Tag Archives: pet owner

Mar22

Keeping Your Home Clean – Even With A Pet!

Posted on March 22, 2023 by lifewithlilred

Are you thinking about bringing a pet into your life? If so, then it’s important to make sure that the right precautions are taken to keep your home in good shape during the process. New pets have lots of exploring to do in their new digs, which can sometimes lead to disaster! Here are some of the key points to consider:

Choose The Right Option:

First, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right pet. If you have a smaller home, for example, you might want to avoid bringing home a larger breed of dog. It could be in your best interest to think about a smaller dog like a Terrier rather than a German Shepherd. Larger dogs can also be more difficult to train and control. You should also think about how much time you are going to have for your pet. Some dogs need almost constant attention or company to keep them happy. If you’re out a lot of the day, then a cat could be a better choice. They are more independent.

Training:

With a new pet, it is crucial to put in the time and effort to train them from day one. There are lots of training options that are going to make your life a little easier in the long run. For instance, you might want to think about training them to chew their toys instead of your furniture. This is particularly important when your pet is teething. If you don’t train your pet, you can’t be mad when they do something you don’t like!

Pest Treatment:

Pets can mean pests in your home. Some of the common pests include fleas and tics. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be an issue. You just need to make sure that you invest in the right pest treatment. A lot of vets will provide this as a standard. As such, you don’t have to worry about it costing you a fortune. Dog flea treatment and other pest solutions are available to purchase directly at a low cost from a wide range of sources.

Cleaning Products:

Finally, you need to make sure that you are choosing the right cleaning products and equipment. If you are bringing a dog into your home, it’s important to be aware that some breeds shed more than others. The best way to stop your home from becoming a furry nightmare is to make sure that you have the right pet vacuum. The best pet vacuum will ensure that your floors are spotless in a matter of seconds. You should also research carpet cleaners if you are worried about your pet causing stains that can permanently damage your carpet. Or, alternatively, consider switching to flooring that is easier to maintain such as laminate tiles.

Bringing a new pet home is exciting! Keep the good vibes in check by preparing accordingly so you can focus on your new friend as opposed to a potential mess!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar3

Pet Bunnies For Easter: DON’T!!

Posted on March 3, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! Johnny and I have had our sweet baby bunny angels, Melvin and Penelope, for almost four months already! I honestly can’t believe it has only been that short of a time because it feels like I have had them for forever. The more time I spend as a very active bunny mom, the more I truly can’t understand why small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters are given to children as pets. They are way more work than you could ever expect and it’s not fair to expect a child to meet the needs of pets that require a lot of care.

With the Easter season approaching, I wanted to share my thoughts on this as bunnies are as common to give to kids as candy for the holiday. However, a majority of these rabbits will end up in shelters within the year. Here is a brief summary of all that having a bunny entails before you make the decision to incorporate a new pet:

Bunnies Need Exercise:

If your plan is to get a rabbit and confine it to a hutch all day every day, then let me stop you right now. For both the mental and physical health of the rabbit, they need plenty of exercise outside of their cage. Because I work from home a lot, I allow my bunnies to roam for six plus hours a day. Your rabbit’s exercise space will need to be fully bunny-proofed to prevent them from getting hurt or chewing on anything that they shouldn’t. And chew, they will – one look at our windowsill will prove it!

Bunnies Are Expensive:

There are so many supplies that you will need to have constantly at home for your small animal; Pellet food, veggies, Timothy hay, bedding, toys, and litter to name just a few. Individually, these things aren’t the most expensive in the world but it adds up when you have to replenish supplies often. On average, Johnny and I probably spend between sixty to one hundred dollars on Chewy per month. If this is something that your budget won’t allow, then let me stop you right now as these are all essential items to your bunny’s care.

Bunnies Are Messy:

After the arrival of Melvin and Penelope, I had to push my wake up time back to 5 AM so that I could care for them and still start online work in time. Every morning, I have to thoroughly clean their potty area including three litter boxes. While Mel and P are pretty good about using their litter box, they still are subject to accidents. Bunnies deserve a clean space and if you can’t set aside adequate time every day to spot clean and empty litter boxes, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Social:

Bunnies are very social animals and having a bonded pair is ideal. Like humans, bunnies can get depressed too and need stimulation to keep them happy. This means lots of toys, taking the time to pet and groom them, and interacting with them throughout the day. If you can’t commit to the highly necessary extra socialization for your bunny, then let me stop you right now.

Bunnies Are Usually NOT Cuddly:

If you are imagining a fluffy little something that the kids can hold and snuggle, then let me stop you right now. Bunnies, traditionally, are prey animals and they despise being picked up. Kind of like a cat, you really need to let your bunny come to you on their own terms. Penelope is very shy and it took a decent amount of time for her to warm up to me. Melvin, on the other hand, is very adventurous and never minded me too much! It all depends on the temperament of your bunny and forcing cuddles is only going to terrorize them.

Bunnies Are Awesome:

Melvin and Penelope are the absolute best and I love them so much. Before committing to wanting pet bunnies in the first place, I researched their necessary care and felt like I could provide that and more. It makes me happy that I can and it’s important to me that people know what they are getting into before taking a small pet home. It is incredibly rewarding, but a lot of work!

If you or someone you know is considering an Easter bunny, please consider this post before making any decisions. If you can’t meet all of these daily tasks for their care, then a bunny isn’t the pet for you.

What kind of pet do you have? Have you had a small animal as a pet before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb15

How To Prepare Your Child For A New Dog

Posted on February 15, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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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

Jan16

Chewy Haul

Posted on January 16, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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Hello! For Christmas, Johnny’s aunt gifted Mel and Penelope with a Chewy gift card for all of their supplies. It was so thoughtful! With the gift card, I was able to stock up on all of their necessities as well as some new toys and old favorites. As per usual, though, the bunnies are much more interested in playing with the Chewy boxes than anything else lol. Check out what these spoiled pets got as a late Christmas gift:

The Chewy gift card was, honestly, one of the best gifts of my holiday haul because all of the products seen above were things that were going to need to be bought anyways. While I did spend a little of my own money, the gift card covered almost everything and most of these purchases will last us until March, at least. If that seems quick to you, remember that two bunnies means double everything! Also their favorite activity is to dump their food dish out which is equal parts adorable and annoying lol.

The most important purchases from this haul were definitely their pellet food and bedding. The past four times I have placed an order with Chewy, their food has been unavailable. Then, once my order has been placed, I get an email saying their pellet food is back in stock *eye roll*. Since their food was available during this order, I decided to go big and get three bags to avoid this in the future. I also decided to get two bags of their bedding since I also use it to fill their litter boxes. The bunny litter that I was using was pricey AF and even if I have to change their litter bedding more often, it is still less expensive in the long run.

One final essential from this order was their Timothy hay and then it was onto the toys! The Kaytee Play n’ Chew hideout is one of their favorites and they love to destroy it. Thankfully, it takes them a while to do so and since they are still working on the one they have, this will serve as a backup. The Rosewood play and chew balls are also a Mel and Penelope fave and they can chew through the rope and thin wood ones in a matter of minutes. I also wanted to give them some new options like the Timothy hay lollipops and the hourglass and piece of cake chew toys. The hourglass has been hit or miss so far but they made quick work of one of the lollipops. 😀

Mel and Pen were cool with their mom spending their gift card for them and as far as I know, they are happy with what I picked out! And I am too. 😀

Where do you get your pet supplies from? What is your pet’s favorite toy? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan11

Is A Bunny The Pet For You?

Posted on January 11, 2023 by lifewithlilred

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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!

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

Dec6

Bunny Baby Angels

Posted on December 6, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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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. ❤

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

Nov15

Best Bunny Dad Ever!

Posted on November 15, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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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:

^^^ 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

Nov8

Aivituvin Rabbit Hutch Review

Posted on November 8, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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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:

^^^ 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

Nov7

Pet Parent Lyfe

Posted on November 7, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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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:

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

Nov6

Introducing: Mel & Penelope!

Posted on November 6, 2022 by lifewithlilred

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Hello!! After a lot of preparations, purchases, and research, Johnny and I finally welcomed home our sweet bunnies this past Tuesday. We adopted this mother and son duo named Penelope and Mel from a couple whose adopted bunny had a surprise litter. We are completely obsessed with our furry little children and it has been so much fun having the bonded pair raising a ruckus in our apartment. Check out these sweet angels – the white and brown one is Penelope and the little black one is her son, Mel:

^^^ Lol, Penelope looks like such a loaf in that last one!

I have wanted pet rabbits for as long as I can remember and vowed to myself that I would get a pair when I moved into my old apartment. This never came to be, however, for a plethora of reasons. For example, there was a definite lack of space at chez moi as well as the fact that the temperature inside was always either stifling hot or unbearably cold. This was uncomfortable for a human let alone animals. And, after Johnny and all of his stuff moved in with me, there was officially no space to be found.

Fast forward to getting settled in our new apartment this past May and the possibility of having a pet was finally a real thing. We now have plenty of space, a functional AC unit, and a great heating system too. After spending some time enjoying our new digs together, I couldn’t think of any reason to not begin the search for a pair of bonded rabbits.

The work was slow going for a while and I, honestly, didn’t even have any supplies but was looking on PetFinder anyways lol. Then, my butt got kicked into high gear when my brother-in-law tagged me in a Facebook post that his neighbor made about looking for homes for their rabbits. I replied and that day, I had Penelope and Mel on hold for me and a hutch and endless Chewy orders on the way. All Johnny and I had to do was wait for everything to ship and get the hutch built. 😀

It felt like a lifetime of waiting until the scheduled date to pick our babies up and they are just as wonderful as we imagined. Penelope is a timid little thing and loves to be held. Her son, on the other hand, is so frisky and just wants to play, play, play! It is such a novelty to spend time in the evening with our pets rather than in front of the TV and we can’t get enough. Every morning, I can’t wait to take them out to play before I go to work and we both look forward to coming home in the afternoon to have them out for the evening. It is everything we ever wanted AND MORE! ❤

Going from petless to pet owners in under two weeks has been a whirlwind but we are so thankful to officially be bunny parents. Keep it posted on lifewithlilred for all of the Penelope and Mel cuteness!

Have you ever had pet rabbits? What are some of your best care tips? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

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