Easter Bunnies

Many people think that rabbits are good “starter pets” for children. Just like a dog or a cat, rabbits require a lot of upkeep. There are very few children who are able to shoulder the full-time responsibility of taking care of an animal. Therefore, it is important to realize that an adult will have to be the rabbit’s main care-giver.

Easter rabbits face a sad fate. Children need to realize that a pet rabbit is NOT a stuffed toy. A rabbit can become easily frightened when picked up and cuddled. Their natural instinct is to jump or kick and this may result in the child, or the rabbit, becoming injured. Once the novelty of this new pet wears off, the rabbit usually ends up being confined to its cage and eventually forgotten about. Many rabbits end up in a shelter within one year. 

Rabbits do make wonderful, loving pets, but they are not for everyone. In order for a rabbit to be happy and healthy, they need exercise and interaction every day and must be spayed or neutered upon reaching sexual maturity. And they are a long-term commitment - if you are not ready to give a rabbit 10 years of your life, you are not ready to give one as a pet. As tempting as it may seem, NEVER BUY A RABBIT ON IMPULSE OR GIVE A PET AS A GIFT!

Please take the time to do your own research and consider all of these facts. If you decide that you and your family are ready to welcome a rabbit into your lives, please email us for an adoption application, or a local shelter and visit last year’s Easter Bunnies. By adopting a Rabbit Rescue or shelter bunny, you can enjoy the added fact that you are saving a life. We encourage you to join us in one of our Easter Campaigns; Make Mine Chocolate, and our Paper Bunny Campaign. In the meantime, Rabbit Rescue suggests you visit our online store (www.rabbitrescue.ca/store) and purchase a chocolate or stuffed rabbit instead. Let’s make Easter a happy time for everyone, including bunnies.

Additional Reading:

www.makeminechocolate.org 
www.rabbit.org
www.rabbit.org

‘Twas the Night Before Easter

'Twas the night before Easter, and all through the house 
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. 
The baskets were ready for eggs they would find 
Hidden by the Easter Bunny so cute and so kind. 

The children were nestled all snug in their beds 
With no thought of their bunny who hadn’t been fed.
With Ma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap 
We knew he was hungry but we needed a nap. 

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter 
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. 
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear 
But the Easter Bunny - with eyes full of tears.

He un-caged the rabbit, once lively and quick, 
Last year's Easter Gift, now lonely and sick. 
More rapid than eagles he called the bunn’s name 
And with a few binkies, the bunny happily came. 

"You poor little soul, so sad and alone,
With no one to love you in this so-called home.
How quickly they forgot about your joys and your needs.
Come with me, Little One, come with me please. 

Run with me, Bunny, stretch your legs tall! 
Let's find you a home where you’ll be loved by all." 
The Easter Bunny left no chocolates that year 
But he certainly made one thing quite clear. 

The gift of a rabbit is not just for the season, 
We had gotten the bunny for all the wrong reasons. 
“A bunny would make a great gift!” was our thought 
But there was one important thing we forgot. 

A bunny should be family, and loved just as much, 
Not locked in a cage and denied human touch.
They need more than a name, a pat and a meal,
They need companionship and love that is real.

And I heard him exclaim as he dashed out of sight 
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!" 

Author Unknown