You finally found a new addition to your fur family: your newly adopted little bun (or bunnies!). You are all having a blast, learning more about each other with each passing day. Then one day, you realize you’re ready to add another member to the ever-growing pet family: some guinea pigs!

Your trip is just around the corner–next week to be exact, and you’ve been anticipating this break for months. You’ve put in your PTO, booked your flight, and almost religiously checked the weather for your destination. Most importantly, you’ve done your due diligence to find a reliable caretaker for your pets (yay!), and you’re running through the final check-list to make sure your companions, and your peace of mind, are settled when you’re away.

Confusion exists in people’s minds when dealing with crippled, deformed, or less than “perfect” animals. Is the suffering on the part of the animal or is it in the eyes of the viewer?I am privileged to have the insight of a very dear human friend who has multiple sclerosis and can say in human language that disability does not automatically remove one’s reason to be alive. Having known Lyndy Alston, I was unwilling to conclude, when my rabbit Phoebe became paraplegic, that her life must be ended. Yet, I felt compelled to keep this wonderful animal from public view-the disapproving, long, sad faces and “Oooooh! Poor thing! Is it really worth it?”

Bumpers are a great addition to a senior and special needs rabbit space. These function as a way to pad your rabbit’s space to keep them safe from hard edges that could cause injury if your rabbit has balance, sight or mobility issues. They also function as a way to comfortably prop up and support rabbits who struggle standing on their own. Hop n’ Flops are a great way to support rabbits who need help standing or sitting in a static position but there are currently no pen bumpers available on the market for purchase to line the length of an entire pen or wall. Over the years we have tried several DIY options including using pool noodles or sewing braided bumpers that can be made to specific lengths needed.

As you rabbit ages, your experience level, rabbit toolkit, and creative problem solving will grow. Senior rabbits often develop special needs that will change the course of your daily routine and home set up. The biggest change MOST senior rabbit owners make as a result of aging is the introduction of a low entry litter box. Though there are several high quality ones on the market, those who are looking to save a bit of money to put more towards medical costs might consider the DIY route. Over the years, we have cultivated a few different methods for creating low entry litter boxes that don’t break the bank. There are pros and cons for each method. Take these into consideration when deciding which litter box to make!

Like any community, the world of rabbits has its own lingo! This can be confusing at first, so here’s a handy list to get you talking like a seasoned bunny owner in no time!
Cait Reizman and Matt Cummins

What do you know about rabbits?  

I thought I knew a little something. Cute. Soft. Timid. Shy. Calm. Quiet. Cuddly. Hahaha! I look back and laugh about it now. Just like Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, I knew nothing!

While living in Miami for 10 years, the prospect of evacuating was omnipresent from June until September. After I moved from hurricane-prone Florida to the Northeast United States, my rabbit emergency kit became a travel kit.