqcZvHVjnW7jbTJg3pa08WsYZCWZGEY/s1600/Hobbes1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdzf72FHKYBcsblpnNMtNdmUn8RI8eceZsjdyKmAyCvGrD-BYDhIV6sTT3ERD4z4ZqrOT0blGijes-sZpiJVzbkxnP8O2baoOiXObgyybJXxXlRqcZvHVjnW7jbTJg3pa08WsYZCWZGEY/s320/Hobbes1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the females, sadly, had an injured eye and a frostbitten tail. She was in very poor shape, and had to be euthanized. The two males, Calvin & Hobbes, were put up for adoption and found a home together a few days ago. </div>
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The last female was on pregnancy watch of course, and did not disappoint. On Christmas morning, the staff were greeted with this sight:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4TSjszNCpOE7VHxoOAMdUSX89M1yK7DTaOKwop8a6Rp5mV0oDb-g2dP0BbSQAlDDzC6kisTWSubxsYi6cfWmoOrNEotjNfH_93gJKI4T5j04N3aZtxAD3yiv_yPqdM0kn6ntmUQ4kmQb/s1600/Carolbabies-Dec25-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4TSjszNCpOE7VHxoOAMdUSX89M1yK7DTaOKwop8a6Rp5mV0oDb-g2dP0BbSQAlDDzC6kisTWSubxsYi6cfWmoOrNEotjNfH_93gJKI4T5j04N3aZtxAD3yiv_yPqdM0kn6ntmUQ4kmQb/s400/Carolbabies-Dec25-2.JPG" width="396" /> </a></div>
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Christmas pups! The fourth mouse, Carol, had given birth to seven little ones on Christmas day. I took her home that day for foster care. Carol is an excellent mother, as you can see above. That white band on the pups' tummies is the "milk band" and it's visual evidence that they are well fed. </div>
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Of course, it's been over two weeks now and they are much less gross-looking these days: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVr50JMc6brxPeiR7QUWy54kZQKukovZ22dzjbh6K7C8iUUDVM9bp01B384LqnbuesUl699cEyh5C1_p7NkJoAgBb3_9RXf8G_uIYeXFykeMpg-_4ueTTb26Xvvv_NKE_jSLZg2a32DK2/s1600/Carol-babies-Jan8-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVr50JMc6brxPeiR7QUWy54kZQKukovZ22dzjbh6K7C8iUUDVM9bp01B384LqnbuesUl699cEyh5C1_p7NkJoAgBb3_9RXf8G_uIYeXFykeMpg-_4ueTTb26Xvvv_NKE_jSLZg2a32DK2/s400/Carol-babies-Jan8-2.JPG" width="343" /></a></div>
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We don't get mice very often at the shelter, and this is certainly my first time fostering a litter. It's interesting! </div>
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They're similar to hamsters, yet very different in their way. The pups are currently at the 'flea stage', an age which is definitely living up to its name. They can hop out of your hand without any warning! As well, they seem to be much more bonded with their mother than hamster pups. I suppose this fits - mice live in colonies and Syrian hamsters are solitary. Unlike the hamsters, when these guys are old enough, they will be divided into pairs and trios, so that they are never alone.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnjxbbezDuwCLYOaIzjtvSVIhhL4o_dRH1kUT8Q1Dh-efOa9DbGDbu-dR8QTYv5DiJ2m8OPwhWksrKPr49OGD8lisSV8mlWjioUJHfUkdAfp2QhkaxBI-9QZ-nvJ4HodKe7vdx-8t_MUn/s1600/054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnjxbbezDuwCLYOaIzjtvSVIhhL4o_dRH1kUT8Q1Dh-efOa9DbGDbu-dR8QTYv5DiJ2m8OPwhWksrKPr49OGD8lisSV8mlWjioUJHfUkdAfp2QhkaxBI-9QZ-nvJ4HodKe7vdx-8t_MUn/s320/054.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
It's also surprising what a difference a tail makes! They are still very unsteady on their feet, and as they climb over your fingers, their little tails whip back and forth to help them keep their balance. They are clever little fellows. Hamsters are lovely but pretty slow. With mice, even at this age, you can see them figuring things out and carefully learning their way through the world. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO_Dr8xcyl97DIMCrtYmlhhsCd_HLYh4bJWwOe-B_RUkfyY8YeAvkMYc0QERjdLJt7YMJp5UAixq80MFaMNIswzzHRSnLchvPBW2-H-j4VxZ892wMMCpNE5Q3h6nmE7i4DOM8e6YS03aD/s1600/Carol2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO_Dr8xcyl97DIMCrtYmlhhsCd_HLYh4bJWwOe-B_RUkfyY8YeAvkMYc0QERjdLJt7YMJp5UAixq80MFaMNIswzzHRSnLchvPBW2-H-j4VxZ892wMMCpNE5Q3h6nmE7i4DOM8e6YS03aD/s400/Carol2.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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After she was so unceremoniously dumped in a city shed, I'm glad we can help Carol and her little ones, but they do present a problem. Why couldn't we get a boatload of those cute fancy mice? Eight pink-eyed whites are going to be a challenge to adopt. </div>
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For a few more days, they can keep growing and learning at my house, but by the end of this week, Carol's family will be in the Room, and hopefully on their way to homes of their own. </div>
Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-58640314732445359232013-01-10T21:43:00.002-08:002013-01-10T21:45:15.290-08:00New Year, New StartWow, it's been over six months since I posted. Oops!<br />
I could go over the million things that have happened at the shelter since July 27, but what's the point? Animal rescue is an in-the-moment business. Animals come and go, and there's no point in dwelling in the ones already adopted, because there are new ones in need.<br />
<br />
I almost just gave up this blog, but you know, I like having a place to just ramble on about rescue. When I post on the Facebook page, I have to be polite and professional, since I am (unofficially) representing TAS. But here I can post whatever I like!<br />
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So for 2013, the blog is back - but I am going to change things up a bit. There's going to be more cat posts, more small animal care info, and some wildlife stuff too. That's the idea, anyway. We'll see how it goes!<br />
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I always assume no one is reading this, but I recently met three different people who told me they read this blog. Surprised the heck out of me! So if there is anyone out there still reading this, first, I am impressed. Second, I apologize for the long boring absence. And third, I hope there will soon be plenty of new, interesting posts!<br />
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Happy 2013!Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-60365495844549698412012-07-27T08:27:00.000-07:002012-07-27T08:27:02.672-07:00Extreme Makeover: Cat Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6BsWdfBPeb3eqhXKlYyYK_6kkmjErlcTdAjO8l91U_BK9FUm0KzLKIGfe3b6T_QtfwgNZsCP7NNzcmaP3JRKrYrgBfG5MwpOIefESZJc3qH31jIHvD6qQJM83E9A3ijj_Pm7MWpm9lwo/s1600/A627138_39_II.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6BsWdfBPeb3eqhXKlYyYK_6kkmjErlcTdAjO8l91U_BK9FUm0KzLKIGfe3b6T_QtfwgNZsCP7NNzcmaP3JRKrYrgBfG5MwpOIefESZJc3qH31jIHvD6qQJM83E9A3ijj_Pm7MWpm9lwo/s320/A627138_39_II.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
These days, I do cat photos almost every time I go to the shelter. I never post them since this is a small animal blog, but this week I've done about 40 different cats and I had to post some. Since it's kitten season, we are inundated with kittens of all ages, plus the usual suspects - teenagers, long-termers, adults, strays.<br />
My favourite thing about doing cat photos is comparing them to the intake photos that are already on the website. Cat intake photos are quick snapshots the staff take when the cat arrives - their only purpose is to show the basic look of the cat, in case someone recognizes it and claims it. In an ideal world, the cat would get a nicer photo when they move into adoption, but the staff are far too busy to re-do all the photos. Which is why, if you have a camera and a good eye, you should always volunteer your services to a local shelter!<br />
So here are some of the more recent 'before's and 'after's:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtVSqzIoTiw8zv_FQSh-tDE5Ji1PZIwUIZX6j0vsxV7uIWpHHYHkHwXThKiwOhwOywex22tBsXuYBxtzi2qGhCy7ZZhuUbq6dsZp1StejkJP2N7mBMKutyWtObyc8sCsCQf2rz7bbRsj_/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+20072012+83856+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtVSqzIoTiw8zv_FQSh-tDE5Ji1PZIwUIZX6j0vsxV7uIWpHHYHkHwXThKiwOhwOywex22tBsXuYBxtzi2qGhCy7ZZhuUbq6dsZp1StejkJP2N7mBMKutyWtObyc8sCsCQf2rz7bbRsj_/s400/Fullscreen+capture+20072012+83856+PM.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrJMgO09QnL4yu1xjJj83ZF0TGQGOwPjaZxR6x99plPaa6Inr55-AoRxwU-eMaXbr_omT-dmWXJEI4y-QX_QJbgqT2DP0cgrgxulMxZ6UjUkhAwmW6HpZZKsgYDMTp_nUjBtVB1GmZgvV/s1600/Pumpernickel_A624424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrJMgO09QnL4yu1xjJj83ZF0TGQGOwPjaZxR6x99plPaa6Inr55-AoRxwU-eMaXbr_omT-dmWXJEI4y-QX_QJbgqT2DP0cgrgxulMxZ6UjUkhAwmW6HpZZKsgYDMTp_nUjBtVB1GmZgvV/s400/Pumpernickel_A624424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pumpernickel here is definitely my favourite 'before' and 'after'. He's such a mess in the old shot! This sweet, shy guy was not meant for the streets, and clearly arrived at the shelter in a rather roughed-up state. He's got a little scar on his nose to show for his troubles. He's a scared, gentle guy who would do great in a quiet, indoor home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe1ryHqW1Rl8-4XJgtIiVRklWVqZifVmQa1g9rW9zBD69Fdg7KKY5mPNi_cRtHAiudnDWuvSBIUsCJ_SNgO_-OuDvLq36dn-xP5z2foUl008LQP_EBTdwqleM3Qjt9ULnoo8GK76KbG58/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+20072012+83541+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXe1ryHqW1Rl8-4XJgtIiVRklWVqZifVmQa1g9rW9zBD69Fdg7KKY5mPNi_cRtHAiudnDWuvSBIUsCJ_SNgO_-OuDvLq36dn-xP5z2foUl008LQP_EBTdwqleM3Qjt9ULnoo8GK76KbG58/s400/Fullscreen+capture+20072012+83541+PM.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tdY_WmQQLEdN4_baQ14-5LugWgbbnoKSKYcIJ3vxwJQ4Y92KR6VtTNJKsSR5txB2Y-KON_8_roVF8cNFqxOpIE4sohIP1fJnkTg3D7zu85nGG8ng0BVO5UYmLzgyUWg-Myblpu8xms_u/s1600/Ollie_A623023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tdY_WmQQLEdN4_baQ14-5LugWgbbnoKSKYcIJ3vxwJQ4Y92KR6VtTNJKsSR5txB2Y-KON_8_roVF8cNFqxOpIE4sohIP1fJnkTg3D7zu85nGG8ng0BVO5UYmLzgyUWg-Myblpu8xms_u/s400/Ollie_A623023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A really common issue with kitten intake photos is that they're normally of the whole family, when they first arrive. This means that by the time the kitten is old enough for adoption, their photo tends to be of either newborns, or a whole group, and they get lost in the shuffle. Looking at Ollie's old photo, for instance, his orange sibling is taking all the glory.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEfGxx8_waIqWEdopeQb1Kzpf-xTr2XGLSO3s1UjwV9_2H_ZbvRYN9lh-grBZDRK6X-f-13PTf4V-yEb-Zj6rLwMkuqvLPCfs6vPyqz72cr3Zqkzu244f-jgLSzaLlc5DHJly3H3jd06J/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+27072012+124209+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEfGxx8_waIqWEdopeQb1Kzpf-xTr2XGLSO3s1UjwV9_2H_ZbvRYN9lh-grBZDRK6X-f-13PTf4V-yEb-Zj6rLwMkuqvLPCfs6vPyqz72cr3Zqkzu244f-jgLSzaLlc5DHJly3H3jd06J/s400/Fullscreen+capture+27072012+124209+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s5H9Pr7lCEyuGvrYYdkE_vRGYpMSPERSVYqJ3DccyYbZm4k2ZKY5lu46R3ajF2zX_oQqE4CTh9PJ68ywRmeatXHKL-WgIFeUBrNi_UiNR0ZuFXbbMC2-IfZeeLeH7PlRJ_8UhZLaWJwg/s1600/Blaze_A626646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6s5H9Pr7lCEyuGvrYYdkE_vRGYpMSPERSVYqJ3DccyYbZm4k2ZKY5lu46R3ajF2zX_oQqE4CTh9PJ68ywRmeatXHKL-WgIFeUBrNi_UiNR0ZuFXbbMC2-IfZeeLeH7PlRJ_8UhZLaWJwg/s400/Blaze_A626646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love this guy! Blaze is an incredible sweetheart. He's one of those cats where it was difficult to get his photo, not because he was trying to escape, but because he was so determined to crawl into my lap and get head scratches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BLzaXgOtSEbxPHLMtIZUhdNSjlvdfWeBdb2qIuSS5W-qM8SRZlP1bjoQHf6-GTzE56sLbVP-33JbLCNI7M68V2blMgLAqHinv_l3h7202TzJzS6jikb4zTZna5tUEd3uChlRkXZRbZxG/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+27072012+10440+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BLzaXgOtSEbxPHLMtIZUhdNSjlvdfWeBdb2qIuSS5W-qM8SRZlP1bjoQHf6-GTzE56sLbVP-33JbLCNI7M68V2blMgLAqHinv_l3h7202TzJzS6jikb4zTZna5tUEd3uChlRkXZRbZxG/s400/Fullscreen+capture+27072012+10440+AM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib33qdkzLyusBDi2O6dPxcSTtgefVyp8N80Thq6L9t5Nhes_HajeW6c0bUCUZil9mpGeHwQw3GLfhd129goSFAcTHXKtnxJWHaPmhDj6Xk7oltvJrhMak9U5hT9vzz7XgL1zf0WZZzKD9V/s1600/Humphrey_A625396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib33qdkzLyusBDi2O6dPxcSTtgefVyp8N80Thq6L9t5Nhes_HajeW6c0bUCUZil9mpGeHwQw3GLfhd129goSFAcTHXKtnxJWHaPmhDj6Xk7oltvJrhMak9U5hT9vzz7XgL1zf0WZZzKD9V/s400/Humphrey_A625396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Humphrey here, on the other hand, <i>definitely </i>fell into the other category for being difficult to photograph. This guy can. Not. Sit. Still. He is completely nuts. You'll note that I never did get an in-focus photo. If you're looking for a kitten with energy to burn, this guy or his equally crazy sister fits the bill.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxntS5WAT2LapNTErfHOAX_ZHYFDlKRk_j6X8J6KopTRO1VW_i6ypS_-yvW3d1DOTdM7izUuvuYhRU9vu4hIY-4_eIe_y7TBHUyOLTEtEFIoK3evnwsMJXuWqVAYUAwaqao3I37uW-xtF/s1600/Fullscreen+capture+27072012+124038+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxntS5WAT2LapNTErfHOAX_ZHYFDlKRk_j6X8J6KopTRO1VW_i6ypS_-yvW3d1DOTdM7izUuvuYhRU9vu4hIY-4_eIe_y7TBHUyOLTEtEFIoK3evnwsMJXuWqVAYUAwaqao3I37uW-xtF/s400/Fullscreen+capture+27072012+124038+AM.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2-BRKnsLWJaz41rwG9LIhgzI06MDByhVr46D_9KDW236k_Uc3R9kWRhZAy4yrjD34BjeBsZ9-bupmrjN8Ulz7Zgsu6s7DNlsjDxlMdziMKB7qg-pzHv8-zQveQHYr1AeLh_hlYJx5rW3/s1600/Marilla_A625226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2-BRKnsLWJaz41rwG9LIhgzI06MDByhVr46D_9KDW236k_Uc3R9kWRhZAy4yrjD34BjeBsZ9-bupmrjN8Ulz7Zgsu6s7DNlsjDxlMdziMKB7qg-pzHv8-zQveQHYr1AeLh_hlYJx5rW3/s400/Marilla_A625226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And rounding it off, we have Marilla, a recent adult stray. She's an independent girl, but she's quite affectionate and determined to get your attention. She also posed very nicely! The number one rule for shelter photography is eyes - if the animal looks into the camera, then someone browsing the website will be more likely to connect with them.</div>
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It's been a crazy summer but - dare I say it? - the cats actually aren't too bad right now. The Room, on the other hand, is packed to the brim. It seriously is the Year of the Guinea Pig - four more have arrived in the last week.Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-12319611988565262032012-07-19T11:20:00.001-07:002012-07-19T11:20:17.525-07:00The Turn-AroundWe've had a slew of adoptions lately! After a very slow couple of months, it's been a whirlwind of good news over the last couple of weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nYIXidXMP-Z-Gxi5fMTCHKZHgTxvESdinPb07oLA46wyF88649mupVKErrPRl9ARB6kmUlCtMdTZs5IVu0i2C-zEf1ZSnYY4DwCarlyUjrOSDtBlQCfOJXRswwpMq0bMYONVXRacmd4Q/s1600/SirNigel11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9nYIXidXMP-Z-Gxi5fMTCHKZHgTxvESdinPb07oLA46wyF88649mupVKErrPRl9ARB6kmUlCtMdTZs5IVu0i2C-zEf1ZSnYY4DwCarlyUjrOSDtBlQCfOJXRswwpMq0bMYONVXRacmd4Q/s400/SirNigel11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
First, <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/07/senseless.html">Sir Nigel</a> was adopted to Pawsitively Pets, a kid's camp where he will serve in an educational role, teaching kids how to properly care for and handle chinchillas. He has a nice three-storey cage and will be treated very well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_umHbkQUozmGfqbXUss-J4L0agu2YUtJD8q1eNR8N1B1hL2zfv_4pC5Scen34xzcM1iWQcSikzgOShYBr1oUlbBYJJf5kge9idIMxl9RkzohRg0TkDkYY1kDQUknIgqhcVZS8_RmPX7Z/s1600/Leonard10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_umHbkQUozmGfqbXUss-J4L0agu2YUtJD8q1eNR8N1B1hL2zfv_4pC5Scen34xzcM1iWQcSikzgOShYBr1oUlbBYJJf5kge9idIMxl9RkzohRg0TkDkYY1kDQUknIgqhcVZS8_RmPX7Z/s400/Leonard10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Then a few days later, <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/rabbits-rabbits-everywhere.html">Leonard</a>, our goofy nine-month-old boy, got adopted to a wonderful home. They were rabbit experienced, with a good vet and Leonard will live in a nice big pen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNcV3lfZEkmD0Jf4tl_QUDVtckBTi3ee0CSEO6YEWBBOsaTcYN91ocADhr9zYlJudLYOnNLitwHyBmxXsIQQ33gpk-qzIx3bIXpirk5clIcS0VW8Fs8dD_U6CWIO9MIa3ExiDeaH5p2-r/s1600/HoneyMocha2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNcV3lfZEkmD0Jf4tl_QUDVtckBTi3ee0CSEO6YEWBBOsaTcYN91ocADhr9zYlJudLYOnNLitwHyBmxXsIQQ33gpk-qzIx3bIXpirk5clIcS0VW8Fs8dD_U6CWIO9MIa3ExiDeaH5p2-r/s400/HoneyMocha2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The day after Leonard went, we had <i>three </i>rabbit adoptions in one day. I think that's a new record! First, <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/rabbits-rabbits-everywhere.html">Whisper</a> was adopted as a young girl's first rabbit. Whisper is a quiet, easy-going young rabbit and I think it was a very good match. And then, much to my utter astonishment, <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/07/walking-on-sunshine.html">Honey and Mochaccino</a> were adopted - together! Never in a million years did I think they'd get adopted together. They went to a very rabbit-experienced home, and basically won the lottery in terms of adopters. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwSTqYZWmd_rteN7rlcJr1dLMXnejiyRoKPytMa6RyOIY-TAklZ-m2xDMxmOu3jT9LcwMcQbYRjggG4QcJGEVGlleGKkJ3M2H-5fniVxutz8ibeIVkRQJOHrhKtfUE8QWsvm47PygYtta/s1600/Olive3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwSTqYZWmd_rteN7rlcJr1dLMXnejiyRoKPytMa6RyOIY-TAklZ-m2xDMxmOu3jT9LcwMcQbYRjggG4QcJGEVGlleGKkJ3M2H-5fniVxutz8ibeIVkRQJOHrhKtfUE8QWsvm47PygYtta/s400/Olive3.JPG" width="337" /></a></div>
And just to cap off a great couple of weeks, <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/rabbits-rabbits-everywhere.html">Olive</a> was finally adopted over the weekend. I was beginning to think our grumpy girl would be stuck with us forever, but she was adopted to a family that had had rabbits before, and presumably knew what they were getting themselves into.<br />
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We've also had some transfers, as <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/rabbits-rabbits-everywhere.html">Cornelius and my dear Abeline</a> were sent to Rabbit Rescue. Cornelius was adopted immediately (someone had wanted to adopt him from us, but he'd already been transferred), but unsurprisingly Abeline is still waiting. At least she's in a foster home now!<br />
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Of course, surprise, surprise, we have new rabbits (and birds), but at least we have space for them now!Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-452602219352752722012-07-10T09:20:00.003-07:002012-07-10T09:20:32.864-07:00Walking on SunshineI love statutory holidays at the shelter, because there are no visitors to distract you from the animals. It's always a nice opportunity to spend quality time with the latest inmates, getting to know them and letting them have extra attention or exercise. I spent Canada Day there, and since it was such a lovely day outside, I took the rabbits out on to the grass.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYawwKDjrwjomNNJjg4LvOik9hz9xtxtHg89K-vwCDz6_KDWM9-SWR66Ba_JBQUTPVp8XdpRy8nXylkTS2DJ72HkKMrLyKX0JujPc3eH-PpnPeDgZaqwtXQs3hn6xSTorDMnvaqWIUCox2/s1600/Maxine6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYawwKDjrwjomNNJjg4LvOik9hz9xtxtHg89K-vwCDz6_KDWM9-SWR66Ba_JBQUTPVp8XdpRy8nXylkTS2DJ72HkKMrLyKX0JujPc3eH-PpnPeDgZaqwtXQs3hn6xSTorDMnvaqWIUCox2/s320/Maxine6.JPG" width="312" /></a></div>
Usually when I take the rabbits out, the reactions are 90% fear and maybe 10% enjoyment. I still think it's worth while for them to be distracted from just sitting in the shelter all day, even if they're just distracted because they think they're going to be eaten (I'm not terrible though, the scared ones don't stay out long). This time, however, everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg667fJvazSR-uPR9p_dcQqYkwrs_x9xa0ycl4vQ4IBGYPWSOKmlNG0hHLeoM-JeiQPIB98ZZqmpxN5RlFuZ5fqBGpYvHry1UAYg2pujXtplSaZnxbBEQDw4Bv4DuXY-F7BZ_r47pw_PcN/s1600/Maxine5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg667fJvazSR-uPR9p_dcQqYkwrs_x9xa0ycl4vQ4IBGYPWSOKmlNG0hHLeoM-JeiQPIB98ZZqmpxN5RlFuZ5fqBGpYvHry1UAYg2pujXtplSaZnxbBEQDw4Bv4DuXY-F7BZ_r47pw_PcN/s400/Maxine5.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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Maxine is not an energetic girl in the slightest, but she seemed to like the sun. She immediately sprawled out in the grass and spent the entire time relaxed and comfy. She's a sweet girl, I think she'll be really good for a family that wants a less active rabbit. </div>
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Beatrix, on the other hand, decided to take full advantage of her time outside. She is such a quirky rabbit. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with her, she's very in-your-face. She explored, she dug in the dirt, she pulled up grass and chomped down on dandelions. I lay down on the grass beside her and she bumped against me, hoping for attention.</div>
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My mum came along with me, which allowed us to take the rabbits out in pairs and get more done. This is the mystery pair from <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/rabbits-rabbits-everywhere.html">the last rabbit post</a>. It's <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2011/08/family-fun-part-ii.html">Circe and Zeus</a>, my old fosters. They've been returned, although from the sounds of the adopter, that's not a bad thing. Their own post is in the works, but in the meantime, I've been trying to spend extra time with them. Circe remembers me and it can't hurt to see a friendly face. </div>
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I took the two of them out on to the grass and while they were a little nervous, they seemed to have a good time. I also ended up getting the most hilarious photo of Zeus:</div>
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Talk about a grumpy face, sheesh.</div>
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Of course, Circe is capable of making her own hilarious faces:</div>
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Circe and Zeus are our only bonded pair at the moment (thank goodness). We took the others out in twos, but we tried to keep them away from each other in order to avoid any unnecessary conflict. We took out Honey, the giant girl, at the same time as Mocha, the adorable Lionhead, and they seemed determined to meet each other. We tried to stop them, but it's hard to say no to this face:</div>
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They managed to get to each other, and much to my utter astonishment, they <i>loved </i>each other. It was an instant bond, and they were immediately grooming each other and nuzzling. I couldn't believe it. Talk about the cutest, most odd couple ever:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO8wVjC8xGsRXXYvY8SJE_o0NUzUEiucrs_ckLIR4UXitSyMFh_xQafxDa7SKk7-LoGyE6Pp136h09AGoCRwYQAgoZsFcOmwpiTVZ5gfgyoXS9Fn5ABSy1ecEOPoHcJNbPSNIyGOA_Zue/s1600/HoneyMocha4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxO8wVjC8xGsRXXYvY8SJE_o0NUzUEiucrs_ckLIR4UXitSyMFh_xQafxDa7SKk7-LoGyE6Pp136h09AGoCRwYQAgoZsFcOmwpiTVZ5gfgyoXS9Fn5ABSy1ecEOPoHcJNbPSNIyGOA_Zue/s320/HoneyMocha4.JPG" width="288" /></a></div>
They were so thrilled to be with each other, I felt bad separating them when we went back inside. But bonded pairs are hard enough to adopt out, we don't need to create any more. There's no chance of them getting adopted together but it was the sweetest thing. Rabbits can surprise you!Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-8012027249287602792012-07-04T10:39:00.003-07:002012-07-04T10:39:20.869-07:00SenselessTwo weeks ago, a chinchilla came into the Room.<br />
He'd been left in his cage, on a street corner. The cage was bare except for a few shelves and, inexplicably, a little bowl of birdseed. The chinchilla sat on bare wire, looking half-dead. It was over 40 degrees outside with the Humidex, and chinchillas have extremely low tolerance for heat. There was a water bottle in the cage, mostly empty, which was at the top level. He would have had to climb up three shelves to get to it, and by the time he arrived at TAS, he was too weak to reach it.<br />
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We weren't at all sure he was even going to survive, to be honest. He was lethargic and bedraggled. When I put a bowl of water in the cage (one he could reach), he fell into it, he was so desperate for a drink. We gave him hay, proper food, and a chew toy, and we moved him into the back room where it was cooler.<br />
The next time I saw him, he was a different chinchilla.<br />
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Amazing, isn't it? He made a spectacular turn around. He had several dustbaths and now he looks very handsome indeed. His fur is shiny and fluffy again and his eyes are bright. As I always say, it really doesn't take much. We don't have a proper cage for him at the moment, so he's still in his awful original one, but with the addition of food and toys, he doesn't seem to mind so much.<br />
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We've named him Sir Nigel. I was going to go with Nigel, because with his fancy coat I thought he looked like an old man living in luxury. Nicola, one of the staff members, decided that we had to go all the way and knight him.<br />
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Even better than his turn-around in condition, Nigel has turned out to be a total sweetheart. Most chinchillas that we get are extremely skittish or tend to bite. But Nigel is lovely. He isn't a great fan of being picked up, but he puts up with it, and he enjoys being held. He'll put his little paws on your arm and sit there happily. He likes to be scratched on the head and back, and runs right up to say hello to you.<br />
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I will never understand how people can be so cruel to their own pets. How do you justify leaving a chinchilla outside in over 40 degree weather? Nigel is a sweetheart. They must have played with him, scratched him, held him. How do you take an animal you've held and played with, and leave it to die of heat stroke on the street? It's incomprehensible.<br />
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Chinchillas take forever to get adopted, because they have such specialized needs and long life spans. We're trying to contact rescues in order to get Nigel into a foster home, but for now he sits in the back room at the shelter, getting spoiled by the staff.Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-30600605751543844332012-06-28T17:25:00.003-07:002012-06-28T17:25:19.701-07:00Rabbits, Rabbits, EverywhereWe're at the tail end of the post-Easter rush right now, so unsurprisingly, the Room is completely packed with rabbits. Ideally, the Room is built for six rabbits. Right now, we're at eleven.<br />
Let's meet them, shall we?<br />
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First, my dear, grumpy Abeline. I think she's earned first mention, since she's been waiting for a home since <i>October</i>. She came from <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2011/11/pressure-cooker.html">a hoarder</a>
and is now the last remaining from that group. I love Abie. It is high
time she found a home. So she grunts sometimes! Nobody's perfect. <br />
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On the other side of things, Beatrix here just arrived yesterday. She's a stray and,
most unfortunately, a red-eyed white. She's also part Lionhead
however, so she's got some fluff and cuteness to her. More importantly,
she has real personality, alternating between begging for pets and acting like a hyper kit. She seems like a real character!<br />
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Speaking
of character, this is Olive. Olive has...spunk. She's been at the shelter for two months. When she arrived, she was <i>insanely</i>
territorial. We hoped that she would improve with spay and she did, but
she's still got quite the personality. Olive likes things done her own
way. I think with the right home, preferably experienced with rabbits,
she'll be queen of her domain.<br />
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Cornelius
is another one who's been at the shelter for a couple of months. Poor
Cornelius, he's always being overlooked. He's a quiet, shy boy who needs
to lose some weight and get a better diet. He doesn't draw much attention to himself,
and I must admit, even I overlook him half the time. We offered him to
rescue but they don't seem interested, so hopefully we can get <i>someone</i> to notice him and take him home. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6M9leGm7JbYmpnkubSc9qk3dcDwJER2o41AuHY4NJHaH5KFNKyPBRzXQbq5XELyoO57SzaeTwwH7xsZw16dA-9QJBNSThIPDjodWHgm-Se-4hxzMk9bfPoFGHSnJgQ9JP6fwA7FHuhwD/s1600/Leonard6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6M9leGm7JbYmpnkubSc9qk3dcDwJER2o41AuHY4NJHaH5KFNKyPBRzXQbq5XELyoO57SzaeTwwH7xsZw16dA-9QJBNSThIPDjodWHgm-Se-4hxzMk9bfPoFGHSnJgQ9JP6fwA7FHuhwD/s320/Leonard6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Leonard's
been waiting as long as Cornelius, but I can't imagine why. He draws <i>lots</i> of attention to himself.
He's a big, 9-month old goofy kid, and all he wants is attention and toys, all
the time. Leonard is also the weirdest rabbit I've ever seen in terms of
breed. His fur is long and wiry like a terrier. It makes him look rather
eccentric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_qQpi8FJ-IYoa4MiTlZS9ee_TTJvbyefmKtUGYhSSOujYvtsRmVmwQvzLCoJZvv9Gzl-_G-yZ_nZNy5xltC3je1Mx0FMnUUAL_vl2mhB4P0zrcdWLS4ovW3IWuBeVh5tNBFekajhbrDc/s1600/Whisper1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_qQpi8FJ-IYoa4MiTlZS9ee_TTJvbyefmKtUGYhSSOujYvtsRmVmwQvzLCoJZvv9Gzl-_G-yZ_nZNy5xltC3je1Mx0FMnUUAL_vl2mhB4P0zrcdWLS4ovW3IWuBeVh5tNBFekajhbrDc/s320/Whisper1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Whisper is one of our newest residents.
This sweet girl is only about 5 months old, and she was found fending
for herself in the wild. A concerned neighbour tried to catch her for
several days, and was finally successful earlier this week. She's pretty
thin, probably in part due to our crazy recent heat wave, but she has a
lovely quiet personality and is eating well at the shelter.<br />
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I
have not, so far, been able to get a good photo of Maxine, but I swear
she's gorgeous in real life. She's a big girl, all thick, fluffy fur and
big ears. Her coat is flecked with brown, and she really is just darn
pretty. Maxine is also a new arrival. She needs to lose some weight,
but otherwise she's in a good condition. She really likes being petted
on the head and will fall right asleep once she's guilted you into doing
it.<br />
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And
speaking of beautiful, just look at this girl. Honey is a Flemish Giant
mix, and just about the most gorgeous Flemish Giant mix you ever will
see. Every time we get a giant, it just makes my heart ache. I miss
having a giant bunny so much! Honey is a teenager, and a little skittish
but mostly friendly. She was just spayed and I suspect (hope!) she'll
be gone soon. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQU9FstWCLNgJNCG_Dm-MHkiwrUWctkx5i1DtHTFuJUgB_W9BKhdcvN7jWFpW0ORZy7SVVivDe7GuArTNiQKJ2S_uUfc0_capxoD6LtecTTRxXYyoeq3e95aCYklqBTwb5IgT5GYMh4YX/s1600/Mochaccino1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQU9FstWCLNgJNCG_Dm-MHkiwrUWctkx5i1DtHTFuJUgB_W9BKhdcvN7jWFpW0ORZy7SVVivDe7GuArTNiQKJ2S_uUfc0_capxoD6LtecTTRxXYyoeq3e95aCYklqBTwb5IgT5GYMh4YX/s320/Mochaccino1.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
And then we have Mochaccino, who just arrived yesterday and is <i>jaw-droppingly cute.</i>
There's a reaon Lionheads are so popular! He also has the sweetest,
quietest personality. You can do anything to this boy. I predict he
lasts about two days once he's been neutered. <br />
There are two other rabbits, but they get their own post. Do you recognize them?<br />
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We've had some good adoptions lately. From <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/05/piglets.html">my guinea pig family</a>, Tango and Polka were adopted to a great, knowledgeable family, and Fozzie and Kermit just went to an excellent home with a custom built cage.<br />
But it's rabbit adoptions we really need. In the month of June, we've had one rabbit adoption. It's just the reality of rescue - summer means busy intake and slow adoptions. But here's hoping July is a <i>little </i>better.Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com103tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-31453851595029267402012-06-26T10:01:00.000-07:002012-06-26T10:01:06.256-07:00Arthur & Doyle<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzufOVKej2SekGAEtC434fMGShKBy6uMhLs1q5qTn9edXBc85RK75NEdL2kOJfF6TQxEBrwz_QET11p_g-Ctj6_MWCrIC7Vv0Ph8uaNdkAwnMmeN2fVt1vQQvmvcSYqOzBbZWPdMzQzN3/s1600/032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzufOVKej2SekGAEtC434fMGShKBy6uMhLs1q5qTn9edXBc85RK75NEdL2kOJfF6TQxEBrwz_QET11p_g-Ctj6_MWCrIC7Vv0Ph8uaNdkAwnMmeN2fVt1vQQvmvcSYqOzBbZWPdMzQzN3/s320/032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Two
gerbils arrived in the Room about two months ago. I saw their listing
on the website before I met them, and I groaned. Gerbils were a fad pet
of the 1990s. These days, they are impossible to adopt out. Our last
group of gerbils took over six months to find a home.<br />
When I got
to the shelter, I found two scrawny looking raggedy things, clinging to
each other in a hamster cage. Gerbils are master burrowers and should
really live in a tank full of shavings, but we don't really have proper
accomodations for them at the shelter. <br />
"Do you want them? Take
them." James appeared at the doorway. James always tells me to take
everything, so I rolled my eyes and gave my customary answer.<br />
"No thanks." I flipped their card over. "Where did they come from? They look pretty scruffy."<br />
"They look like crap." James concurred. "Owners left them behind in the apartment when they moved."<br />
"Charming. And did the owners not feed them?"<br />
"Well, no one knew they were there."<br />
<br />
The
rest of the story comes out over the next few days. These two gerbils
lived in a house that also had a few pet rats. At some point, the owners
decided to move, and made the oh-so-popular decision to not move their
pets. The logical thing to do would be to surrender your pets to one of
the five shelters in the GTA, but no. Instead, they moved out and left
their animals behind, without telling anyone they were there.<br />
In
fact, no one realized they were there for over a week. Once TAS was
finally called to pick them up, the situation had deteriorated. The rats
were in such bad shape, they were starting to eat themselves and had to
be euthanized.<br />
Gerbils are desert animals, and they are designed
to withstand a lack of food and water, so they were in better shape.
However, they were thin, lethargic and their fur had seen better days. I
named them Arthur and Doyle. They were gentle and friendly, and
depressed.<br />
A few days later, I was back at the shelter and talking to James again.<br />
"Hurry up and take your gerbils." He teased.<br />
"Honestly, I might." I admitted. "If they're not gone in a week, I might take them. I miss having gerbils."<br />
"The vet is iffy on clearing them for adoption." He told me. "She's not sure they're healthy enough to make available."<br />
I took them that night. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJ4xIQ0weEbQz_pPyyyJ9HTpKxF7xdShDSdfJvfD8Dy-aDApvn1W_a0QyHNr3PXFjyxxlZNWEVAs51nqem805pPX-iouRw8DRmZOkLo3m2wtXghm3888ul-p5D_mDHRSkOuS85EV6vK_L/s1600/073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNJ4xIQ0weEbQz_pPyyyJ9HTpKxF7xdShDSdfJvfD8Dy-aDApvn1W_a0QyHNr3PXFjyxxlZNWEVAs51nqem805pPX-iouRw8DRmZOkLo3m2wtXghm3888ul-p5D_mDHRSkOuS85EV6vK_L/s320/073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
To
be honest, I adopted Arthur and Doyle with the assumption that they
wouldn't live very long. Doyle, the tan one, was especially thin and
lethargic and I doubted he had much left in him. But the boys surprised
me. They are now living in a ten gallon tank, three quarters of which is
filled with shavings, and getting lots of food and cardboard to chew.
And they perked up <i>immediately</i>. The day I brought them home, they happily set to work burrowing, more energetic than I had ever seen them at the shelter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVpoejq4KhsR8zWUlLlSSXNb8NRjpmPBml1sCc_pewoBWFy7kV05gHU4wAv8Tq87XQyDglUtuNk0TLYHWP6uNvlXgxWYbdvEqZ-nhYNFg_h4whbyeJNgY5UzsYz3dIune_6yRfML-wDxn/s1600/037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVpoejq4KhsR8zWUlLlSSXNb8NRjpmPBml1sCc_pewoBWFy7kV05gHU4wAv8Tq87XQyDglUtuNk0TLYHWP6uNvlXgxWYbdvEqZ-nhYNFg_h4whbyeJNgY5UzsYz3dIune_6yRfML-wDxn/s320/037.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
You
know, it doesn't take much to make gerbils happy. A tank full of
shavings, food, water and cardboard to chew. It's not exactly a tall
order. I've had Arthur and Doyle for a month now, and I'm consistently
astonished at their turn-around. In the shelter, they barely had energy
to come out of their house. Now, they build spectacular tunnels and
caves in their shavings and - I kid you not - they can go through a <a href="http://sustainabilityreport.timhortons.com/images/cup_to_tray.jpg">Tim Horton's cardboard coffee tray</a> in less than an hour. <br />
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They've
both put on weight and no longer look like stick figures - Arthur tends
to hog the food and has actually gotten pretty chubby. Their fur is
shiny and their eyes are bright. They adore each other and are
constantly together, grooming each other, sleeping together or chewing
on either side of a cardboard toy. They're happy now. And I'm not saying
that to brag about my mad gerbil caring skills. It's not rocket
science. As human beings, we create these little guys for our
entertainment. They ask for so little in order to live a happy life,
it's really the least we can do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KHbCwxwqHpDIFxEgi_OoEkpjlnA64XRv_DRwuWlZ_dzDXA3O5Onze-OnZ5NGbVUpUJf9071-5e67N1zv6OG7AMWTDTUNkoKxN-hNGjbCmlzYUTwjY1QGW3jMSKQ_D_k7wyauU6FA0AVr/s1600/076.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KHbCwxwqHpDIFxEgi_OoEkpjlnA64XRv_DRwuWlZ_dzDXA3O5Onze-OnZ5NGbVUpUJf9071-5e67N1zv6OG7AMWTDTUNkoKxN-hNGjbCmlzYUTwjY1QGW3jMSKQ_D_k7wyauU6FA0AVr/s400/076.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is my favourite photo from our recent photo shoot. So adorable! <br />
<br />
I'm sure the boys' ordeal has had some effect on them, and they
may not end up living very long. It doesn't really matter to me how much
time they have left. They've joined my crazy household, and here they
will stay.Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-3871369944199166182012-06-14T06:02:00.003-07:002012-06-14T06:13:46.029-07:00To the BirdsRecently, the OSPCA seized about 100 birds from somewhere or another. I don't know the exact details, but the upshot of it is that TAS South has been receiving waves of birds over the last few weeks. Most of them are in fairly good shape, considering the situation they came from - the worst I've seen was a few overgrown beaks and some slightly underweight birds. They're all banded and a surprising amount of them are fairly tame.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GoSgbiCYHNO_hX7Si0_mtDa96ndyr7yyw6bHH21LNtxw78ZLh7Eq-2e-PD57VH3WuUyuW4vJIWnmwU4H5s482ahC7rjQM8Th0Kh8dBVFx8WQY_KpgszxSEMiyJTYIpogZUo3Exx87Exi/s1600/214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-GoSgbiCYHNO_hX7Si0_mtDa96ndyr7yyw6bHH21LNtxw78ZLh7Eq-2e-PD57VH3WuUyuW4vJIWnmwU4H5s482ahC7rjQM8Th0Kh8dBVFx8WQY_KpgszxSEMiyJTYIpogZUo3Exx87Exi/s400/214.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
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The shelter isn't used to handling birds, and certainly not en masse. Birds have extreme emotional needs, requiring lots of attention, exercise, toys and affection. Unfortunately, a lot of people think it's a-okay to keep them in a little decorative cage for their entire lives. Because of this combination, many of the staff feel uncomfortable adopting out birds. Some think that the shelter isn't really qualified to find homes for parrots; partially because of this (and partially because we're full), many of the birds have been transferred to other rescues.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1opxKSRHkv1JdZ17ZfSVFbKnQwjA-1cCxpYfshYYG7QaeLhQ1O6W-UNJxWNbDuj4XEYSD2DGUD1uhPRxErrS-g6s-H-ASfOsmQ_V2u2vY90F8PXK544Look_0sMxpdrOau0UzuNhZpwg/s1600/033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1opxKSRHkv1JdZ17ZfSVFbKnQwjA-1cCxpYfshYYG7QaeLhQ1O6W-UNJxWNbDuj4XEYSD2DGUD1uhPRxErrS-g6s-H-ASfOsmQ_V2u2vY90F8PXK544Look_0sMxpdrOau0UzuNhZpwg/s320/033.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div>
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The first wave included two Green-Cheeked Conures, a species close to my heart as I used to own one myself. This is Pip, a little terrified juvenile. He went ballistic when I tried to touch him and I assumed he was completely untamed, but a few days later, he hopped onto my hand. He wasn't untame, he was just utterly petrified when he arrived. Can you blame him? Who knows how much these birds had been through by the time they got to South Region.</div>
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Tiko was the other conure in the group. He was an adult, older than Pip and more plainly coloured. From the first time I went in, Tiko was pressed against the side of the cage, watching my every move. You could see from the look in his eyes that he wanted fiercely to be with people. Probably because of the stress he'd been through, he was quite nervous about being touched at first. However, a few days in, he turned into a total sweetie. He would hop on your hand and let you hold him and pet him to your heart's content. </div>
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I'm very glad to say that Tiko and Pip were adopted a few days later, together. They were adopted to a great, bird-experienced home with an avian certified vet. Pip can learn confidence from Tiko, and both can learn to live in a family where they will be loved and given proper care.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHGgP7ApIhcg5XO2NNKcj7m6TyrrUKwuL73f6ZdSO-sSczFCoAmb80aqKHoh9s5ev_yLv9q4QhOnrnvyCkUy2FzaWlTx_7lv8uADIUsdMo9BqJNVHxqvWUxWNiCNyLp81iH520h8Maeil/s1600/226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSHGgP7ApIhcg5XO2NNKcj7m6TyrrUKwuL73f6ZdSO-sSczFCoAmb80aqKHoh9s5ev_yLv9q4QhOnrnvyCkUy2FzaWlTx_7lv8uADIUsdMo9BqJNVHxqvWUxWNiCNyLp81iH520h8Maeil/s320/226.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This beautiful pair of lovebirds also arrived in the first wave. I never did get a decent shot of Sprite and Puck, but they were stunning. Especially Sprite, I've always loved blue lovebirds. These two were extremely frightened and nervous of people, but they were adopted after about a week. The staff report it was a good home, so I hope their new people help bring them out of their shells. </div>
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Joker here is a Fischer's Lovebird, and also stunning. He was thrown in with Puck and Sprite, but unfortunately we had to separate him into his own cage. Sprite and Puck were very wary of having him in the cage, and the sad fact is that no one will adopt three lovebirds together. Separating Joker allowed Sprite and Puck to be adopted together, but it left Joker pretty lonely.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MhjHGW9Fm23S_FFbW2yw9Y5k5kQOkhTaXqg857A3Ir0ilP5gDo6YJNvZPjla2SDtoG6WPT4zdVcnjpMuw1Pc0VTqASYql8rgB9Ts-Rs4A_bWpSXGS-NtsVqEuXA_45Hto7f2dwVCQ2Kq/s1600/235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-MhjHGW9Fm23S_FFbW2yw9Y5k5kQOkhTaXqg857A3Ir0ilP5gDo6YJNvZPjla2SDtoG6WPT4zdVcnjpMuw1Pc0VTqASYql8rgB9Ts-Rs4A_bWpSXGS-NtsVqEuXA_45Hto7f2dwVCQ2Kq/s320/235.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here he is, making me feel bad about putting him on his own. The three of them escaped on me, and Joker followed Sprite and Puck around the room, hoping for company. Sprite and Puck wanted nothing to do with him, but I felt pretty sad for him. Joker has been transferred to the Humane Society, where hopefully he will be adopted by a family that can offer him lots of company.</div>
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Two more lovebirds rounded off the first wave of birds. This is Lemon, another beautiful bird who was scared out of her mind. She wanted nothing to do with me, but her buddy Levi had an entirely different attitude. </div>
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Levi was the only normal coloured one in the group, but he was <i>such </i>a sweetie. He happily hopped on to your finger, crawled all over you and let you hold him and kiss him. He jumped on to one of the staff members and happily pulled the pen out of his pocket. Such a character! I have to admit I felt a moment of temptation when I was with him - I have waited a long time for my Bailey to be that sweet. But my Bailey is my Bailey, and I love him for his craziness. And happily, Levi was adopted with Lemon a few days later. The one good thing about birds - they go fast!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxnTTAxspBpZ4GWjl6tkHdA0_5FuU1AYRW2SQiAL6eDIUH2f3EILxInQH1azkV1S8sB-8nynx1z5cSO0s1BuA8pxKPhVDst6XqQO_u_yQ_VtnXVWsuIm0pMv2qYY2XGnbAbOF20k0F1Qs/s1600/Acrobat1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxnTTAxspBpZ4GWjl6tkHdA0_5FuU1AYRW2SQiAL6eDIUH2f3EILxInQH1azkV1S8sB-8nynx1z5cSO0s1BuA8pxKPhVDst6XqQO_u_yQ_VtnXVWsuIm0pMv2qYY2XGnbAbOF20k0F1Qs/s320/Acrobat1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Acrobat here is the only budgie to come from the group (so far). She earned her name - she loves to hang upside down! Like most budgies we get, she's not tame and quite skittish around people. But she's very pretty and full of acrobatic energy, so hopefully that endears her to someone soon. So far, she's still waiting at the shelter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpg-upy8cqh9hliHEbdYSxKpbk2N6GWJQQ41MHuyTUwvsjAkvaDkIXXELXsvr57aHTkUthA6RBYMvqkOxdnYbUZEWrzVA4jhQw3JfYNdfTEnNMe9FkE7I4W0yao49Na2qf2d9EJoL_4pN/s1600/278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdpg-upy8cqh9hliHEbdYSxKpbk2N6GWJQQ41MHuyTUwvsjAkvaDkIXXELXsvr57aHTkUthA6RBYMvqkOxdnYbUZEWrzVA4jhQw3JfYNdfTEnNMe9FkE7I4W0yao49Na2qf2d9EJoL_4pN/s320/278.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
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These two cuties were part of the second wave. Phoebe and Phyllis are two parrotlets with crazy overgrown beaks (you can really see Phyllis' ridiculous beak here). Parrotlets are adorable little parrots that can live over 20 years. Since these two would need a long-term family and some special care for those beaks, they were transferred to a local parrot rescue.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3A78FXTSoDNzfNTIOzXM4hmL8vkxMCCmIOEYEwphDDSM8NDOmdEOFklsd9wRUwkQVSTiKmnePByVLpisztnpgXna2pWu-E-iBFq3hKnPqrGAaCzwHyQ1_H1GSXeauTH1tFTo4Sw_orU2/s1600/Zip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3A78FXTSoDNzfNTIOzXM4hmL8vkxMCCmIOEYEwphDDSM8NDOmdEOFklsd9wRUwkQVSTiKmnePByVLpisztnpgXna2pWu-E-iBFq3hKnPqrGAaCzwHyQ1_H1GSXeauTH1tFTo4Sw_orU2/s320/Zip.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The last ones that have arrived from the seizure so far were three Lineolated Parakeets ('linnies' for short). Cute as buttons, these guys were super talkative and curious. Above is Zip, the only green one in the group. Widget was dark blue and Wiki (below) was a light blue. </div>
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The three linnies were also sent to a local parrot rescue, which rounds out our portion of the bird seizure. However, North York and Etobicoke still have a fair amount, so I suspect we'll be getting more soon.</div>
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And from an unrelated circumstance, we recently got this little one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3TPw4M7BBIFj8ilqv0bM0ZjZvN0DOaM3bH1N_yUnGhC7hMOC1z6Db_WNYxIMo9J361Ou3qtG4Z8rQTvRyAQNvK63mSRMBoR5W8D9Jw26ovnrC1T_tSUG_0aviakOy9Hi0dBUQVL1bodb/s1600/Cricket1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt3TPw4M7BBIFj8ilqv0bM0ZjZvN0DOaM3bH1N_yUnGhC7hMOC1z6Db_WNYxIMo9J361Ou3qtG4Z8rQTvRyAQNvK63mSRMBoR5W8D9Jw26ovnrC1T_tSUG_0aviakOy9Hi0dBUQVL1bodb/s320/Cricket1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This terrible photo is the only one I got of Cricket before she was promptly snatched up by one of our staff members (and promptly renamed). She was found fluttering around the Eaton Centre, only a few days before it was the scene of the shooting. She reminded me very strongly of my girl <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.com/2011/01/carmen.html">Carmen</a>, so I'm glad she got a home that will treat her right and not as a musical decoration, as so often happens with canaries.<br /><br />And that's all the birds! Hopefully, that's all the birds for a long time, because we are full to the brim with rabbits and guinea pigs. But I think that's wishful thinking. </div>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-20721973813902057102012-05-29T12:27:00.002-07:002012-05-29T12:27:16.938-07:00Growing Up HappyI have a few truly depressing and frustrating posts coming up, so I thought I should start with something more uplifting. And what's more uplifting than updates?<br />
I think my favourite updates are on former foster babies. I love seeing an animal who was born homeless, with nothing, getting the chance to grow up in a loving home.<br />
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Do you remember <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2010/08/invasion.html">Thelma, Louise and their little ratlings</a>? Two years ago, we ended up with nine rat babies, who were raised in foster care by the amazing <a href="http://www.digbyandsassy.net/">Grace</a>. Two of them were adopted by a young man and his family, who also became small animal volunteers. They recently went out of town, so I ended up rat-sitting for them.It's amazing to see how big they've grown!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVkZ01in26VkBCZKqOlhGoXb9yQYLu6MLxpCKlpA6nvGKnD0SF_8uLdz5KyPifxhotAv_Fje2e8n9MwUS0f5DCqFc4UEL1tMuBaqlkc1pSKi2xxjzIW9L4SI6rcpReS0s6AL6VG8an63T/s1600/OsmiumSamarium2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVkZ01in26VkBCZKqOlhGoXb9yQYLu6MLxpCKlpA6nvGKnD0SF_8uLdz5KyPifxhotAv_Fje2e8n9MwUS0f5DCqFc4UEL1tMuBaqlkc1pSKi2xxjzIW9L4SI6rcpReS0s6AL6VG8an63T/s400/OsmiumSamarium2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
They're named Osmium and Samarium, thanks to their owner's love of science. They are huge! The boys are very well loved and have a wonderful home where they are spoiled rotten. They receive a wonderful diet, regular trips to the vet and lots of love.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue5PANabvZXbx8VK8U2WTHNlnsloG3izZCOcxeDg96-bVEhL8Ry2DphX_sWY9tLOQ-jxXhmzmIBjvwuq1cNUhcbxJSenc-pwyKlFSVMl6qVtfSc_8pg-zfHdkFecB1EtJ0oe4TG80QGJt/s1600/OsmiumSamarium6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue5PANabvZXbx8VK8U2WTHNlnsloG3izZCOcxeDg96-bVEhL8Ry2DphX_sWY9tLOQ-jxXhmzmIBjvwuq1cNUhcbxJSenc-pwyKlFSVMl6qVtfSc_8pg-zfHdkFecB1EtJ0oe4TG80QGJt/s320/OsmiumSamarium6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
They also love each other very much, which is why I'm so glad all the babies went in pairs or more. Rats are such social creatures, they really should never be alone. It's wonderful to have not only a foster baby update, but also a long-term update! These guys definitely got a home for life.<br />
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I also have a fabulous rabbit baby update. Remember <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2011/08/family-fun-part-ii.html">Circe & her 7 kits</a>? Circe was dumped on the streets and had to give birth under someone's porch.<br />
Two of the boys in that litter, Achilles and Hercules, were adopted together to a wonderful home. They were renamed Oscar and Leroy, and I got an <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2011/12/abundance-of-updates.html">update right after they were adopted</a>. Today I got another update, celebrating their almost-one-year-birthday!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHAb6k3_oG8MtNyk4HRD3fkI8TWLmjiIReMwGDBcEQpAtsq38szWwTFAsEIp7bPrizld5PQ47bwGW2edNkA_n-S8oPVdIUassyYeV9nYt7N76d0hcs50JMXL33o5W73Eb3p3Nue1a4TSY/s1600/Oscar+and+Leroy+-+May2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHAb6k3_oG8MtNyk4HRD3fkI8TWLmjiIReMwGDBcEQpAtsq38szWwTFAsEIp7bPrizld5PQ47bwGW2edNkA_n-S8oPVdIUassyYeV9nYt7N76d0hcs50JMXL33o5W73Eb3p3Nue1a4TSY/s320/Oscar+and+Leroy+-+May2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Hi Laura,</i><br />
<i>Both of them are doing great. They had a check-up with the vet last month and are completely healthy. Only thing is that Oscar is a little on the chubby side. He's 6.5 pounds and Leroy is only 6 pounds!! Their personalities have changed a bit now that they're growing up. Oscar has taken over as the dominant bun, which doesn't bother Leroy at all. Leroy is a real sweetie and loves to be pet. He's also very active and loves to do binkies. Oscar loves to run circles around their room and then lie down for a long nap.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAUlybNqRqkuCy0zj7IQ4rrTeDPpnT-GAXHb5D1Hgm8BUUxy5e2enjrcc-2MS40gkHySNUjr0DxpUtZAqSCurXbybnXz-ioF4fOe0u9nb3WzQAbVf1hzfqlSvdLkq5LFddhaOCI-v2IAm/s1600/Leroy+-+May2012%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAUlybNqRqkuCy0zj7IQ4rrTeDPpnT-GAXHb5D1Hgm8BUUxy5e2enjrcc-2MS40gkHySNUjr0DxpUtZAqSCurXbybnXz-ioF4fOe0u9nb3WzQAbVf1hzfqlSvdLkq5LFddhaOCI-v2IAm/s320/Leroy+-+May2012%282%29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>They also love to throw things. Their favourite toys have turned out to be some old plastic measuring cups that they toss around night and day.</i><br />
<i>Now that the nice weather is here we're building them an outdoor pen so they can eat grass and nap in the sunshine. We've seen a hawk in our yard a few times so we have to make sure there's a roof and a nice secure shelter for them. </i><br />
<i>We love them very much!! </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9N3Ldr0Rkz-7BqUhQ0PCUcaVWDCUvnudk2n7VBJNvnGAfO-ExOsWSDaiqO4UBzLg1zPgEUFaSpgtLohip5h1RTrE2Vz78TfTEuHchlbUytpqjyjIEmTxoZwP4OKk2yHi6KpsKyoxaAKM/s1600/Oscar+-+May2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9N3Ldr0Rkz-7BqUhQ0PCUcaVWDCUvnudk2n7VBJNvnGAfO-ExOsWSDaiqO4UBzLg1zPgEUFaSpgtLohip5h1RTrE2Vz78TfTEuHchlbUytpqjyjIEmTxoZwP4OKk2yHi6KpsKyoxaAKM/s320/Oscar+-+May2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't they look fantastic? It's so great to see them a year later! They really lucked out in terms of homes.<br />
The last update for this post isn't a foster baby, but it's a great one nonetheless. <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2011/12/making-merry.html">Jellybean</a> was a laid-back, sweet girl who was adopted once and then returned. It was no fault of hers or the adopters, it was just a bad match, but Jellybean was pretty depressed to be back. That's why I was so happy to hear that her second home is pretty much perfect!<br />
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<i>We adopted Jellybean back in January, she's an adorable black English Lop. She was still having a bit of trouble with an eye infection the first week she was home but a trip to the vet and some eye ointment cleared that up. She's rapidly settling in making her hutch her home and is showing signs of bonding with us. </i><br />
<i>We've discovered that she's a big suck for nose rubs and isn't shy about putting her nose into your hand whenever you come near. Although she's not terribly active - she spends a lot of time happily kicked out relaxing - she enjoys hopping in and out of the hutch and nudged out a hidy spot between the boxes underneath it. </i><br />
<i>So far so good, Jellybean is our big loving adorable bunny and we're so happy we adopted her.</i><br />
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They also attached this photo of Flower, a rabbit they adopted beforehand from TAS North Region.<br />
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I love updates! There's nothing better than seeing a homeless animal happily in a home. After a pretty disheartening week at the shelter, it's great to remember that some shelterees do have happily ever afters.<i></i>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-70402690210343893592012-05-25T12:23:00.003-07:002012-05-25T12:23:48.270-07:00Piglets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The baby guinea pigs have arrived! And man, are they <i>cute</i>.<br />
While I was away on my field course, both Tango and Salsa gave birth. I suspect Tango giving birth induced Salsa's labour, because they gave birth on the same day, by all accounts at the same time! This left my poor mom with a handful of unexpected babies, but I'm pleased to say that everyone (including her) survived.<br />
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There are five in total. There was quite a bit of a debate over the past few weeks, but I think we've finally nailed it down that Salsa had two and Tango had three. They are all living together and seem to be one big happy family (except for poor Polka, who had to be separated when Salsa started beating her up).<br />
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Salsa's pretty young to be a mom, and while she's doing a great job of nursing her pups, she spends most of her time chasing after Tango and cuddling up to her. I'm pretty darn sure Tango is Salsa and Polka's mom as well (poor girl), so she's the head of the clan at the moment. As you can see, when there's trouble they all go running to her!</div>
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Four of the five pups are males, with only one girl in the lot. We've already decided on eventual, permanent pairings. Most of them won't be going with litter-mates, but since they've all been raised together and seem quite attached, we don't think that will be a problem.</div>
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And without further ado - introductions!</div>
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The brown one is Fozzie and the one with the white nose is Kermit. These two boys will be going together, and we originally thought they were brothers since they look so much alike. It turns out Kermit is Salsa's kid and Fozzie is Tango's kid, but does it really matter? They're all related anyway! </div>
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Chili is the only girl in the group, and even though she's Tango's kid, she'll be adopted with Salsa when the time comes. Tango will be going back with poor Polka, who is quite upset at being alone all of a sudden. Chili is super outgoing and <i>noisy! </i>She's also super cute though, so it balances out the noise.</div>
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Peppermint and Pico are the smallest ones, so we assumed they were Salsa's, but it turns out Peppermint actually belongs to Tango. Crazy guinea pigs, trying to fool us! Either way, the two littlest ones will be going together and will no doubt make the most adorable pair ever.</div>
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Peppermint is just heart-breakingly cute. He's probably the shyest in the group, and he tends to hide under his family members if he hears you coming. We're trying to coax him out of his shell - he doesn't mind being held, but he raises quite a fuss being picked up in the first place.</div>
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Pico (from part of the Spanish word for Salsa) is the smallest of the group, but he's no runt. He's got quite the belly, probably because he nurses from both moms whenever he gets the chance! He is a feisty little guy and chatters up a storm if you stop to say hi to him. </div>
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Right now, they're all small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but they're growing quickly! In a week they'll be ready to be weaned and go back to the shelter. Chili and Salsa will head back first, then Tango and Polka, then the boys in some order or another. </div>
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Meanwhile, Jazz gave birth to two pups in another foster home, a few days before our little ones came along. And of course, two new pigs have arrived at the shelter. I wasn't kidding when I said it was the year of the guinea pig!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6Ivdc-ehgClQJJOdUJDMxLgoMsjHvdgU_q7CMG1DOc1RyMjOgvhaeYkNB0sZVDEA7xJs2__B_NBD73O2FFEhu_tdrEgNu8e4I_f5MuMy3BMzoZMoLogjlRsT0NMNe6RpUeVaRuyFZvw7/s1600/PicoPeppermint_10daysold.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6Ivdc-ehgClQJJOdUJDMxLgoMsjHvdgU_q7CMG1DOc1RyMjOgvhaeYkNB0sZVDEA7xJs2__B_NBD73O2FFEhu_tdrEgNu8e4I_f5MuMy3BMzoZMoLogjlRsT0NMNe6RpUeVaRuyFZvw7/s320/PicoPeppermint_10daysold.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-580422702244080282012-05-22T17:30:00.004-07:002012-05-22T17:39:21.236-07:00The Wilds of Ontario<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been MIA for the past few weeks because I've been at the <a href="http://ksr.utoronto.ca/">Koffler Scientific Reserve</a> on a field course. It was all very last minute, but it was a fantastic experience and if you ever get the chance to visit the reserve, take it! It is a stunningly beautiful place.<br />
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I think I've mentioned it once or twice, but I'm actually in school for Zoology. The plan is to be a behavioural ecologist and research wild animals, although I spend an awful lot of my time with domestic animals. KSR is an incredible place to see Ontario's biodiversity, such as the wild orchid (Yellow Lady's Slippers) in the photo above, which my professor found growing in a large group in the middle of a marsh.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkUHfB9mZfLlwph1NJV-eKOl2H4hYYcxqTq_FI8E7k3FhLIaX_0MC36AqAvDuEo1viOjRAymynUFodHYcZVslf__lEg4LfITHvFGxPQAl3KIOrH7ib47KMCvxLd2q9zxtY1I8xgJR-Sm-/s1600/367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOkUHfB9mZfLlwph1NJV-eKOl2H4hYYcxqTq_FI8E7k3FhLIaX_0MC36AqAvDuEo1viOjRAymynUFodHYcZVslf__lEg4LfITHvFGxPQAl3KIOrH7ib47KMCvxLd2q9zxtY1I8xgJR-Sm-/s320/367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And there's a Green Frog! <br />
People tend to think of Ontario's flora and fauna as rather boring, because their view of it is usually restricted to city gardens and House Sparrows. But KSR is host to a whole bunch of different habitats, and it's really amazing what you can see if you're looking. I thought it might be neat to share a few of my favourite photos, before diving back into the shelter business (which, of course, is booming).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbtLgF3pOD_7jhaEKUl7j_SMDXTuRzeNNJBItpBCXkazmYt4ien5loPQjPHxZAuaKbIvSSEETs3_EtX9iaUIhzIgQqlsBt0BYmgGciK8wWq_k5Q9y2L6ywdoJXhBSFZy7YWRfMpHpZkE6/s1600/184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbtLgF3pOD_7jhaEKUl7j_SMDXTuRzeNNJBItpBCXkazmYt4ien5loPQjPHxZAuaKbIvSSEETs3_EtX9iaUIhzIgQqlsBt0BYmgGciK8wWq_k5Q9y2L6ywdoJXhBSFZy7YWRfMpHpZkE6/s400/184.JPG" width="400" /> </a> </div>
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I did my research during the course on Tree Swallows, so I have about a million photos of them, but this is one of my favourites. Tree Swallows are not an uncommon bird (you can find them in nestboxes in several Toronto parks), but they're one of my favourite species. They're so stunning, and it's incredible to watch them fly! Which I did, for six hours straight, every day...and it's <i>still</i> impressive.</div>
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How <i>cute</i> is this guy? He's a Savannah Sparrow, and he's all poofy because it was quite a chilly morning. These guys were all over an old horse racetrack on the property. They buzz like insects and sit on fences to keep an eye on their territories.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiudI9SjVnkGNjusm_1qK_uU8pheH4eWeBmZLFtCLpaM_aETQc56Wm_01k35ZAvdJRqPR4SdnrzikNV98Z181JVBirprW9WoD748AgEoUhBtuRi-MpRTp1I4d2GPNfeeUjEoQP1xs08T0/s1600/151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWiudI9SjVnkGNjusm_1qK_uU8pheH4eWeBmZLFtCLpaM_aETQc56Wm_01k35ZAvdJRqPR4SdnrzikNV98Z181JVBirprW9WoD748AgEoUhBtuRi-MpRTp1I4d2GPNfeeUjEoQP1xs08T0/s320/151.JPG" width="284" /></a></div>
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This photo, which I think is hilarious, is from one of my favourite moments of the trip. It's a Pileated Woodpecker, our largest woodpecker. They are normally very shy and I'd never seen one before, but this handsome guy showed up right outside our door one morning, while we were having breakfast!</div>
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This is an Eastern Kingbird, a pair of them posed beautifully for me early one morning, on a willow overhanging the pond.</div>
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I mostly focused on birds because I love bird-watching, and the course mostly focused on plant life, but there was no shortage of other organisms hanging around.</div>
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This stunning moth was pure white and furry. He showed up one night when we set up a sheet and light, and he seemed rather content to be carried around by people. He was promptly dubbed 'Herman'.</div>
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This beautiful guy, who I think is a Garter Snake, was basking in the road and was quite upset that I moved him into the grass. Lucky him, though, because a car roared by only a few minutes later.</div>
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The forest was also full of white Trilliums, which were at their flowering peak and blanketed the ground, spotted with the occasional red one (a separate species). Trilliums are the provincial flower of Ontario, and it takes them 10 years to reach the flowering stage, which is why it's a good idea <i>not </i>to pick them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCJ4Tw2s-ybRxOUg4NVgFuu0eWZcD7YmNrsN8Ds7GOrYNcw_BO1qxI7F91onlA7sIiwTFzpBz-vv2wh9u-d3ydZClzVKZybIEhRC4P3bM8E77f02-mCmoKANGtj0nXj7HTlShSF6G6LbU/s1600/063-003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCJ4Tw2s-ybRxOUg4NVgFuu0eWZcD7YmNrsN8Ds7GOrYNcw_BO1qxI7F91onlA7sIiwTFzpBz-vv2wh9u-d3ydZClzVKZybIEhRC4P3bM8E77f02-mCmoKANGtj0nXj7HTlShSF6G6LbU/s400/063-003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
And this is a Gray Tree Frog, which was a lucky find as we walked the trails. These guys make a lovely high pitched trilling sound, which carries straight through the trees.<br />
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We also found an Eastern Newt eft, which is the juvenile stage before it becomes totally aquatic as an adult. He was bright, fiery red and a very impressive sight!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9KVSRnlyK4kJRwKtwGtmYUD7Swxh62cD0UNTAwtsNMPJhXRlLvgaX9xJW3OJt60eMNYWNIhJGmroWWPl6AmGhCogrdRuIrpbKmC7ypEfB9MQ8KMudLP0zpc5pculysA12pHnZ9B-TTdJ/s1600/109-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9KVSRnlyK4kJRwKtwGtmYUD7Swxh62cD0UNTAwtsNMPJhXRlLvgaX9xJW3OJt60eMNYWNIhJGmroWWPl6AmGhCogrdRuIrpbKmC7ypEfB9MQ8KMudLP0zpc5pculysA12pHnZ9B-TTdJ/s400/109-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is a baby Midland Painted Turtle, a native species that is threatened by an invasion of released pet Red-Eared Sliders. This little guy will get to be about the size of a dinner plate when he's done growing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8D0aulR510vlZN23DiTdK0C0JXfW2dA5Atgil_VexVP5X-DPQztNAgE1DmDT-S3AIIXlYuKfHqJCpEdrbM8G2RwgAXR4wAjkuj_jjYjvaNB3UYoi8yOGj04RN5gm_kPn9np3vO5J86dP/s1600/240-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8D0aulR510vlZN23DiTdK0C0JXfW2dA5Atgil_VexVP5X-DPQztNAgE1DmDT-S3AIIXlYuKfHqJCpEdrbM8G2RwgAXR4wAjkuj_jjYjvaNB3UYoi8yOGj04RN5gm_kPn9np3vO5J86dP/s320/240-001.JPG" width="282" /></a></div>
This is an Indigo Bunting, a truly stunning bird that can be found in High Park in Toronto. This fellow sang right at the top of the hemlock outside our dining room every morning, which was a nice little treat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhVxn0xnicSPQbdXd5gXg2D6BKfBPVI1sxFo-KFU8iKtVuA6EKI525Qyk1CiSB6ivDwsSU120nov9vuHFtlJccwhCwXucxNrT-18PHNLVcBTShLzO6LW9sBMbkaBMKVLyFPpQxZbg0Psb/s1600/352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhVxn0xnicSPQbdXd5gXg2D6BKfBPVI1sxFo-KFU8iKtVuA6EKI525Qyk1CiSB6ivDwsSU120nov9vuHFtlJccwhCwXucxNrT-18PHNLVcBTShLzO6LW9sBMbkaBMKVLyFPpQxZbg0Psb/s320/352.JPG" width="296" /></a></div>
And speaking of blue birds, here's an actual Bluebird! This beautiful boy had a nest near my observatrion post, and I spent my lunch hours watching him and the missus feeding their chicks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y8uFr1YaGHtKTQtRcllnuJBFbOxsRpxvFwDr-ZNOiVcTbi21EcEmNxtRfYKRO4sBBKpa0pR4sShJ7yVZWKH5usw1RoweWCdBK6Z6rV7ngnrzPQpafq6krbPViK9WsA9PGtdCKg2Xzau-/s1600/336-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y8uFr1YaGHtKTQtRcllnuJBFbOxsRpxvFwDr-ZNOiVcTbi21EcEmNxtRfYKRO4sBBKpa0pR4sShJ7yVZWKH5usw1RoweWCdBK6Z6rV7ngnrzPQpafq6krbPViK9WsA9PGtdCKg2Xzau-/s320/336-001.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
And there's one of the chicks, sticking her head out and begging for food!<br />
I have about a thousand photos from this trip, but I suppose I'd better stop before this post gets too ridiculously long. Long story short: Ontario has amazing wildlife and if you ever get the chance, you should visit Joker's Hill.<br />
Tomorrow, shelter stuff! It's going to be cute, because baby guinea pigs have arrived!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AeAu09zad-BRwnMo5-4G8PAoFa0bTRNwhfOu71tNBH11CQaEW8t0QqNr9NVKp_6K8kjg7ANLeo5sbmwYxHZ3QiVnJNQkHnkWeDKgf-Qs2iqzepDkuYOmYk9feDP_B7NOdSxtJqfZgZ_y/s1600/144-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AeAu09zad-BRwnMo5-4G8PAoFa0bTRNwhfOu71tNBH11CQaEW8t0QqNr9NVKp_6K8kjg7ANLeo5sbmwYxHZ3QiVnJNQkHnkWeDKgf-Qs2iqzepDkuYOmYk9feDP_B7NOdSxtJqfZgZ_y/s400/144-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-45498583826631864802012-04-26T13:13:00.001-07:002012-04-26T13:14:15.074-07:00Foster WatchWow, it's been three weeks since the last post. I blame exams! All delays can be blamed on the University of Toronto. But I'm done exams now (well, mostly), so on with the show!<br />
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As I mentioned in the last post (lo those many weeks ago), I have three foster guinea pigs: Tango, Polka and Salsa.<br />
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These three were dumped on the doorstep of North York along with a male and another female, inside a box. We named the male Lorax and, as I said in the last post, he was quickly adopted to a loving family. The females, of course, were relegated to pregnancy watch in foster care. While Lorax and Tango were adults, Polka, Salsa and the other girl seem to be only a few months old themselves. I wouldn't be surprised if they were an earlier litter from Tango and Lorax.<br />
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Usually with guinea pigs, pregnancy watch doesn't pan out. They aren't as crazy fertile as hamsters or rabbits, and I cannot tell you how many times I've fostered a guinea pig for three months only to have nothing happen. In this case, however, three of the four girls are definitely pregnant. Lorax is an efficient guy.<br />
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Polka here is the only one who got off scott-free. Or at least, I'm pretty sure. We've been weighing them every few days and her weight gain has been in the normal range for a growing pig, whereas the others have been blowing up like balloons.<br />
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Salsa is the same age as Polka (probably a few months) but unfortunately, judging by her weight gain, she's probably pregnant. I hate seeing babies having babies, but what can you do. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nZL4KVUEilCNOXV-spBhUApkBHMML2TDa8jyqWGXNTWK3J9qOHUQpDnehso89qRXEZ-7E4qgIGyBPhYM8B44n9-HHTtyOxBJFJIZhUpXTiIkQ81SBlTroQf9W6K7Dzlp5FRaladp6JZj/s1600/Tango1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nZL4KVUEilCNOXV-spBhUApkBHMML2TDa8jyqWGXNTWK3J9qOHUQpDnehso89qRXEZ-7E4qgIGyBPhYM8B44n9-HHTtyOxBJFJIZhUpXTiIkQ81SBlTroQf9W6K7Dzlp5FRaladp6JZj/s320/Tango1.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>
Tango here is absolutely, <i>definitely</i> pregnant. On April 11, she weighed 1072 g. Today, she weighed 1281 g - that's over 200 g in weight gain over two weeks! And she's already an adult. Besides which, yesterday I could feel the pups kicking, which was very weird and signals a birth within the next few weeks.<br />
Besides, look at her:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46V2WjH8EuC1vuWDkK1OSJRNBuLvaHJiod7FDCY4cH2Y-7jnmKwbc6lhKxM52pb9guu5LJrlVJNxoyBfrEQk0rZnlldCetqMP9QD9Fw6tm_vX1WySCe3MKHZgTy9DLOp0sv7c7qzE7xGF/s1600/Tango-pregnant-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46V2WjH8EuC1vuWDkK1OSJRNBuLvaHJiod7FDCY4cH2Y-7jnmKwbc6lhKxM52pb9guu5LJrlVJNxoyBfrEQk0rZnlldCetqMP9QD9Fw6tm_vX1WySCe3MKHZgTy9DLOp0sv7c7qzE7xGF/s320/Tango-pregnant-2.JPG" width="206" /></a></div>
She's looking pretty round!<br />
They are really gorgeous guinea pigs, so I'm interested to see what the pups look like. And while my three girls look pretty obviously related, the fourth girl is a horse of a different colour (so to speak):<br />
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Isn't she stunning? I've never seen a pure white guinea pig with dark eyes. Her name is Jazz and she's staying with another foster home. She came to visit for a few days, and she is a noisy, chattery girl. Very pushy! She is another who's clearly pregnant:<br />
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Not quite as obvious as Tango, but she has that signature 'pear shape' of a pregnant pig. So that makes three pregnant girls! It really is the year of the guinea pig.<br />
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Good news: <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/03/uphill-battle.html">Huckleberry the rat</a> has been adopted to a very loving, experienced home. And sad-eyed <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/03/sad-eyes.html">Hattie</a> has found a forever home with one of our volunteers!Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-21324941747423307422012-03-31T18:17:00.001-07:002012-03-31T18:20:39.715-07:00Year of the PigThis guinea pig boom is getting a little ridiculous. In the past six days, we've received <i>eight</i> new pigs! Right now, TAS South has 11 guinea pigs - 6 in foster care, 2 at Pet Valu, and 3 at the shelter. I shouldn't complain though, because it's much easier to deal with a boatload of guinea pigs than it is to deal with a boatload of rabbits. It's just super weird.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnFZnHCt2S25VJlR57AVo7xII68VTww6s9cxwD1BT3MjTTEktPcc6ZzORP0BDrjbvqEMPqP2W0kpwkzOEanHuHrBKH_afAVWTY9cNeD5ndu4UGGRiUg6W5CiPfbq4Mfb2MBg4xBkA5has/s1600/Lenny1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPnFZnHCt2S25VJlR57AVo7xII68VTww6s9cxwD1BT3MjTTEktPcc6ZzORP0BDrjbvqEMPqP2W0kpwkzOEanHuHrBKH_afAVWTY9cNeD5ndu4UGGRiUg6W5CiPfbq4Mfb2MBg4xBkA5has/s320/Lenny1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Lenny here arrived today, just while I was walking in the door. His owner had bought him from a pet store only a few months before, but now his girlfriend was moving in and she was allergic. Sure, you might think they'd have some inkling that this move would be happening a few months ago, but who knows? Maybe she just ambushed him one day and appeared in his house with all her stuff, ninja-style. Lenny had sore feet from inadequate bedding and repulsively long nails, so he's probably better off anyway. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9PyNfckY4TDttTX9yTINiWZBjY8AGS8Ycj4q_yNGbjt9PwcmTncI9wlxHzWY2E2Q7zoNDKa-y8WEDbaUPZGvVddL8c-b01oXJPoc1Wq_HdorHjh_DhwS-_LQVobUKftWQ2oDSiPJs-8i/s1600/CarrotTop2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9PyNfckY4TDttTX9yTINiWZBjY8AGS8Ycj4q_yNGbjt9PwcmTncI9wlxHzWY2E2Q7zoNDKa-y8WEDbaUPZGvVddL8c-b01oXJPoc1Wq_HdorHjh_DhwS-_LQVobUKftWQ2oDSiPJs-8i/s320/CarrotTop2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Carrot Top arrived yesterday. He was also surrendered, but I have no idea why, and I'm not sure the staff bothered asking. He's also 6 months old. Perhaps his owner thought he was buying a stuffed animal and mistakenly bought a living creature! That would explain a lot. Carrot Top is cute, but man is he skittish. He's a guinea pig, though, that's kind of their default setting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBljqBEPJNPGrMNPhoSKdD_Tp-xhGHvD6BQbCNge9POon1_VX_kPIpYfto-nYEe5aiqS6REtIb_3YLyEeWPLEWxfQjOF4HI0Pdk-LJq_IEhg_wS5w8Va0yrqW_MTMLi7XRCUddB0K4MwSK/s1600/Cherie2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBljqBEPJNPGrMNPhoSKdD_Tp-xhGHvD6BQbCNge9POon1_VX_kPIpYfto-nYEe5aiqS6REtIb_3YLyEeWPLEWxfQjOF4HI0Pdk-LJq_IEhg_wS5w8Va0yrqW_MTMLi7XRCUddB0K4MwSK/s320/Cherie2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Cherie arrived the day before Carrot Top. You know what they say, a guinea pig a day keeps a shelter full! She's really stunning to look at, but unfortunately I think there's something going on with her, health-wise. She kept twitching and shaking her head when I did her photo, and she was sneezing. The vet will have to look at her on Monday and see if it's something we can handle.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPB0oQLYIESvb176Zj5ketuJSPdg9hR0VzE9RseF8idIpGfrQlMAmKnEKftMeMuHEosZYspliRUC3n2tZgZ0WeBwDKrTiwOxUDX2pftC2HWWlAC2L3_7k1wxAcSVpaZCoc64NxER-aIi7/s1600/Lorax2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPB0oQLYIESvb176Zj5ketuJSPdg9hR0VzE9RseF8idIpGfrQlMAmKnEKftMeMuHEosZYspliRUC3n2tZgZ0WeBwDKrTiwOxUDX2pftC2HWWlAC2L3_7k1wxAcSVpaZCoc64NxER-aIi7/s320/Lorax2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then we have Lorax here, a dashing, handsome fellow who was left in a box on North Region's doorstep, along with his four girlfriends.<br />
Yes, that's right, <i>four</i> girlfriends. Lorax must have been a busy guy.<br />
He was quite down in the dumps at the shelter, since he was used to living in a group and we had to take his girlfriends away (and put them in foster care). Happily, a nice guinea pig experienced family adopted him today to be pals with their 5-year-old boy, so Lorax is part of a family once more!<br />
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His adopters were the perfect counterpoint to the owners who surrendered Lenny (or Carrot Top, or Cherie) - they'd kept their boy for four years, they doted on him, and they were careful to pick the right companion for him since his bonded partner had just passed away. Lorax is a lucky guy. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRrprU4hs7NjWBORU4qUC12igLoN3kkXESXSzGmLNlyAMXvn54UvO1DzZawUBmAZ4fi2vVA-lYLFqUVNRPg-kZMg2xt5kc_ZjLLKMof3A-FFbd3kuSSuUhkKgpkSDEueFgH_ghLc3T8SL/s1600/TangoSalsaPolka5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRrprU4hs7NjWBORU4qUC12igLoN3kkXESXSzGmLNlyAMXvn54UvO1DzZawUBmAZ4fi2vVA-lYLFqUVNRPg-kZMg2xt5kc_ZjLLKMof3A-FFbd3kuSSuUhkKgpkSDEueFgH_ghLc3T8SL/s320/TangoSalsaPolka5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And finally, here are three of his girlfriends! The fourth one is at another foster home, but this trio of lovely ladies is hanging out at my house on pregnancy watch. Salsa (on top) and Polka (on the left) are hopefully too young to be pregnant, but Tango (on the right) is looking pretty round.<br />
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On the upside, <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/03/happy-thoughts.html">Sweet Tart</a> has <i>finally</i> been adopted. And on the rabbit side of things, <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/03/happy-thoughts.html">Scotty</a> and <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/02/stylish.html">Morris</a> have both been adopted, leaving us with an astonishingly low number of rabbits. Of course, the cynical side of me says "Oh good, we've cleared out room for the post-Easter rush", but shush, cynical side.<br />
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Guinea pigs are easy to adopt out, so I shouldn't complain, but sheesh. They're living animals, people, not collectibles. Put some thought into it before you buy one!Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-51436075024165972762012-03-27T08:46:00.001-07:002012-03-27T08:50:07.928-07:00Uphill BattleWell, that nice little lull is over! I knew it couldn't last. It's just not natural to have a reasonable number of animals in the Room. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlxKs2sfS1RyKC2jYK6YK-yPxO3lgl9PHtcf8xlrwVvm04Rz1NaEsoOyiDQp_QxwsviHHfap1oTU9oPvj71zzXzh1sLtCXzC3C_omPUEznVr02qeHG5oslc9BYroSDj_IFlZUlzZHC3fp/s1600/SmokeyFoghorn1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlxKs2sfS1RyKC2jYK6YK-yPxO3lgl9PHtcf8xlrwVvm04Rz1NaEsoOyiDQp_QxwsviHHfap1oTU9oPvj71zzXzh1sLtCXzC3C_omPUEznVr02qeHG5oslc9BYroSDj_IFlZUlzZHC3fp/s320/SmokeyFoghorn1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>For some reason, we've been getting loads of guinea pigs. This is fairly odd, because while we get guinea pigs regularly, we don't normally get them in huge groups. Yet for some reason, we have about 10 right now. These two are Smokey and Foghorn (not my finest moment in naming, I'll admit). Have I ever mentioned I hate photographing animals with dark faces? Because seriously. Can you even see Smokey's eyes here? He looks like someone inked out his face. He's cute in real life, I swear.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvdarH74ImReRv9Zihe-HzThkU-amxIfILtiJtAQ9U3RURhZqyeUxlnqtkqTPpSRyNpHu4CKakX0Yg0s346BPrt6zX9VNVSJg8a4ikLRGL8X0voEF8tPmwpkLrsaKC-csiGR-2VGl0E_/s1600/Pinta4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehvdarH74ImReRv9Zihe-HzThkU-amxIfILtiJtAQ9U3RURhZqyeUxlnqtkqTPpSRyNpHu4CKakX0Yg0s346BPrt6zX9VNVSJg8a4ikLRGL8X0voEF8tPmwpkLrsaKC-csiGR-2VGl0E_/s320/Pinta4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This little cutie is Pinta, and she's only four months old. She arrived with another guinea pig named Tribble, but they were separate for some reason. We pawned them off on Pet Valu - er, I mean, Pet Valu kindly agreed to take them. <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/03/happy-thoughts.html">Sweet Tart</a> (who is <i>still</i> waiting!) is at Pet Valu with them, bringing our number of current adoptable guinea pigs up to 5. That may not sound like much, but it's certainly more than we normally have. And I'm not counting the ones in foster, who are going to get their own post.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-EhVcInPpHkrNG7F1wpac8OQuCxJhX8UwVu656NxU8FjYfUBOW2pBMfcfpx_i0zKgjyDqi91-Sej_fPO-YQRXecH9_tsftb_3XNQQhmEP_6RlsnD-ASM-UOLa077lOAAk0aXQhldA0T9/s1600/Huckleberry2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-EhVcInPpHkrNG7F1wpac8OQuCxJhX8UwVu656NxU8FjYfUBOW2pBMfcfpx_i0zKgjyDqi91-Sej_fPO-YQRXecH9_tsftb_3XNQQhmEP_6RlsnD-ASM-UOLa077lOAAk0aXQhldA0T9/s320/Huckleberry2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>While guinea pigs are taking over, we did also get a sweet young rat. This cutie is Huckleberry, and he's only five months old. I know people don't like the "lab rat look", but I think the red-eyed whites are kind of cute. Whatever you think of his looks, Huck is a total sweetheart and I doubt he'll last long.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-GQhLppmzaJh9YhS5Z9e19w0jp5TWI7YE7ncy1EbOcYJVCmGzuJCgjX-nwdE5J3C56d2t5vrA3eZTzxg01dtL1b5EgPjzvuSmDx_RPFKJfjII4w0IHdXpazM3KYRI6Vc12Bs7BejVUQP/s1600/Cocoa2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-GQhLppmzaJh9YhS5Z9e19w0jp5TWI7YE7ncy1EbOcYJVCmGzuJCgjX-nwdE5J3C56d2t5vrA3eZTzxg01dtL1b5EgPjzvuSmDx_RPFKJfjII4w0IHdXpazM3KYRI6Vc12Bs7BejVUQP/s320/Cocoa2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And of course, it wouldn't be the Room without a few extra rabbits. Cocoa here was surrendered by his owner because she was moving, even though she'd had him for two years already. I'll never be able to make sense of that. Anyway, Cocoa is a pleasant fellow, although he can be a little touchy about his territory. I told him there was only space for one ambiguously territorial rabbit in the Room, and Abeline had already filled the position. He just got neutered, so we'll see if he gets over himself as the hormones calm down.<br />
I'm exaggerating though, he's nowhere near as bad as Abeline, he probably just needs some space. He's a perfectly nice guy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwnKujbSo3_Z1eeT7iUzTorWyyHsaWAcExNbgxQG7Ein6AUJkrEqiqc4BLjtgh3NcgXNych_55ZfS3cE14FMfYeOX8q3zbRa1K_kFMvbOJNKGvuBIhWdZQVqz9cIz0H5kAb3FrBYOUgit/s1600/Henry2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHwnKujbSo3_Z1eeT7iUzTorWyyHsaWAcExNbgxQG7Ein6AUJkrEqiqc4BLjtgh3NcgXNych_55ZfS3cE14FMfYeOX8q3zbRa1K_kFMvbOJNKGvuBIhWdZQVqz9cIz0H5kAb3FrBYOUgit/s320/Henry2.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>Brown seems to be the colour of the month. How freaking <i>cute</i> is this guy? I just want to take him home (not really).<br />
Henry here is an easy-going guy who doesn't seem fazed by much. He was left in a box on a store's front steps, arrived at a scary shelter and got neutered, all within two days. That's enough to freak out any rabbit! But the next day, he was stuffing his face and playing with his toys, as calm as could be. He is super good looking and with that nice personality, I'm going to predict he won't last long.<br />
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So, all seven of those animals arrived within the last week. How many got adopted? Um, two. Ha! Ever heard the term 'uphill battle'?<br />
Meanwhile, in my ongoing attempt to get a decent photo of poor <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/03/sad-eyes.html">Hattie</a>, I took this shot. I think it's an improvement? Hard to tell, really. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNn5AqUlzYh-2GkEogJlhVdmIECF-4u6n7NXKFzh2Rz5-vHd2cxhFai8GdvYz2TYBkLqIXzLUe0u7WfQDcjRCXVzpj1wEb-znE7c9td2x9qHWjLFUX9NA2e2p9g-aLJNmgnHSAm2fVM4n/s1600/Hattie7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNn5AqUlzYh-2GkEogJlhVdmIECF-4u6n7NXKFzh2Rz5-vHd2cxhFai8GdvYz2TYBkLqIXzLUe0u7WfQDcjRCXVzpj1wEb-znE7c9td2x9qHWjLFUX9NA2e2p9g-aLJNmgnHSAm2fVM4n/s320/Hattie7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-14977158108170406982012-03-22T12:45:00.001-07:002012-03-22T12:46:49.029-07:00Sad EyesAre you prepared for the saddest-looking rabbit, ever?<br />
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Meet Hattie:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VEWAOv4sFS6lwQUTu3zUwAnfDTzMVn-0HfBZBIbw-CJirFQ1kzTzyQrng1htAR10O29R1YvXUSbGfj1FUK233AkDgmKNuYT7eMmhOZjaGKuZ1VsLp9kBQG1KmJYUnuQsgmDjxvpb9ikZ/s1600/Hattie0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VEWAOv4sFS6lwQUTu3zUwAnfDTzMVn-0HfBZBIbw-CJirFQ1kzTzyQrng1htAR10O29R1YvXUSbGfj1FUK233AkDgmKNuYT7eMmhOZjaGKuZ1VsLp9kBQG1KmJYUnuQsgmDjxvpb9ikZ/s320/Hattie0.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>That's the best pose I could get out of her. She was so terrified that I just gave up and put her back in her cage, where she resumed the same position in the corner.<br />
Hattie was found running around a parking lot. A family who have rabbits themselves saw her, and took the time to catch her and bring her to us.<br />
She arrived filthy and scared out of her mind. She also had ear mites (now treated) and she was a little underweight, although I think that was less neglect and more the fact that no one knows how to feed large rabbits properly. What gets me is her eyes:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlPHd2vMmNPCyT9DYh8hNXNbq6KZRKzejhxbo-Ic0rp7UPu35XqTWrGEeMX7i50zKYOWBOcFLqlWw9z7IFVcbEWgZtRipZac0J6jIdgFXXJR8PUcYMrIpWZJ3GMnTBvdXlra1u7wBUcDq/s1600/Hattie4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSlPHd2vMmNPCyT9DYh8hNXNbq6KZRKzejhxbo-Ic0rp7UPu35XqTWrGEeMX7i50zKYOWBOcFLqlWw9z7IFVcbEWgZtRipZac0J6jIdgFXXJR8PUcYMrIpWZJ3GMnTBvdXlra1u7wBUcDq/s320/Hattie4.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>Those are some sad eyes. Girl has not had a good time lately.<br />
It's hard to tell in the photos, but she is a giant breed. She's just a little smaller than my Alice was, so I'd guess her to be around 10-11 pounds. She's got the build of a Flemish Giant (the largest breed), but her white fur and red eyes suggests the New Zealand breed, so I can only guess that she's a mix. I can also only guess that she's an <i>accidental</i> mix, because who would breed those two on purpose? People have enough problems with red-eyed rabbits, they don't want them in giant size.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuPMnOv-P6QIo4Q4om-7XXx3bCmk6lZ2CVZ4GAl9qMd3x7c1_Q3EcjWw2gEgGU8DPfmUqVZuRcL0r7K8hwBsSKwdw046vNlIjXG2n64g3prm1PGpWGo2G2IhFoYQC7TIeGXqU8IS4ZycW/s1600/Hattie1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuPMnOv-P6QIo4Q4om-7XXx3bCmk6lZ2CVZ4GAl9qMd3x7c1_Q3EcjWw2gEgGU8DPfmUqVZuRcL0r7K8hwBsSKwdw046vNlIjXG2n64g3prm1PGpWGo2G2IhFoYQC7TIeGXqU8IS4ZycW/s320/Hattie1.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>These photos are from when she arrived, last week. We've done everything to make her comfortable and she is starting to improve. It helps that the volunteers are all taking it nice and easy with her. She's much more active now (and she looks better!), and she's starting to come out of her shell. Giant rabbits are the best (not that I'm biased or anything), so once she's spayed, I hope she doesn't have to wait too long. A gentle girl like that should never have eyes that sad.Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-14871167080523189842012-03-21T07:52:00.001-07:002012-03-21T07:53:15.638-07:00Working on the Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqPPnOm8KRgbPDLCBREnT16Z8VrM1uiugRPQb7DfGy1wn-gVdm4gCcaCsf-w6CPgZEwDxGeTKbo6sCk7fW0hULtVXmXCuS6xn92qAMkFVvfyyHIXbaY4YYe83_XAAex09L8rmrJe_TH4c/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqPPnOm8KRgbPDLCBREnT16Z8VrM1uiugRPQb7DfGy1wn-gVdm4gCcaCsf-w6CPgZEwDxGeTKbo6sCk7fW0hULtVXmXCuS6xn92qAMkFVvfyyHIXbaY4YYe83_XAAex09L8rmrJe_TH4c/s320/060.JPG" width="261" /></a></div>We had an adopt-a-thon over the weekend at Pet Uno, a small store on College Street which opened last year. The store kindly keeps a rabbit for us throughout the year, and this is the second adopt-a-thon we've held there. The last one was fairly unproductive, but I'm pleased to report that this one was a great success!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn427dKvdS94RnxIvUnlhfVnRYAPekgumu_fM76HzsN1AQGNsLef1jiacg29fTao_dajS3khrwlPict0Bjtal7cS9M7FGXtZEspEbY80W1b9kADv876DauAFFFJUKsYDC3dzzUOswBScs8/s1600/068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn427dKvdS94RnxIvUnlhfVnRYAPekgumu_fM76HzsN1AQGNsLef1jiacg29fTao_dajS3khrwlPict0Bjtal7cS9M7FGXtZEspEbY80W1b9kADv876DauAFFFJUKsYDC3dzzUOswBScs8/s320/068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In total, we had 15 adoptions - two puppies, two rabbits, and eleven cats, including Jack in the photo. The first day was slow (and, to be honest, fairly boring) with only two cat adoptions. The second day was completely insane!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYhIcO49O7Gr_nc2dckw9mgqdkkD0g7ETvV3c_EFKjwkNYGufo-FSIWSM4JzO-ykLiRL5o-H9sCEG5gU9kwcQOUGAto54EpqKrnqMLSfCfRSkvVaZ-ay1fiz3ZEEkEkfmha4rlyJgB6go/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYhIcO49O7Gr_nc2dckw9mgqdkkD0g7ETvV3c_EFKjwkNYGufo-FSIWSM4JzO-ykLiRL5o-H9sCEG5gU9kwcQOUGAto54EpqKrnqMLSfCfRSkvVaZ-ay1fiz3ZEEkEkfmha4rlyJgB6go/s320/127.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>In the first two hours on Sunday, we did seven cat adoptions, a rabbit adoption, and about ten phone calls from people <i>interested</i> in adopting. This was while we were still cleaning the cages. It was chaos, but in a good way. Unsurprisingly, the three youngest kittens were the first to go. The four-month-olds went next, and then the six-month-old. People love kittens!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNs3x67W-fOQOZ6dq9TPBH4hk20O5H27DnrCt0PXX9MlXxEg_BfWh3SVKdmYkovndwVld1ZVXIU2Zi8PflpJ3Dc9u7noBhMdUxU7h6AsL2njaFe_rHiG8R6QLFYuWoUBIYnXsoucZJwpS/s1600/017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNs3x67W-fOQOZ6dq9TPBH4hk20O5H27DnrCt0PXX9MlXxEg_BfWh3SVKdmYkovndwVld1ZVXIU2Zi8PflpJ3Dc9u7noBhMdUxU7h6AsL2njaFe_rHiG8R6QLFYuWoUBIYnXsoucZJwpS/s320/017.JPG" width="232" /></a></div>Even better, of course, was that three adults went after the kittens were gone. Helena (above) was a favourite among the volunteers, including me, and she got an amazing home. Look at that photo! She latched on to her new people and wouldn't let go. Smart girl!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3Lxd-YiDcAv7l1h1PwFuk962pdMak84Sn6lqwWM1eVtsbMD_fqSkxP4uKsDppGM07ZDTTHBMpUQwXMh6PlYVwih8KsxLblGagVv8PS81LjLfJ4DfwEnoWDM0NvFb2q5IlmoHrQoC10GQ/s1600/178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3Lxd-YiDcAv7l1h1PwFuk962pdMak84Sn6lqwWM1eVtsbMD_fqSkxP4uKsDppGM07ZDTTHBMpUQwXMh6PlYVwih8KsxLblGagVv8PS81LjLfJ4DfwEnoWDM0NvFb2q5IlmoHrQoC10GQ/s320/178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look, a dog!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Boomer here wasn't adopted at the event, but don't feel too bad for him - he needs training, but he's got such an enthusiastic personality I can't imagine he'll last long at the shelter. Two positively adorable Golden Retriever puppies <i>did </i>get adopted, both to wonderful, loving homes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN_V80e2E9gS0AV-slcaHLnleVGlKi-T5VgpitIdE02ttB88nVp7GcUCOC51P5Rk3uQLE8Y5yKeNWbmibg6GlrAoQEnGIzU8h0woExBULZsN49WSASM-rFLWCnSgE02sE3iqPbtK0AJSo/s1600/221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfN_V80e2E9gS0AV-slcaHLnleVGlKi-T5VgpitIdE02ttB88nVp7GcUCOC51P5Rk3uQLE8Y5yKeNWbmibg6GlrAoQEnGIzU8h0woExBULZsN49WSASM-rFLWCnSgE02sE3iqPbtK0AJSo/s320/221.JPG" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the end of the day, when everything was packed up, I let Morris have a run of the room. He's a very active boy and he had a great time exploring every nook and cranny. Morris wasn't adopted, but he's staying at Pet Uno and hopefully will find his home fairly soon. <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.ca/2012/02/stylish.html">Eve</a> <i>was</i> adopted, to a wonderful home with three other rabbits, where she will get the best of care!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, a successful weekend! But in other news, two guinea pigs, a rabbit, two rats and a hamster have arrived at the Room. And they all arrived <i>yesterday</i>. That's right, we got 6 new animals in one day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What is it about the warm weather that brings animals to our door? Hello, spring!</div>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-53715274622437161702012-03-11T22:19:00.002-07:002012-03-11T22:25:50.681-07:00Happy ThoughtsOn the flip side from the last post, sometimes I really enjoy animal rescue. Take the story of Rosemary and Sage.<br />
A few days ago, I took this video of them:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KJq1arBRCQg" width="400"></iframe></center></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seriously, watch that and not say 'aww'. I dare you. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.com/2012/01/neglect.html">Rosemary and Sage</a> had come amazingly far since they arrived. When they first came to the shelter, they were extremely skittish and hard to handle, and they ran away whenever you approached. I didn`t have high hopes for their socialization at the shelter - rabbits that young need a lot of attention to become comfortable with people, and it`s just hard to get at a shelter.</div><div style="text-align: left;">But they surprised me! They really came out of their shells. After two months, they would both run up to see you, and would happily get stroked and petted. Sage could be a little uncertain about being picked up, but both girls would tooth-purr and fall asleep if you petted them long enough. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ughLeEVQSEpqi3_zdo0jNGHShnxY9UOKjfPcdgDACpSH2qH_jB9Q_Q_Hamvk0YKsLq7DGeqmWf3Na14JJRQulry_Kd12VwgEAymfVwvE__0YPhKgvyg9PaxlosX_-lHlGT5tNDnSM0oi/s1600/SageRosemary7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ughLeEVQSEpqi3_zdo0jNGHShnxY9UOKjfPcdgDACpSH2qH_jB9Q_Q_Hamvk0YKsLq7DGeqmWf3Na14JJRQulry_Kd12VwgEAymfVwvE__0YPhKgvyg9PaxlosX_-lHlGT5tNDnSM0oi/s400/SageRosemary7.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Look at that. So freaking cute! <br />
I'm very happy to say that I posted the video on the TAS Facebook page, and someone who had asked about them before declared, "I can't take it any more, we want to give these guys a home for sure."<br />
Fantastic! Of course, I'm always a little hesitant with Facebook posters because they do not always pan out. But sure enough, this guy went down to the shelter Saturday and adopted the pair!<br />
Two months at the shelter is really pretty good for a bonded pair. Go Rosemary and Sage! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2-iCm61S2AdJ-ELIyBie1fyRCqSfQx1CU99VZFkcpNGMDlNVE2wFCUgi_oM3Xm8QwLVXwnCyLgHCNXal8Nkhnxdlyj8vBA4GzrHjqi-85S8nV6UWwjWL2KfJ-Hn1cReUCrE1cSbQkY-f/s1600/Abeline7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2-iCm61S2AdJ-ELIyBie1fyRCqSfQx1CU99VZFkcpNGMDlNVE2wFCUgi_oM3Xm8QwLVXwnCyLgHCNXal8Nkhnxdlyj8vBA4GzrHjqi-85S8nV6UWwjWL2KfJ-Hn1cReUCrE1cSbQkY-f/s320/Abeline7.JPG" width="233" /></a></div>Adoptions are obviously the highlight of any rescue work, but sometimes I'm reminded how much I enjoy just hanging out with the animals. Sometimes I walk into the Room and I'm just happy to see everyone. You can't do this work unless you genuinely love the animals, after all. A few days ago, I did a photoshoot for some of our longer-term residents, many of whom really needed a new photo, and I realized how much I liked our current animals. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2kWJ7ih5uAVjKeX3gdxzj1wGJDamfZ3FyljPVai_Fdv1FYcinFk_Z6Tl5J5gBAhCW60Sc_YqvZoB7Z4yZuQSI22erPKblBNIqVQWVUOA9ijshPpIhZ465EJggLjRv01-6GLcFeq6o0s1/s1600/Abeline11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2kWJ7ih5uAVjKeX3gdxzj1wGJDamfZ3FyljPVai_Fdv1FYcinFk_Z6Tl5J5gBAhCW60Sc_YqvZoB7Z4yZuQSI22erPKblBNIqVQWVUOA9ijshPpIhZ465EJggLjRv01-6GLcFeq6o0s1/s320/Abeline11.JPG" width="232" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Abeline, of course, is my girl. It's been almost five months since she was rescued from the hoarder, although admittedly she spent almost three months in foster care. She's such a character, I wish someone would come in and fall in love with her. Sure, she can be a little grumpy sometimes, but who isn't?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8aJNUXttxiTGfvvmE-KfeBadqZcwyhQm13VNn1NaqypnQDVKGY9xYfWiL8htS7-rgWNNv5phsxmDDSh-kf2WMTQtOIse7qyiA0mwvDnjGKQlP4asZEer9XNwIMGXnFrDVo7IxBMslHXg/s1600/SweetTart6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8aJNUXttxiTGfvvmE-KfeBadqZcwyhQm13VNn1NaqypnQDVKGY9xYfWiL8htS7-rgWNNv5phsxmDDSh-kf2WMTQtOIse7qyiA0mwvDnjGKQlP4asZEer9XNwIMGXnFrDVo7IxBMslHXg/s320/SweetTart6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't think I've posted Sweet Tart on the blog before, but she's also been waiting several months. She spent a few weeks in foster care as well, but really, it's very unusual for a guinea pig to wait so long. She's perfectly nice, and she's just gorgeous, so I'm not sure why no one's snatched her up yet. She's a little skittish, but A) she's a guinea pig and B) she was left on the hood of someone's car in a parking lot. I'd be skittish too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiymkv3jBlPwONi0zK5P9UQ1UPUuKsTDve9SSWgFKBoVYzIDsWDZX_lViULE_2QQkpVJq1RZ1qaI0WfYYTVsNBRVuPJ12kmd9TZq07Eqr2l6jp5YHSUhvwNeCFXmS2xPR3IUI5_DFPU8K6/s1600/Scotty1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiymkv3jBlPwONi0zK5P9UQ1UPUuKsTDve9SSWgFKBoVYzIDsWDZX_lViULE_2QQkpVJq1RZ1qaI0WfYYTVsNBRVuPJ12kmd9TZq07Eqr2l6jp5YHSUhvwNeCFXmS2xPR3IUI5_DFPU8K6/s320/Scotty1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> And just for some eye candy, check out this gorgeous guy. Scotty here arrived last week with his sister Patch. She's super outgoing and nosy, he's a little shy. They're both three months old and obviously the result of an accidental breeding.<br />
<br />
I'm glad to say two more of the <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.com/2012/01/neglect.html">Walmart hamsters</a>, Ritz & Breton, have been adopted! <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.com/2012/02/other.html">Banksy and Doby the alien rat</a> have also been adopted, and <a href="http://friendlyfeathers.blogspot.com/2012/02/parade-of-pigs.html">Raza the nervous guinea pig</a> found a home through our Pet Valu location.<br />
The Room has been slow the past few weeks, but with the arrival of three rats and three rabbits over the last few days, it's starting to fill up. It was nice to have a break for a little while, though!</div>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-76454251858642268182012-03-06T13:43:00.000-08:002012-03-06T13:43:57.060-08:00SometimesSometimes, animal rescue is very rewarding. But sometimes, it's just...not. <br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <div class="MsoNormal">I got a call a few days ago from the shelter vet. She told me that Brynn, the new rabbit from West, was doing poorly after her spay surgery. This has happened before with other rabbits, so she wanted to know if I could foster her for a bit and try to bring around, a strategy we’ve had success with in the past. Rabbits can have a hard time with abdominal surgery and sometimes they need a little extra care afterwards; it especially helps to get away from the noisy shelter environment. I really liked Brynn, so of course I said yes. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Usually when I pick up after-surgery fosters, they’re a little lethargic or withdrawn, and they’ve lost their appetite. When I went to pick up Brynn that night, I was taken aback. The staff had given her hot water bottles to lie on, and she was lying there struggling to breathe. She hadn’t eaten all day, even when the staff tried to force-feed her, and by the time I got there, she couldn’t get up on her own. </div><div class="MsoNormal">Most tellingly, her eyes were dull. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I wanted to help Brynn – she was my favourite kind of rabbit personality-wise, and she was beautiful and young. But sometimes trying to help is crueller than it is kind. It seemed cruel to force her to go through the stress of transport all the way to my house, just for her to die slowly. We decided to euthanize her instead. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have no problem with humane euthanasia. It’s better than a long, drawn-out death. I would stay with her, and the staff would be kind, and she could go quickly. </div><div class="MsoNormal">But most unfortunately, the shelter manager was away, and the remaining staff were not authorized to use the euthanasia drugs. We had to pack Brynn into one of the trucks and send her off to West region to be put down. Back to where she came from, she had to endure a car ride after all. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">From what I hear, they checked her out after she’d been put out of her misery. Nothing had gone wrong from the surgery, but there was something wrong with her lungs. Perhaps she’d had something wrong all along, and the surgery had just pushed it past her tolerance level. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is what I always think about when people surrender their animals. Sure, Brynn arrived as a stray, but somewhere, she had an owner. Maybe that owner thought she’d be safe in a shelter with such a high adoption rate. The truth is, you never know what will happen.</div><div class="MsoNormal">We’re lucky that stories like Brynn’s are the exception to the rule. We’re lucky that we’re able to save so many of the animals that come through the shelter doors, especially compared to some other shelters. But any animal can get sick, or stressed, or fall through the cracks. The shelter did nothing wrong – it just happened. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">There’s nothing else we could have done for Brynn. Sometimes, you just can’t win. </div>Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2751644509820779757.post-7399407426609032492012-02-27T20:42:00.000-08:002012-02-27T20:42:29.990-08:00StylishWe've gotten some good-looking rabbits into the Room over the past week or so!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEBjAWF079NXQys-6iZUOjruwxygO4A-ZIE0vVhZFr50vLFpz483aBZPIVvwXLwtetl7YuXgcj-nPtVIL8xR2IRmfw8m_E7UlK1LPIli1yDEQZUnZjUdUzpIV07Z-TR0IwbfyPDn8RVcc/s1600/Eve1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEBjAWF079NXQys-6iZUOjruwxygO4A-ZIE0vVhZFr50vLFpz483aBZPIVvwXLwtetl7YuXgcj-nPtVIL8xR2IRmfw8m_E7UlK1LPIli1yDEQZUnZjUdUzpIV07Z-TR0IwbfyPDn8RVcc/s320/Eve1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This beautiful girl was found loose in the street, poor thing. She's quite young, only a few months old, and skinny as a rail. You can feel most of her bones, but it hasn't slowed her down. I named her Eve, and she is just the loveliest thing. She is affectionate and gentle and just fantastic. Also, she's a supermodel for the camera. I don't usually get decent photos of all-black rabbits, but she posed just perfectly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIbqytdfYMSnU9EfNxFpzbJ03UdQMi1ml_UWgrCvy9tc-e4ATIV4uguPGQccP9sNixOzWPnRGieGwiDxshWp6l9ImbdUn92lBzRUZtlSoam0ghvVRUmxqrHvHl9DmjbNMbZ9e3NWIjPZu/s1600/Morris2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIbqytdfYMSnU9EfNxFpzbJ03UdQMi1ml_UWgrCvy9tc-e4ATIV4uguPGQccP9sNixOzWPnRGieGwiDxshWp6l9ImbdUn92lBzRUZtlSoam0ghvVRUmxqrHvHl9DmjbNMbZ9e3NWIjPZu/s320/Morris2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Then we have this adorable guy. Morris was brought to the shelter as a 'stray', even though the finder miraculously had a cage and rabbit food as well. How mysterious!<br />
Morris was a typical unneutered boy, very eager and in-your-face, running around with his tail straight up and marking everything with his chin. He has now been neutered, so his friendly personality should soon calm down into a more manageable, lovable form. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJLQhl2EIMjrRnvL3KTyNGNDUjEeAb4Um3OO088D1p1nkBjfBrl67kWngb-FfF-mC-w4K4Usf0ATHA5petV2e-gZKN7NL-QLQu0tBVLc8j1l-79TgHC6_bOFlw70MhWIuGgTnQR2TRklo/s1600/Brynn3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJLQhl2EIMjrRnvL3KTyNGNDUjEeAb4Um3OO088D1p1nkBjfBrl67kWngb-FfF-mC-w4K4Usf0ATHA5petV2e-gZKN7NL-QLQu0tBVLc8j1l-79TgHC6_bOFlw70MhWIuGgTnQR2TRklo/s320/Brynn3.JPG" width="279" /></a></div>Morris was transferred to us from TAS West, along with this beautiful lady. This is Brynn, and isn't she stunningly beautiful? I love her markings. She looks like those spots were delicately painted on her. She's a sweet girl, but quiet and a little shy. I love rabbits like Brynn - gentle, affectionate once they trust you, quiet, smart.<br />
Oddly enough, she looks almost exactly like a miniature version of Abeline:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh7klwrIrF32VQiTl6-DPMAbQvEPFynpQVgnEo2cAr0GQTn_w8xWH2lNWOWnixHMpYKZI6R3ARxg0ehuELsp5dEkMyOOMzfbgB7UdG1CzoLAhRjhLAjoJo8JE6CiDaX23NyYVF3IzUYit/s1600/Abeline2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh7klwrIrF32VQiTl6-DPMAbQvEPFynpQVgnEo2cAr0GQTn_w8xWH2lNWOWnixHMpYKZI6R3ARxg0ehuELsp5dEkMyOOMzfbgB7UdG1CzoLAhRjhLAjoJo8JE6CiDaX23NyYVF3IzUYit/s320/Abeline2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Speaking of Abeline, this shy girl really, really needs a home. She has been waiting since October, when she was rescued from that hoarder, where she'd been living her entire life in a tiny cage. Unsurprisingly, she has some territorial tendencies, but they really only come out when she's stressed.<br />
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And oh boy, is she stressed at the shelter. She's a sensitive girl, sweet but easily scared, and the shelter is just not kind for rabbits like her. She's not doing well and she needs a home. If you're interested in her, <i>please</i> <a href="mailto:%20smallanimals100@gmail.com">email me</a>. If not, please pass her story along and hopefully we can find somebody for her!<br />
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On a more cheerful note, those three budgies from the last post have found a home! They were adopted to a home where they will live in a large aviary with a whole flock of budgies - perfect for birds that are used to each other's company and lots of exercise!Laura HPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11505496350345916564noreply@blogger.com0