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

Closure News

Furniture chain American Freight to close all stores with 7 in Dallas

American Freight

There's a big sale going on at American Freight.

There's a huge sale on furniture going down right now, but for a sad reason: American Freight, a chain of furniture stores operating in dozens of states, is permanently shuttering all 328 locations, due to “sustained inflation and macroeconomic challenges,” according to its parent company.

That includes seven stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

The closing comes after its parent company, Franchise Group, Inc., filed for bankruptcy protection, according to documents filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

Store closing sales began on November 5, both online and at its 328 locations. Hilco Consumer-Retail is managing these sales for American Freight as the business winds down its operations nationwide. Significant discounts are being offered on the brand's full assortment of inventory.

Shoppers can save up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices storewide. Available items include living room sets, bedroom furniture, dining tables, and a selection of scratch & dent and new in-box appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and dryers.

New inventory is arriving and expected to move quickly, so customers should take advantage of this prime opportunity to enjoy exceptional deals before it's too late.

"Our goal is to deliver outstanding value to customers during this full chain closing sale," said Ian Fredericks, CEO of Hilco Consumer-Retail. "Everything is on sale and must be sold, and we recommend shopping early for the best selection."

During the store closing sales, select American Freight financing and delivery services will remain available to customers, presenting a unique opportunity to shop exceptional discounts with the convenience of flexible payment and home delivery.

The chain has 39 stores in Texas, including 7 in DFW, all closing as follows:

1825 Westpark Dr Grand Prairie
2964 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas
109 N Greenville Ave, Allen
1215 Marsh Ln, Carrollton
1418 N Town East Blvd, Mesquite
401 Southwest Plaza, Ste 105, Arlington
1265 Town Square Dr, Fort Worth

Sale Details
They're offering up to 30 percent off the lowest ticketed prices on furniture, scratch & dent, and new in-box appliances. Discounts are valid in stores and online. All sales are final, of course. Shop now for the best selection while supplies last.

closings