Did you know that the expected life span of a pet rabbit is 8-10 years? Unfortunately, rabbits are often advertised as "starter pets." This is far from true as there is much to do when caring for a rabbit and that work lasts for 8-10 years. This false advertising has led to many rabbits being abandoned.
Two years ago my husband and I began volunteering for a rescue shelter that cares for these abandoned rabbits, works to educate the public on responsible rabbit ownership, and screens and trains prospective rabbit owners. Almost a year ago, we welcomed two rabbits from the shelter into our home. Here are the stories of Jack and Lucy.
Jack is a brown dutch rabbit. He was found wandering in a backyard not long after Easter in 2013. Our best guess is that he was an Easter gift that was let loose when the Easter fun had ended. He is quite the spunky fellow so it is also possible that he escaped. Domesticated rabbits are not fit for outdoor living. Thankfully, he was caught and cared for. A lady had him for a few months when she realized that rabbit ownership required more than she was able to give and she contacted the shelter and arranged to surrender Jack. When Jack arrived at the shelter, he appeared sick and the shelter manager didn't expect him to survive. After a few hours, he calmed down, leading her to believe that he had been traumatized by the car ride and not sick. Jack has personality to spare: the only rabbit I know that gives kisses on request!
Lucy is an angora. She appears to be an English angora but the woman who surrendered her indicated that she is mixed with lionhead. Lucy was purchased from a breeder who did not fully explain the needs of this breed. Lucy needs frequent brushing and a complete haircut every 3-4 months. When she was surrendered, it appeared that she had not received a single haircut in her first year of life and her bottom was matted with waste. Her owner simply didn't have the skills to care for her and chose to surrender her. Lucy is laid back and is willing to be held and cuddled for long periods of time. I have cut her hair three times since we brought her home and she is soon due for another haircut. I have taken lessons on spinning fiber and consulted with a shepherdess on her care and health. I am eager to spin her locks into yarn that I can crochet. Did you know that angora fiber is 10 times warmer than sheep's wool? Well, you do now!
Owning a rabbit, or two, is a rewarding experience but it comes with work. If you or someone you know is considering adding a rabbit to your family, consider adoption, be sure to have your rabbit spayed or neutered, and do your homework first to be sure that you are ready for the length and intensity of the commitment.
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