Rabbits, often bought as Easter presents for young children, are frequently abandoned after they grow out of that adorable “baby bunny” stage. Older rabbits are just as sweet and cuddly, though, and many are available for adoption.
Thinking about rescuing a rabbit? Many shelters are species-specific, such as the Rabbit Haven and Rescue Rabbits Rock, as many rabbits are in need of loving homes. The Rabbit Haven, an all-volunteer organization, rescues rabbits off the streets or from shelters. Based in Sunnyvale, California, they often hold adoption events, where plenty of their abandoned or special-needs rabbits have found forever homes.
There are many benefits to adopting a rabbit. They’re easy pets to care for, as they can be litter trained. All the food they eat can be grown in your own backyard — they love strawberries, dark leaf lettuce, alfalfa, and, of course, carrots. Have extra boxes, papers you planned on shredding, or toilet paper rolls you were planning to throw away? Your pet bunny would love to use them as a toy. Your dog would too, of course, but the cleanup after a rabbit chews something up is significantly less than if, say, a husky were to chew up that same thing. Rabbits’ teeth are constantly growing, so giving them something to chew on is a necessity. Giving them materials you were planning on throwing away decreases your waste and makes your adorable pet happy.
Rabbits are great pets for those who do not have the time or ability for daily walks. They are content to run around in a large fenced in area or around a living room. Most have quite the personality, and are a constant source of entertainment. As a former rabbit owner, I used to love watching my rabbits Sheri and Ozzie (named after the Osbournes) cuddle up with my 13-year-old golden retriever, Casey. The two dwarf rabbits were great companions for the sweet old dog, whose maternal instincts kicked in when she was around the bunnies.
Rabbits can live up to 12 years, which is much longer than other small furry creatures such as guinea pigs and hamsters. They are also great pets for vegans or vegetarians. As herbivores, they never require meat or animal products. Rabbits also make great pets because they are the third most abundant adoptable animal. Search any pet finding website and I’m sure you will quickly find a bunny who will steal your heart.