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How To Prepare Your Child For A New Dog

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How To Prepare Your Child For A New Dog

A new pet can be a wonderful experience, but it’s important to make sure your children are prepared for the responsibility that comes with it. Try these tips out to get everyone in your family fully prepared for the arrival of your four legged:

Teach them How to Look After It:

Before you get a dog, make sure your kids understand the basics of dog care, such as feeding, grooming, and exercise. For instance, explain to your kids what type of food the dog (such as using the best supplements for poodles) will need and how often they should be fed. You can also show them where the food and water bowls will be kept and how to measure out the appropriate amount of food. Take a trip to the pet store together and select some toys to keep your dog entertained and active. Your child will love picking out toys just for them to play with together!

Involve Them in Choosing It:

It always helps to take your kids along when you go to choose a dog. Let them help pick out the breed, color, and size of the dog they want. This will make them feel invested in the process and more connected to the dog. You can also research together. Before you go to choose a dog, look at different breeds and talk about which qualities would be a good fit for your family. This can help narrow down the options and give your kids an idea of what to expect from their pets.

Start with a Smaller Pet:

There are around 76 million domestic dogs in the USA alone. But if your kids have never had a pet before, consider starting with a smaller animal, such as a hamster or fish. This will help them learn the basics of pet care and they will feel more confident when it comes time to take care of a larger animal like a dog. This is because even with a small pet, it’s important to teach your child about the importance of caring for it by encouraging them to take an active role.

Teach the Kids Responsible Ownership:

It also goes a long way if you make sure your kids understand what is expected of them when it comes to caring for the dog. Together as a family, create a schedule for feeding, walking, and grooming and make sure your kids understand their responsibilities in pet care. However, this can be hard for younger kids to grasp. So, if your child is struggling to meet their responsibilities or if issues arise, take the time to address them in a calm and supportive manner as a caregiver.

Make Caring for the Dog Fun:

Getting a dog should be a fun and exciting experience for kids so encourage them to play with the dog. This can be as simple as walks or teaching them new tricks such as sitting, staying, and shaking paws. This will help them bond with the dog and create a lifelong friendship. Going for walks with the dog is not only good exercise, but it’s also a great way to bond with the dog. Encourage your child to come along on walks and get their exercise too.

Start your new adventure as a pet owner on the right foot with the tips above and encourage your kids to take an active role in the dog’s care. They will be inseparable soon enough!

Featured Image By: Pexels

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Is A Bunny The Pet For You?

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Is A Bunny The Pet For You?

Hello!! Johnny and I have had our sweet Lionhead bunnies, Melvin and Penelope, for over two months now and they are the absolute best. I have wanted pet rabbits for so long and it was worth the wait because I couldn’t imagine having anything but Mel and Pen. Prior to bringing our bunnies home, I did extensive research to make sure that Johnny and I could provide amazing care for them because they deserve nothing less. Having a small animal as a pet might seem easy but there is so much more that goes into it than you would think. If you are considering adding a pet bunny to your family, think about all of the following before you make your choice. Remember, pets are a life commitment!

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Constant Cleaning:

The girls who I adopted Mel and Penelope from were working on litter training them and Mel was pretty good about using his. Penelope, on the other hand, would go potty right outside of the box and that meant not only cleaning litter boxes daily but the surrounding bedding too. It took a little over a month to get both of them going consistently in their boxes and it took a lot of trial and error with the placement, amount of boxes, and hay and treats in the litter area. The fact that they use the boxes now is so awesome but it is still something that needs cleaned daily so they can live their best lives.

Oh yeah, the cleaning outside of the hutch is a constant too so make sure you have a broom and pan as well as a Dustbuster. It is astounding how much bedding, bunny hair, hay, and food pellets can make its way outside of their hutch in just one day. Thankfully, this is one thing that I don’t deal with because it’s Johnny’s chore! 😀

Time Commitment:

Mel and Penelope live in a great big hutch but come out twice daily (Morning and evening) to play and explore our bunny proofed area of the apartment. Their “recess” can last anywhere from a half hour to two hours and is such a necessary part of their well being. They deserve to run around, jump, and go on bunny adventures to decrease boredom, have fun, and keep them at a healthy weight. If I didn’t mainly work from home in the mornings, I would have had to take a second thought about adopting them. Because their rec time is so important, I get up at 5:15 during the work week to make sure they can come out before I leave for my other job.

Nonstop Chewy Orders:

Bunnies are surprisingly more expensive than you would think and I put in an order for supplies on Chewy at least once a month. These orders include essentials like bedding, food, and hay as well as their toys, treats, and spray cleaner for the hutch. Not to mention going to the grocery store weekly for their leafy greens and other safe veggies and fruits for them to consume (This is very important to research!). If this is a monetary commitment that you can’t make, it is best to hold off because every item listed (and others not included) are absolutely necessary for them to live healthy, happy lives.

Adequate Space:

There should be at least one bunny proofed area in your home that you are okay with your bunnies roaming in and I highly recommend it to be hard floored. My bunnies rarely have accidents outside of the hutch but it would be such a pain if they aren’t litter trained and are playing on a carpeted area. The hard flooring also helps keep their nails filed! Be vigilant about bunny proofing your area because they are such curious little things and that can really increase their chances of hurting themselves (IE: A stack of something falling, a space that is too tight of a squeeze, etc).

The list above isn’t even scratching the surface of how much care pet bunnies entail and you must think realistically if a bunny is a good pet for you. Despite all of the hard work, they are truly the perfect pets for me and Johnny and it makes me feel so good to care for them every day. I promised that Mel and Penelope would have healthy, happy lives and I know I am making good on that! ❤

What kind of pet do you have? Are you considering adding a small animal to your family? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Bunny Baby Angels

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Bunny Baby Angels

Hello! Johnny and I have had our bunny baby angels, Mel and Penelope, for over five weeks now! They are settling into their routine so nicely and it’s impossible to think of life without them. I have wanted pet rabbits for SO long and it is, honestly, everything that I wanted it to be and MORE. Both rabbits are so sweet and special in their own ways and as soon as I leave for work, I can’t wait to get home and see them again… And Johnny lol. ❤

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Prior to bringing Mel and Penelope home, Johnny and I did a lot of research to make sure we were going to be able to provide above and beyond care for them. There are some things, however, that you just won’t know until you bring them home. For example, the litter box was giving us a lot of grief. Both rabbits were semi litter trained before we got them and Mel was doing pretty good with using theirs once they were home. Penelope, on the other hand, was a totally different story and went anywhere in the litter box area but the box. *Face palm*

Thanks to reading lots of tips from The Bunny Lady, trial and error, and a ginormous litter box from Chewy, I am so happy that within days Penelope figured it out. With that final obstacle out of the way, they are both now fully litter trained and have never had an accident when we let them explore the bunny proofed area in our apartment (All compliments of Johnny’s handiwork!). It sounds a bit silly but oh my goodness was I proud. 😀

Depending on the day, I provide most of the general maintenance care and play time for our mother and son duo. Johnny definitely falls under the category of the Cool Dad! Whenever I’m not home and he takes them out after work, he always plays the banjo for his rabbit audience and it’s so cute to me. He went into our bunny parenthood with sheer ambivalence at best and has transformed beautifully into a full on bunny dad!

Johnny and I are a family of four and I am beyond happy. If you have the means, space, and time for a pet and have wanted one for a while, my advice is: GET IT. You will be kicking yourself in the butt when you realize you should have done it forever ago!

Do you have a pet? What is your favorite thing about being a pet owner? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Best Bunny Dad Ever!

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Best Bunny Dad Ever!

Hello!! Johnny and I have had our sweet bunny babies, Penelope and Mel, for two weeks now but it feels like we have had them for forever. They are the most wonderful pets and it is an honor and a privilege to be their parents! The most pleasant surprise of this experience is, easily, Johnny’s transformation into a full on bunny dad. I knew from the jump how much I was going to love them but it is so adorable to see how equally obsessed my husband is with them too:

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^^^ Proud papa!

When we brought our mother and son duo home, it was safe to say that Johnny didn’t seem particularly thrilled about it. However, that changed drastically the following day! When I returned home in the evening, Johnny couldn’t wait to tell me about all of the fun him and the bunnies had together. They spent hours on end snuggling and playing and Johnny even treated them to a banjo concert lol. It was also VERY NICE to hear every wife’s favorite words of “you were right”!!

Johnny, Penelope, and Mel have been best buddies ever since and it’s so hilarious to me. The whole situation is such a classic turn around from “I don’t want a pet” to constantly snapping pictures of them and oohing and ahhing over every single thing the bunnies do. Johnny is always calling Mel his “special boy” and Penelope his “favorite girl” and it melts my heart every time. 🙂

Now that we are the proud parents to our furry little children, our evenings our spent watching them explore our apartment. Johnny actually went to Menard’s and got a bunch of baby proofing stuff so Mel and Penelope can safely go on their adventures. I’m sure everyone at the store thought he was preparing for a new baby so I would have loved to see what they had to say if Johnny told them it was for his bunnies lol. He is truly the best bunny dad ever! ❤

Becoming pet owners has been so exciting and every day with our precious babies brings me so much joy. Having Johnny so clearly feel the same sentiments is the cherry on top!

Has anyone else had a similar experience to Johnny over a new pet? What are some of the nicknames you have for your pets? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aivituvin Rabbit Hutch Review

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Aivituvin Rabbit Hutch Review

Hello!! Before welcoming my sweet bunny babies, Mel and Penelope, into our home, the thing that I had the most difficulty with was selecting a hutch. It seemed like every single rabbit hutch that I saw online had some great reviews, while others commented with glaring issues. After a lot of back and forth between several hutches, I finally settled on one by Aivituvin and I have no complaints so far. I don’t think Mel and Penelope do, either! Check it out:

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^^^ Don’t mind their mess lol the bunnies are always flinging their bedding!

What attracted me the most to this hutch, other than it being freaking adorable was its size. This hutch was, easily, one of the biggest ones available on Amazon and it was also a fair price minus the expensive shipping rate. While Johnny and I have the bunnies out in the morning and most of the evening, I wanted something big enough for them to be comfortable and have their own spaces. Mel loves hiding out in the top portion of the hutch and you can usually find Penelope chilling directly beneath him on the first floor. When they are not out of their hutch, Johnny and I can hear them running amuck constantly and I am thrilled that they are able to do that. Both bunnies are especially partial to going up and down the bridge too. 🙂

Of course, not all hutches are going to please every single owner and pet and there were some reviews that definitely made me nervous. For example, lots of people said that their bunnies were chewing the hutch up and, luckily, Mel and Penelope have not shown any interest in doing that at all. I have several chew toys and other toys to keep them occupied in the hutch that they play with a lot and I almost wonder if some of the bunnies were chewing at their cage out of sheer boredom.

The only complaint that I do agree with from some of the reviewers is how the bedding gets stuck in the cracks of the pull out trays. Johnny and I experienced this the first time we cleaned the cage and it made it really difficult to pull them out to clean. This is more of an annoyance than anything, though, and we were still able to fully clean the cage. It just took a little extra time and innovation to be able to remove the soiled bedding from the hard to reach areas.

Overall, I am very happy with the Aivituvin hutch and I know that Mel and Penelope are too. It took Johnny less than an hour to assemble and it is sturdy and spacious. If you are considering this hutch, I say go for it – I think your fur babies are going to love it!

What kind of hutch do you have for your rabbits? What are some of your small pet’s favorite toys? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Pet Parent Lyfe

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Pet Parent Lyfe

Hello! It has been one week since Johnny and I brought home our sweet lionhead bunnies, Penelope and Mel, and pet parent lyfe has been treating us fantastically so far. When it was just me and my husband at home, our apartment felt complete. However, now that we have two little fur babies scampering around, our apartment feels so much fuller and a whole lot more adorable:

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Johnny and I both grew up in animal loving households and our families always had pet dogs. I also had a guinea pig and parakeets way back when too. We have been without a pet of our own for several years and I think we were both taken aback by how awesome it has been since the bunnies have been home. Johnny and I both marvel at the fact that we have these little babies greeting us when we wake up in the morning and come home from work. It is also a hoot to hear them running around at night when we are trying to sleep. I have fallen into the habit of saying “settle down, kids” every time it’s bedtime and they are playing away!

The best part of our days now that we have Penelope and Mel is, easily, when we take them out of their hutch, which we do several times throughout the day. Whether it’s just to give them a cuddle or have them frolic in their playpen, it is so nice to have these tangible little bitties that depend on us. Johnny is also very pleased that he now has an audience whenever he plays the banjo! While Miss Penelope is super chill, Mel is constantly on the go and has a love for nibbling on anything and everything – including mine and Johnny’s booties when we’re in the playpen lol… he crazy. 😀

Every morning, I wake up genuinely excited to rush downstairs and begin their morning care routine. This includes fresh water, food, veggies, bedding, and a quick jaunt in the playpen before I leave for work. Johnny, on the other hand, is always eager to get home to our lil buddies in the early afternoon and takes them out immediately to play. Then, when I get home a little later, we have them out for the evening. It is an absolute blast!

With all of the stress and craziness currently happening for me, it is so comforting to have Penelope and Mel. We both can’t picture our apartment without them and it has only been one short week. Pet Parent Lyfe is suiting us very well, indeed, and Penelope and Mel are already more loved than words can say! ❤

Do you have a pet? What is your favorite thing about being a pet parent? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Getting A New Pet? Tasks To Complete Beforehand

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Getting A New Pet? Tasks To Complete Beforehand

Hello! Johnny and I will soon be bunny parents to the adorable Mel and Penelope. I can’t freaking wait! It has been a long while since I have had a pet that was truly my own and I almost forgot how much preparations had to be done beforehand. All of the following should be completed before you bring your pet home so you can both fully enjoy the experience:

Research:

You cannot go in blind for the care of a new pet so step one, most importantly, is doing your research. How long does your pet live for? What does it need to eat? Are there any health complications specific to your pet? Can you afford the extra expense? Will you have the time to spend with your pet? These are all necessary things to explore beforehand so you don’t find yourself in a situation down the road where you can’t adequately care for your pet. Having a firm understanding of everything that this new pet entails will best prepare you for providing the best care.

Doing your research will also help you when it comes to purchasing pet supplies…

Supply Shopping:

Much like the arrival of a new baby, you will have to do some stocking up on necessities before your pet comes home. I, for one, went freaking HAM on Chewy and Amazon and had an endless stream of boxes coming in daily for my bunnies. They are going to be so spoiled! These are just some of what you might need for any new pet:

  • Cage or pet bed for a comfortable place to sleep
  • Playpen for exercise
  • Pet food, food and water dishes, or a water bottle
  • Treats and toys
  • Fresh fruit and veggies
  • Cleaning supplies for cages, accidents, etc.

Find A Vet:

Animals need a doctor too and finding the right vet for you will assist in providing the best care for your pet. You can get recommendations from friends or online or continue on with a vet you have used before. Remember, you might have to find a vet outside of your immediate area if you are a pet parent to farm animals, reptiles, or various small animals.

Make A Pet Friendly Home:

Your home should provide adequate space for your pet to move about freely and safely. When you are doing your research, be sure you are looking into ways to pet-proof your place. This could include moving houseplants to a different area, securing electric cords, and keeping human food out of reach. Having a comfortable place that is conducive to your pet’s health and wellness should be a top priority.

A new pet is so exciting but it is a lot of work. I’m ready for it, though, and I can’t wait to bring my bunnies home!

Do you have a pet? How do you provide the best care for them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Hip Hop Hurray!

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Hip Hop Hurray!

Hello!! I have wanted pet bunnies for pretty much forever now and it just never worked out. My old apartment was small and that was before Johnny even moved in! Then, it was doubly cramped and the temperature was difficult to control. It was always either way too hot or way too cold, which was so uncomfortable for us let alone a pet.

Moving into our new apartment was a huge upgrade for Johnny and I. We have plenty of space, a functioning air conditioning unit, and windows that open. We are very well settled and happy and now seemed like the perfect time to finally welcome some bunnies into our home. So… we are! Meet Penelope (brown and white) and Mel Kenda (black and white):

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For the past month, I have been scouring PetFinder nonstop to find a pair of small rabbits. This was counterproductive because I didn’t even have any supplies or a hutch lol. After a while, I felt like I was just spinning my wheels and then my brother-in-law tagged me in a post on Facebook. His neighbor was looking for someone to adopt lionhead bunnies from a surprise litter after her and her partner adopted a rabbit from an auction that they didn’t know was pregnant.

My bunnies’ current parents are so wonderful and have been working diligently to get each rabbit spayed, neutered, and adopted to a good home. And, one of the homes is mine! The stars definitely aligned and within a day, I had a date to pick my new babies up and endless orders from Amazon and Chewy on the way. Johnny and I are just waiting on the hutch to arrive – I can’t wait!!

Also, can we just talk about how fantastic Chewy is really quick? The litter pan that I ordered was way too big and when I contacted their customer service they refunded my money, waived shipping for a smaller pan, and told me to donate the other one to an animal shelter. The new one arrived the same day and this interaction alone makes me a loyal customer. Highly recommend!

I am beyond thrilled to finally have rabbits of my own after daydreaming about it for so long. Keep it posted here on lifewithlilred to officially meet Penelope and Mel soon!

Have you had pet rabbits before? Do you have any advice for me? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

5 Things To Do Before Bringing A Dog Home

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5 Things To Do Before Bringing A Dog Home

A dog is man’s best friend. You’ve probably heard that statement too often, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Dogs are the perfect pets or housemates to have. Pick the right one for you and your family, and you’ll have the most loyal and lovable creature! Numerous studies highlight the several benefits of owning a dog. But if you’re thinking about owning a pet dog for the first time, there are some things you should do first. Here are a few:

Have a good supply of healthy food and treats:

While you may visit several places to get dog food and treats, you don’t need to wait to get a dog before attempting to find the right one. Dog nutrition is complex, and you must ensure that you get the right dog food and treats to help your new family member grow and stay healthy. Be sure to find a reliable and holistic pet store with different dog food types, treats, and other supplies your dog will need. And this leads to the next point:

Stock up on essential dog supplies:

In addition to food, your dog will need several other essentials to make them comfortable, healthy, and safe. These supplies include food and water bowls, a crate, a bed and sleeping area, a dog collar and leash, dog toys, stain and odor removal cleaners, and so much more.

Prepare everyone in your home for their new responsibility:

A dog is a fun addition to the family, but these little guys also have some responsibility. And if you live with others in your home, it’s only right that you prepare them for this. Share the various responsibilities of dog care amongst your family before you bring the dog home. For example, decide who will take care of its daily meals, take the dog out for walks, handle the dog’s training, etc.

Prepare a safe spot for the dog to play and sleep in:

If you’re expecting to bring home a pup, then it needs a safe space to play and sleep in. This space should be confined enough to restrict it from wandering away when not supervised. A safe and confined space also gives a pup enough time to learn its house manners and a spot to chill out comfortably.

Be sure that you’re ready for the responsibility:

If you live alone and cannot rely on anyone else to help you take care of your dog, then you need to be sure that you’re more than ready for the extra load of responsibility. If you have a very busy lifestyle, for example, you must first make enough time in your schedule to devote to your dog, from taking it out for walks to trips to the vet. Also, you might want to make sure that dogs do not trigger any allergic reactions from you.

Once you have implemented these tips, you and your family are ready to welcome your new and special addition. Life truly is great when you have a healthy and loving dog!

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Preparing Your Child For Getting A Pet

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Preparing Your Child For Getting A Pet

Getting a pet is a rite of passage for many children. If you grew up with pets, you might feel like it’s an essential part of childhood. And if you didn’t, perhaps you want to give your children an experience you didn’t get. But it’s important to consider what pet ownership entails before you get one. Making sure your child is ready for the responsibility of a pet is crucial, especially if you don’t want to end up being the only one to care for it. You can prepare your child for getting a pet using a few different techniques:

Start with Toys:

Before taking on the responsibility of caring for a living thing, it’s a good idea for your child to get some practice. One of the ways children often develop key skills such as empathy is through play. Getting your child some toys to care for is a good way to practice some of the things they’ll need to care for a pet. You can get them some Schleich animal figurines or some stuffed toys to role play caring for. Baby dolls can also be an option for taking care of something without the responsibility of actually having to keep something alive.

Give Them Some Other Responsibilities:

Caring for a pet is a big responsibility, so you need to know that your child is ready to take it on. They will need to show that they can manage some responsibilities of their own and keep it up long term too. When you get a pet, your child might help with things like feeding, cleaning, or exercising your pet. But before you go out and get one, they could have a few other chores to show that they’re capable. You can get them to do daily tasks such as making their bed to demonstrate that they can build consistent habits.

Borrow a Pet:

Borrowing a pet from a friend or family member can be a great way to have a practice run. You can have their pet for a day or a few days so you and your child understand the responsibility of caring for a pet. Obviously, some pets are easier to “borrow” than others. A dog will often be happier to spend time with another family than a cat will. You could offer to pet-sit while someone you know is away if you’re looking for a way to trial pet ownership.

Teach How to Behave Around a Pet:

Children need to be able to behave well around a pet to keep both them and the animal safe. Even when they have been taught how to handle an animal, they should still be supervised. It’s crucial to teach your child important things like how to recognize when a pet wants to be left alone, how to pet them gently, and how to avoid upsetting an animal with their behavior. You can do this by talking to them, demonstrating, reading books, or watching videos.

Getting a pet isn’t something you should do lightly. If your child is asking for a pet, make sure you don’t rush into it and get a lot of practice beforehand.

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