Ah! Spring is in the air! The sun is shining, the air smells fresh, the birds are singing and the trees are starting to bud. Nature is coming alive and soon it will be Easter. The stores are stocking up on Easter merchandise and kids are looking forward to painting and hunting for eggs. It seems like happy times are ahead …
Not quite! Every year at Easter time pet shops stock-up on bunnies and the sales of cute little creatures rises dramatically.
With proper research and preparation for pet ownership, bunnies can make a great pet and a wonderful addition to your family. However, when bought on impulse at Easter they can become victims of a great tragedy.
Rabbits bought around this time of the year are nothing more than impulse driven purchases. They are bought because they are “Oh, so cute”, or because they are on sale, or because they look just like that bunny in that commercial with the chocolate eggs, or because a child refused to stop crying until daddy buys one, and so on… Later these bunnies often end up abused, abandoned, surrendered to shelters, or released outside. The reason? Most people aren’t willing to cover $100+ vet visit and medicine cost for a bunny who’s price was only $20.
Before purchasing a bunny, or any animal, everyone should do serious research on what kind of pet would be best suited for their lifestyle. Consider pet‘s needs, habits, behaviour, life expectancy, health issues, etc. No living creature should ever be purchased on an impulse, or as a gift.
Impulse rabbit buying is starting to become a serious problem. Yes bunnies are cute and cuddly, but there are some facts that most potential rabbit owners don’t realize:
- Rabbits come with different personalities. Not all are docile and laid back.
- Rabbits come in different sizes. Some, like Herman, a “German Gray Giant” grow to be over 3 feet long, weigh 22lb and eat 2kg of food per day.
- Rabbits are territorial. They may kill other rabbits. Without regular handling they may attack and bite you.
- Rabbits need to have a place to run around.
- Rabbits may get jealous when expected to share attention with another person or pet.
- Rabbits kept indoors can live up to 9 – 12 years.
- Rabbits bought in the store are bred in captivity and are fully domesticated. If released into the wild they WILL NOT survive.
- Rabbits are exotic pets. Most exotic Vets treat birds and reptiles. Not all Vets will treat rabbits.
- Rabbits are fragile and are prone to eye infections, heart and stomach problems. They hide illnesses well and often you will not know they are sick until it may be too late.
In the right home a rabbit can be a gentle, loving, happy member of the family with a great sense of humor. Under different circumstances rabbits can become victims of often unintentional cruelty and neglect. Let’s choose to be responsible pet owners. Let’s not purchase bunnies at Easter time, be aware of our responsibilities and educate ourselves and others before purchasing a life. Next time you see someone buying a bunny at Easter, ask them if they truly thought this through. This year may Easter Bunny only arrive to homes of those who have properly prepared themselves for a responsibility of owing a pet rabbit!
In memory of Binky Bunny, Crystal, Cuddles and Babies.
VividLife.me Contributor
Milana comes from a family of highly intuitive Russian women. As a young widow, her grandmother Ana fed three small children by reading fortune cards for soldiers during WW2. Because life in the former Soviet Union was very restrictive, Milana’s mother Inna was denied an opportunity to nurture and accept her own gifts and was unable to encourage or support Milana’s inherent empathic gifts.
Milana has always had very strong connection to animals. When reading them she literally hears their thoughts in her mind and feels their joy or suffering. She is also able to connect with pets who are no longer with us.
She ensures that the information received provides a well-rounded holistic approach to the animal’s well-being. Milana provides you with insight into your pet’s opinion about their own physical fitness, as well as their mental and emotional contentment.
6 comments
Well done Milana – thank you for gently reminding people that animals brought into our homes are just like adopting a child, they need nurturing and attention as well as proper medical care. Thanks for sharing!
Milana, this is a brilliant message!
Long may you share your wisdom.
I thank you and I’m sure all the bunnies thank you too!
xxoMary
Thank you Irene for your feedback.
Thank you Mary. I will do my best to keep providing useful advice and information.
Thank you for the very clear, insightful, and important message! If only everybody would read it and take the lesson to heart! One more point, I worked at a boarding facility and we cared for a pair of bunnies over Christmas. This is also something to be considered, the care of any pets when you travel can be expensive! I also learned that they can be messy! Cute, but not good at keeping their bedding and food in the designated area! Thanks again, Milana!
hey milana…well written and thoughtful…i’ve had 2 rabbits previously and they were quite the handful (although one was easily house broken)…i hope people will take your advice to heart…