International Rabbit Day!

I know I lost my Joey back in April, but that doesn't mean I can't still celebrate International Rabbit Day! This is celebrated each year in September to raise awareness about rabbits as pets. So many people think they are like gerbils or goldfish or something, a relatively 'disposable' pet. They don't realize that rabbits will live 6-10 years, have tons of personality, and are really more like dogs or cats as pets go. I can't even count the number of times I've heard the eating rabbits joke from relatively well-meaning but crass and/or uneducated people talking about my pet. I don't make jokes about poodle stew when you talk about your dog; why do you think it's clever to talk about my rabbit that way? Rabbits require care and attention and investment in time and "bunny-proofing" as far as houses go. But with that time and care, they make lovely pets!

So, take today as a day to learn a little more about a wonderful and more unusual pet that can bring some smiles (and lots of poop!) to your daily life :)

(steps off soapbox now)

A lot of rabbit rescue organizations have fundraisers and special events at about this same time. Check out the House Rabbit Society page for more events celebrating Rabbit Day.

Make Mine Chocolate is another great rabbit charity, which focuses their efforts at Easter time. Apparently there are parents who consider a live animal is a great pet for Easter baskets. Make Mine Chocolate works to get information out about rabbits as pets, so that people will only invest in a bunny as a pet if they truly want one. If they are looking for something cute and bunny-ish for an Easter basket, well, like the title says, Make Mine Chocolate!