Helping SomeBUNNY Else at Easter: A Warm & Fuzzy Feeling

Look at this little guy. How could you not love him? Did you know that thousands of bunny rabbits are purchased every year by parents as Easter "presents" for their children; only to be dropped off at shelters or abandoned outdoors to fend for themselves once the novelty wears off? I didn't realize the extent of this problem until I read a recent article in the Toronto Star.

Bunny rabbits require as much love and care as any other family pet. As well, they do like to chew. This isn't something they outgrow like a puppy will. Many people also don't realize that rabbits must be spayed or neutered which is an additional cost that they don't take into account when they buy one - another reason why they abandon them.

However, if you are prepared for the long-term committment of a pet bunny rabbit, why not adopt one from your local animal shelter or bunny rescue rather than buy one through a pet store or breeder. There are SO many bunnies at shelters looking for loving, forever homes.

This winter, we had a pair of wild bunnies take up residence in our backyard and although they've been eating our plants; I can't help but love them. (I did put out carrots for them, but apparently wild bunnies don't like their veggies.) The other day they were chasing each other around our backyard - so cute! In fact, they are starting to get used to us coming outside to see them; they aren't even afraid of us anymore.

Building this little "bond" with my new backyard friends has made me a little more sensitive to this issue. Am I prepared to adopt a pet bunny? Well, as much as I love them, I don't think they are the right house pet for me. So what am I going to do to help? This year, instead of buying Easter presents for everyone, our family is going to take that money and donate it to a bunny rescue. An Easter gift that will give us all a warm and fuzzy feeling. Our kids are grown up and since we aren't expecting grandchildren any time soon, no one will miss not having an Easter egg hunt.

I wanted to do something to make a difference, albeit a small one. Mind you, if other families take my lead and do the same, it will be well worth the time it took to write this post. I found a rescue located about 30 minutes away in Milton, Ontario called The Bunny Rescue, so I'll be sending them a cheque from all of us. They also have the option of sponsoring a bunny rather than making a donation. They will send you a photograph of the little guy that you helped out. Now wouldn't that make a cool gift for your kids! An Easter present they'll always remember. And, if your kids really want a bunny of their own for Easter, there's always the chocolate or stuffed toy variety :-)

Happy Easter everyone!

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Dezigner Digz is Burlington, Ontario's premier home staging and interior decorating firm serving Ancaster, Hamilton, Burlington, Waterdown, Stoney Creek, Oakville and surrounding areas. Our work is featured in the book FabJob Guide to Become a Home Stager, 2009 edition.

The owner, Charlene Storozuk is a member of both the Canadian Decorators Association (CDECA) and the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA). She serves on RESA's Executive Committee as Regional Vice-President Canada. Charlene has written several articles on home staging, some of which have been published by the International Business Times and the Women's Council of REALTORS®. She is also a Contributing Blogger for REALTOR® Magazine.

For more information about us, visit our website at www.dezignerdigz.com