12:08pm
Rabbits? Really?
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It never ceases to amaze me how many people are surprised that I, an adult, have pet rabbits. And that they're inside my house, not locked outside in a lonely hutch. Considering that rabbits are the 3rd most common pet in the US and the 3rd most common abandoned in shelters (many don't even know shelters HAVE rabbits), why is it so surprising that I have, and adore, rabbits?
They are amazing, wonderful pets for the right people. They're not for everybody because they require much more care than most realize- nearly as much care as a dog needs. And they're not short lived like hamsters or gerbils (they're not rodents either!), they live for 10+ years. That's a serious commitment to make. Unfortunately for many rabbits it's a 10 year sentence to life in a cramped cage with poor quality food and nothing to do. They are social, curious, playful little buggers who thrive on attention. In fact, if Loki thinks I haven't petted him and played with him enough he'll actually get really depressed and sulk!
Seriously, there's nothing better than living with a house rabbit. Or, as I call them, a couch rabbit. Because they do jump up on the furniture and hang out on the couch. They chase the cats, play with toys, beg to be petted, and rub noses and snuggle with me. When they're hyper they dash about like crazy and jump high in the air doing amazing twists and kicks like a gymnast. Or a foal- they actually rather like tiny long-eared horses, even in their diet.
So for those of you who have never considered a house rabbit, check it out. Go play with some at your local shelter (not all accept them, some actually turn them away!), contact a local rabbit rescue, or go online and learn more at the House Rabbit Society website or the Rabbits Online forum. You never know, maybe you're a true rabbit person and you never knew it. ;)
