It's true, despite what I say every time we get a pet, I did it again. I gave in and said yes to a pet. But this was a free pet, so the idea was that if the kids don't take care of her, like they agreed, that we would give her away, since she was free and all. She even came with a very nice rabbit hutch and large cage and lots of supplies. She's super cute, good around the kids, and the kids adore her. (here it comes) BUT . . . what we didn't know before we got her home is that she's extremely matted all over. She was neglected by her previous owners--as in never, ever groomed. And she's a Fuzzy Lop, meaning she is a long, wool-haired rabbit, so she has to be groomed (brushed over every inch of her body) at least once a week. If this never gets done then the fur builds up and becomes tightly matted and gross. So of course, we have to take care of her!
Long story short, one groomer tried to get some of the mats off, and failed. However, they did managed to tear her skin. Apparently rabbits have extremely thin, sensitive skin and that's why it's such a problem to get the mats off. They are very tight and close to the skin. So they told me to take her to the vet, which I did today. They estimated that it would cost us about $300 to get it all done. $300!!!! THIS IS A RABBIT!!! There's the sedation, the anitbiotic shots and probiotic creme for the cut (thanks groomer) and the hour or two of labor to work on the mats. Am I terrible for wanting to just put her out of her misery? This is ridiculous. The poor thing was shaking the whole time she was being examined. I asked about just leaving the mats and he said the main problem they see with that is that it gets wet and moist and full of bacteria and MAGGOTS!!! Seriously, I'm not joking.
How do I let this happen? Why do I agree to having a pet when I know I don't want to deal with a pet? Even though the kids are supposed to take care of the pet, it always comes down to me. In this case, I have to feel guilty if we don't do something for her, but I sure as heck don't want to spend $300 on a rabbit. But how do you tell this girl that we can't spend the money on this adorable rabbit that she loves already? Tomorrow I'm calling the SPCA hospital to see if they're a little more reasonable. Please pray for Pippy--and us!
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4 comments:
Oh no! that is a difficult situation to be in for sure! I hope you can feel good about what ever decision you make. I'm sure next time your family wants a pet you can use two key phrases to get your point across...$300.00 and MAGGOTS! Good luck Amy!
I really enjoyed seeing this picture of your kids. I really miss having you all in our ward. It's just not the same. And even though you have not been gone all that long, I can really see the growth and change in your kids! I ran into a young mom in your new ward at a bridal shower this week...can't remember her last name, but her first name is Becca...and she was telling me how much she enjoys having you in her ward. She already knows all your kids' names.
Can you just shave it or cut it off real short and let it grow out? That picture of the kids with the rabbit is so nice of all of them--such beautiful smiles!
I feel your pain. I have a dog. Pets are just not my thing. We keep Max's hair really short to limit the grooming time. Good luck with Pippy.
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