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’m trying to work on the computer but Blondie gets my attention by jumping onto my lap to beg for a treat. It’s hard enough to ignore the stare of her liquid brown eyes, but when she’s thrusting her nose in front of mine it’s impossible to resist. I reach over and get a little “cookie” from the treat jar, which she quickly snatches from me and begins to crunch. If you think of rabbits as timid creatures that sit in a cage and do nothing, you’ve got a surprise in store. Not only are they masters at begging, like Blondie, they’ll entertain you with their antics while digging in a cardboard box, running in circles excited over their dinner salad, and bouncing with joy during play time. People often ask me “Is a rabbit like a dog or more like a cat?” Well, yes, no and none of the above. Rabbits are like rabbits. They can follow you around like a puppy and ignore you like a cat until they want something from you. They can be very subtle companions and you really have to pay attention to see what they are telling you. At other times they are completely transparent. “You want out?” I ask Walter as he shakes his pen and shoves it back and forth. He’s probably thinking in his little bunny brain, “No kidding. You just figured it out?” I let him out and he starts his usual routine of shuffling around the house, nose down, butt up and ears dragging the floor, looking more like a blood hound sniffing out a lost soul than a bunny on the prowl. He’s so funny I can’t help laughing at his goofy behavior. Rosie and Daisy are like young puppies; bounding back and forth, tripping over each other, begging for attention, and gamboling about the house during playtime. Earlier this week they jumped out of their pen, came galloping into my bedroom and jumped onto the bed, trampling me in the process. If it hadn’t been so funny, I’d have been mad at being wakened before my alarm. As I reached out to pet them they 20
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Toni is looking for a new home.
Adopt y a Bunn ! Today Toni is an adorable bunny girl who's been waiting a long time for a new home! She's shy and sweet and will do best in an adult home. Toni loves her playtime, dancing around the room and will delight you with her funny antics. Email: hrs@sandiegorabbits.org to get more information.
If you think of rabbits as timid creatures that sit in a cage and do nothing, you’ve got a surprise in store. both flattened out for a long session of stroking. They just love people, which is not all that common. Most rabbits prefer their own kind or occasional attention from their humans but these two would rather play with people than anything else. Rabbits have unique personalities; they are easily as smart as dogs, they know their names and will come when called. In turn, they’ll train you to deliver treats when they want them, de-
SEPTEMBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
light you with bunny dances, and brighten your day. They are wonderful companions for humans who enjoy their more subtle natures. You have to pay close attention to rabbits to learn what they are telling you but it’s definitely worth it once you learn their language. If you live with a rabbit companion you’ll smile because you know what I mean. If you’ve been thinking of adopting one, you’re in for a treat.