You know that one of Bob's passions (yes, we dogs have passions!) was to help as many homeless animals as possible find the same type of happy home he had. And in his memory, I have decided to carry on that mission. While I do spend most of my time promoting dog and cat adoption, there are those Moms and Dads who just aren't cat or dog people. Hard to imagine, I know, but it's true. But I have a solution for them. How about a rabbit?February is Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month. This is the time of year to get the word out about rabbits. Why? Easter is just a couple of months away. And that means many people will be considering buying rabbits for Easter presents. But often, these families don't know how to care for or interact with rabbits. The kids grow tired of them, and the next thing you know the parents are dropping them off at already crowded shelters. There are thousands of rabbits in shelters around the country waiting for homes; many of these rabbits were babies purchased as a whim during last year's Easter season.
I don't know much about pet rabbits. All the rabbits at my house are not pets. I see them hopping around in the field sometimes and I think it might be great fun to chase them but Mom won't let me. But The House Rabbit Society knows all about rabbits. They told me that rabbits can be wonderful indoor companions, get along with many other companion animals (including cats and dogs), are intelligent, affectionate and inquisitive, and can readily be trained to use a litter box. That's pretty smart. Even I don't know how to use the litter box! However, they can also be destructive. The ideal "rabbit person", in addition to being gentle, patient and eager to get to know a rabbit on his or her terms, must be willing to rabbit-proof their home to prevent destructive chewing. (See Mom - I'm not the only one who chews on things they're not supposed to).
Like the ASPCA, HRS says rabbits can and should be spayed and neutered - both for health reasons and also to help put an end to the animal overpopulation problem.
HRS also tries to teach people that rabbits are not always a good pet, especially for children. Even baby bunnies tend to be willful and independent, and do not enjoy being picked up and carried. HRS also cautions against buying or adopting a rabbit as a gift, or on impulse, as the novelty of having a new pet usually wears off. When a family realizes how much day-to-day work is involved, the rabbit is, unfortunately, often turned loose or surrendered to a shelter.
Also, this month, in honor of Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, for each purchase from the Travels with Bob shop, Mom make a donation to the Petfinder Foundation. And if you purchase an "Adopt a Rabbit" themed product, she will also make a donation to the House Rabbit Society!
Make some bunny happy! Adopt a rescued rabbit!
