Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Children enjoy "Mocha" at library

So you're thinking about adopting a pet, but a cat just doesn't have the right personality and a dog is just so ordinary.

How about something a little out of the ordinary? How about a rabbit?

Sharon Dumas, an educator with the House Rabbit Society, spent an hour with children at the Cabe Public Library during the summer reading program, talking about rabbits as house pets.

Dumas brought along her own pet rabbit, Mocha, a large brownish-grey bunny.

According to information provided by Dumas, "rabbits are intelligent, social animals who need affection, and they can become wonderful companion animals if given a chance to interact with their human families." Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, and can be playful and affectionate, just like more traditional house pets. But Dumas said there are some things to consider.

For example, rabbits tend to dislike noisy environments and might not be suitable for classroom setting. Rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered can mark territory, just as a dog or cat will. A rabbit can live seven to 12 years  a significant commitment of time.

Rabbits are known for their large teeth and Dumas told the children that rabbits tend to chew on things  including wires, papers, books and wooden furniture. "Bunny-proofing" the house will save frustration when the rabbit does what comes so naturally.

Rabbits should have a cage, or "home," where they are kept when there's no one to watch them. Dumas said all her rabbits have toys in their cages and said they love to play. When she got Mocha from his cage, she showed the children a stuffed, toy rabbit.

"This is Mocha," she said, "who has brought his own pet bunny."

She said baby toys that rattle, stuffed toys and even simply baskets without coloring provide great toys for bunnies. Other tips she gave included using a heavy dish for a food bowl, using a soft brush for grooming, and providing hay or similar material for bedding.

For more information about the society, contact Dumas at 867-0179 or online at www.rabbit.org.