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Rabbits Get No Respect |
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Rabbits get lots of press. We're all familiar with Bugs Bunny, Peter Cottontail, Thumper, the Easter Bunny, etc. But they don't get much respect–kind of the Rodney Dangerfields of the animal world. The unglamorous truth is, in the animal world, their role is to serve as food for predators. In the human world, sometimes, they don't fare much better. Humans hunt them (Bugs has his Elmer Fudd, you know). And humans keep them as pets, but too often in unfavorable conditions. Humans are also prone to dumping their problems at the roadside. Two local women, Robin Goodman and Jeannie Patterson of the Heartland Rabbit Rescue Fund, are trying to do something about it in a three-pronged effort: rescuing unwanted, abandoned and abused rabbits; therapy work and public education. The more you listen to them, the more you realize these animals do, indeed, deserve more respect. "Rabbits are very affectionate, social animals," says Patterson. "They like being around us. It's sad to see one forgotten in a back yard hutch. Trust me, he's lonely and bored. Plus, he has to deal with weather extremes and flies, mosquitoes, fleas and ticks. To see them languish away or dumped out in a park, it's a pity to waste such a unique animal." The problem, Goodman points out, is rabbits are considered "throw away" pets. "They can be bought fairly cheaply, as well as the equipment needed. You see them sold in parking lots or by back yard breeders. They're inexpensive; you don't have to take them to a vet for shots. People buy them without knowing how to care for them, and you do have to know how to care for them." Shortly after Easter, the pair usually sees an influx of rabbits. People buy on a whim. Without knowing proper care, they end up with a dead rabbit, or after the novelty wears off, an unwanted burden on their hands. A few of the dispossessed are lucky enough to find their way to Heartland. Goodman hopped into the bunny business just that way, adopting her sister's unwanted pet 12 years ago. Then she felt the rabbit needed friends. Then people started bringing rabbits to her. And, she says, "It just grew by word-of-mouth." Through the Red Cross, after the Murrah Building bombing, she used some of the rabbits as therapy animals to help sooth victims. Thus the name Heartland. Patterson came to her by word-of-mouth a couple of years ago after finding some cottontails in her back yard. They teamed up and, obtained non-profit status for their rescue effort. Now, Patterson's Midwest City garage brims with rabbits of all sizes and types. And they do come in a wide variety. Most people know a cottontail or jackrabbit when they see them. But there are 49 breeds, ranging from such exotic creatures as the Flemish Giant, the largest at 25 pounds, to the Netherland Dwarf, weighing under three pounds. They come in all colors, with ears that can be tiny or big and floppy, and hair that can be coarse or so smooth it's like brushing air. The "big-word people" call them lagomorphs. To the rest of us, they're rabbits. And you'll find them everywhere. The wild belongs basically to the cottontails and hares. Cottontails are generally smaller and stick close to home. Home is an elaborate nest where they can hide from predators. Hares just sort of hang their hats anywhere. They depend on speed and agility to avoid danger (though we all know a certain tortoise that, well, never mind). Actually, some hares can hit about 50 miles an hour. And, yes, they do make lots of babies. Cottontails can begin breeding at three months and produce more than 30 young a year. As for all the exotic varieties, that's selective breeding on our part. Aside from their work, Goodman and Patterson show rabbits as a hobby, specializing in English and French Lops. But the work takes up much of their time. They adopt out as many rabbits as possible, and the rest have a permanent home. Their therapy work is licensed by the Delta Society, a national therapy program. They visit the Children's Convalescent Center and the Ronald McDonald House. Then there is the education aspect, and they're good teachers, knowledgeable in their subject. For instance, many new owners are disenchanted when they learn their rabbits aren't like the cuddly ones seen in stories. Rabbits don't like being held and will struggle to get free. Goodman offers an interesting reason why: "They operate by a prey instinct. When you hold them, it's like you're the predator, and it frightens them." That isn't always the case. Only a certain few that don't mind being held get to be therapy rabbits. Patterson cradles one, Aesop, on his back in her arm. And he lays there just as content as can be. For the most part, though, the rabbit just wants to be around you, not on you. He may be happy laying beside you while you pet him. And they like to play. "That's when the personality comes out," says Patterson. "Their emotional well-being is as important as their health. So we like to get them out of the cages, let them run around and do what rabbits do." So, what do rabbits like to do? Chew, for one, and that can be another problem if not handled right. Obviously, the women prefer seeing rabbits kept inside rather than out. But that requires some "bunny-proofing." Rabbits are trainable and can be taught not to chew things like furniture and electrical cords. Still, Goodman says it's wise not to leave your favorite sweater on the floor. There are simple ways to divert their attention, such as an old phone book. You may let your fingers do the walking through the pages. Your rabbit would love to chew his way through. "Anything like that," says Patterson, "a cardboard box, paperback book. They love to chew on pine cones, and plastic playthings, like those safe for babies, teething rings and such. It's recommended that you rotate the toys in their cages from time to time, because they'll become bored with them." She adds that it's not difficult to potty train rabbits to use a litter box just like a cat. Another thing people may not be aware of (also a reason for keeping them inside) is rabbits can't handle excessive heat. "No weather extreme is good, but they can tolerate the cold," says Goodman. "It's the heat that gets them." Yet another consideration is what to–and not to–feed rabbits. "Hay is the mainstay," says Goodman, "timothy or oat, along with rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables. Beware of foods with high water content, like celery, melons, iceberg lettuce. They can cause diarrhea, and in a rabbit that's serious. Within 12 hours, it can dehydrate and die. And go easy on the sugar. Rabbits have a mega sweet tooth, and that's not good for them. They'll take sweets over anything." (Seems Bugs would rather eat a Butterfinger than a carrot. Another image shattered.) "There is such a delicate balance in their intestines," says Patterson. "If you mess up the balance, which sugar does, it's bad, and the balance has to be restored quickly. The best rule is moderation in all things, except hay. The more fiber you get in them the better." Spaying and neutering are also important. It lessens aggression and actually increases life span, which is 8-12 years. If you're interested in adopting a rabbit, call Heartland at 405-830-4646 or 229-3211. And the ladies would like to hear from those willing to help socialize the rabbits, thereby making them more adoptable. "There are so many, we can't give them the attention they need," says Patterson. "We won't make the volunteers do any clean up, just petting and maybe some grooming." "Once you understand them and their ways, rabbits really do make good companions," says Goodman. "We do therapy with them, but they're therapy for us too." "They're fun pets, just watching them," says Patterson. "Let them out, and they're ready to go. Rabbits show joy by shaking their ears, running around and kicking up their heels. You can see their delight through the body language." Note: Robin Goodman is no longer affilated with Heartland Rabbit Rescue. Currently, the staff of Heartland Rabbit Rescue includes Terri Russell, Shadow Foster, Jeannie Patterson, Brad Patterson and several wonderful volunteers. You can reach Heartland Rabbit Rescue at (405) 229-3211 or (405) 830-4646. Back to OKC Animal Welfare |
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