Saturday, January 14, 2012

Why Rabbits?

Why on earth would anyone want to adopt a pet rabbit?  What makes them so special?  They aren't the best pet for kids, they generally don't like to be picked up-and let's face it, until you've had one.........they seem to be a strange choice for a pet!!!

Here are my top 10 reasons for having a Bun as my best friend:

1) They dance!  It's called a binky or a popcorn depending on your buns style.
2) They race!  Bunny 500's are amazing feets (pun intended) and as exciting to watch as the Indy 500!
3) They helped me learn to eat better: all those greens reminded me I need to eat mine too!
4) Trust: when you have gained your rabbits trust its amazing what you see in them.
5) They purr-well, their teeth grind and make a purring noise when they are happy with you.
6) They can box!  Especially when they don't wanna be messed with they can be little champs!
7) They use a litter box-my girl is so lady like, better than my cat was!
8) Multiple rabbits form the coolest friendships.
9) Each one has a unique personality and when you get to know them, they are happy to share it.
10) Why not have a rabbit???

Comedian Amy Sedaris has an excellent video that she made for the House Rabbit Society on the joys and responsibilities of having a pet bun. (Again, this video is courtesy The House Rabbit Society)



Like any pet you bring into your home, be ready to treat them with respect and kindness.  Animals need food, shelter, vet check ups and most importantly your love.  If you aren't prepared to care for the animal for 8+ years you might want to rethink bringing them home.  Most people do not realize that well cared for buns can live for 10 or more years.  They can bring you so much joy, but be prepared to care for them.

Tomorrow will be a post about running-but for now-gotta HOP to it!

Friday, January 13, 2012

Running, Rabbits, and a tad about me!

So it begins!  My name is Shannon and I love buns!

No no no!  Not those kind of buns :)  These kind of buns...
It all started with a rabbit named Hoosier (the tan one on the right).  Somehow my DH decided it was a good idea to go check out the bunnies at the local humane society (ADOPT!). 

It was love at first sight!  I had never had a rabbit before and knew nothing about rabbits at all, but he WON me over.

Around the same time I had begun running and recently had just finished my first half marathon.


Running and Rabbits became a part of who I am and along the way the two have collided- I adopted another bun (Mandi on the left), ran 5 marathons, one ultra and many half's and 5k's. 

This past October I 'won' the 18 mile marker and had it dedicated to a local organization the Columbus House Rabbit Society.  In the process I raise $600 + for the organization which helps foster and educate people about owning and living with a house rabbit. 

Since that race I have concluded that these two passions go together-at least some of the time- and I want to use my races as an opportunity to remind people that rabbits are the third most abandoned animal, they aren't wild bunnies, hutches aren't the best place for them, they can be litterbox trained...and most importantly.......when they trust you-the love they show is better than what any cat or dog can show you (and I have had both cats and dogs for pets).

I guess that's why they say that once a rabbit owner-always a bunny owner.

So-what's next?  Well..that's what this blog is all about!  Feel free, whether rabbit friend, runner friend...to follow along.