New Zealand

A SPECIAL ♥ VALENTINE'S DAY ♥ EVENT, FEBRUARY 14 -- HUG-A-BUN SUNDAY -- Please feel free to join us at the Animal Rescue League on February 14 from 3-5pm where we let out all the shelter rabbits in the multi-purpose room. This is a wonderful time for those who may be thinking about adopting a house rabbit. The rabbits are set up in large exercise pens so that they can run around and stretch as well as be socialized with other rabbit volunteers, previous adopters, fosters, and those who may be looking to adopt. ANYONE THAT ADOPTS A PAIR OF RABBITS IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY WILL RECEIVE A FREE 36" HIGH EXERCISE PEN -- a $70 value. JOIN US!

My name is Claudia and here is how I ended up at the shelter.

On a very cold winter's day in March 2007, a group of rabbit volunteers got a call at the shelter from a concerned citizen that saw several domesticated rabbits running around under the Glenwood Bridge. Some were suffering with cuts and many were starving and were in a desperate search for food. Of the nine rabbits these volunteers caught, one of them was my mother. She was rushed to a home where just a few days later, I was born, along with five other siblings. Our mother, Hazel, did an awesome job at taking care of us and keeping us all alive. We know we wouldn't have survived if she wasn't rescued. We all grew up happy and healthy, and well, I'm the only sibling left that hasn't been adopted. They say that the best is saved for last, at least that's what they keep telling me at the shelter. I used to believe it, but it's been months now that I've been here. I was lucky though, my foster mom kept me with her for the first couple of years of my life, along with all my brothers and sisters, and after they all found homes, she thought it would be best for more people to see me in person rather than just my picture on the website. But here I sit at the shelter, waiting for that special person to find me and to realize they can't leave without me. From living in a foster home, I've learned to use my litter box and I really do like people. I'm not sure about other rabbits though. From my petfinder pictures, you can see me hanging out with a guinea pig who is also at the shelter. I think they are more my speed, but I'd be content to just sit in your living room and lay next to you while you watch television. I like it "low-key". Small kids make me a little nervous, so I'd really prefer living in an adult household, where it's a little more quiet. I actually do very well around cats, and some dogs, if they too are more on the calm side.

So that's it, that's my story. I consider myself lucky to be alive, but honestly, I can't wait to find a home that I can call my own. I've never been able to say I've had a home yet, so I'd really like it if you'd consider sharing your life with me.

Contact Suzanne if you'd like to meet Claudia, 724.766.9399.

---

Didn't do your research on owning a house rabbit? You should!

> What do you need before taking home a house rabbit?

Housing – An Exercise Pen that is at least 24”W and 36”H is highly recommended. You can find them at many of your local petstores, or another option is a large-sized dog crate , no smaller than 36”L X 23”W X 25”H. Ideally, if one has the space, you can rabbit proof an area in your home , or try building this really cool bunny condo .

---

Food – We highly recommended, and strongly suggest that you feed your rabbits Oxbow Hay and Oxbow Bunny Basics-T (pellets) . You can find a retail store near you by clicking on the “store locater” at the top right hand corner of their website, or simply place your order online. The papaya tablets make an excellent treat. Giving fruit to rabbits usually ends up upsetting their stomach. Fruit is very high in sugar which rabbits have a very difficult time digesting. Careful on the carrots, as these are very high in sugar as well.

Rabbits also require 2-3 cups of fresh, dark leafy green vegetables per day. For a complete list of rabbit-friendly veggies, go here .

---

Litter – NEVER use cat litter, pine or cedar shavings. It is extremely harmful to a rabbit’s liver and kidneys and will cause serious health problems. Use litters that are newspaper-based such as Carefresh, Yesterday’s News, or Cell Sorb Plus. A few other, and very inexpensive litters you can use, are called Woody Pet or Guardian Horse Bedding Pellets . You cannot find this at your petstore, but rather your feed and garden stores. You may have to ask if they carry it as it is often stored in the back. Locations where we know these litters can be purchased are: Animal Friends/Camp Horne Road; Glenshaw Feed and Garden Center/Shaler; and Wexford Feed and Grain/Wexford, Near North Park. Many farms use Woody Pet and Guardian Horse Pellets in their horse stalls. Price is around $7 for a 40-lb bag. A real bargain!

---

TOYS! - Yep, rabbits need their own toys, or they’ll find something in your house to play with. Rabbits love cardboard. Take your cardboard boxes and cut some holes in them. Rabbits love to run through, hide in, and even sleep inside them. The cardboard from your papertowl rolls are a big hit. Stuff them with some timothy hay and watch them go town. Have a rabbit that likes to dig? Give them a telephone book. They’ll be sure to show you which vegetarian restaurant they’d like to order from! Want to get some special toys for your rabbit? Go to Busy Bunny . Your rabbit will be forever grateful for whatever willow items you give them. They are not treated and can be fully consumed. Busy Bunny toys are great fun for rabbits!

---

Other Information - House rabbits live 8 to 12 years and make wonderful pets! They each have individual personalities and can bond with humans quickly. The more time you spend with your bunny, the more personality he or she will develop. A good way to bond with your bunny is regular brushing.

Most are very willing to use a litterbox, just like cats. Rabbits require an INDOOR home and running space in a bunny-proofed area. We recommend an exercise pen instead of a cage. They need daily exercise. They love to explore and play in their surroundings.

Finding a qualified "rabbit savvy vet" is also very important to the longevity and health of your rabbit.

Rabbits need adult caretakers. Not all bunnies will tolerate being held and, therefore, they are not recommended for children under the age of 12.

All Animal Rescue League rabbits are spayed and neutered - to prevent reproductive cancers, to minimize behavior problems, and to minimize the creation of more unplanned, homeless bunnies. Rabbits can have large litters of babies every 31 days!

---

CONTACT US! If you think you are ready to adopt an Animal Rescue League bunny, or if you just want to ask some questions, please contact Suzanne at lyonsmuth@cmu.edu (724.766.9399) or Denise at (412.417.8839) denise.schram@comcast.net.

---

Want to dig a little deeper, then go to House Rabbit Society Rabbit Care Guide