Posts by Wendy Welch

Rabbit Care

Basic Handling Always support a rabbit’s hind end- they have very powerful back muscles and if they kick their legs too hard they could actually break their own back.  It’s best to handle rabbits while wrapped in a towel. Reading Rabbits: Quick Tips Behavior Possible Meaning Sitting in a corner and panting Stress Panting Overheated Inactive Depressed, may be sign of health problem Ears laid back suddenly May soon box or nip Pressing belly to floor Gas pain Pressing head into your hand Wants head to be “groomed” Stomping feet Anger, fear, “danger” signal for other bunnies Tooth grinding (gentle)
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Cost of Owning a Cat

When you think about the annual cost of care for your cat, there are several things to consider. Cats can live an average of 10-18 years, although some cats may even live into their twenties. Below are general price ranges for the things your cat will need over the course of his/her life. Food Most cats are fine with a typical feline pet food that you can buy at specialty pet stores or even grocery stores. It is important to pay attention to the ingredient list on your cat’s food because often times, you get what you pay for. If
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Dog Meets Young Child

[print-me] This is intended as a broad overview of things to consider with Dog and Toddler and Dog and Preschooler dynamics. These are constantly evolving as a child grows and develops. The challenge here is that dogs rely on predictability and consistent body language in interacting with us and with children change and development happen quickly, particularly in the first 2 years of a child’s life. From a dog’s perspective, babies are confusing and a newly mobile baby or racing toddler is an unpredictable, erratic, worrisome creature. Please note that because a dog has been “around kids” does not mean
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Dog Meets Baby

[print-me] Having a baby changes everything, for everyone – including the family dog. As children come into our lives there are myriad changes in how we spend our time, how much time we have, how our homes are organized – just for starters! This piece is intended as a broad overview of things to consider before your baby is due and right after your baby arrives. While your dog may have spent time with babies, there are big differences in bringing a newborn home and then having a child in your home 24/7 – for all of you. Preparing the
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Sadie & Mina: Giving Back

Sadie and Mina both adopted their family pets from rescue organizations. They wanted to do something to help support the homeless animals of their community. These two amazing kids created a lemonade stand and donated their proceeds to HSHV. Thank you so much Sadie and MIna!
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Amelia, Alice, Abigail & Henry: Small Mammal Love

Amelia, Alice, Abigail and Henry wanted to help out animals without a home. They chose to help small mammals because they often don’t get the same attention and donations as cats and dogs. These four amazing kind kids made timothy hay tubes for our rabbits and guinea pigs. Thank you so much for your hard work!
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My favorite Pillow Thief

I’d been in my new, cat-friendly apartment for six months when I decided it was time to adopt my first furry pal. Having grown up with cats but never having cared for one alone, I figured I’d choose a young adult, maybe 2-5 years old, as an easy place to start. Scooby had other ideas. This 11-year-old plushy black kitty won me over with his snuggly, laid-back demeanor and steady purr. After a week of soul-searching, I decided I couldn’t leave this older fellow in the shelter for another night. Within 20 minutes of popping out of his crate, he
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Michael & Sophie: Lemonade Donation

Michael and Sophie wanted to help out the animals of HSHV, so they set up a lemonade stand and donated their proceeds. Their family adopted their kitty from HSHV 16 years ago! She is still living with them and is super happy with her loving family. Thank you so much Michael and Sophie.
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