Midcheshire Independent Issue 198

17 NOVEMBER 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent PETS RABBITS can make great com- panions. They can be clean, intelligent, gentle, affectionate, can use litter trays and even be trainedtorespondtosimplecues. As they have long lifespans, they’re also a big commit- ment, requiring high-quality care, routine vet visits and con- stant attention. If you’re thinking of buying a pet rabbit, or searching for rab- bits for sale, consider adopting rabbits instead. Many rescue centre have rabbits, and because they form deep connections with the rabbits they live with – becoming what us humans would call ‘best friends’ – they are usually rehomed in pairs. However, some also have many individual rabbits, ready for a home where another rabbit may already live and is searching for a new friend (after losing their pre- vious companion, for example). Rabbits can make great pets, but they’re complex animalswith complex needs. They’re better suited for older children who are able to handle them gently and understand the full scope of their responsibility, supported by adults who are prepared to help and take over when needed. No child should be the sole owner of any animal – adult supervision is always required. While intelligent and social, rabbits need careful, long-term commitment, including special- ised care, space, and financial resources for a specialist vet. They’re fragile creatures who can be easily injured, and as prey animals, they prefer not to be picked up. Children can enjoy spending time with rabbits by sitting qui- etly andwatching them, allowing the rabbits to approach at their ownpace. Any interaction should be gentle and calm, and chil- dren should be shown how to respect the rabbit’s space and signals. If the rabbits approach the child, they can be offered some tasty veg to help build up a positive association with human interactions. For children who are older and ready for the shared responsibil- ity, rabbits are incredibly fun and rewarding pets. arrangements to their garden fencing and children’s ages. However, these questions are not designed to catch people out. Their purpose is to prevent an unsuitable match that could cause distress to both the family and the dog. Many prospective adopters will have encountered the so-called “3-3-3 rule”, which suggests that a rescue dog needs three days to decom- press, three weeks to settle and three months to feel at home. While intended as a reas- suring guide, canine behav- iour specialist Jo Middleton believes this rigid timeline is no longer fit for purpose. Middleton, who heads the International Institute for Canine Ethics and founded Canine Principles, said dogs, especially those with difficult or traumatic backgrounds, do not adjust according to a calendar. Expecting particular mile- stones after three weeks or three months can leave adopters feeling frustrated or believing that a dog is problem- atic or untrainable. In some cases, that disappointment can contribute to the animal being returned to rescue. She said: “What’s needed is not a timeline but a frame- work, one that respects the individuality of every dog, empowers the adopter with education, and priori- tises trust, observation and emotional safety over arbi- trary progress.” Middleton has instead proposed the “3 Stages of Adjustment”: Decompression, Adjustment and Exploration, and Trust and Integration. These are phases rather than fixed periods. A dog might move through them over days, months or even years. Above all, give your new dog time. The first few days or weeks are only the beginning of the relationship. Trust can- not be hurried, and there is no deadline by which a rescue dog must feel at home. Do rabbits make good pets? Complex animals with complex needs Rescuing a dog: What to really expect when they come home FOR anyone consider- ing opening their home to a rescue dog in need, adoption can be enor- mously rewarding. But the moment a rescue dog crosses the threshold is only the beginning. It is often imagined as a joyful homecoming when an animal instantly realises they are safe and gratefully settles into family life. The reality can be rather different. A dog entering a new home may be leaving behind ken- nels, foster care, previous owners or, in some cases, a traumatic past. Even when there is no known history of mistreatment, the upheaval of moving into an entirely unfamiliar environment can be frightening and confusing. Dogs do not understand that they have been “rescued”, nor can they know that the unfamiliar people standing before them intend to provide a loving home for life. Some may hide, freeze or refuse food. Others might pace, bark, struggle to sleep, guard possessions or appear unable to settle. A dog who seems quiet during the first few days may begin display- ing more challenging behav- iour weeks later. None of this necessarily means that the adoption is failing. It may simply mean the dog is beginning to feel secure enough to express how they are really feeling. The Red Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping dachshunds in need, warns prospective adopters that res- cue dogs will often arrive with some emotional “baggage”. This could include anxiety, insecurity or trauma and, in some cases, a history of phys- ical abuse. Adopters must be prepared to offer patience, understanding and consist- ency while working closely with the rescue. The charity said: “Adopt- ing and fostering requires patience and understanding. We will provide you with the tools and support, but the process of helping a rescue dog settle and feel safe will be your responsibility.” Before applying, think honestly about your working hours, finances, family cir- cumstances, existing pets and the amount of time you can devote to helping a dog adjust. The Red Foundation believes four hours is the maximum time a dog should routinely be left alone, while stressing that many of the animals in its care would find even that too long. Prospective adopters should therefore consider what will happen when they return to work, attend appointments or spend time away from home. Some dogs may need a family member present for much of the day, while others might eventually cope with short periods alone following care- ful, gradual support. A thorough adoption pro- cess can occasionally feel intrusive, particularly when applicants are asked about everything from their working