http://www.care2.com/greenliving/adopt-a-rescued-rabbit.html
Adopt a Rescued Rabbit
By Melissa Breyer, Senior Editor, Healthy and Green Living
You’d think that “Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month” would be in the spring when people have bunnies on the brain–like in April. But no, July is the month that holds the honor. Why? Because it takes a few months for all of the people who bought those cute baby bunnies for Easter gifts to abandon them at the shelter once the bunny has turned into a full-grown rabbit. By July, the kids have grown tired of them, the parents realize the responsibility involved, and thousands of rabbits are being dropped off at shelters across the country.
“Adopt A Rescued Rabbit Month” was originated by the House Rabbit Society (HRS), an international nonprofit animal rescue and education group, in partnership with the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The goal has two aims: To educate the public about having rabbits for companion pets, and to help rescue and “re-home” domestic rabbits.
Rabbits can make fantastic companion pets, as long as you know what you’re in for. They get along with cats and dogs, are smart and affectionate and can learn to use a litter box. They even come when called. However, they have their caveats. According to the ASPCA, you should be aware of these facts when considering a rabbit as a pet:
• Rabbits cannot live outdoors! Although they’ve traditionally been kept in backyard hutches, these days we know better. Outside, rabbits can die of fright at the approach of a predator, and will be susceptible to diseases spread by ticks and other parasites.
• In most cases, rabbits and very young kids are not a great match. No doubt, many children love bunnies–but they’ll want to show their love by hugging and picking them up. Rabbits naturally feel insecure when picked up off the ground, and will do anything in their power (or in their powerful legs) to get down. An accidental fall can result in a broken bone. Better to wait until the kids are older.
• Rabbits need to dig and chew, they can be pretty destructive, so you will need to make sure to give them plenty of opportunity to do that, as well as rabbit-proofing your house.
That said, rabbits really can make wonderful pets! For more information on Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, visit the ASPCA, or the House Rabbit Society.
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8 comments
add your comment »You do need to be careful introducing a rabbit to your dog. Fortunately, I got really lucky. We were in downtown L.A. and they were selling baby bunnies on the corners. It broke my heart knowing the fate that awaited the majority of those poor rabbits. As we were passing by one little guy stuck his head up at us and that was it. We went a few blocks farther, but I couldn't get him out of my mind. We went back and got him. I thought I would try to find a home for him, as we had a black lab at home and I wasn't sure how they would react to each other. I slowly introduced them, and maybe it was because he was so small or my dog has such a big heart, but they've been together for 6 years now. I have such a strong bond with my little rabbit it's crazy. He is one of the best pets I've ever had. I wish people would understand what great pets rabbits can be. You just have to accomodate their needs, not treat them like a disposable toy.
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i want to adopt one, too! i just lost my pet rabbit. it would be nice to take home one that was abandoned and left behind by his/her once called "owners"
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i currently adopted a dwarf bunny for my daughter at Christmas time. She was a rescue from the local shelter. The person adopting her had her for a few years and no longer wanted her. I ama sucky for rescued animals. So, now our pets went from 3 to 4.
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My adult daughter adopted a bunny from some guys who had him for a year. She lets him out all the time but has spent the time to bunny proof. She puts the cords in plastic, pvc like tubes and tapes up other problem areas. All low wood needs to be covered or blocked off. He uses his potty box and loves to be petted. She also has made him a three story home out of wire crates that he loves. She feeds him greens and vegies besides his pellets. If we didn't have a big dog I would get one too. There are so many abandoned bunnies. I keep reading an ad in our local paper saying "bunnies for kids to love" and I want to call and bawl her out! Small kids are not good with bunnies, they think they are like cats and you can hold them and walk around. You can't and they can be hurt by hugs. You also need to totally commit to taking care of and exercising them on a regular basis. They can't just be left in a cage. If you're up for it, they need you to save them. Our "pound" has several right now.
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Thanks for the advice.
If you can see the dog in my photo, he's the one who would cause concern. He loves the hunt. He lives to chase lizards, squirrels, and cats out of the yard. He's not vicious, he just has strong instincts.
He did have a Dachshund "sister" for some time, who was rabbit size, and he doted on her. But since rabbits are a different species, he might react differently.
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We are enjoying our (first) bunny Peaches' senior years - we adopted her from Iowa Animal Rescue league when she was two, and she's eight now. She lives in an ex-pen in our office, and gets run of the office and our guest room when we're home, with very few problems, since opening the ex-pen effectively blocks our computer cords and we just unplug stuff in the guest room unless there's a guest.
As to the dogs, I would say it depends on the breed as well as the individuals of both species. I used to have basenjis, and there's no way I would put that breed anywhere near a bunny. Ditto most terriers - asking them to not "de-varmint" your house is against all they were bred for. Many other breeds do get along with rabbits - I would suggest finding your local rabbit rescue and seeking their advice about your particular dog/bunny combo.
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I'm onto my third bunny, I absolutely love her. Having her be loose in the house is a bit too much, and I don't recommend it unless you can really, truly bunnyproof. And it's a pain. But letting her loose occasionally is commonplace for me, since she always pees in the box although her poos sometimes get scattered. Big dogs would be a problem, but my mom's little dog is actually a little afraid of my rabbit but gets along with her fine since my first rabbit--a bossy little brat!-- used to beat up on her when she was a puppy.
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I've wanted to adopt one for some time, but I fear that my dogs would hurt it. I'm afraid to take a chance.
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