TulsaPets Magazine November 2021

November/December 2021 • TulsaPets 21 Does size really matter? (We’re talking pets here.) W ell, it’s been my observation that preferences in animal companions are as varied as the choices available; I, for one, LOVE big critters and thoroughly appreciate domestic fur family members who sport a little more heft than average: German Shepherds, Great Danes, Mastiffs and Malamutes; Norwegian Forest Cats and Maine Coons; Clydesdales and Percherons. I realize the sweep of a heavily fringed tail often destroys fragile decor on a coffee table, and one’s legs immediately go numb once one’s lap is occupied by a weighty purring part- ner. Then there are horses or pigs — when feeding, housing and exercise are genuine investments of love. Ah, but these are minor prices to pay for the joy of a full-body hug around a beefy buddy, right? But what if I told you there is another op- tion available for mammoth pet lovers out there? An animal that fits in an apartment or mansion, doesn’t trigger allergies, doesn’t need to be walked, can be housebroken — and whose poop is worth utilizing for your garden? This particular pet is big enough to command both of your arms for hoisting — not a minor little one-handed lift. One of these mammals can grow to about 20 pounds or so — and is happy being draped across your lap should the two of you binge a favorite series all weekend. No barks, no bites, no rounds of going into heat; cuddly, calm and a good listener … tolerant of kids, happy in an apartment… Sounds too good to be true, but I kid you not: Flemish Giants are out there, and they are truly the gentle giants of pet rabbits. It was my great fortune to not only be requested to write about the biggest bunnies in the world, but also to actually experience them for real. The Tulsa area has a bona fide Flemish Giant breeder who is committed, knowledgeable, responsible and loves her some buns. Veterinarian Nutritionist Dr. Beth Dupree was generous enough with her time to educate me about the lovely lagomorphs of Bella Bunnies Giant Rabbits (bella-farms.com) and gave me the royal tour of a well-maintained bunny kingdom. Her knowledge as a rabbit nutritionist was obvious in its results as I noted healthy coats, bright eyes and a bevy of relaxed rabbits in their wooded surroundings. My first Giant introduction was to Barry, who is quite possibly the oldest living Flemish Giant in history, being well into his 14th year of hopping the earth. Once he was allowed into the yard, I watched him slowly navigate around the pens, sniffing to say hello to all his chums and romantic ac- quaintances. His summer coat was shedding Lifting Mr. Grace means using both hands.