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http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/east/orphaned-olinda-rabbits-chew-through-up-to-3000-in-dental-and-medical-bills-at-nokill-shelter/story-fngnvlxu-1226829654834 Orphaned Olinda rabbits chew through up to $3000 in dental and medical bills at ‘no-kill’ shelter UPDATE: RABBIT-Free Australia says the State Government owes Victorians an explanation after spending $70,000 on saving rabbits — despite Australia facing the worst rabbit plague since 1995. This comes after an Olinda rabbit orphanage — which has divided readers after spending $1500 on fixing one rabbit’s teeth and another $1500 on a hernia operation - was given a $50,000 government grant to improve its shelter for sick and stray rabbits. >> Do you think they are spending too much money on rabbits’ medical bills? Tell us below or at [email protected] Rabbit-Free Australia foundation chairman Nicholas Newland said rabbits were Australia’s worst pest, causing more than $200 million damage each year to farming alone. According to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, the damage is up about $100 million from 2004 — mainly through scores of wild rabbits eating crops. The DEPI has just awarded $355,000 to 24 Victorian animal protection organisations in its second round of Animal Welfare Fund grants. But almost one-seventh of the total grants — or $70,000 — has been awarded to three organisations for “rabbit infrastructure”, with 21 other organisations sharing the remaining $285,000. RSPCA Victoria was awarded $10,000 for “improved rabbit care infrastructure”, Edgar’s Mission got $10,000 for a rabbit enclosure, and Olinda’s Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage was granted $50,000 to convert a garage to house rescued stray and sick rabbits. The orphanage has a no-kill policy and last week spent almost $3000 fixing up a rabbit’s hernia and another’s teeth - these vets bills paid for by public donations. “I think that it may well be the people running this orphanage do not fully appreciate extent of the impact that rabbits have on other animals,” Mr Newland said. “Because what they do in the wild is, of course, remove native habitat, mainly plants, on which other animals rely. “I think the Department of Environment and Primary Industries really needs to explain to the community at large as to why its doing this, and why its not making these funds available for research on the next biological control agent.” Leader today revealed the Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage was struggling to keep up with medical expenses as it honoured its policy of keeping every bunny alive. The Olinda shelter spent another $1500 on another operation for a rabbit’s umbilical hernia. It comes as the dental waiting list for Victoria is about 16 months and 19 months to get dentures, according to the Dental Health Services Victoria annual report 2012. Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage president Judi Inglis said vet bills for the 2012-13 financial year cost $36,000. Vet bills for the first six months of this financial year have already hit $27,000, eating into the shelter’s public donations. It spends $20,000 a year on general supplies such as food and hay. The rabbit orphanage is also supported by the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, recently receiving a $50,000 grant to convert the garage used to house the rabbits. Several Leader readers backed the orphanage today, saying it supported animals that no one else would. “RRO do an amazing job and deserve all the respect and support they receive,” wrote Shannon. “Compassion over killing always. It’s a reflection of our nation,” wrote Stephanie. Karen wrote: “As long as legislation fails to protect these animals from abuse and neglect, there will be a need for organisations like the Rabbit Orphanage to exist.” But some readers were annoyed that state funding partially supported the shelter. “Yet again, taxpayers are the bunnies,” Rose said. “I love all animals, love that someone has taken the time to care for these rabbits and hate cruelty, but all of this is just a bit backward. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries has funded a rescue group devoted to caring for what amounts to one of our biggest pests?” Theresa wrote. “And yet they took away the dental scheme for people who had chronic diseases,” Jazz said. Dr Inglis said as the shelter was the first, and only, “no-kill” rabbit orphanage in Victoria, meaning the rescued bunnies were never put down, the costs to keep each one alive were skyrocketing. She said she hoped people eventually see rabbits in the same way that cats and dogs were seen. She said the no-kill policy meant the shelter got rabbits that would be euthanased at other rescues, because of existing health conditions. “The majority of conditions or illnesses in rabbits is treatable, but people see them more as a disposable pet.” As well as bunnies placed in foster homes, 20 special needs bunnies are kept under the vet care of the orphanage, which pays for any ongoing medical treatment. RSPCA Victoria manager Liz Walker said while the RSPCA did everything it could to save injured animals, it would euthanase if it was the most humane option. “The no-kill movement is gaining momentum in Victoria, but often leads to hoarding situations where too many sick animals are being kept,” Ms Walker said. The $50,000 grant will be used to upgrade and fireproof the rabbit enclosure, but the orphanage is still on the hunt for local tradesmen to donate labour to complete the project The DEPI has been contacted for comment. GRANTS BY THE DEPI ANIMAL WELFARE FUND RABBIT Run-Away Orphanage — $50,000 LOST Dogs’ Home — $20,469 CAT Corner Rescue Group, Inc. — $28,628 PONY Rescues Inc. — $10,000

Clearly that tattooist needs practice, poor dog being a live test dummy. btw Proof+, that you should never get a tattoo when you're completely out of it. Never know what you'll wake up with. :p

I've been watching her Mum's story :) sent an email out just before you posted. I wish I could finally have my red kelpie girl. You're located in Victoria?

I don' think this is Daffy Duck's pup? When you google image walrus puppy this photo comes up from someone's blog.

Awesome :) best of luck.

We've desexed lots of older females and males. With pre-op bloods, fluids and pain relief, antibiotics when prescribed (a dental as well because most have feral teeth). Only one dog got into trouble on the operating table having a routine desex (no infection), the surgery was halted and she was fine afterwards. Just incredibly unlucky I suppose but we rescued 6 pyo bitches in a row poor little ladies.

Isn't she gorgeous! That photos just sums it all up, for me. It was also pretty hilarious how much energy she had to get out (you can see in the video) and then about 20 minutes later, after licking the kids all over, she was chilled out in the car, waiting to go home. She's such a wiggler! I can imagine there would have been slobbery kisses involved. That first night back home must have been amazing.

I'm here too! But I don't take my dogs near King St or any of the main roads (they are too little and I find it stressful). I've heard Vic On The Park is a dog friendly pub, have you been there?

My first very own dog (not the family dog or when I lived at home where we always had dogs, mainly due to me LOL) was a brindle staffy cross called Flea. :) In a breakup my boyfriend was the one who took her which I guess happens a lot and it broke my heart but you have to do the best for the dog even when things have gone to crap. He was the better choice for her and in hindsight I did the right thing despite the guilt. She lived to a ripe old age and he used to take her down to Robe SA for beach holidays which she loved. Since then I've been a small dog and Silky person except for English Pointers and the very occasional large black & tan which I seem to have a thing about rescuing.

THANKS !!!! will provide an update on progress You're welcome :) And if you're using supplements, the highest quality and most effective one I've ever ever trialled is from Joint Performance. Just call Georgina and have a chat, she sourced and blended every ingredient herself. It's excellent quality! ............and has a bacon smell which makes it popular here. :laugh:

Vet immediately. If you've never done this before and don't have an experienced mentor holding your hand, don't use guesswork via google. It's easy to lose pups and/or mum when things go even the tiniest bit wrong.

dogs in motion We've had a couple of wheelchair cart dogs. :) And I've tested some of the support sleeves that are made out of wetsuit material but haven't (as yet LOL) needed a leg cast mould done. You do need vet help to have the mould done but I don't think you need a specialist to do it. If I really needed to choose, the cast brace would be my preference because the sleeve things slipped constantly due to my dogs having hairy fine legs and me not feeling comfortable about having them on any tighter.

There most definitely a place in Melbourne, I can't remember the name but will try to find the link. You have a few choices depending on budget and severity of the condition. be right back

Thank you Ruth, I am a bit behind on new things: not being on FB. Amazing what a handful of people can make happen. Best wishes for step 2. I hope she is back with her family soon. Squishyface Ruby.

Who is Team Dog?

Sheridan has always had a link to Wheaten Health in her signature but she hasn't been around lately. Just in case you haven't seen the site: http://www.wheatenhealthaustralia.net/index.html :) Has further health info in the links section.

She's so adorable and squishy faced 2nd-ing: Maybe have this moved to general. How much longer will they hold her for? (error message when signing, I'll try again later)

fbaudry, I always recommend Maritime Pine Bark extract (liquid) for immune system help. It's amazing stuff, you just pop it in their mouth or on food. :)

Love it! A rinse on the two dashy crosses I have here makes their red coats gleam! The runty puppy boy also has a touch of demodex on his temples: I love that I can rinse him with the tea and keep him naturally & organically clean and soothed while he is being treated. Great stuff. Steve I've linked to your shop in my puppy journal. Everyone should try it. :)

OMG that's a kissable face!

I'm in a cafe area, but I find King St foot traffic and the roaring trucks/buses/cars only a few metres away too stressful for little dogs (and myself). Then you get the dogs walking past cornering other dogs under tables. I don't know. Just not my thing. I like a calm Latte, and getting a break from the dogs. :D

My dogs are family albeit with less privileges. They all have ridiculous nicknames that evolve from their given names and seem to answer to them all :laugh: I give them cute haircuts and I like fluffy jumpers. But they are still dogs. It doesn't matter what you call them provided they still get to be dogs. People shouldn't take that away from them because they want their dogs to be mini children. Love them for what they are. (Personally I don't use 'furkids' and 'furbabies' ... it sounds a bit corny and a bit american. )

That poor little girl. Rest in Peace angel.

a) If that was the case then maybe all children have learned is either animals are just meat waiting to be used ... or that zoos are horrifying places who 'acquire and dispose' of their residents. b) And I don't believe I've ever heard anyone say that people should go to the pound, see a dog shot (because the lethabarb would make meat unusable) witness a dismemberment and enjoy the circle of life as the carcasses are fed to the dogs still impounded -- environmental enrichment and an educational day out for the whole family.

Maybe the pounds should start doing it, to show children the circle of life. Surplus animals, they are going to be killed anyway. You could charge an entry fee and sell popcorn. Would anyone be defending the public kill and butchery spectacle then?