DEAR HELOISE: Occasionally, you mention adopting dogs and cats from local animal shelters. In addition, however, shelters also care for rabbits. They make wonderful pets. I hope you spread the word.
-- Barbara W.,
Arlington, Va.
DEAR READER: Happy to hop, hop, hop and spread the word. A rescued rabbit can make a very charming, loving, fun and entertaining pet. Rabbits are not dumb bunnies (on the contrary -- they are pretty smart), and they just want to be part of the family. However, they do need some special care, much different from a dog, cat or bird. Here is a quick overview to consider:
Your rabbit does need access to a few things all the time. Of course, fresh food, water and a litter box are the basics. They need hay to chew and a safe place to play. Think rabbit "playpen" so they are safe and the house is safe, too.
Rabbits chew and chew -- it's their nature -- so you must bunny-proof wherever you let them roam. Electric cords are the first priority to cover up, then drapery, throw rugs, furniture, etc. Some need to have their front teeth filed, as these teeth grow all the time. They are like human fingernails. That's why they chew, to keep the teeth sort of ground down. Rather like us, with filing our nails.
Rabbits can develop health issues (from chewing), so they should be groomed and brushed often. Like cats, they tend to ingest their hair when grooming.
Rabbits and pet dogs and cats can get along, but you must introduce them to each other slowly. Do find a veterinarian who treats rabbits before you make one a family pet. Do your homework and research first.
DEAR HELOISE: My husband had back pain, and had surgery for a disk problem. His doctor advised him to carry his wallet in his front pocket. A lumpy wallet (in a back pocket) could throw your back out of alignment. It's also safer in the front pocket (harder for a thief to grab).
-- Janet in Texas
DEAR READER: Save your back and wallet, too. This lumpy "walletitis" (what I call it) is well-known in the medical field. Carry that bulky wallet somewhere else and see if your back feels better.
DEAR HELOISE: There are "55 Alive" (driving) courses that provide an insurance discount. These are valuable for several reasons, including reminding people that they are operating a dangerous machine.
-- Jim H.,
Fountain Valley, Calif.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
HomeStyle on 04/18/2015