Make mine chocolate

As many of you know, Gretchen is the proud "mom" of three adorable, feisty bunnies - Riley, Maggie, and Duncan. They're house rabbits, which means that they're house trained, just like a cat, and (except when Ellie's around) pretty much have free run of Gretchen's place. It's the most natural thing in the world, once you get over the fact that it's a trio of rabbits and not pooches - but what's the difference?

Gretchen's a saint, and has rescued each of her bunnies from an unhappy past, giving them a good home. Do you remember all the dalmatians that got abused or abandoned when families realized that caring for just one, not 101, was more effort than they were willing to spend? That happens every Easter to bunnies. Thousands of them are given as "cute" Easter presents, only to face neglect or worse when the cuteness wears off and the reality of a pet that can live ten or more years sets in.

In 2002, in an attempt to address the problem, the Columbus House Rabbit Society began a campaign to educate the public on the realities of living with a rabbit, and to discourage giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. Using ceramic pins in the form of chocolate bunnies as the symbol, the campaign's goal is to spread the message that rabbits should not be casually acquired and to educate the public about the special needs of these often-fragile creatures.

Real bunnies are living beings with significant needs. However cute they might look in an Easter basket, they should only be given to someone willing and able to give them a good home and all the care they need. That's just common sense, and common decency.

The Columbus House Rabbit Society's site, "Make Mine Chocolate!" gives lots more background, and an opportunity to get the word out this Easter.

Gretchen and I can only give a home to so many bunnies. ;) Please, this Easter, give cute chocolate rabbits that the kids can nibble the ears off of. Let the real ones find the homes they deserve.