Sarah Ause Kichas | saussie.com » misc critters

baby bunnies will right any wrong

Sarah — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:28:18 +0000

Terrah just reminded me that I still suck at blogging. Here are some baby bunnies in a lousy effort to remedy that. But seriously, who doesn’t love baby bunnies?

small wonders

Sarah — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:56:09 +0000

ochamster00189 rats02431 sugargliders00265 cavyhaven01561 rats02506 rats02439 cavyhaven01495 rats02490 rats02407 cavyhaven01503 sugargliders00196

Here are a few shots from a recent article I did on pocket pets. I traveled around the southwest last fall meeting up with shelters and rescue groups to talk about the problems these small critters are facing. That first shot, the one of the dwarf hamster… he bit me. Twice. Anyway, I digress.

I wanted to write a story about pocket pets because I had a few of my own over the years. I had gerbils as a kid and maybe a hamster or two, and I can honestly say these kinds of pets are not so good for kids. I accidentally pulled the tail off one of my gerbils. Yep. But anyway, I’m not saying kids shouldn’t have the pets, but pocket pets are seen as disposable little animals and they end up in shelters because people buy them for their kids on impulse at pet stores, and then they change their mind.

The bigger reason I wanted to write an article though is that I know what great pets they make. When I was 13, a rat named Albert came to live with me. He was my stepsister’s and she couldn’t have him anymore, so she asked if I wanted him. I said yes, but my mother said no… “THERE IS NO WAY THAT THING IS STAYING IN THIS HOUSE.” But well, Albert was charming and half an hour later, “There’s no way we’re getting rid of him.” My mom had changed her mind. Sadly, like many rats, Albert succumbed to cancer before too long.

Fast forward several years and while reminiscing about Albert, I bought Toula and her sister Berta on a whim… from Petco, for $7 each. Yep, I bought them. I had no idea you could get rats and other similar critters any other way. Not surprisingly, Berta had health problems right from the start. She was pretty anti-social and I have to admit, I didn’t care for her much. Toula, on the other hand, was incredible. I won’t ramble on about how amazing she was (you can read that sad story here), but just know that she was an incredible little animal. And it’s my time with Toula that inspired my article.

I focused on rats, sugar gliders, and guinea pigs for the story… and guinea pigs and sugar gliders were cute and all, but the rats are where it’s at. However, as much as I love them, I definitely don’t have plans to get another one. I have not-so-fond memories of stinky cages. I will admire them from afar these days. By writing articles.

slacker

Sarah — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:32:44 +0000

That’s me. I will try to get back to posting regularly soon, but in the meantime, expect some random posts… like this adorable bunny shot I took a few months back. Awww!

Elias and Co.

Sarah — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:30:24 +0000

an open mouth collection

Sarah — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 01:00:12 +0000

… because I haven’t posted much lately.

oh, baby!

Sarah — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:41:57 +0000

Baby animals are the CUTEST!

a post to remedy the lack of animal posts on here lately

Sarah — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:04:01 +0000

don’t you dare even mention the ‘B’ word

Sarah — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 01:16:14 +0000

I mentioned last week that I was looking for a tacky prom dress. Specifically, I was looking for a tacky western prom dress. I got this beast for $5 at the thrift shop next door. I had the belt, boots, and hat already so luckily I didn’t have to pour my bank account into this hideous outfit.

Before I headed north to the prom that I would grace with this dress’s presence, Miss Molly and I had a photoshoot showcasing the glorious long-sleeved, off-the-shoulder, black velvet dress. Here are some of the results… the PG-rated ones (you’ll have to see the PG-13 ones here, because well, I work with animals and we really can’t associate me with the ‘B’ word on this blog… or anywhere).

cats, birds, dogs, horses, and guinea pigs

Sarah — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:08:52 +0000

I haven’t posted any work photos for a little while, so I figured I should do that.

Dann gets adopted

Sarah — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:35:45 +0000

Why would anyone want to adopt an elderly dog, a horse that can’t be ridden, a cat with leukemia? Our sanctuary is chocked full of animals that wouldn’t normally be adopted, but they do here, and it’s a beautiful thing. An old dog won’t be there for you for years, but by adopting him you will give him a good end… a home. All these animals deserve a home. All over the country there are animals just like ours being killed in shelters. Here they at least have a chance at a home… and if they never do find one, well, the sanctuary is a pretty cool place to be. Sometimes I think the animals at the sanctuary have it made better than mine do at home.

Dann says goodbye to horse manager Jen…

And hello to his new people.