Dogs, rabbits mingle in this animal house
Published: 1/26/2013 2:36 PM
Last Modified: 1/28/2013 3:01 PM
Susan Higganbotham's pets include a pair of rabbits (Penelope and Ginger).
Susan Higganbotham's pets include two schnauzers (Mickey and Minnie). 
Rita is one of Higganbotham's Chihuahuas. 
Tacos is the other Chihuahua.
Higganbotham said she used to think that two animals was the maximum that she could have in her home. But she just can't say no.
"It is difficult to walk away from an animal that needs love," said Higganbotham, who grew up around animals, including horses, dogs, cats, raccoons and wild rabbits.
"I think I love how they love humans unconditionally," she said.
Here, Higganbotham tells us more about her pets.
1. Do you have a favorite? Why?
It is hard to have a favorite when you have so many, but old man Mickey started all of this and he is extremely pampered. Tacos is Mr. High-energy and has breathed new life into the schnauzers.
2. Is it hard to keep six animals in the house? How do you manage?
Just like with children, you have to keep a set routine. All the animals do better when they know what is expected of them. Everyone loves on all the pets, but our daughter Lauren helps the most. She is the one that keeps getting pets!
3. Do they all get along?
Mickey and Minnie are like a married couple. It took a while for them to warm up to Tacos but now there is lots of play time. Rita has been coming out of her little shell. She still stops in her tracks when Tacos runs toward her. Ginger and Penelope love each other. The dogs have never been aggressive toward the rabbits, however when the rabbits are outside and we want them back inside, we release the Tacos herding system.
4. I see from the pictures that you like to dress some of your dogs up. Do they like wearing the sweaters, and where do you get them?
Rita must have a sweater because she is so tiny. The schnauzers only need them when it is really cold and they have just had a haircut. I get my sweaters at The Dog Dish, Southern Agriculture and PetSmart. The Chihuahuas seem to like the sweaters. Mickey walks in a circle for a while because it seems to confuse him when anything touches his tail, or stubby as we call it.
5. Do you have a favorite pet or animal organization?
Pet Adoption League and Wild Heart Rescue Ranch.
Written by
Nour Habib
Scene Writer
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