the non-easter bunnies

Texas bunny expert says: Rabbits do not make good Easter gifts

Rabbits from House Rabbit Resource Network in Austin.

House Rabbit Resource Network

As cute as it would be to have a real-life Easter bunny in a basket on Sunday, one expert rescuer says to skip it and opt for a candy rabbit or plush toy.

Kyle Golden, a board member of Pflugerville's House Rabbit Resource Network, says that the rescue always receives an influx of rescue requests during Easter-time.

It's usually either people surrendering rabbits they got for the holiday, or else finding a rabbit set loose in their neighborhood by unwitting owners trying to "return it to nature."

But domesticated rabbits are different from wild rabbits, and do not survive in the Texas heat or around predators.

"We recommend that people not get the rabbits during the Easter time holiday, or basically for any gift, during any holiday season," says Golden. "They should learn more about what it takes to have a rabbit as a pet and part of the family."

Bunny at House Rabbit Resource Network Pancake the rabbit.House Rabbit Resource Network

One of the most common reasons for surrenders, Golden says, is allergies, whether to the rabbit itself or the hay required to create a rabbit home.

It's easy to forget that rabbits are wildlife, not domesticated pets, and can take a long time to get comfortable with human socialization.

"Rabbits are prey animals as opposed to predator animals like a dog or cat," Golden says. "Many times, people don't understand the psychology behind how a rabbit is going to interact with them. More than likely a rabbit is going to take a much longer period of time to warm up and to gain that trust [with] their human, so they know they're not going to be eaten, or abused, or whatever other danger might come their way."

Other issues include introducing the rabbit to other pets, as well as rabbits' inclination to chew furniture, cables, or anything else close to the ground.

Rabbits are also more costly: What may cost $100 for a dog or cat could cost $800 for a rabbit, Golden says, because they are considered an "exotic" pet, which requires specific training many vets do not have.

Dallasites who want to meet rabbits or other unusual critters can volunteer at wildlife centers such as North Texas Wildlife Center, in Plano that rescues and rehabilitates injured or orphaned wildlife, or North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary, which rescues rabbits and helps find new homes. Most are staffed almost entirely by volunteers. Jobs include grooming, socializing, cleaning cages, and giving food and water.

Rabbits are intelligent, living beings, Golden says. "Each rabbit has a completely different temperament and personality," he says.

holidays pets families kids animals

Plastic Container News

Dallas-based Container Store joins wave of stores filing bankruptcy

Container Store

Another seemingly popular retailer has filed for bankruptcy: According to a release, the Container Store has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, effective December 22.

The company is not closing down, says president and CEO Satish Malhotra in a statement.

“The Container Store is here to stay," Malhotra says. "Our strategy is sound, and we believe the steps we are taking today will allow us to continue to advance our business, deepen customer relationships, expand our reach, and strengthen our capabilities."

The Company has filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court that will allow it to make timely payments to vendors, suppliers, and other trade creditors in full.

The stores and website will continue to operate as normal; all customer deposits and orders will be honored and delivered as normal.

At least 90 percent of the company’s loan lenders have pledged their support. A recapitalization will provide millions in new financing as well as debt service relief. This will strengthen their balance sheet and liquidity position, so they can meet commitments to partners and vendors.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Coppell, the Container Store offers organizing solutions and in-home services, with more than 10,000 products to complete any space, sold at more than 100 locations nationwide and a flagship online store.

When they first debuted, they were an utter revelation with all of their various plastic containers and tubs — a market that is now also filled by cheaper knockoffs sold at a much lower price at places like Target.

“We are particularly excited about the future of our custom space offerings, which continue to demonstrate strength," Malhotra says. "We intend to maintain our strong workforce and remain committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers while we execute this recapitalization and for many years to come.”

The Chapter 11 process does not include the Company’s Elfa business in Sweden, which continues to operate as usual.

There is starting to be a wave of bankruptcy filings of retailers that include Big Lots, which is holding going-out-of-business sales in anticipation of a company-wide closure; and Party City, which is closing its stores at the end of February.

The Container Store has created a dedicated website for stakeholders to get information about the Chapter 11 case at www.futureforcontainerstore.com.

holidays