Washington

We have a new arrival, his name is Washington. He is a cute little rabbit , with little ears. He is a silver grey color with a bit of brown, quite unique. He is a bit scared right now. But he has ventured to the top level of his cage, he has peed in his litter box, but seems to leave little poops anywhere he wants. Oh well, he'll get the hang of it. I'll give him more time to adjust and feel more comfortable before I start taking pictures of him or anything else. Then I'll also get him in to see the vet and also have him neutered, since he isn't right now. Can't wait to show all of you his pictures when I get them, he is loads of cuteness.

Slow Down

Many days I find myself rushing through things. I am so busy with cleaning the cages and preparing foods, cleaning and filling water bottles, etc. That I overlook and neglect what I enjoy about the pets the most, watching them! So I say to myself-
Slow down,
Take the time to watch them enjoy the food you just gave them.
Slow down,
look at them play with their toys
Slow down,
watch them interact with each other
Slow down,
sit down and observe their cuteness as they wash and clean themselves
Most of all , I need to slow down
to talk to them, pet them, socialize them.

I get too wrapped up in cleaning and everything , which is very important, that I don't leave enough extra time for the most enjoyable aspects of having these wonderful little ones here with me.

Good bye Splash

I am afraid this post is a sad one, our little, Splash, hamster has recently passed away. Splash was a Campbell's or Russian dwarf hamster, he arrived here as a litter of unwanted babies, he came with his brothers and sisters. These past couple of months he exhibited the classic signs of having diabetes. Diabetes is common in these dwarf hamsters , the symptoms are excessive urinating and drinking. A strip that reads the sugar content of the urine can give you an idea if your hamster has diabetes or not, if the sugar level is very high, then yes, it is very likely diabetes is the reason for those symptoms. Although those symptoms can also be kidney disease or failure among other things. Having the vet make the diagnosis and provide treatment is the best route to go. Unfortunately , Splash was positive for diabetes. We always take care not to give too many sugars to the dwarfs, no sugary snacks such as yogurt drops or other store bought treats. No fruits. Just low sugar hamster diet, veggies, biscuits and tofu. Even with this low sugar diet , Splash still had diabetes, many times it is genetic and passes onto babies and other generations. I tried my best to cut out sugars from his diet even further since there isn't a treatment for a hamster with diabetes. He was strong for months , until one day I saw he was sluggish. I made an appointment for him at the vets for the next day. But that night I found him in his cage barely moving. I scooped him up in my hand and held him, talked to him, kissed him lightly and pet him very gently. I did my best to comfort him and let him know I was there.. and I was , until the end. He passed while he lay in my hand. He looked peaceful after he left, he looked like he was just sleeping. I'm tearing up as I type this, it was an emotional moment and I do miss him. I am thankful I was there for him and for me as he left. Good bye my sweet heart.

Oliver!

More happiness! Oliver the rabbit has finally found his forever home. He has a fabulous, loving new family. He was surrendered to us back in February with his Mom bunny, he was only a tiny baby then. When he reached the right age we did have him neutered. He had been with us until he was 9 months old, just waiting to be adopted... his patient waiting wasn't in vain. He has the best home now and couldn't be happier. Way to go Oliver!

Life Long Tails Forum- Discussion Board

I'd like to bring attention back to our rescue forum, it is all about pets It is easy to join if you haven't yet. All pet related posts are welcome. It has been rather "dead" on the board lately, and I'd love to see it back and going again. I feel we could all benefit from a community board to discuss and learn about our pets. Please check it out- http://smallpetforum.forumotion.com/index.htm

Hugo, Rohoj and Dutchie

The three boys, Hugo, Dutchie and Rohoj have been adopted Yay! They are boy guinea pigs and have been together and in foster care for a while. They were born in foster care as well. Their Mom's arrived at Life Long Tails already pregnant, they were abandoned behind a business building with over 50 other guinea pigs and they were mixed together with males! It's no wonder they were pregnant! Of course we were well aware that most every female we took in that day from that "case" would be pregnant. In fact many of the girls were already very heavy and due any day. Rohoj , Dutchie and Hugo were born healthy and grew up with their foster Mom. Just awaiting the day when their permanent Mom would take them home. That day came, when their Mom, Karen came to meet them and fell in love :) We are so happy that all three found a home together.

Rosebud

Rosebud the female painted turtle has also been adopted. Her new family did a lot of research on caring for these particular turtles. Even though they had a smaller turtle in mind, they are more than happy that they chose Rosebud. Here is what their new Mom had to say about Rosebud's first days in her new home-

" I never expected a turtle to have a personality. She is hysterical. She really seems to like her new home. She swims all the time. We let her out yesterday to "run" around the kitchen. "

That picture doesn't do her any justice, she is very pretty.