Concerning animals

In this post, I'm discussing the welfare of pets, especially rabbits as my main point of concern.
As you know, I have a pet rabbit called Rex, whom I love to bits! He is my furry little pal, and the best listener. This is probably not strange, because many people claim that their pets are the best listeners. You can tell them anything, without having retorts thrown back at you, and it is my way to just get something out of chest. For now, I will talk about pet ownership.

A pet is not just for display, or for Christmas, it's for life. Thousands of unwanted pets end up in the shelters every year, simply because their owners can no longer look after them. They why you would ask, would they buy a pet in the first place? The decision of whether to own a pet does not just happen overnight. It takes weeks of planning. Not everyone is suited to pet ownership, and even if you want a pet, not every specie is suitable for everyone. A common reason that people has when handing their pet over at the shelter is "I didn't think he/she would be like that." How can this be avoided? The answer is simple - research. Researching provides potential pet owners with invaluable information. One cannot just look at their neighbour or friend's dog and say "oh how cute, I want a dog." People who act on their impulses often do not understand the huge responsibility that comes with owning a pet. A pet needs more than just food and water. Many pets, especially exotic pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs etc, are often left alone in the backyard without any human interactions.

This brings me to my main point - pet rabbits.
Here we are in the twenty-first century. Rabbits are becoming more and more popular as household pets. Unfortunately, people's perceptions about them haven't changed much. There are many common myths surrounding this furry specie of animal, and I will list some of them below.

Myth 1: Rabbits are great, low-maintenance starter pets.

WRONG! Although they don't need to be walked like dogs, rabbits are anything but low-maintenance. Their cages need daily cleaning, and fresh food and water must be offered daily, including a salad of well-washed, dark-green leafy vegetables, and unlimited hay. They also need at least two hours of exercise every day in order to keep them happy.

Myth 2: Rabbits only live a year or two, so no long term commitment is necessary.

WRONG! Well cared-for indoor rabbits can live 8-12 years, and some even longer. This is approximately the same life span as some breeds of dogs, and requires the same long-term commitment.

Myth 3: Rabbits do not need veterinary care the way dogs and cats do

WRONG! Yearly vaccinations are a must for protection against calici virus. Companion rabbits should be spayed/neutered by veterinarians experienced in rabbit surgery. This not only reduces hormone-driven behaviors such as lunging, mounting, spraying, and boxing, but also protects females from the risk of uterine cancer, the incidence of which can exceed 50% as rabbits grow older. In general, rabbits needs a vet check-up every six months.

Myth 4: Rabbits love to be picked up and cuddled, and do not scratch or bite.

WRONG! Although some rabbits tolerate handling quite well, many do not like to be picked up and carried. If rabbits are mishandled they will learn to bite to protect themselves. If they feel insecure when carried they may scratch to get down.

Reference: www.boingonline.com - Visit the website for more myths and quality information on rabbit care.

Because of their size and cuteness, rabbits are often thought of as the perfect pet for children. However, this is not the case. Believe it or not, a dog would be more suitable. Rabbits are prey animals, and most do not enjoy to be cuddled and picked up, which is what children would do. In an attempt to escape, the rabbit may kick, bite or scratch, injuring the child and often the rabbit itself. Rabbits are known to have broken their spine as they kick madly to escape. The startled child may also drop the rabbit, whose bones are fragile, and can cause serious injury. Unfortunately, rabbits are popular Easter gifts for children, but as the novelty wears off, the rabbits are left neglected in the backyard or dropped off at the shelter.

Who says vet care is only for cats and dogs? All domesticated animals require vet treatment, even if it's just a half-yearly check-up. Illnesses are sometimes difficult to identify in rabbits, and when you do, it may be too late. In addition, they are good at concealing pain, so if you ever hear a rabbit scream, it means he is in excruciating pain. Trust me, you never want to hear that sound.

Rabbits make excellent pets when cared for properly. They are very clean, can be easily litter-trained and friendly. As for me, pet rabbits will always be a part of my life.

Apologies...

Hi pals!
I can't view your blogs currently because I'm in China and they blocked blogspot, however for some reason I can still post new blogs. I will visit your blogs when I get back to Melbourne! :)
Can't wait to see you guys again!

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

A couple of weeks ago, I bought a CD called Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron. It features music from the 2002 animated film, a story about a horse called Spirit who was born in the wild during the times of the Old West, and was later captured by humans, and yet after struggling through countless obstacles and danger, finally regained his freedom with his cimarron herd. It is a beautiful and moving film, and I remembered that I cried the first time when I watched it. *sniff sniff* There is not much dialogue in this film, as the horses don't actually talk, yet I think this is what's good about it. It's definately one of my favourite animated films. I highly recommend this movie to everyone. The movie can be downloaded in eight parts on YouTube, but watching it on DVD would be much better as you can enjoy the brilliant music as well.

This film's soundtrank is totally amazing! Music is composed by Hans Zimmer. The CD mostly features songs sung by Bryan Adams, with a few instrumental tracks. The most majestic of these I think is 'Homeland'. While listening to this track, I can still vivdly picture the wide open plains where wild horses ran free. The songs meanwhile are just as good as the music. Bryan Adams is a great singer, and his songs truly reflect Spirit's personality; his gentle yet fearsome nature, as well as his grief in times of darkness and his courage in the face of danger. Yeah, so if you feel like it, why not download some tracks and give it a try?

The CD I bought contains 15 tracks, and these are:
1. Here I am (end title)

2. I Will Always Return
3. You Can't Take Me
4. Get Off My Back
5. Brothers Under the Sun
6. Don't Let Go
7. This Is Where I Belong
8. Here I Am
9. Sound the Bugle
10. Run Free
11. Homeland (main title)
12. Rain
13. The Long Road Back
14. Nothing I've Ever Known
15. I Will Always Return (finale)

'Sound the Bugle' is probably my favourite track. It's played when Spirit's future was looking grim, and he is thinking of giving up because he cannot find a way out from the humans' grasp. I love the lyrics, here goes:

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here

Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light I fear that I will - stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on

Then from an height - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls - remember who you are
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remember who you are

Ya you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle
To be free once more - Ya that's worth fighting for

Snow Day in Ningbo!!

I woke today to find the ground covered in a fluffy layer of snow!! Since I live in Australia, snow is indeed a rare sight. I was so excited! The last time I played in the snow was about three years ago, during my previous visit to China.

After breakfast and some house chores however, half the snow has melted away. Still, there was plenty to make a small snowman. My sister Jane and I thus wrapped up in cloaks, scarves and gloves and headed outside.

We got all the snow we needed from on top of the cars coz the snow there are the whitest and the fluffiest. Findind a place to build the snowman was a bit difficult as there weren't many flat ground around. At last we found a stone chair to act as the base for our snowman project. My gloves were soon soaked by the melting snow, making snowman-building increasinly difficult. Brrr...it was freezing! At last, our beautiful snowman was finished, we used a few lychee cores for its eyes and nose, and a piece of snow pea for the mouth. We dubbed it: Mr.Squishy!!!

The Pros and Cons of Living in China

Although China is my home country, I still think that Australia is a better country to live in. Well, both countries have their own pros and cons. Wouldn't it be great if I can mix the two together? :P

Pros of living in China:

• The cost of living is cheaper. Say if one earns money in Australia, then spend it in China, nearly everything would seem a whole lot more affordable, especially every day essentials.
• Late closing times are very convienient. Every day, shopping centres are open until 10 to 11pm, unlike in Melbourne, where the shops close at 5.30pm except on Thursdays and Fridays when shops close at 9.00pm.
• Clothing range: the varieties of clothes on sale in China is far more diverse than what I have noticed in Melbourne. Most of my clothes are bought from China as there are not many clothes that suit me or my tastes back in Melbourne.
• Food glorious food: I can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine in China, as well as other delicacies which cannot be found in Australia.

Cons of living in China:

• Large population: in my hometown, Ningbo, alone, there are over 5 million people. Due to rapid development, the number of vehicles on the roads are increasing by hundreds every day. It is a pain just to park your car, not to mention travelling a major road during peak hours. My cousin told me that you can leave your car on the road to use the toilet and when you return, your car would still be in the same spot!
• Dangerous traffic: in China, you cannot wait until the road is clear to cross the road, or else you will never get to the other side. It is a pedestrian's job to safely weave in and out of vehicles to cross the road. Cars will come within inches of you, even on a pedestrian crossing. Cars are not the only danger. Cyclists and motorcyclists are probably the most daring people on the roads. They are everywhere, zooming in and out of streets, one must keep their wits about them in order to avoid being hit.
• Inadequate control of hygiene rules: even though their are "keep our country clean" signs everywhere, some people still spit all over the place, which is much more indecent than littering. When I walk on the streets, I have to constantly look on the ground to avoid stepping on spit. Eww...XP Australia is much cleaner and less pollution results in a better environment.
  

Nevertheless, China is still an exciting country, with plenty to see and do. Still, I can't wait to return to Melbourne! :)