By Alessa Carlino, Ojai native, rescue bunny mum, and owner of Positivity Designs.
Rabbits can turn your home into a magical fairy land. Their humorous antics and adorable good looks have the ability to bring a smile to even the toughest cynic . .
In myth, rabbits represent abundance, comfort, vulnerability, and of course, fertility. In truth, they are complex creatures with very distinct personalities and special needs.
Many people take on the responsibility of rabbits thinking they will be an easy, quiet, compact, no-fuss pet. The quiet part is spot-on. The rest, not so much.
If you’re thinking of bringing a rabbit or rabbits into your family, there are some important things you’ll want to consider:
- Rabbits are very clean animals. Their litterboxes (if cared for properly) don’t smell and they never need baths. Rabbits themselves smell like they just came out of the dryer. Think I’m kidding? Check out these other rabbit parents digging on their furry friend’s scent.
- Rabbits reproduce prodigiously. For that reason, it’s important to have your rabbit spayed or neutered. The urge to reproduce can cause aggressive behavior and female rabbits can be prone to uterine cancer. Spaying or neutering your rabbit will also lessen the smell of their urine.
- Rabbits are social animals and need friends, but they aren’t necessarily easy to get along with. For that reason, it’s important to introduce rabbits through a careful bonding process. Bunnies in love are amazingly cute and having a special friend will actually contribute to their good health.
- Rabbits are considered exotic pets and for that reason you’ll need to find an experienced rabbit vet. Thankfully, there are helpful hints from the House Rabbit Society that can get you started. Be sure to find a vet who does rabbit dentistry because rabbits can be prone to many different dental issues.
- Rabbits don’t do well outside. Basically, rabbits are the potato chips of the planet and are eaten by birds, snakes, and mammals. Putting them in a yard will most certainly doom them to an untimely death. They are also social animals so you’ll want to have them inside with you.
- Rabbits need space to run around. Considering they can be destructive of furniture, carpets, walls and especially electrical wires, you’ll want to be careful to bunny-proof any rooms your rabbit(s) will have access to.
In short, rabbits are a big commitment. They can live up to 13 years, need special veterinary care, take up space in your home and in your heart, and will need considerable attention.
That said, they are also sweet and adorably funny, and they bring a joy no other animal can.
Are you thinking of getting a rabbit but can’t quite commit? No problem because you can foster! You’ll be saving a life while you decide if having a rabbit is right for you. A quick search should put you in touch with your local rabbit rescue. Top on my list is LA Rabbits, and in Ventura County, there’s VCAS Bunny Brigade.
ABOUT ALESSA…
Alessa Carlino, an Ojai native and life-long animal advocate, has been befriending bunnies since she was 12 years old.
Her newest bunny friend, Ray, was the size of an orange, sitting in the middle of the road, eyes crusted over–completely blind. Somehow she knew to be in the street at the exact moment Alessa was driving past. Alessa provided nursing care and sought medical attention, and not only did Ray regain her sight, but now she is a big, healthy Ray of sunshine.
In a addition to being the best bunny mum ever, Alessa founded Positivity Designs, a company where she has designed quality t-shirts to inspire your world. Each shirt displays a simple, yet bold and powerfully positive word.
“A word is like a living organism, capable of growing, changing, spreading, and influencing the world in many ways. Words inspire energy, shift focus, create change. Our words not only tell the world who we are, they shape the way we see the world, and they design the world we want.”
Positivity Designs t-shirts are 100% made in the USA, and make great gifts for loved ones who want to share a positive message with the world. In addition to t-shirts, she has Gratitude Goodies so please check out her website today!