Stupid Raccoons Tormenting My Poor Floppsy!!!!

[RockyRoad]

Hi, as you all know Floppsy lives in a hutch outside. Well, almost every night, these Raccoons come out and torture him. They try and chew their way into the cage, bang on the cage, make noises, and it scares him half to death. How do I know?? For one thing, I'M the one who has to check the cage every morning to see if they got in...and then I have to repair the cage if they dug in the wood too far. Also, at night I go out there to scare them off, and I have seen them before. One time me and my friend Jenny went out at midnight to spy on the Raccoons, and we saw them on his cage!! There was about five or six at the least, but there could have been more, we had no flashlight. My dad won't move him in the house, because he says he is happy out there. I really do not think he is. Every morning I go out there, and he is petrified of me. It takes about an hour DAILY usually to calm him down. Also, I am petrified of bugs, and there are Daddy-Long-Legs all over the cage! There was one near the water bottle holder today, and when I went to put the bottle in it, I saw it and almost dropped the water bottle on Floppsy (don't be mad at me, it was an accident!!). And you guys remember the time I wanted to go out and shut Floppsy's cage door, but was too scared because of the slugs to go out!! I am well known as the scaredy cat of the school (I like the cat part!!). Anyway, I'm going off the subject here, so what should I do?????????:confused: :confused: :( :mad:

[Dogz]

Poor Floppsy!!!!!!!
I am scared of bugs too. I HATE grasshoppers!!! O.K.... I am going off subjuct too.
Hmmm... I don't really know what to say... maybe if you make a trap for the raccoons (not to hurt them) just to scare them away, then maybe they wouldn't come back... but I don't know. For the bugs I have nooo clue! I just squeal. I don't really know that much about facing your fear of bugs... Sorry I can't help you. Good Luck!
About the raccoons you could get together with your 1 or 2 of your friends, and then when the raccoons come scare them away, and repete this, because then maybe they won't come back and get frightened... Good Luck! (you might need it! :p )

[Sam's My Baby]

We have raccoons up here too, so my dad built this hutch (when I had my rabbit) and it keeps the racoons out. There is this peice of wood that is the size of the front of his cage that goes over the wire mesh part. You can lift it up and it stays there with these two little metal things. It is hard to explain : / I also think they might have raccoon proof cages. You can try getting one of those.

[Karen]

You definitely need to either convince your Dad to let Floppsey live inside, or raccoon-proof your cage. The raccoons will NOT forget after being "scared off" a couple times, they are creatures of habit, and are pretty smart, too.

Floppsey is right to be scared. He is a prey animal, and is pretty defenseless.

Go to http://www.rabbit.org for information on bring Floppsey inside safely, and maybe the inofrmation can help convince your Dad. There is a lot to do to "rabbit proof" a room, but you might be able to keep him in just one room of the house ...

Good luck.

[RockyRoad]

Well, my dad is the worst person in the world becuase he said and I quoted him: "there is no way the rabbit is moving inside". He said he will bring him in once and awhile, but during the day, not night, when they come out. I don't understand why this is such a big deal we've had rabbits inside before, and I offered to: buy the rabbit from him, keep him in my room, assume full responsibility of him, pay for the cage and equipment, and I have been saying all this stuff for over a year now. I showed him this post, and the information from the site (thanks, Karen), but still no budge. What is coming inside for an hour in the day going to do? It's annoying!! I will not give up because I KNOW they are out there, and my dad simply said "there is no possible way they can get it". Well, bad news dad, they have before!! :mad: :mad:
In times like this I wish I was twenty-seven........

[Karen]

Did you ask your Dad, in the calmest, most reasonable tone of voice you can, why he doesn't want Floppsy inside?

[FloppsyLadySally54]

Ok, I just did that, and he said he already told me why. I do not remember him telling me why. And he is one of those short-tempered dads. Not abusive, just short-tempered, so every time I ask about it, he says "don't make me mad", and grits his teeth. :(

[Desert Arabian]

I have one quick question for FloppsyLadySally: Where do you put your rabbit in the winter?? You cannot tell me that you keep it outside all year round. I know New York gets some pretty harsh cold weather. Just wondering.

[FloppsyLadySally54]

We are on Long Island, not up-state where it snows so terribly. Yes, he does stay outside all year round. My mean old dad!! There is no way I can convince him, unless I save up my allowance....I will try and buy him from my dad if that's what it take to get him out of there. I get 5 bucks a week, I think 200$ outta do the trick....

[Aspen and Misty]

You need a job :rolleyes:

[kingrattus]

I'd sudjest that u shouldn't chase off the coons, they r known to attack, & they can kill a large dog.

A friend of mine put mothballs about 6 feet around the cage to keep cats away, it worked for the cats, u can try it for coons.

At my college, they put up rows of long nails (not pointed) along the edges of the roofs & on window ledges, so birds wont land on it & poop everywhere.
You can try to make a removible one & put it around & ontop of the cage at night, the coons arn't stupid enough to jump on it, they r smart. Give it a shot & tell us if it worked.

[AdoreMyDogs]

If your parents won't let the rabbit in the house, and the racoons are threatening to kill Floppsy, then I think you should look at the quality of life that poor rabbit has and consider finding him another good home with someone who will keep him indoors where he is safe. It was one of my toughest lessions as a kid, but it's an important one.

If the racoons are hanging around now, then it's just a matter of time before they get that cage open. They are very clever animals. I don't mean to scare you, but you should open up your heart and decide what is in the best interest of Floppsy, and start looking around the phonebook for rabbit rescue organations. You could even do a "Google" search by going to www.google.com and typing in "rabbit rescue New York" and you will find some hits. Then pick up that phone and start calling. You also might get some help from some of the places.

Just my honest opinion. The rabbit is not in a safe home if what you are saying is the truth about those racoons. It's a tough lesson, but it IS an important, mature and brave decission.

[Twisterdog]

Wow ... there are raccoons on Long Island? I had no idea.

Raccoons are VERY smart animals. They can figure out how to get in some amazing places.

You can't really blame the raccons. They are just trying to survive. Wild animals have to take every opportunity they get to eat, or they will starve and die. They probably want your rabbit's food. Have you tried taking all the food out at night? Of course, that may not help ... they may want the water ... or they may want your rabbit.

Maybe you could build a "cage" around your rabbit's hutch. Get some 2 x 4's and some wire, and put a wire frame around the whole hutch, far enough out so the raccoons can't get their hands through. You'd need to put a door in, also.

And, as difficult as it must be for you to hear, I see a lot of merit in AdoreMyDog's opinion. Sometimes, no matter how much you love your animals, love doesn't solve all the problems. Sometimes the kindest way to show your love is to allow your pet to have the best life possible, even if that life is not neccesarily with you.

:(

[Uabassoon]

I agree with AdoremyDogs too. That's what I had to do with my dog Missy. I love her so much, but at the time I was living with a girlfriend who had a big house and a yard and two other dogs. So when I moved out I realized that Missy wouldn't be happy with me. I don't have that much time and she loved her doggie friends and I didn't want to take her away from that. So because I loved her so much I wanted her to have the best life possible. I still go visit her often. Today we went out to the dog park and had lots of fun. I always joke and say I have "joint custody" of her.

[Desert Arabian]

Everything that has been said in the last 5 posts since my last one, have excellent words of wisdom in them! I too agree that the rabbit should come inside or find a new home.

Racoons are some NASTY animals. I went 'coon hunting once with my dad and his friend. He brought along his two Redbone Coonhounds. I never heard scarry spine-chilling noises come out of an animal (the racoon) before. Let's just say the racoon wanted to let us know he was p***ed about the dogs, so he left a mark big enough to require 40+ stiches in the dog. Those critters scare me sometimes. I can see them moving underneth the trees at night in our yard, and their eyes glow sometimes- it makes them look creepy. Some racoons that have been killed in Wisconsin have been over 30 pounds.

Anyhoo.... I hope everything turns out o.k. for Floppsy!! :)

[FloppsyLadySally54]

I heard what you guys said, and I went outsde and spent an hour buliding protection around his cage. I wish I had pics of it, but I put a big board on top of the cage and used a stape gun and duckt tape to tape it on, and around the sides, chicken wire. I went to the store and got a combination lock for the door. I hope this helps, and I really do not want to give him away. They have not come back for a while now. They are usually out in thw winter, and they know I am watching them, I look out there every night. They cannot beat me. If it's war they want, then that is what they will get. :mad:

[Karen]

Don't personify them. They do not "want war." They are wild animals looking for a meal. Hopefully your changes have made him less accessible. It IS possible for a rabbit to die of fright, so it is just as important that Floppsy feels secure and safe.

Of course they would be around more in winter - there is less of a fodd supply around then.

Why would money - "buying him from your Dad" - make any difference in whther he is indoors or outdoors?

[FloppsyLadySally54]

Ok, new plan!! I am planning to build a little play area for the bunny. It will have walls and a roof, and a door. I will make sure is big enough so I can move the cage in there, after a good scrubbing. Then he wil be protected, and oh, of course there will be large slits (with screens) to give him air!! I may also get a wooden floor in to stop some of the bugs. I discussed it with my parents, and they said that if I helped pay for some of it, and did most of it (except for the hard parts), they would approve. I am planning to start "Operation Floppsy" whenever my dad will take me to Home Depot. I know that if I work hard, I can help save his life, and he will be protected from almost everything. I will also keep the food in a contaijner inside the house near the dog food, that way it does not get any bugs in it or get soggy in the rain. I will do this, and I will not give up no matter hw hard it is because this rabbit is not going to die on me like the rest, Floppsy is special, and he should be treated like the rest of my pets are, in or out of the house. Wish me luck!!

[Daisylover]

I agree, the rabbit either needs a new home or to live inside permanently.

I don't doubt that it is only a matter of time before the raccoons WILL get to the rabbit, kill and eat it. Please don't keep putting Floopsey through this torment....think how you would feel if every night some big ugly thing came and banged on your bedroom window and kept scaring you to death! :eek:

Either try to find someone who will take the bunny and let him live inside or take hime to an animal shelter, it's the only way that rabbit is going to have a longer life since your dad won't let him in the house. In these corcumstances with such an unbending parent, you have to think of the animal and not yourself.

[Desert Arabian]

Ok...I'm sorry to say this FloppsyLadySally but it is extremely dumb that you are wasting your time building "protection" barriers against the racoons (which won't fool proof them for long), and spending all this money. When you could simply find a little spot in your house to put the cage. Then he wouldn't get tortured every single night and day, and wouldn't have to put up with fall and winter temps. I sure would not be happy if I were Floppsy! The raccons will stil get to him in the "play pen".

No offense or anything...that's just my opinion.

[Aspen and Misty]

I don't think we should be telling anyone to get ride of there pet if they don't do something. It is her choice. She obviously loves Floppsy. She is trying. Give her some credit instead of bashing her. I'm not saying I agree that she should keep her and I'm not saying she should get ride of her. I'm going to keep my statments to myself. I know I would not want someone telling me that I should get ride of my pet! Even if it is for his own good. Now I mean if I was trying to kill my pet then I could see you guys getting defensive. But you shoudl at least let her try to solve this problem and not tell her that her idea's are bad. I agree the racoons could kill floppsy but she is building hism a new cage. Maybe is will be racoon proof. What I'm just trying to say is give her the benifit of the doubt ok?

Ashley

PS: I know I spelled alot of things wrong.

[Aspen and Misty]

Originally posted by YellowLabLover
Ok...I'm sorry to say this FloppsyLadySally but it is extremely dumb that you are wasting your time building "protection" barriers against the racoons (which won't fool proof them for long), and spending all this money. When you could simply find a little spot in your house to put the cage. Then he wouldn't get tortured every single night and day, and wouldn't have to put up with fall and winter temps. I sure would not be happy if I were Floppsy! The raccons will stil get to him in the "play pen".

No offense or anything...that's just my opinion.

i personally thought your post was very rude and you could of stated those things diffrent. You don't need to tell her she is dumb. If she wants to spend the money let her! At least she is trying! her dad won't let her keep her in the house!!!! that is why she wont' find a little spot in the house for her.

No offense...just my opion.

Ash

[FloppsyLadySally54]

My mean old dad! Thanks, Ash. My bunny does not need a new home. It's my dad's fault. I do not agree that he should get a new home somewhere else. He has a lot of nice things. How many of your rabbits have a huge three-room cage?? And also, Rabbits are actually wild animals and LIVE outside, no cage at all. His coat is built for the Winter, and I too think it is rude to tell me my rabbit has a horrible life and should be given away. I am not critisising you guys, just saying that my rabbit has a decent home, and I have never had a rabbit live two years inside, so we used the cage outside. Plus, it would still cost money to buy a cage, and my dad is so mean that he is making him live out there. I have mentioned several times that I hate being twelve and I really do not like to be reminded that I cannot do certain things without my parents' approval, or else Floppsy would have been happily sitting inside his warm house two years ago! And also, why did I nominate Floppsy for POTD? Because I love him, and not because I make him live outside and toture him. I have lied before, but I tell the truth when it comes to my pets, and that story was no lie. I know that SOMEONE on Pet Talk MUST keep their rabbits outside, and speak now if you do. I know you guys know a lot more about pets than me, but I have to disagree with that, it's just common sense. Sorry, had to get that off my chest. It was bothering me. Floppsy will be here for years, and you can count on it!! Anybody who still thinks he is better off somewhere else..post a reply now. I am looking for help, not critisism. Sorry, I do not mean to snap, but it just bothers me that I am twelve SERIOUSLY, and have been planning my glamorous future since I was seven. I do not see a psychiatrist, I am not crazy. I just want to be treated as a human being, and being a kid is no medicine. Every day goes so slow, I just want to speed it up. Life is not fair, I know, but to be seen in public walking with you mom, not allowed on some sites, sit in school all day, and share your house with four other people just sucks. I do not want a fight on Pet Talk, I just thought that everybody gets to post their opinion, and that goes for me as well. Everything OK, Pet Talk?:confused:
No offense, just my opinion.
:( :(

[Logan]

One thing is for sure, when it comes to the care of animals and even humans, there are going to be differing opinions.

FloppsySallyLady, I have a daughter who is just about your age. She will be 12 in January. I don't let her on Pet Talk to post or read. Not yet, at least. I do show her items of interest and I show her pictures of my friend's pets quite often. But she and I are the only ones here, and I am so strict that I don't let her freely browse on the computer. You're complaining about your age, and the restrictions that go along with it, but I can tell you first hand that you have a lot more freedom than one girl your age!!

As for your bunny, I know you are going to do everything possible to keep him safe. And you just have to respect your father's wishes as long as you live under his roof. We have two cats, and both of them have their claws, and both of them go outdoors at will. They also come inside when they are ready to. Many cat lovers disagree with that decision, but it is my decision, and I know my cats (these two in particular) are happier that way. I wouldn't enjoy them nearly as much if they were inside all the time and constatly begging to go out. The same thing goes for my dogs. Many times, if I am gone out, I leave them in the fenced backyard, which is quite unpopular with many dog lovers. As pet owners, we do what we feel safe doing, and what works for us. And your dad is doing what works for him. I'm sorry he doesn't understand why you would feel better with Floppsy inside....I can completely understand!

I do hope that you will get everything worked out and your Floppsy will be safe from the bad raccoons.

Logan

[popcornbird]

I agree with Logan. You have far more freedom than many kids your age. I wasn't even allowed to use the Internet at your age except when I wanted to email my cousins..............and even that under supervision. It wasn't until I started high school that my dad realized I would need the Internet for research for reports and term papers. That's when I got permission to use the Internet. I personally believe its good to restrict your kids for their own good especially how many kids get themselves into trouble these days. I will do exactly the same when I am older. Good job on taking care of your girl Logan. I'm sure she'll be a great kid because of your care in raising her.

I'm sorry about your rabbit and I would only advise to tell your dad she needs to be inside, or at least ask your dad to make room for her in the garage if you have one. It will be much safer there that outside. If you can't provide her with safety and secureness, no matter how hard it might be, it would be the best interest of the rabbit to move to a good home. Maybe you can give her to a friend or neighbor where you can visit and play with her very often.

[Uabassoon]

My dad raises rabbits and they have always been kept outside. Except in the summer we keep all the bucks in the "buck house", a small air conditioned room to keep them from going sterile. I know we've never had to worry about our rabbits getting too cold, but it also doesn't get very cold in south texas. We've never had problems with raccoons getting to our rabbits, if we did he might not raise rabbits. We used to raise goats but because we had bobcats and coyotes getting in our pasture that were kiling our goats we decided things would be better if we got rid of the goats. When I said what I didn't I was not at all implying you don't take care of your rabbits. I see nothing wrong with keeping them outdoors because my family does. The fact that your rabbit is getting threated by a raccoon is not your fault, but that's what is happening. But from when I raised rabbits with my dad I learned that while they are ok outside they can get scared easily and go into shock and die. That happened when a stray dog came into our ranch, he didn't hurt any rabbits, but some were so scared that they died. I know you love Floppsy, and I am concered because I don't want something bad to happen to him because I know you will be hurt and you friends here on pet talk will be sad too. I hope your new cage works better and the raccoons leave him alone.

[Cookiebaker]

Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally54
My mean old dad!...It's my dad's fault....I have mentioned several times that I hate being twelve...I just want to be treated as a human being, and being a kid is no medicine...Life is not fair, I know, but to be seen in public walking with you mom, not allowed on some sites, sit in school all day, and share your house with four other people just sucks.


Floppsy, I'm not much older than a teenager and I remember exactly what you think you are going through. However, to bash your Dad is kinda counter-productive...if you want people to see you as mature, then you have to act mature. I found out (the hard way!) that when I wanted my Dad to respect me & my thoughts, I had to respect him and his thoughts. Try respecting your Dad, and try to see HIS point. In turn, he may just start to respect you.

LIFE IS FAIR! You don't know how good you have it, until it's taken away. Take a chill pill, and enjoy the fact that you still have a Mom and Dad, and that they love you (even though you may not think so sometimes). And just enjoy being a kid. It's the best time of your life!!

[Desert Arabian]

I just hope you can find a way to keep those raccoons away from Floppsy so that he is not bothered all the time. Just try to explain to your father that brining him in the house may be better for him. Its your bunny- so its up to you. Being twelve has nothing to do with Floppsy. Personally- I wish I were twelve or younger, being the age I am now kinda stinks. Ah well.

[Aspen and Misty]

Originally posted by popcornbird
I'm sorry about your rabbit and I would only advise to tell your dad she needs to be inside, or at least ask your dad to make room for her in the garage if you have one. It will be much safer there that outside. If you can't provide her with safety and secureness, no matter how hard it might be, it would be the best interest of the rabbit to move to a good home. Maybe you can give her to a friend or neighbor where you can visit and play with her very often.

I LOVE absolitly LOVE the way you said that!:D

Ash

[Aspen and Misty]

Originally posted by YellowLabLover
I just hope you can find a way to keep those raccoons away from Floppsy so that he is not bothered all the time. Just try to explain to your father that brining him in the house may be better for him. Its your bunny- so its up to you. Being twelve has nothing to do with Floppsy. Personally- I wish I were twelve or younger, being the age I am now kinda stinks. Ah well.

Thank you Yellowlablover. I like this post much better. I'm 14. I agree lets go back to being 12 ya with me?

Ash

[Karen]

Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally54
My mean old dad! Thanks, Ash. My bunny does not need a new home. It's my dad's fault. I do not agree that he should get a new home somewhere else. He has a lot of nice things. How many of your rabbits have a huge three-room cage?? And also, Rabbits are actually wild animals and LIVE outside, no cage at all.

No one has said he should be inside because of the cold, or his coat, but that the raccoons are a real danger. Also, Floppsy is NOT a wild rabbit. They are not the same, any more than a wild wolf and a German Shepherd are the same. He is a domesticated rabbit, who would probably prefer the company of people all the time. He is more docile than a wild rabbit, and he does not have the defenses a wild rabbit does in that he cannot run away.

You yell at us for suggesting he might be happier somewhere he could be inside, then call you Dad "mean" for not letting him live inside. You are not being consistent.

[QUOTE]
I am looking for help, not critisism. Sorry, I do not mean to snap, but it just bothers me that I am twelve SERIOUSLY, and have been planning my glamorous future since I was seven. I do not see a psychiatrist, I am not crazy. I just want to be treated as a human being, and being a kid is no medicine. Every day goes so slow, I just want to speed it up. Life is not fair, I know, but to be seen in public walking with you mom, not allowed on some sites, sit in school all day, and share your house with four other people just sucks. [QUOTE]

Now you are going to get angry with me, but you are not acting like an adult, but cry over and over that you want people to treat you as an adult. You complain long and hard about being twelve. Guess what? There's something to complain about at every age in life if you look hard enough. And until you begin to act maturely, people will not treat you as a mature person.

Most people have dreams and plans for their future at every age. Don't wish away the time you have NOW. USE this time. Study hard, very hard. If you are not being challenged ebough in school, ask for more material to study for extra credit, even if you don't NEED to. At no other time in your life will you have guaranteed housing and food provided for you. You probably have more free time now than you will until you retire. USE it instead of complaining about it.

[QUOTE]
I do not want a fight on Pet Talk, I just thought that everybody gets to post their opinion, and that goes for me as well. Everything OK, Pet Talk?:confused:
No offense, just my opinion.

Again, YOU are the one here that took offense when people offered THEIR opinions, just because they suggested Floppsy might be better off elsewhere. You need to give others the courtesy you expect them to give you.

[FloppsyLadySally54]

:(

[FloppsyLadySally54]

Karen I see your point. But what I meant and I know I didn't state this clearly but we all are entitled to our own opinions but they were getting rude about it and I felt that this discussion did not need to get rude, I just simply wanted to get some help from everyone. But with people yelling at me and telling me to get rid of Floppsy, it kinda made me upset. The way popcornbird put it was so nice and I would not of taken offence to that but some people were very rude about it. I just feel if you are going to state an opinion you should state it nicely, OK? :)

[Desert Arabian]

Well said mayor Karen, well said. Harsh but true! That's the way I learn things sometimes too.

[kingrattus]

[QUOTE] Life is not fair, I know, but to be seen in public walking with you mom, not allowed on some sites, sit in school all day, and share your house with four other people just sucks. [QUOTE]

What in the world is wrong with walking in public with ur mom, I do it everytime my mom comes to visite me, & I did it when I lived there a year ago. & every year before that. I can't get onto some sites awell, nor do I want to. U haven't seen sitting in school all day, I wake up at 6:30 am, catch the city bus at 7am, get to school at 7:33am, start class at 8am to 6pm, thats 10 hours of class!!! most of my classes r 3 hours long & boring, or I'll have 6 hours inbetween classes. I find it hard, but I know I have to do it if I want to have a chance in the real world, I blew elementary school & high school, I had just over a 50% average. I live with 4 other people, I'm the smallest, the youngest & the one who gets picked on by everyone & its not ur house, it belongs to ur parents, I learn't that the hard way, I was kicked out of my house twice, because my mom got mad at me because I wanted to be able to see my dad when I pleased. Where I'm living now, I hardly ever get to see them & I get quite home sick alot.

& I think a major factor of people getting mad at u is because u type before u think, & u lied to alot of people, & ur trying to act like an adult, when u have no real experience with living on ur own, or the real world.

I went through the samething when I was younger & look where it got me. Not to damn far. I'm not the smartest person, I can't do math, except count & add & sub. I'm aloner, antisocial at times, hate myself, I made shitty decisions in life, I tried to grow up way to fast & it took me a step down.

From ur posts, u sound just like me, don't be me, its not the greatest, its really hard to change, I'm having a hard time doing it.

[popcornbird]

Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally54
My mean old dad!...It's my dad's fault....I have mentioned several times that I hate being twelve...I just want to be treated as a human being, and being a kid is no medicine...Life is not fair, I know, but to be seen in public walking with you mom, not allowed on some sites, sit in school all day, and share your house with four other people just sucks.


I only read this now and I have something to say about it. I hope you will not feel offended...........I'm trying to put it as nicely as I can.

First of all, no matter what your parents do, whether you like what they say or not, they are YOUR parents and you have to respect them more than anyone else. Think about it this way.........your parents, particularly your mother, spent many months painfully bearing you and 1-2 years weaning you with love. They raised you with love and care, and they have cared for you, fed you, bought you your beloved pets, and did all they could for you in these 12 years of your life, and I'm sure they will continue to for 9+- years. Its is a shame to say things about your parents like "my mean old dad" or "my dad's the worst person in the world" etc. no matter what they say or do. I'm sure that if your children said things about you like this to other people, you would never forgive them. Try to explain your parents in the best way, in the best attitude, and in the best words. Try your best to make them happy with you and explain them reassuringly. Ask them if Little Floppsy can live in the garage, or ask your dad to build a sun room in the yard which both your family, and your Floppsy girl could enjoy.

Another thing is, I would do anything to be 12 again. I'm only a few years older than you, and I already miss being 12 or younger. :( Be content with who you are. If you are not content your life will be miserable. Take my word on that.

I am older than you, but I am always seen in public walking with my mom, I am not allowed to some sites and even if I was, I would have forbade myself from visiting some sites myself. I also sit all day at school and I share the house with 3 other people, something I am very proud of. You should be grateful that you have a family to care fore you, feed you, love you, and share your house with. There are many people in the world that don't have these things and grieve for them. You should be thankful about your life. I will respond the rest later.

[wolf_Q]

Life is not fair, I know, but to be seen in public walking with you mom, not allowed on some sites, sit in school all day, and share your house with four other people just sucks.


Excellent post, popcornbird. I'm not afraid to be seen walking with my mom in public. Actually, heh, I like my mom...err...I love my mom. :D She's a cool person. I have a computer in my room, and have full access to the net whenever I want. There's nothing stopping me from going to bad websites, but I don't do it. I share my house with 3 other people (and 3 dogs hehe). You know, I had to sit in school every day for 12 years too. Sometimes I pushed myself, and sometimes I didn't. I graduated with honors, gold chords and I even sat on the stand. I had a 3.9 gpa. At times I was a complete and total slacker. I'm definitely not the smartest person in the world. But really, when you push yourself to achieve, it's a nice feeling looking back on it. I remember being 12. Life was fun then. I wish it was still fun. :( Stop trying to be an adult.

As for Floppsy, I've never known a rabbit that did live inside. My friend, Megan, and also Melissa used to have rabbits. They all lived outside in a hutch. I don't remember them really having any problems with getting cold, and there was no problems with wild critters. But the rabbits never seemed too happy.....they always chewed through the cage.....several of them escaped and were hit by cars, killed by dogs, etc. and I remember at least one that "turned wild." She suddenly started hating people, it was weird. But of course, I have no clue what Floppsy's cage looks like, nor do I know much about rabbits. All of the rabbits they had didn't seem to enjoy being "pets." They weren't cuddly or lovey, it seemed to me that all they wanted to do was scratch and get away. Of course, I am also used to dogs, lol. I say, build Floppsy a better cage, and go from there. Do whatever you can to protect her from the raccoons. Would your dad at least let Floppsy sleep inside at night and stay outside during the day? Could you put her in a small cage in your room to sleep in?

[kingrattus]

I think the biggest reason ur dad doesn't want rabbits in the house, is because of their smell, when indoors they tend to stink up the house pretty good. My friends own a farm & when they were younger they raised rabbits. They had an outdoor pen, which they would put some of the rabbits in during the day & but then in a barn room for the night. the rabbits seemed happy there, they had plenty of food, a large room to run & hop around, other bunnies to play with & a ton of hay. They even had half wild & half tame rabbits, meaning some of their rabbits got lose & they still came back for food, to be played with & breed, but they lived in the wild.

This is what their outdoor cage looked like

C:\Documents and Settings\Pooh Bear\Desktop\bunny cage.JPG

[Daisylover]

I absolutely agree with Karen, the problem is not the rabbit being outside at all, the problem is the raccoons. When they are determined enough they can get through just about anything....a combination lock is not going to keep raccoons out of the bunny cage. Also as Karen says rabbits can die of fright and I've seen it happen under much less stressful circumstances than a bunny being threatened by a predator.

THAT'S where the concern is from most of us who have replied to your message...we want what's best for your bunny. And when you put a concern on POTD you have to be prepared to take the responses. No one is intentionally cruel or mean, just very concerned about the welfare of your bunny.

Kingrattus has a good point....baby bunnies are almost impossible to litter box train, while adults will often train themselves to use a litter box. Also when the bunny is spayed/neutered their urine odor is less strong, so then it's merely a matter of keeping the litter boxes clean. You might mention that to you parents.

[Sam's My Baby]

Life is not fair, I know, but to be seen in public walking with you mom, not allowed on some sites, sit in school all day, and share your house with four other people just sucks.

I agree with many other people on this. I think you should appreciate how lucky you are to be living in a house. And you have such a great life. I see nothing wrong walking in public with your mom..I do it all the time! Sharing a house with other people is not bad. I have 5 other siblings, plus my mom and dad, that is 7 other people living in the same house. I have no problems with it...and I love being with tons of other people! I also think you should appreciate your dad, for caring for you every day and loving you.

Floppsy still may not be safe. I know someone who had chickens, and the coons literally ripped them through the fence and ate them. My mom & dad dont really like my pets inside either..becuase of the smell. Like other people stated I think you should try to get her in the garage, just at night and I think she will be fine. You can ask your dad if you can do that. Floppsy would be much safer in there.

[FloppsyLadySally54]

As I read this thread, I am lauging. You people obviously do not know my town. The popular people rule the school, and if you upset them, they'll spread rumors about you faster than the crack of a whip. Everybody who is anybody is allowed to walk around town on their own (like me, when I am with my friends), and to be seen with your parents will make you want to die. There is one bathroom in my house, and my sister and I fight over who gets it first. I live downstairs in our two-floor house, and my mother works all day. My father sleeps in the day, and works at night, so I cannot listen to anything or else he will come out yelling. I am loner, destined to be on my own. I do not care about marrage or a future family, as other people are crazed about (not you guys, the people at school). One thing I forgot to mention.. I don't have a garage. My room is the garge, it got turned into my room when I was born. My Dad says it is the biggest bedroom in the house. I do not have a computer in my room, we have a Windows 95 in the attic, but my dad will not let me have it, which I do not get. My grandparents live upstairs, and are the most old-fashinoned people I have ever met. I do not abuse my bunny by having him live outside. I just said the Raccoons were scaring him. I will ask him to let Floppsy sleep inside, which was a great idea! I am on General Access on AOL, and not Teens like I should be (but I don't wanna be). I am allowed on any website I want to, even though I too, only go on ones I want to. So there, all questions are answered. Tomorrow this thread will not be here, so get your last posts in. :o

[popcornbird]

It doesn't matter what people think about seeing kids with their parents. You need to be yourself and not care about what others think. As I said, if you are not content and keep worrying about what others have to say or think, your life will be miserable. I always get stares on the road, but I don't care. I just stare back and keep staring until they feel bad and look away. You need to be yourself and not care about other people around you. If you are bothered by your school, tell your mom to homeschool you. That is an option available throughout the US and something most school districts offer. That is something I did for years and I'll tell you, it was great. Far better than any school I've ever been to.
You are complaining about having one bathroom. I know it can be hard with one bathroom but you need to consider how lucky you are compared to millions of people around the world. Have you ever thought of people in Africa, Afghanistan, India, countries in Southeast Asia, and many other parts of the world? Many people in those countries are so poor, they cannot imagine having a bathroom in the house at all. In fact, some people live in small huts that cannot even be called a "house." They go outside to use the bathroom and some very poor people even have to go in the bushes. If you've seen real poor people, you wouldn't be able to be more thankful about your life. I have seen very poor people with my own eyes and to my surprise, they were far more content than we are, saying that they are far better off than many other people in the world. I have most of my family in Pakistan, and when we were visiting them last year, I was playing computer with my cousin who is the same age as me. Practically everyone of middle or upper class there has a maid to help in the housework, and they do get paid, but they are still very poor. My aunt's maid had a 13 year old daughter who used to come with her mom to see my cousins while her mom helped in the housework. The poor girl was just a little younger than us, yet she had never gotten the oppertunity to attend school, because her family was too poor to send her. She couldn't really read but my cousin was teaching her, so hopefully she will learn. As we played computer happily, I noticed she was watching us sadly from the back of the room. She came to us and quietly asked what we were doing. We told her we were playing and asked if she'd like to give it a try. She said she doesn't know how, but she'd love to watch. My cousin and I felt very sorry for her and wished she could have a better life. She noticed we were sad for her and said "Don't feel sad for me. I am in a much better condition that millions of people around the world. At least I have shelter and at least my mom has a job. Millions of people have nothing to eat and no roof above their heads, and I am grateful to God that I have that. I am also grateful that my mom gets to work at very nice people's house and that you have a very nice cousin who is willing to take some time out of her work to teach me how to read." We were very touched by what she said, and I realized then how lucky we were and that it would be a shame to complain about anything. Though Pakistan has a great amount of rich people living in marble mansions and huge houses, a great amount of people are poor there as well, and when I see them, I feel like crying. There is so much to be thankful for and you won't realize it until you think of people in far worse conditions, children who must search the garbage in order to find something they can sell, to get a bite of food in their mouths.

And about Floppsy, ask your dad if she can stay out in the day, but at least get to sleep in the bathroom at night. It doesn't matter if the bathroom get dirty because that's what its made for. :rolleyes: Good luck on the bunny and I hope you will be more content and thankful after reading this post.

[Uabassoon]

The popular people rule the school, and if you upset them, they'll spread rumors about you faster than the crack of a whip.

That's the way things are every where. But if you don't care what the popular kids think then who cares. They aren't your friends anyways. I know you're thinking it's easier said than done. But I'm not that old, only 21, I still remember what school was like.
You think being seen with your mom in public is bad? Try being the token gay kid in a small town, talk about rumors. But I never cared a had a few really close friends and that was all I needed. I never paid attention to the rumors, and had I a blast in school. My friends and I had so much fun growing up.
Even when you get out of school people will still judge you, you learn to ignore it and realize that they have problems not you. I still get judged all the time and I usually just laugh and feel sorry for them because they are obviously insecure of themselves if they have to make fun of other people. Just know that it doesn't end when you get out of school. Life is what you make of it. I just choose to make mine happy no matter what people think of me. Hopefully you can learn to make your life happy.

[Karen]

Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally54
Tomorrow this thread will not be here, so get your last posts in. :o

Why? Are you planning on deleting it? Why? Others here do not just delete threads when they feel they haven't gone in their favor ... it's not a very mature thing to do ...

Guess what? No matter where you live, there will always be an "in crowd" and you know what? They can only make you feel as miserable as you allow them to. Why do you care what others think? Why should you ever be ashamed to be seen with a parent? Your parents have loved you long before now, and will long after the "in crowd" has graduated and moved on with their lives.

I hope Floppsey will feel safer with the additional "construction," but I also hope, as I know you do, that he will be allowed inside some day soon.

[Aspen and Misty]

Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally54
As I read this thread, I am lauging. You people obviously do not know my town. The popular people rule the school, and if you upset them, they'll spread rumors about you faster than the crack of a whip. There is one bathroom in my house, and my sister and I fight over who gets it first. I live downstairs in our two-floor house, and my mother works all day. My father sleeps in the day, and works at night, :o

Tee heee. Sounds like me last year. Don't worry Britt its fase. I've learned to live with 7 people 1 bathroom. The popular people. O my do they crack me up. Last year everyone thought I was pregnet most of the year. :rolleyes: We have a one story house for 7 people 12 pets. I would LOVE to have a two storys house ::begins to dream::. O umm n/m. Both my mother and my father work at day. My sister takes care of us kida. My sister cleans. My sister cooks. When my dad come home all everybody does is lay around in there room. No he doesn't abuse us other problems. O gee. I mean I'm not complain. I think they only reson why I'm not, is cause I know in the end your family will always be there. Even when a rumor is spread around the school and you can't dare to face another day, your family will be there. When the popular boy come up to you and shoves you in the locker, your family will be there. When your sister gets teh bathrrom first, she still loves you, she just wants the bathroom like you do. She still loves you. You should be happy for that. I know alot of friends who live ina fostor home and I will call them up and be like I hate my family and tears just come to there eyes and they scream at me to never say that again! Your family is the one who will be there in the end and no matter what you must charish the time you have with them. I learned that wjen my grandfather died. I was depressed for 2 months and never wanted to do anything. I acctually sounded just like you. Everything was wrong and I hated life. All I can say is its a fase you will grow out of it. Just give it time.

Ashley

PS: When your walking in public with your mom and people stare at you grab her hand and smile. I used to do that and now my school expects the fact that I am a "momma's girl" :D

[Aspen and Misty]

Originally posted by Karen


Why? Are you planning on deleting it? Why? Others here do not just delete threads when they feel they haven't gone in their favor ... it's not a very mature thing to do ...


I am half at part for her delating this thread. Most of you have a impression of me of trying to moderate pet talk. I'm not but, Fine thats ok with me. All I was saying is ya'll could of said the things ya said better and nicer. It was rude the way some of you typed your things. And I know by your "freindly" (LOL) pms that you do not agree with what I said. Fine o well. I don't agree with what you say and you don't agree with what I say I understand. But your "frindly" little pm went to far and I beleave it was very rude. But o well. I sent Britt this PM as it said she abusded her bunny and I thought there was no need for that and that neither of us should have to put up with any herassment because of a thread when we can simply deleate it. I asked her what she was going to to do she asked my opnion and I told her I would deleate it if I were you. So now I know Karen you will probly be angry with me but thats ok, we have diffrent views on things.

Ashley

[FloppsyLadySally54]

I am sick of being told what I must do and not do. If you guys had a good point then I would not mind but you guys simply yell at me to do it your way or not. You guys are telling me to get used the world why don't you? You can not go around in this world telling everyone that they have to walk a certain way and if they don't they are going to die. I'm sorry that is not the way the world works.


Originally posted by Karen

Why? Are you planning on deleting it? Why? Others here do not just delete threads when they feel they haven't gone in their favor ... it's not a very mature thing to do ...


Karen. I am deleting this thread because I am tiered of being harassed. I don't know why you hate me but when we post on pet talk can we please leave your hatred at the door? I'm not trying to be rude and this is to a lot more people then just Karen. If you guys could please make your post nicer I would greatly appreciate it. Now I'm not saying not to post because I have no say in that but try to at least be a little nice about it please.

To everyone else who hates me, please just leave me alone. I mean you can post on the threads I am posting on and stuff but please keep the post not pertaining to me. About the subject that’s fine but please do not bash me just because you hate me. I don't bash the people I hate and I believe that neither should you just try to hold you tongue and type about the topic. Not about me. Unless you have something nice to change.

I am making my best efforts to try and help Floppsy but you all just have an impression of me as an abuser and that I don't really like Floppsy. Well if I didn't like Floppsy then why would I spend money on trying to make him happy?

Most of you hate me because I lied. Yes my lie was a big one but in the bible it says that god wants us to forgive one another for we are mortals and have sinned. So forgive me for this and do not stay hung up on my past. There is no need to hang something over my head. I'm sorry for it and never want anything like that to happen again and I never want to lie to you guys again. I do not hold lies you have said over your head, so why should you hold some over my head?

Well with all that being said, I'm staying on pet talk, but my decision is finale I WILL be deleting this thread. I'm tired of looking at the rude comments all of you have posted towards me. I wish I would have never started this so that none of you could have told me that I was wrong and you were right and some of the things I think ya'll need to go back over and read. Imagine if I said that to you. You wouldn't like it very much now would you? So why should I not be in-titled to the same thing? I'm just supposed to sit back and let you guys herass me? I thought you all were better then that.

[popcornbird]

Did you ask your dad about allowing Floppsy to sleep in the bathroom? I'm sorry if you were offended with anything I said. I really did not want to hurt your feelings at all. I just want you to know how many people there in in this world that lead much harder lives, and I want you to be happy with who you are, and with all the bounties God bestowed upon you. I know you are just a kid like many others here and I know that girls in their teens are going through many different changes inside/out, and they do feel very frustrated often. We have to deal with changes and pimples and spots and skin problems, etc......you know what I mean, and at this age, girls tend to be more frustrated and upset than at any other age. But believe me, we are all going through these things, and it usually lasts till your 18 +/-. I just wanted to help you and I hope you know that. I hope Floppsy will get to sleep in a safer place. If she can't come inside at all, is it possible your dad can build a room for her in the backyard? My friend has a cat that isn't allowed in the house due to her mom's sever allergies, so her dad built a 70 square ft room for her in the yard. It has carpet, and a sofa, and a cozy kitty bed in the corner where she gets to sleep. Its actually a real room and we always go there, relax on the sofe, and play with the kitty. It looks like its part of the house. They even built an attic above the room where they can store extra things, but that's sealed so the cat can't get to it. Ask your dad if he can do something,like that for the bunny, even if its not such a "real" room, maybe just have him build walls, a roof, and a window for ventiliation for the rabbit. Even if its very small, just to fit her cage in the night, I'm sure it will make her feel more secure, and the raccoons won't even know she's there. Make a door that you can lock so no one can get inside. I wish you luck with Floppsy and I hope she'll get a great "room" in the backyard of her own.

[FloppsyLadySally54]

Kid, you should be able to tell that there are plenty of children who frequent this site. Your lying about so much leads me to think that you have some problems that you need to work out. Dishonesty will not get you far in this world. Be happy with who you are, or change who you are if you are not happy. We gave you no reason to lie about all the things you lied about. That was not our doing, it was entirely your choice.

Now you are going to get angry with me, but you are not acting like an adult, but cry over and over that you want people to treat you as an adult. You complain long and hard about being twelve. Guess what? There's something to complain about at every age in life if you look hard enough. And until you begin to act maturely, people will not treat you as a mature person.

I find this comment very sad. Your parents are not doing you any favors by giving the OK to everything. You need to know the age appropriate boundaries and giving a teen unlimited freedom at your age is setting it up for your teen years to be more turbulent. I hope that you will seek help from them and explain to them that you want more parental influence in your life.

Ok...I'm sorry to say this FloppsyLadySally but it is extremely dumb that you are wasting your time building "protection" barriers against the racoons (which won't fool proof them for long), and spending all this money. When you could simply find a little spot in your house to put the cage. Then he wouldn't get tortured every single night and day, and wouldn't have to put up with fall and winter temps. I sure would not be happy if I were Floppsy! The raccons will stil get to him in the "play pen".



Those are sme quotes that offended me in the past or present. Only three of those posts still bother me now. One of the people that posted one of these was forgiven, but the other three were not. Do not forget that I am (sorry if I am CRYING ABOUT IT again) twelve, and I take things more seriously. The things you may not think are harsh, well soemtimes they are to me, because most/some of you are twice or even three times my age. Ash, Popcornbird, and anybody else (not on my quote list), I am overwhelmed with gratitude of how kind you guys are. OK, thisd thread is being deleted, as Ash and I both stated, and Floppsy will be fine, no matter what happens when I ask my dad a week from now (give him a chance to cool down after my constant bugging). Thanks!

[Songlover]

Dear Lover of Flopsy;
I completely agree with the post from "Adore my Dogs".
You must take a look at the type of life your poor little rabbit is living. Apart from the danger presented by the racoons, this little rabbit must be completely terrified for most of the night.Yes, it is only a matter of time until the raccoons are able to get into the cage and that will be the end of your beloved pet. Looking into another home for Flopsy seems to be the best solution all around since seems that your parent will not consent to the humane solution to this problem. These are my thoughts for what they are worth...please act quickly as time is of the essence here.
Kind regards from Deborah in Montreal, Canada

[Cookiebaker]

Floppsy, you are totally being inconsistent!! You want everybody to forgive you for lying (which as I recall from the thread about that most people graciously did!), but then you say that you won't forgive people for writing those three comments.

You don't like people "bashing" you, but you don't mind bashing your father and your mother. That's not cool either.

And Karen is totally right...to delete a thread because you don't like the feedback that you get is really immature & stupid. If you don't want advice, then why do you ask for it??

I think that you are a very sad person that is looking for negative attention. You are never going to earn the respect of fellow pettalkers if you keep crying wolf and complaining about how little respected you are. You come onto an "adult" forum and expect special treatment because you are a kid. That doesn't make sense.

WE DO enjoy listening to what you have to say! The thread about your rating the breeds was great! Take Lady for a walk and tell us what she did...what funny thing did your cat do today?...those are the kinds of things that will get you the right kind of attention. So keep posting, be a good listener, and don't take offense so easily. It's easy to become offended when somebody else says something that we didn't want to hear. But we have to take the good with the bad...and the bad with the good...as the rest of us pettalkers do.

[FloppsyLadySally54]

Sorry. I am just a crabby person. People often tell me I have a negative attitude, I am a pessimist. I admit it is true. Anyway, I cannot help how I feel, but I will try to behave myself next time:o . I forgave the people who wrote the comments, I just said that those comments bothered me. Anyway, I am guilty as charged for losing my temper continuously. It is a habit I will never lose. Maybe that is why I will always be a loner. I'm under control, stressed, but under control. I recently reported some people in school, and have been demoted from "scaredy cat" to "principal's best friend". People have been giving me the cold shoulder lately, and I didn't mean to take my anger out on Pet Talk. I am a nice person, despite what you now may think of me. Anyway, back to normal posts!! This one never happened..I don't actually wanna delete it, I would lose a lot of posts, and I already lost like 490 posts when my old user name didn't work. Everything ok??:)

[wolf_Q]

If you delete a thread it's not going to effect the number of posts you have. That said, there's really no reason to delete it. Yes, I have deleted posts before....but it's only because nobody replied and it was just taking up room, lol. The problem is, if you ask for help, are GOING to get help---which involves plenty of advice, whether you like it or not. Pet Talk people are opinionated people. That's a good thing, everyone should have their own outlooks.

I hope I didn't say anything that offended you. I don't think you are "abusing" Floppsy for having him live outside. Some people don't have a choice of where their pets live. I know people who don't. My parents insisted that Nebo be an "outside" dog when I got him...ha ha ha ok so that didn't happen. :rolleyes: But I wouldn't be selling him even if that did happen. Anyway, I think the best thing is for Floppsy to at least sleep inside. Raccoons really aren't out during the day, and I doubt they'd bother him. You said you had a very large room. I don't see why it would be a problem to put a little cage for him somewhere in your big room just for him to sleep. You could even get a cat or dog carrier, the small ones are really pretty cheap. I bet you could get one at Wal-Mart for around $10. Maybe in the future you could allow him to live inside...just in your room, with a litterbox. But don't push your luck just yet, try for the sleeping inside first. Good luck.

[AdoreMyDogs]

Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally54


Those are sme quotes that offended me in the past or present:

Kid, you should be able to tell that there are plenty of children who frequent this site. Your lying about so much leads me to think that you have some problems that you need to work out. Dishonesty will not get you far in this world. Be happy with who you are, or change who you are if you are not happy. We gave you no reason to lie about all the things you lied about. That was not our doing, it was entirely your choice.


You think that you can lie up a storm about everything and expect us to forgive you immediately and drop it? Surely you know better then that. When you break the trust of someone by lying, it takes TIME to get trust back. You are the one who made a mistake, not us. If you are offended by the reactions to your lies, then you have some learning to do. "If you can't do the time, then don't do the crime". You can't come on to a website and lie to a huge number of strangers and expect us all to immediately forgive you and trust you. We don't even know you, why should we trust you?

This is a bit harsh, but honestly I am tired of you behaving the way you do. You make up lie after lie and then cry about people not having trust in you and warming up to you immediately. I am also tired of hearing that you are 12 years old. We all know that you are 12 years old. That does not pardon you in all the things that you do and say.

You're going to delete this thread like a coward anyway, so I suppose it makes no difference what I say. I find myself less and less tolerent of you and your issues. I still think that what I PM'd you about is true, but at this point, I am weary of you and I don't care what you do.

[Daisylover]

AdoreMyDogs,
You said it!