MamaSheepdog":2qgwkpk0 said:
When I was around twenty or so, and working at a grooming shop, an Airedale was brought in in appalling condition. He was emaciated and absolutely covered in fleas. His gums were white because he was so anemic. I wanted to take that dog away from his owners so badly! I approached the store owner and asked if we should call animal control and report them. She said no, that they were trying to get the proper care for him.
When the owners came in, I spoke to them at length. It was a woman and her adult son. She was in poor health, and her 40+ year old son was mentally disabled and would never be able to support himself. They bought products to treat their house and yard, and a bag of good food for the dog.
So things are not always as they seem. The fact that the rabbit owner knew she was unable to properly care for the rabbits and rehomed them shows that she has the intent to "do the right thing".
As a groomer, I go by the "rule of threes." The first time a dog comes in horrifically skinny or matted or infested with fleas, I always assume it is a lack of understanding or knowledge and I make sure to explain what is wrong and possibly why. I usually recommend a trip to the vet as well. The next time the dog comes in, if it is in the same condition, same problems, I ask about it and if they've seen a vet, what they've done to fix it. The third time a dog comes in, in that condition, I get really distressed because it shows me THEY WILL NOT CHANGE.
The problem isn't pet owners who are overwhelmed, or who don't know any better, it's the ones who won't change what they are doing.
Doing the same thing over and over again is the definition of insanity, so after the third visit I always reported the condition of the dogs to my salon's company (not that they ever gave a crap, of course), and put notes in the system that until the dog's health issues are dealt with I am not comfortable working on that animal.
Should the situation ever change, I'd reconsider.
ANYWAYS. Lol, sidetracked there. To the original post: GOOD, that you got them out of that situation!!! It'll benefit both the rabbits and their former owner.
Though like others have said, quarantine like they've been exposed to the plague.
Pictures plz!