The Tortoise and the Hare

The story of the tortoise and the hare (actually box turtle and the rabbit):

Almost six weeks ago I made a Facebook post about a feral domestic rabbit. A kind woman found this bunny with a leg fracture, laying in the snow. Besides the fracture, the bun was thin and worn out. Kat Mietchen from Red Barn Mobile Vets, came right over to help. The hind leg was completely rotated backward. It was decided to amputate. After weeks of recovery the bun has healed and is sassy.

Releasing domestic bunnies to survive on their own is unkind. They are prey animals and have little defenses to protect themselves. They have been bred as potential pets. Cottontails and hares are not domestic and are equipped to handle the natural world.

Joker, box turtle was brought to me this summer. She was in rough shape due to neglect and poor nutrition. After months of care, correct lighting and diet. Joker has rallied. These two animals were once someone’s pets. I don’t know the circumstances that brought them to be abandoned. But I do know that rescues are getting over run with unwanted so called exotic pets.

Last month I received a yellow eared slider, found outside. They are not native to Idaho. These are the tiny turtles given away at fairs or carnivals, sometimes painted, sometimes in placed in a plastic bowl with a green plastic palm. Besides the pangolin they are the most traffic reptile in the world.

The reason for this post is obvious. These animals are not trash or disposable. I have 8 other tortoises and another rabbit that were dumped and no longer wanted.

I had eight calls about unwanted pigs last month. And three about unwanted domestic ducks. Farm sanctuaries are overloaded with these animals. They simply cannot keep taking more. And believe me it grieves them deeply when they have to say “no.”

I do not adopt out my tortoises, they will live longer than me. I have made arrangements for them when I exit. They require long term care and a long term commitment. Joker, the box turtle and the bun, have gone to a fellow rehabber whom I trust completely. I know without a doubt he will not abandon them. Another friend who has worked with rescues for years and is set up to take aquatic turtles and has given the red ear slider a home.

Please think about the lives of these animals and your commitment to them BEFORE you take them home. Help stop the selling of exotic animals. Don’t buy them in the first place. Dogs, cats, and domesticated rabbits are great companions. Shelters are over loaded with them.

If you find yourself no longer wanting your pet, whatever that pet may be and for whatever reason, don’t turn it loose to fend for himself. They are not equipped. Try to find a rescue, shelter or vet office. One of these should try to help. But remember they are also overloaded with abandoned pets.

Thanks for caring about the life of animals.