In the News: Tails of Marin
Every bunny needs somebody to love it
A properly socialized indoor rabbit or “house” rabbit can become an integral part of the family. They are friendly, curious animals who enjoy attention and can get along well with other animals. Many can even be trained to use the litterbox. Supervised children can learn how to be calm and gentle with a rabbit, which will teach them the value of responsibility and compassion towards animals.
Far too often, these loving and social animals are only thought of around Easter time when children and well-meaning parents see cute images of baby bunnies flashing on their television screens. Then there is a mad rush to the local pet store for the cutest and cuddliest bunny without giving too much thought to the ultimate responsibility of adding a rabbit to the household. When the novelty has worn off and that cute and cuddly baby bunny grows into a not-so-cuddly adult, many people give up on their rabbits.
Where do these bunnies go when the pet store won’t take them back? Some end up living in the backyard in a hutch with little to no socialization, vulnerable to the elements and roaming predators. Others are “set free” in open space, only to find themselves incapable of surviving since they are not wild animals and have been born and raised in captivity. The most fortunate unwanted rabbits are brought to the local animal shelter or rescue organization where they are spayed and neutered, and can receive the proper care they need to find the right home.
Have you considered a rabbit? Right now, the Marin Humane Society has an abundance of bunnies, all waiting patiently for their lifetime home. We're also looking for foster homes to give some of the bunnies a break from the shelter.
Before adopting a rabbit or any companion animal, first ask yourself this question: “Do I have the time and energy to properly care for another living being for his or her whole life?” Although rabbits may seem to be fairly low maintenance, they do require daily care and socialization, and proper vet care. Once you have decided that, yes, a rabbit is for you, make sure to adopt a bunny from your Humane Society and help lessen the burden of pet overpopulation in our community.Before considering adopting a rabbit or any companion animal, you should first ask yourself this question: “Do I have the time and energy to properly care for another living being for his or her whole life?” Although rabbits may seem to be fairly low maintenance, they do require daily care and socialization, and proper vet care. Once you have decided that, yes, a rabbit is for you, make sure to adopt a bunny from a shelter or rescue organization and help lessen the burden of pet overpopulation.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
