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what the ROUS Foundation Means to Me

Love

Melanie’s post:

I think a lot of you know that after Caplin Rous’s death in January of 2011, I started a charity called the ROUS Foundation for Capybara Veterinary Medicine (RF). I am happy to say that the RF has done a lot of good work for captive capybaras and their caretakers, but it hasn’t been easy.

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In Memoriam: Dobby Winnick (Part 1)

Dobby Winnick

Melanie’s Post:

This is an especially hard memorial post. Not only was Dobby a superior capybara, but he was also Caplin Rous’ younger brother. And if that weren’t enough, he died on July 9th, one day before Caplin Day, which would have been Caplin’s 11th birthday. Dobby, whose birthday was Feb. 14, 2009, was 9.5 years old when he died.

One of the services provided by the ROUS Foundation for Capybara Veterinary Medicine (RF) is the performance of necropsies on capybaras. We do this because without knowing why capybaras die, we can’t know how to keep them alive. Dobby lived to a respectable age, but of course we would have liked him to live longer. Forever, if possible.

Preliminary results of Dobby’s necropsy show that he died from hepatitis. This is the same thing that killed Caplin Rous. Since they were full brothers, this is suspicious, but without more data it is hard to draw solid conclusions. Please consider making a donation.

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Countdown to Caplin Day : 4

Capybara at San Diego Zoo

Melanie’s Post:

Caplin Day is the perfect excuse to visit a zoo to see some capybaras. Or you could “adopt” or sponsor a capybara at a zoo or wildlife park. Be sure to mention that you are there specifically to see the capybaras. We need to make zoos aware that capys are the favorite animal of a lot of people.

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Countdown to Caplin Day: 10

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Popsicles were Caplin’s favorite treat

Melanie’s Post:

Caplin was born on July 10, 2007, a day that changed the world. At least for me. He died on January 3, 2011, a day that destroyed the world. For me, but also for everyone who had ever met him and even those who never got the chance. Caplin enriched the entire planet. He can ever be forgotten.

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Happy Birthday to ME!

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A Skipper Rous Post:

While the video above is pretty darned cute, it doesn’t have to do with this post. I just thought you’d like it. That is my friend, Nancy, petting me.

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