A Dog's Day in Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha, Nebraska.  A great place to explore – and eat – and play.  All of my favorite things.  What little dog could resist the chance to spend a day there? 

Of course the first thing we always want to do is find a place to stay.  I do enjoy my naps and I need a nice, comfortable place to cozy up with Mom after a long day’s adventure.  Our choice was the  Holiday Inn Express Omaha West.   It’s pet friendly, smoke-free, and the beds are SOOOO comfortable.  We had a room in the back so I could look out the window and see trees.  It was just like being at home.  Well, almost.

Once we settled in, Mom had a couple of people to visit.  Then the rest of the day was ours.  First we went to The Green Spot.  Mom and Dad had coffee and I met some new friends.  Mom bought some treats for me too.  She said they were healthy and organic.  All I know is that they were delicious!

After coffee and treats, Mom wanted to do a little shopping so we went to Old Market.  Mom wanted to check out the Tannenbaum Christmas Shop.  Dad is not a big fan of Christmas decorations.  He just likes the presents.  So we waited outside since I was not allowed in the store.  Fortunately, Mom didn’t take too long this time.  Sometimes when she gets browsing in a new store like this she can forget that Dad and I are waiting – especially if it’s a book store. 

After shopping, I needed some time to just walk around so we went to the Heartland of America Park and Fountain.  It’s a great place to stroll around.  Dad stopped to get us some sandwiches and drinks on the way and we had a picnic in the park.  Dad really liked the fountain with the light show.  He said it reminded him a little bit of some fountain in Vegas.  And I even saw deer!  I had to stay on my leash, so I couldn’t chase them.  But I am not allowed to chase them at home either so I didn’t mind.  I did bark at them – just a little.

After our busy day, we went back to the room to rest and have dinner.  Dad and Mom stopped at Upstream Brewing Company to get food to take back to the hotel.  They do have outer tables, but Mom was too tired to ask if I could sit at them.  So they just got takeout so we could eat and rest before driving home in the morning.  Mom had a Reuben Sandwich and Dad had a Brewer’s Burger.  They were both delicious.  I know because I had a bite of each along with my own dinner.  I got to have a couple of French fries too and they were yummy!

Good food, great place to stay, and things to do that even I can visit.   I like Omaha.  I hope we can go again soon. 

House Rabbit Society focuses on "partner adoptions," urges people to consider adopting a buddy for their bunny."

House Rabbit Society (HRS), an international nonprofit animal rescue and education group,is celebrating February as "Adopt-a-Rescued-Rabbit Month."

Mary Cotter, Marketing/Education Director of the Richmond-based HRS says the organization will focus on partner adoptions during this special month: "Many people feel guilty leaving their companion rabbit home alone all day, when they are at work. Adopting a partner bunny is the perfect solution. It's not only good for your bunny; it's good for you!"

According to Cotter, two bunnies are not twice the work of one, as long as they are bonded. "They share living quarters, food and water bowls, and even a litterbox - so the cleanup is essentially the same. And the bunnies entertain one another, groom one another, and keep each other company when their humans are not at home."

"Introductions need to be done carefully," says Margo DeMello, President of HRS, who lives with a group of bonded rabbits herself. "Rabbits typically can be aggressive when first introduced, and injuries can occur if they are not properly supervised." She cautions that both rabbits must be spayed/neutered, not only to prevent breeding and health problems, but also so that their behavior toward one another is not determined by "raging hormones."

"Rabbits, like people, need time to work out their relationships," adds Cotter. "But a patient human caretaker will be well-rewarded: once they are bonded, there is just nothing more heartwarming than watching a bunny couple snuggle up to each other and kiss each other's faces."

HRS has chapters and representatives across the United States, as well as overseas, and most chapters offer bonded pairs for adoption, as well as single rabbits who can be bonded to a rabbit-in-residence. Many people new to rabbits prefer to start out with a single rabbit, and adopt a partner bunny at a later time.

"Adopters are welcome to contact any of our chapters at any time, for help in adopting or bonding rabbits," says DeMello. "And there are several internet groups where bonding advice from HRS volunteers is also available, including a group dedicated to this topic only: groups.yahoo.com/group/bunbond/."

The mission of HRS is twofold: to educate the public about these often-misunderstood companion animals, and to help rescue and "re-home" domestic rabbits. HRS advocates spaying and neutering rabbits - both for health reasons and also to help put an end to the animal overpopulation problem.

For more information on Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, log onto House Rabbit Society.  To find out more about adopting a rabbit, contact your local shelter or your your nearest HRS chapter. For more information on House Rabbit Society's rescue and education work in your area, please call House Rabbit Society at (510) 970-7575.