Hard Choice
Yesterday, I ended up in the Emergency room again for respiratory distress. Matt and were both so sick we couldn't drive, so my mother brought me, and stayed by my side for hours, just talking with me.
While in the hospital, my mom brought up a valid point:
I'm killing myself.
I have 17 animals in my house, 14 of which are under my care. I'm allergic to 13 of them. I also live in a household that smokes heavily in every room, save the Rat Room. I had to make a tough call.
The Interloper Tribe and most likely Lydia Bunny are to be re-homed. Since none of the cages are compatible, I need to spend 8 hours everyday in the Rat Room just to allow everyone exercise and time with me. Even with barely working, and moving my office into the Rat Room, this is just not possible. That is unacceptable.
The animals that live here were promised better lives than what they came from. They get the best food, many toys, tasty treats, proper housing and great medical care... but that is no substitute for time with a human being that loves them. Between time constraints and my failing health, they aren't being cared for the way I believe they should be.
My best friend "Rabbit" lost her dog, sugar glider and her pet snakes in her divorce, and stayed with me for weeks at a time to be closer to her family and job. In that time, she spent many hours asking me questions and helping in the Rat Room. She told me last night that she wanted to take Gizmo with her to her new place back here in our hometown. When I reminded her rats cannot live alone, she asked to take the whole Interloper Tribe.
This made the choice much easier, since I know she cannot keep reptiles where she will be living (nor does she want to), and would return the boys to me if things didn't work out. She has a huge heart, and has been one of very few friends to stick by me when all else seemed lost.
I thank the powers that I have such wonderful people in my life.
As for Lydia, I am sort of stuck. Around here, many people get rabbits as babies and then no longer want them when they grow up. Lydia was surrendered to me when a girl's parents told her one of her rabbits had to go. She was living in a tiny dog crate, with boring toys and a bland diet. She disliked everyone but my only room mate at the time.
I moved her into a very large hutch, and she now gets a new toy every few days, with plenty of hay and fresh foods. She is a much happier bunny, who loves to cuddle but I am afraid she's not getting the attention she deserves.
I may be able to keep Lydia if I can get the Girl's Tribe spayed, but that seems far off in the future right now, so we'll continue to do our best. If a better home comes along, I will not deny her the best life possible. She deserves it.
Typing is getting difficult (they have me on so many drugs right now), I'll sign off for now, but not without commending those that read this through. May the Gods and Goddesses bless your life, your pets and your children.
While in the hospital, my mom brought up a valid point:
I'm killing myself.
I have 17 animals in my house, 14 of which are under my care. I'm allergic to 13 of them. I also live in a household that smokes heavily in every room, save the Rat Room. I had to make a tough call.
The Interloper Tribe and most likely Lydia Bunny are to be re-homed. Since none of the cages are compatible, I need to spend 8 hours everyday in the Rat Room just to allow everyone exercise and time with me. Even with barely working, and moving my office into the Rat Room, this is just not possible. That is unacceptable.
The animals that live here were promised better lives than what they came from. They get the best food, many toys, tasty treats, proper housing and great medical care... but that is no substitute for time with a human being that loves them. Between time constraints and my failing health, they aren't being cared for the way I believe they should be.
My best friend "Rabbit" lost her dog, sugar glider and her pet snakes in her divorce, and stayed with me for weeks at a time to be closer to her family and job. In that time, she spent many hours asking me questions and helping in the Rat Room. She told me last night that she wanted to take Gizmo with her to her new place back here in our hometown. When I reminded her rats cannot live alone, she asked to take the whole Interloper Tribe.
This made the choice much easier, since I know she cannot keep reptiles where she will be living (nor does she want to), and would return the boys to me if things didn't work out. She has a huge heart, and has been one of very few friends to stick by me when all else seemed lost.
I thank the powers that I have such wonderful people in my life.
As for Lydia, I am sort of stuck. Around here, many people get rabbits as babies and then no longer want them when they grow up. Lydia was surrendered to me when a girl's parents told her one of her rabbits had to go. She was living in a tiny dog crate, with boring toys and a bland diet. She disliked everyone but my only room mate at the time.
I moved her into a very large hutch, and she now gets a new toy every few days, with plenty of hay and fresh foods. She is a much happier bunny, who loves to cuddle but I am afraid she's not getting the attention she deserves.
I may be able to keep Lydia if I can get the Girl's Tribe spayed, but that seems far off in the future right now, so we'll continue to do our best. If a better home comes along, I will not deny her the best life possible. She deserves it.
Typing is getting difficult (they have me on so many drugs right now), I'll sign off for now, but not without commending those that read this through. May the Gods and Goddesses bless your life, your pets and your children.