@suzanagartner
Before Bringing Home A Bunny, Please Read this.
Easter is a season of hope and time of renewal, as well as second chances. Most of us think of rabbits during Easter and adoptions go up.
I often reflect on my beloved bunnies two rescue rabbits, Zoey and Benny. Both of their stories are heartfelt, especially, Benny’s story.
She was left in a filthy cage outside the doors of the Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS). No medical records. No note or explanation. She was an abandoned rabbit left in a cage that was so dirty it couldn’t be opened properly. She had been discarded like an object.
At the time, I was the Director of Programs and Operations at EHS. A team of volunteers who knew I had a rabbit at home, asked if I could foster her while they arranged a transfer to a shelter that took in rabbits (EHS did not). I agreed, thinking it would be temporary. But when I met her I gazed at this beautiful bunny with a beige coat and gentle brown eyes. So innocent and special. We named her Benny.
When I finally got her out of that cage, I remember how quiet she was.
Rabbits are misunderstood. Some people see them as Easter gifts, children’s pets, or “starter” animals. Benny is none of those things. She is a living, sentient being. I could sense that she felt fear. But slowly, she started to trust us and began to feel safe around us.
Rabbits are prey animals and it takes a while to earn their trust. Benny didn’t rush into our arms. The first time she approached us was a moment etched in my heart. I would sit on the floor and wait for her to feel comfortable. She needed time to heal. That was forgiveness for her past and the start of a new beginning.
Every year around Easter, animal shelters see a surge in interest in rabbits. Sadly, some of those rabbits are brought back, surrendered, neglected, or abandoned. Rabbits can be loving companions and can live eight to twelve years or more. But they require specialized veterinary care, proper diet, enrichment, and socialization. They cannot thrive if they are left in a cage. Rabbits feel pain, grief, stress, and joy like dogs and cats. They are not Easter gifts. They are not disposable.
Benny and Zoey became best bunny friends. Rabbits are social animals and need companionship. Benny is thriving now. She is a happy, friendly, easy-going laid back girl and she is safe in her home. She’s so different from Zoey in personality. She has a daily routine of free roaming in the basement and socializes with our rescue cat, Meeko. She is part of our family. She reminds me that animal advocacy isn’t just laws, policies, it’s personal. It’s about connections and recognizing that every animal has a unique story and deserves a second chance.
This Easter, as you see images of bunnies in baskets, I hope you think of Benny. I hope you remember that rabbits are living, emotional beings, not gifts or objects. If her story moves you, please consider sharing her story and adopting a rabbit. Support your local shelter or rescue.
Foster if you cannot adopt. Educate others about the importance of adopting from shelters. Choose compassion.
Benny was once left in a cage. She chose to forgive and trust again. I hope you’ll help me share her story. 💛If you would like to delve deeper and learn about rabbits and how to help rabbits I share more in my book, A Voice for Animals: The Social Movement that Provides Dignity and Compassion for Animals.
You can visit my website: https://suzanagartner.com/
Happy Easter to you and your family!