1) Rabbits are the perfect pets for those who may not have time for daily walks. Like cats, rabbits can be litter trained very easily.
2) Many people who are allergic to dogs and cats are not allergic to rabbits.
3) Rabbits are uniquely talented comedians. Binkies, bunny flops and bunny 500s are just some of the quirky and amusing habits of the house bunny.
4) Rabbit schedules match up with people schedules. Rabbits are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk, which corresponds well with the times most of us are starting our day or getting home from work.
5) Rabbits help you get healthy. Having a pet who encourages you to stock your fridge with fresh fruits and vegetables is good for everybody - vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
6) Rabbits make great pets for city dwellers. They stay in large cages or puppy pens during the day when you're gone and love to come out to romp around in bunny-proofed rooms when you're home.
7) Rabbits have long lifespans compared to other small animals. They can live 10-12 years if provided with a proper diet and care.
8) Rabbits are heroic. In the wild, rabbits communicate with each other about perceived dangers by thumping their back legs; astute house bunnies will provide you with a similar security system.
9) Rabbits are great listeners. They also make excellent snugglers with their extra-soft fur and loving nature. What more could you ask for from a friend?
10) Rabbits need homes too. Perhaps the best reason to adopt a bunny is that there are so many waiting for forever homes. In fact, after dogs and cats, rabbits are the third most abundant adoptable pet.
The bunnies pictured above are Snap, Crackle and Pop. They are available for adoption through the Animal Rescue League of Western PA. If you have room in your heart and your home for a new bunny friend, please contact your local animal shelter or visit Petfinder.com.
I had a childhood pet bunny who lived for 12 delightful years. When I read this I wondered why I haven't had one since. Then I remember that I have four dogs and a cat.
ReplyDeleteReason enough. But maybe someday...
BJC lived with five cats and she was queen of the house! I know other people who also have blended families (dogs, cats and bunnies). As always, its a matter of careful introduction and supervision. Maybe someday you'll to add a bunny to your furry family.
DeleteGreat post BJ. m wishes she were much younger so she could have a bunny, a couple more cats and a couple of dogs.
ReplyDeleteEventually you reach a point when you think "am I going to be around long enough to take care of these guys?" I think I've got a few good years left, but it might be time to put the brakes on getting any new pets!
DeleteTerrific post! We'd love to get a bunny here. With 3 kitties and me, maybe some day. And mom really wants to get chickens too! *shaking head*
ReplyDeleteYAY bunnies! I love them, I think that is a great point you make about allergies; sooo many people all allergic to cats and dogs...
ReplyDeleteTotally. I got home two rabbits and never look back since
ReplyDeleteI had a bunny growing up - I loved Wiggles! But I have a cattle dog mix with a pretty strong desire to hunt critters so I don't think it would be a good match. How do you know for sure if a dog and a bunny will get along? She goes into stalk mode when she sees a wild bunny (she is leashed of course). Is that a big enough clue that a bunny wouldn't survive with us?
ReplyDeleteI would say if you have a dog with a high prey drive, then it probably would not be a good fit. Your dog might just want to "herd" your rabbit, but since rabbits are prey animals, chances are it would interpret this behavior as hunting. Even if your dog didn't actually catch the rabbit, the bunny might hurt itself trying to get away or have a heart attack.
DeleteThank you - that's what I kind of thought too. I wouldn't want to risk the rabbit getting eaten or scared to death.
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