{"id":5368,"date":"2010-10-27T16:27:00","date_gmt":"2010-10-27T16:27:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/lbpost.com\/articles\/life\/pets\/camp-fire-troop-burrows-in-with-lbcc-bunnies\/"},"modified":"2010-10-27T16:27:00","modified_gmt":"2010-10-27T16:27:00","slug":"camp-fire-troop-burrows-in-with-lbcc-bunnies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/pets\/camp-fire-troop-burrows-in-with-lbcc-bunnies","title":{"rendered":"Camp Fire Troop Burrows In With LBCC Bunnies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Caring, Confident Youth: Camp Fire Group Burrows In with the Bunnies<\/strong>
The Rabbit Population Management Task Force (RPMT) at Long Beach City College is getting some welcome assistance from the Waku Koda (Giving Friends) Camp Fire troop of Long Beach. The troop\u2019s community service group, Kiniya, is called on each year to come up with a service project, and the kids wanted to help out with the bunnies. A visit showed them to be having a heck of a lot of fun while they worked hard at changing litter boxes, cleaning cages, sweeping up floors, providing food and water, giving them treats (they like carrots, apples and basil, according to 10-year-old Abigail Rubin) and stroking their soft fur from the ears down to their little cottony tails.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou get to socialize with them,\u201d said Mimi DaSilva, who is thinking of becoming a zoologist. \u201cI like feeding the bunnies and cleaning the cages. It\u2019s hard work, but it\u2019s fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Abigail Rubin doesn\u2019t mind the work involved in rabbit care.<\/em><\/p>\n

The RPMT began as a task force to spay and neuter pet rabbits that were abandoned at the college and gave birth to countless bunnies who overran the campus<\/a>. LBCC employees Jacque Olson and Donna Prindle, with help from numerous bunny-loving volunteers and veterinary and medical services from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, trapped the domestic critters and had them spayed and neutered. Now, with 150 little long-eared creatures treated and adopted out, there are around 80 of them left waiting in the care of Olson, Prindle and a growing number of volunteers.<\/p>\n

Last summer, Camp Fire mom Joanne Pon Rubin and her daughter Abigail discovered the project after hearing about it from the Unitarian Universalist church. With enthusiastic agreement from Abby, she decided that volunteer work at the RPMT by the 12 children in the Waku Koda group would be a worthy Kiniya. Pon Rubin was impressed by the dedication and hard work of Olson, Prindle and the rest of the volunteers and by the condition of the rabbits and their environment: a large space filled with cages, playpens, and lots of donated clean hay, good food and water.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe chose it because people here are completely devoted to dealing with these bunnies in a humane way, and we wanted to support that,\u201d Pon Rubin said.<\/p>\n

\"\"The RMPT project is humane and loving, providing unwanted rabbits with unarguably more care and caregivers than they\u2019ve ever had. Volunteer Yuki is the bunny yenta; she pairs up rabbits who get along with each other. Volunteer Melinda has a list of names to fit the rabbits with. The entire volunteer staff makes certain that Oliver, Sparky, Elvis, Frank (for Sinatra), Lady Gaga and all the furry stablemates are fed, cleaned, played with and loved.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I take out the trash,\u201d Prindle said.<\/p>\n

The Camp Fire kids not only don\u2019t consider caring for these rabbits as a chore but also express disapproval of people who do. The depth of their involvement was evident through their indignation over people who buy tiny bunnies for their families and then dump them when the rabbits get too big to be \u201ccute\u201d or don\u2019t want to take the trouble to care for them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey should have thought before they got the bunny, because the bunny is suffering now,\u201d Mimi said.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Mimi DaSilva takes bunny care seriously.<\/em><\/p>\n

Indeed, Prindle said, rabbits who are dumped at the college do suffer. Besides being hunted and killed by natural predators, they\u2019re at the mercy of wild rabbits. Wild male rabbits go alpha and maim or kill the domestic males, who have been found shuddering in fear and badly injured. The volunteers just took in eight bunnies who were covered with bites from other rabbits. One of them, Reese, had a leg missing, but when we walked into the bunny shelter, Reese had been neutered and was happily playing with Camp Fire volunteer Daria Raby.
 
\"\"
Daria Raby and Reese share a special moment.<\/em><\/p>\n

Prindle and Olson are concerned about the ones they don\u2019t find, however, since the program began and was publicized, rabbit dumping at the college appears to have tapered off.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe still have a few, but it\u2019s definitely decreased,\u201d Prindle said. \u201cUsually at Easter time, and then through the summer, it\u2019s peak [dumping] times, but it\u2019s been very quiet this year. And fewer baby bunnies are being born on campus, so that\u2019s made a difference, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

The RMPT will gladly accept donations and even more gladly will accept people who want to give rabbits forever homes. This is definitely an unabashed ploy on our part to get you to go down to LBCC and take home a pair of them, but be sure to heed young Mimi\u2019s counsel and know what bunny care involves.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need to get ready to give them what they need: space, exercise, protection from predators if they\u2019re kept outside, and interaction with people,\u201d Prindle said. \u201cThey like to be in pairs\u2014they\u2019re very social (yeah! Take two!). Make sure you don\u2019t put two males together\u2014even when not neutered, they can fight. Yes, spay or neuter them; in fact, female rabbits can get ovarian cancer if they\u2019re left unsprayed. Rabbits can be box trained\u2014they\u2019re swell indoor pets\u2014but rabbit-proof your house because they like to chew, and they may chew on electrical cords. Most of all, know before you get them\u2014people get their pets and they\u2019re cute little bunnies and in four months, they\u2019re huge. Then with the cleaning and all the stuff\u2014they dump them. It\u2019s so sad for the animals and so irresponsible of the people.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd don\u2019t buy a bunny\u2014there are so many that need to be adopted, here and at shelters.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some of the many adoptable rabbits are pictured below. They need lots of care and love in a forever home. Remember that the Camp Fire kids are watching.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t drop them off at LBCC, or anywhere,\u201d Abigail Rubin admonished.<\/p>\n

The RMPT is located on the LBCC campus, 4901 E. Carson St., near the softball\/soccer field. No fee is charged to adopt a bunny, but donations are gladly received. For explicit directions and information on adoption, contact jolson@lbcc.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy, you wascally wabbit!<\/em>\u201d
-E. Fudd<\/div>\n

Virtually Pets<\/strong>
\"\"
Big John and Farina are a loving couple. John likes to snuggle under Farina, who mothers him.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Boots (male) and Peanut Butter Cup (female) make a sweet pair.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Stewart is a Hotot rabbit, male, with black ears and Avril Lavigne eyeliner. He could be your boyfriend.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Lucky\u2019s not a rabbit, although the Labrador in her genetics does account for the cute, floppy ears. Lucky\u2019s 5 \u00bd years old, spayed, updated with her shots and is registered, licensed and microchipped. She\u2019s loving and obedient and sweet with children. Lucky\u2019s people can no longer keep her, and she so deserves a home. E-mail hairbystudiok@yahoo.com<\/a> for information on taking Lucky home.
 
Pet Projects<\/span><\/p>\n

Hero Marine Vet reports illegal trapping<\/strong>
Our very own Birdman<\/a>, aka Dan Lubniewski and our biggest fan, has been vigilant about a couple of instances of illegal pigeon trapping with elements of cruelty to the birds. Dan brought his story to ACS and the Grunion Gazette, and reporter Ashleigh Oldland responded with this story<\/a>. Please report any signs of illegal trapping that you may witness.

ACS provides low-cost pet clinics<\/strong>
Low-cost pet clinics are scheduled for the second Saturday and third Wednesday of every month in Long Beach to provide residents with a one-stop shop for vaccination, microchipping and licensing services. More information about upcoming pet clinics is available here<\/a>.
 
Spay\/neuter California vehicle license plates<\/strong>
Order your new specialty plates from CASpayPlate.com<\/a>. All proceeds will go toward facilitating low-cost spay\/neuter at state shelters.<\/p>\n

Chewsy Dogs goes cyber-rover<\/strong>
Chewsy Dog, the pet boutique that has been the scene of many parties and fun events,  has closed its brick-and-mortar location at 4107 N Viking Way in Long Beach now operates online only at chewsydogonline.com<\/a>.
 
\u201cWe are very excited about this move, as it will allow us to offer a lot more products for our customers,\u201d said owner Eva Kuncewicki. \u201cOur Doga\u2014dog yoga\u2014pet CPR training, dog \u2018pawties\u2019 and no-risk dog dental will still be offered by appointment on a mobile basis.\u201d
 
Oct. 27, Final Mojitos and Mutts Event<\/strong>
The pet-friendly Hotel Maya and i Love Dogs will host a Howl\u2019oween Spooktacular to benefit animals at the spcaLA at Pitchford Companion Animal Village in Long Beach, featuring groovy gift bags, prizes and a costume contest. All costumed dogs will receive special treats. Humans are encouraged to dress up as well. A terrific drink and hors d’oeuvre menu will accompany the benefit. All animal lovers and their pooches are invited and encouraged to bring food, toys and supplies. The Kong pet toy company will match any Kong toy donation. Pussy & Pooch will be back with their \u201cPaw Bar\u201d and Chewsy Dog will offer fun goodies, and Bark Pet Photography will serve as official event photographer. Visit Hotel Maya\u2019s esplanade patio, 700 Queensway Dr., Long Beach, (562) 481-3910. 6:30-8:30pm.<\/p>\n

Haute Dogs Howl\u2019oween Parade and Adoption Fair, Oct. 31<\/strong>
Fortuitously, Halloween falls on a Sunday this year, and what better way for a whole-family celebration than a pet parade, with animals in costumes rivaling anything that Lady Gaga could come up with (meat is discouraged, for obvious reasons)? This year, costumed kids will lead the parade, so make sure they\u2019re in costume as well. Bring your family to Livingston Park, 4900 E. Livingston Dr. at Park Ave. at noon for fun and some great prizes in categories of costume (dog and people!), float, and several others. Volunteers needed as well. Click here<\/a> for details!

Volunteer Dog Stars Needed for Belmont Shore Christmas Parade<\/strong>
Cover Me Green Roofing (formerly Recover Roofing) is sponsoring Hearts for Hounds in the Belmont Shore Christmas Parade again this year. This year\u2019s float theme is \u201cTwinkle with the Stars,\u201d and volunteers are needed to march in the parade and ride on the float with their dogs. All participants must wear their own \u201cmovie star\u201d costumes. Specially designed “star” attire for the dogs is available, so float reps need to hear from all who wish to attend ASAP! Please call (562) 755-7926 or e-mail moodswingsev@aol.com<\/a> before Nov. 1 if you wish to attend.

VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk, Nov. 14<\/strong>
For the third consecutive year, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) is leading the charge in raising awareness of the nation\u2019s number-one disease-related killer of dogs and cats. Join in on a fun-filled 3K (1.8 miles) walk for both people and their pets along a picturesque trail through the Rainbow Harbor boardwalk and Shoreline Village Lighthouse peninsula area in Downtown Long Beach, California. $25 before Nov. 1, $30 after. Registration fees benefit the nonprofit Animal Cancer Foundation<\/a> (ACF). Click here<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Rabbit Population Management Task Force at Long Beach City College is getting some welcome assistance from the Waku Koda (Giving Friends) Camp Fire troop of Long Beach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":70140,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"newspack_sponsor_sponsorship_scope":"","newspack_sponsor_native_byline_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_native_category_display":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_style":"inherit","newspack_sponsor_underwriter_placement":"inherit","inline_featured_image":false,"newspack_ads_suppress_ads":false,"newspack_popups_has_disabled_popups":"","_EventAllDay":false,"_EventTimezone":"","_EventStartDate":"","_EventEndDate":"","_EventStartDateUTC":"","_EventEndDateUTC":"","_EventShowMap":false,"_EventShowMapLink":false,"_EventURL":"","_EventCost":"","_EventCostDescription":"","_EventCurrencySymbol":"","_EventCurrencyCode":"","_EventCurrencyPosition":"","_EventDateTimeSeparator":"","_EventTimeRangeSeparator":"","_EventOrganizerID":[],"_EventVenueID":[],"_OrganizerEmail":"","_OrganizerPhone":"","_OrganizerWebsite":"","_VenueAddress":"","_VenueCity":"","_VenueCountry":"","_VenueProvince":"","_VenueState":"","_VenueZip":"","_VenuePhone":"","_VenueURL":"","_VenueStateProvince":"","_VenueLat":"","_VenueLng":"","_VenueShowMap":false,"_VenueShowMapLink":false,"_":"","_author_alias":"","cap-aim":"","cap-description":"","cap-display_name":"","cap-first_name":"","cap-jabber":"","cap-last_name":"","cap-linked_account":"","cap-newspack_employer":"","cap-newspack_job_title":"","cap-newspack_phone_number":"","cap-newspack_role":"","cap-user_email":"","cap-user_login":"","cap-website":"","cap-yahooim":"","newspack_article_summary":"","newspack_email_html":"","newspack_email_type":"","newspack_featured_image_position":"","newspack_hide_page_title":"","newspack_hide_updated_date":false,"newspack_post_subtitle":"","newspack_show_share_buttons":"","newspack_sponsor_byline_prefix":"","newspack_sponsor_disclaimer_override":"","newspack_sponsor_flag_override":"","newspack_sponsor_only_direct":"","newspack_sponsor_url":"","newspack_article_summary_title":"Overview:","newspack_show_updated_date":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"newspack_spnsrs_tax":[],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-5368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pets","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5368"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5368\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/70140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5368"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5368"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5368"},{"taxonomy":"newspack_spnsrs_tax","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newspack_spnsrs_tax?post=5368"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=5368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}