Fuzzy Logic: Living with Rabbits Is a Win-Win

They're the third most-popular companion animals in the United States, the United Kingdom and elsewhere, yet rabbits are as misunderstood as they are adorable. It's only been in the last 20 years or so that we've recognized the unique, loving natures of domestic rabbits and brought them indoors from backyard hutches and cages to become members of the family. Safe from predators and inclement weather, these "house rabbits" form lasting bonds with humans and other animals. They flourish in any type of dwelling, making them perfect companions, whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a country estate. Unlike dogs and cats—predatory animals for whom venturing outdoors might answer any calls of nature—rabbits are quite content with a room or two.

Some years ago, I learned there was a rabbit-rescue organization called SaveABunny not far from my home. SaveABunny is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that works with animal shelters in the San Francisco Bay Area to save hundreds of rabbits a year from euthanasia.

I contacted the organization to see how I could help and spoke with Marcy Schaaf, the founder and director. Marcy explained there is always a great need for people to foster rabbits until a permanent home can be found. Fostering for a month or two helps alleviate overcrowding in shelters, while longer-term foster homes (up to six months or so) are also needed for rabbits who have been abused and need patient guardians to help them heal and trust again.

When my wife and I agreed to foster a rabbit, we had no idea how this little animal, whom we named Nibbles, would transform our lives. Soon after, Marcy asked if we could foster another one, and Laxmi, the new bunny, quickly bonded with Nibbles. There are now five rabbits sharing our home, rabbits whom we simply fell in love with and couldn't imagine parting with. There's no better tonic after a long day than coming home to an affectionate bunny.

At the market yesterday, the checker asked about all the produce I was buying: dandelion greens, parsley, cilantro, kale. "Are you juicing all these?" she asked.

"No, they're for my rabbits," I said.

"Rabbits, eh? Aren't they messy?"

"Not really," I said. "They're great about using the litter box." That really threw her: she had no idea a rabbit would use a litter box. I went on to explain that these furry creatures are very intelligent, they play with toys and they know their names.

The young woman bagging the veggies piped up. "I have a rabbit, too!" she said. "His name is Boo-Boo."

"Is he indoors?" I asked.

"No," she said. "He's in the backyard, in a cage." I explained that Boo-Boo would be much happier, not to mention healthier and safer, indoors with the rest of the family. "Then he'll be able to express himself, and you'll enjoy his company."

Is fostering or adopting a rabbit for everyone? No. Most rabbits do not like to be picked up, which is disappointing for young children, for example. In addition, rabbits flourish in quiet households. Then there's the chewing. Rabbits love to chew, so a home must be bunny-proofed by keeping electrical cords, houseplants and other potentially dangerous objects out of the rabbit's reach.

If you decide a rabbit is right for you, please adopt one from a local animal shelter, a rescue group like SaveABunny or the House Rabbit Society rather than buying one. You'll save a life and discourage rabbit breeding. We've come a long way in appreciating these fun-loving animals, and they deserve to be valued as individuals, not a spontaneous pet store purchase relegated to an outdoor cage.

Earlier this year, Marcy named a rescued bunny after me. I was very honored. Best of all, I just learned that Hawthorne has been adopted. Turns out his foster guardian just couldn't give him up.

I know the feeling.

Mark Hawthorne is the author of Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism (www.strikingattheroots.com). For more of Mark´s writing, see his blog at http://strikingattheroots.wordpress.com/