Pets at home visit

No no I don't usually go the to upsetting each time.
But they had an offer for a. Rand of cat food that Morgaine adores. Half price!
So I went to the cirencester shop......
Got all flours no problem...
Walked through the isles to check for other offers and found a young family in the small animal section
Over hearing their conversation. Dad explaining to doughter of 5-6 years old that the rabbit will need a run too
Previously being involved in frank discussions at p@h I make my way to,the till
Paid and out of the shop I saw the same family now checking the choice of hutches.
Two to be precise both not suitable. Yes a small printed note about rabbits requirements on the bottom
What shall I do?
Hop off and mind my own business which I can't because .... Bunnies are that!
So I approached them. This is how the conversation went:
Me: oh you consider to get a rabbit? Well really two how lovely
All look at me with ? Marks over their faces...
Me: my name is claudia lovely to meet you
Dad: hi I'm ..... This is my daughter.... And wife....
Handshakes and smiles follow
Dad: which of those hutches would you get?
Me : neither, sorry no offense but both unsuitable especially for two rabbits
Dad: well we wanted to get one
Me: fair enough but bunnies are social. You see I have three and had more in the past.
By that time thinking if there would be a coffe shop near by I invite them....
Me: why do you want to get a rabbit?
Mum: ... Wants a pet and we thought rabbit is perfect. Doesn't need much space or care. Is cheap and perfect
For kids
Me: I'm going to be honest with you like it or not. You may think its none of my business. But all the things you mentioned I heard before. All reasons that are wrong. I not here to tell what to do but can only advice to do research before going anywhere further. RWAF and my phone number offered!
Let me try to put it in short to you
Rabbits are fragile, don't want to be picked up or dressed in dolls old clothe. Prey animaleasily scared.
Should live in pairs. Can get 10-12 years old by which time.... Be at university. Coast per bunnies per year if all goes well, I have not experienced this, £1000 per bunnie per year.
Eureka. Daddy started yapping mum nervously stepping from one foot to the other. I'm praying...
Than said it may not be as straight forward. If you really consider the long term commitment get geared up first. RWAF again . You still wanna go ahaed? Get a rabbit from one of the rescues... Names cheltenham shelter, blue cross, windwhistle warren... They come vet checked, vaccinated neutered.
By this time dad had recovered from initial shock and said thank you for pointing out.
I have given my phone number just in case wrote all rescue and RWAF down on my recipe of cat food
Wished them well and went to the car
When I drove off I saw them walking to their car too. No rabbit bought but both dad and little girl waving at me
Sorry for the rattle but....
One rabbit may have been spared the old story...

Well done (and thank you, on behalf of the bunnies that won't end up in an unsuitable home! ), I'm not sure I would have been so brave!

You are wonderful CB love and thank you for sharing it with us.

Hugs
Jo xx

Well done this is what more people need to start doing
This is what pets at home should start doing

Xxx

Pets at home want to sell animals they will not be honest I buried that thought.
Only yesterday another bun didn't go down the old route. Bought for kids that loose interest when novelty wears down and cleaning or even feeding the poor soul gets task.
No animal shop should sell creatures! Full stop
No I'm not brave but desperate Nd so are the fluff tails.
Despite all that I will do it again if faced with it.
Bunnies first!

Oh and sorry for all the spelling!

Bunnies first indeed love and guinea pigs too.

Hugs
Jo xx

Well done you

I went to Pets at Home a couple of weeks ago as unfortunately the local independent shop recently closed. I was picking up a bag of food for my rabbits in the aisle which faced the hutches they sell which are apparently appropriate for rabbits. A couple were there with their kids asking an employee for advice so I decided to hang around.

It turned out that not only did the employee have rabbits himself but he also knew how to look after them properly!

He recommended a hutch similar to the one I happen to have (a two tier, off the ground type)...he then went on to say something along the lines of 'but consider this to be their bedroom, bathroom and dining room. Imagine if that was all you were ever confined to. You must provide them with a decent sized run for recreation'. They asked if he could suggest one, at which point he started telling them how to make one so I moved on.

It made me ridiculously happy that someone in PaH was trying to ensure rabbits would be properly cared for.

PS when I say they were looking at a hutch similar to the one I have, it is of course attached to a run! Indeed my imminent house move is very much linked to securing better accommodation for my lovely buns :-)

It does your heart good to hear something like this doesn't it love? Let's hope that many more Pets at Home branches have people who care as much and are able to give great advice so bunnies can have a really happy life. It is a long haul but we will get there. I have heard good advice being given at our local branch but we have had a couple of open days there and made sure that our knowledge has been passed on.

Hugs
Jo xx

Sandie I'm glad you found a rabbit savvy member of staff at p@h.
I remember I once found one at the range and felt so over the moon.
If you go there again maybe consider to tell them. Praise! Usually works better than anything else.
Hope you house move goes smoothly.

I agree entirely hunni, let them know how impressed you were. Praise does indeed go a long way.

Hugs
Jo xx