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February 28, 2008
Tractor Supply Company Adding to the Easter Dump.
Tractor Supply Company has 764 stores in 43 states and supplies people who live the “rural lifestyle” with the things that they need. Chief merchandising officer Greg Sandfort, describes the company as a destination.
“Being a destination… gives us a little bit of an advantage, that the customer would rather come to us than make the 30-or 40-mile drive up someplace else. But the fact of the matter is, is that you have to have an exciting store, or they won't come to you regardless of where you are or what you may offer."
With Easter only a month away, it looks like the main attraction at the Tractor Supply Store are bunnies and chicks.
You have to ask why a store that considers itself “…not a disposable income-type company.” Would sell these animals. What “need” does this fulfill?
Greg Sandfort needs to realize the negative impact that his stores are having on the local animal shelters, rescue groups, and most importantly the lives of the animals themselves.
Please take a moment to send a letter stating that the selling of live rabbits is not good for business.
Send your letters to:
Greg Sandfort, Chief Merchandising Officer
Tractor Supply Company
200 Powell Place
Brentwood, TN 37027
Or you can go to their Customer Service Form on this website:
http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContactUsForm?
langId=-1&storeId=10551&catalogId=10001
Read up on the Tractor Supply Company through this News Article:
http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/200802240210/BUSINESS05/802240383
Some notes to include in your letter:
• Not Good for Business:
The real profits come from the sale of pet supplies and feed – not the sale of the animals themselves.Animal lovers look favorably upon pet Supply stores that do not sell animals. Point out how PetSmart stopped the sale of rabbits after test marketing them last year due to pressure from animal advocates. Also, they would be helping their community by pointing customers who wish to purchase a rabbit, in the direction of a local rescue or shelter.
• Not Good for Local Shelters/Rescues:
Many rabbits are impulse purchases and so they are eventually abandoned to local humane societies after the Easter season is over. It’s known as the "Easter Dump.” This perpetuates the homeless animal problem and shelter over crowding.
• Not good for your customers!
Because the rabbits are sold un-neutered, they exhibit undesirable
behavior starting in adolescence. (Typically at 8 months) Marking, chewing electronic cords and furniture, not to mention expensive veterinary care for the special health needs of rabbits. These are not cuddly animals and most houses are not ready to truly care for their new pet. Customers who are not educated about the realities of rabbit ownership become disillusioned and end up disposing of them.
• Not Good for the Animals:
These retail stores are ill equipped to provide the stress free environment the rabbits need to stay healthy.
Employees do not give the care these rabbits need and health issues
arise (Eye afflictions are caused by pine bedding the rabbits are
housed in. The rabbits are not seen by veterinarians when they are ill. Rabbits are not neutered and are housed together resulting in “surprise” litters).These animals are bred in rabbit mills and/or backyard breeders who inbreed (causing genetic problems) and house the rabbits in small crowded cages.
Posted by Megan at 1:21 PM
February 26, 2008
2008 Midwest Veterinary Conference
Last weekend, Columbus HRS once again hosted a booth at the annual Midwest Veterinary Conference at the Columbus Convention Center. In spite of the cold and nasty weather outside, things were warm and friendly inside, thanks in part to spokesrabbits Rupert and Elaina. As in the past, we offered a selection of excellent articles and materials on rabbit care, health and behavior. But it's no surprise that the rabbits stole the show!
On Friday, Rupert took full advantage of the Cottontail Cottage to demonstrate his superior ability to nap amidst any hustle and bustle. He also played hard-to-get, peeking out the second floor window when passers-by caught his eye, popping up to the top level to make sure they got a good look at him, then dashing down to chew his willow basket and get a drink before resuming his nap.
On Saturday, Elaina also did extremely well, as she always does when she's out and about. She really is quite the ham. She also got on the top floor of the cottontail cottage so people could pet her as they passed by.
The buns not only attract attention to our booth, but also serve to demonstrate how real rabbits behave. People who have never heard of house rabbits (yes, they do exist) can see them using a litterbox, eating hay, and interacting with humans in a way that shows their natural curiosity and intelligence. As much as we can talk about them, the buns really do speak for themselves.
Posted by Terri at 10:49 PM
Recovering Lucy
Lucy continues to do very well recovering from her spay yesterday.
This sweet gal seems to take everything in stride and is just happy to be here safe and warm with plenty of food!
Posted by Karalee at 1:58 PM
February 25, 2008
Excellent Lucy News!!!
Lucy was spayed today and came through with flying colors. She was chowing down on hay on the way home.
Whoo hoo!!! You go, girl!
Posted by Sue at 10:00 PM
February 23, 2008
The Big Day!
As I promised yesterday, Karalee sexed the babies this morning. And the verdict is...
Drum roll please...
We still don't know. They apparently aren't old enough yet. Karalee will try again in two weeks.
But lest you go away disappointed, look below and you will see the sweetest faces that have ever hopped our fair land.
Posted by Sue at 2:10 PM
February 22, 2008
Confusion Abounds and Babies Galore
Apparently, there has been some confusion as to who it was that managed to commit self-induced food poisoning. No, it wasn't Karalee. She's far too smart for that. I, Sue Mangold, am the guilty party.
One could reasonably conclude that "Karalee's Corner" would be written by Karalee but we like to mix things up every now and then. However, there is a way to tell who the author is. At the bottom of the entry, in really small print, you will see a line of text that says "Posted by" followed by the name of the author. Hopefully, this will reduce the confusion. Especially since we hope to introduce a new author soon. Stay tuned!
On the other hand, Karalee and I are delighted at the number of people who are following the antics of the babies. And I'm feeling guilty that I have not updated the blog recently. So let me begin with a "Happy Birthday, babies!" They are now six weeks old and weaned. Whoo hoo! Guaranteed, nobody is celebrating more than Lucy, who is now happily living the life of the single bunny. She remains wobbly but refuses to let that get her down.
As for the babies, their hormones are beginning to kick in and it will soon be time to split them up into same-sex groups. Which means, of course, that they need to be sexed, a task which Karalee will perform this weekend. It also means... MORE PICTURES. If you're curious to know their gender and want to see them up close, be sure to come back for an update!
Posted by Sue at 7:41 PM
February 15, 2008
Good News for Lucy
Lucy had a vet recheck yesterday and we were thrilled with the news! Though both of her eardrums did rupture, the good news is that it appears to have been just fluid that drained, not infection! Lucy has been doing so much better since the day she started on antibiotics. So much so that you would never know she had been sick if you did not notice her wobble. She will stay on antibiotics a bit longer and then we will see when we can pull her off the meds. Way to go Lucy!
And Happy Birthday to the babies, they are 5 weeks old today!!!
Posted by Karalee at 3:45 PM
February 10, 2008
How Do You Sleep?
Lying in bed yesterday with self-induced food poisoning (don't ask), I found myself thinking about what it would be like to sleep with six siblings. Certainly these guys are creative in the ways they manage to get comfortable!
Posted by Sue at 11:07 AM
February 7, 2008
Edible Chocolate Bunnies for Easter!
We are excited to announce that professional chocolatier Cindy Derosier is offering a Make Mine Chocolate! themed rabbit at her boutique with 50% of the proceeds benefiting MMC.
We will be stocking a few bunnies in Bunny General for local people, and you can also order directly from Cindy's Chocolate Boutique at http://cindyscountrykitchen.com/Bunnies.htm
See the flyer below for all the details!
Posted by Karalee at 6:35 PM
February 6, 2008
Babies - Day 26
In case you haven't noticed, I am mad about these babies! Being involved in rescue means having to deal with an unending stream of sad stories and perpetual frustration at our limitations in what we can do to help. So I am quite happy to rejoice in these new lives that Lucy has given us.
You done good, girlfriend!
Check out these videos!
What a clever bun am I! (14 MB Quicktime)
Give me some room, please! (16 MB Quicktime)
Posted by Sue at 8:20 PM
February 5, 2008
Lucy Goes to the Vet
A quick update on Lucy. Even though no visible sign of an ear infection in either ear, the vet suspects a middle or inner ear infection since she thought the eardrums seemed to look slightly bulging. She remains wobbly but no sign yet of head tilt. This little lady is tough! She's still eating well and, as the picture below shows, she handled her trip to the vet with great decorum. Keep those prayers coming!
Posted by Sue at 10:39 PM
February 4, 2008
Lucy
A week ago, I had the opportunity to meet Lucy and her babies. Although the babies were clearly the stars, I also fell immediately in love with momma Lucy. That she had been through hard times was obvious as she ate and drank incessantly, a characteristic of animals who have suffered serious food deprivation. In spite of that, she managed to deliver seven healthy babies and has proved to be an excellent mother.
It's never fair for any animal to get sick. But it's especially unfair that Lucy faces yet another hurdle. An email from Karalee late this afternoon brought the terrible news that Lucy appears wobbly. This is often the first indication of an impending head tilt. After all she has been through, the only thought that comes to mind is "This is so unfair."
But things are different this time. Lucy is no longer alone and abandoned. She has Karalee, Chuck, and Dr. Herrli on her side, as well as a host of friends and well wishers. So please send your prayers and best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Posted by Sue at 7:30 PM
February 3, 2008
Getting Big and Still Beautiful - Day 17
Look at us now!
Posted by Sue at 4:53 PM
We've Got Video!
Yep, these babies do much, much more than just sleep!
These movies take at least four minutes to load using a cable link to the Internet. We recommend that you right-click on the link and save it onto your hard drive.
Big ears and big hind legs make a baby bunny! (65 MB Quicktime)
Mom, I'm hungry!(91 MB Quicktime)
Posted by Sue at 3:59 PM
Babies at 15 Days
How can they possibly get any sleep when they've got siblings all around?
Posted by Sue at 3:55 PM
Babies at Eleven Days
What a difference two days can make! Their eyes are starting to open and it's only a matter of time before they start to explore their new world. Imagine the chaos seven little bunnies can create. Karalee and Chuck are going to be very busy keeping up with these little guys!
Posted by Sue at 3:46 PM
Babies at Nine Days
On January 11, Lucy, a Rex rescued in downtown Powell, gave birth to seven healthy babies. Here is what they looked like on January 20, at nine days of age. They are tiny, two would fit comfortably in the palm of your hand, and their eyes haven't opened yet but their fur has come in. Aren't they darling!
Posted by Sue at 3:10 PM