Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cabe Library summer readers encounter 'Bunny Lady'

Rabbits, like other creatures, can have totally different personalities, as 12 youngsters learned at the Cabe Library reading hour Tuesday afternoon, June 13.

Readers in attendance, along with Clark County Childrens Librarian Julie Watson, heard a program from Sharon Dumas, of Mt. Ida, about her house rabbits.

A black and white rabbit named Zoro and a brown and velvet-haired rabbit named Coco were passed around the crowd and used as examples of what constitutes a trained house rabbit.

Dumas, who was also a guest during last years reading program, gives free rabbit care classes and telephone consultations.

"Zoro was rescued before being eaten by dog," she told the children. "He is white with black streaks and pretty active."

Zoro made his way around the circle, with most of the children getting to pet the friendly bunny.

"I know Zoro appears to be a sweet little bunny rabbit, but please dont put your fingers in front of his mouth," Dumas said. "A rabbits head is like a horses, with the eyes on the side. They cannot really see straight ahead and a finger could be mistook for a carrot. We dont want anyone bit."

The second rabbit on display was Coco. Coco is soft, brown and shy. Her hair is more like velvet.

"Cocos owner went to jail and we found her at the animal shelter," Dumas said.

"Even though I keep the rabbits inside all of the time, this is the time of year they shed. So we brush them a lot to keep down furballs."

The children commented on how pretty Cocos blue eyes are.

Dumas is a member of the House Rabbit Society, a national nonprofit organization. She told the readers that society recommends keeping a rabbit inside.

Dumas said rabbits can be litter box trained and homes can be "bunny proofed" to avoid such things as exposed electrical cords being chewed.

She said having a rabbit spayed or neutered will lessen chewing behavior and decrease territorial aggression.

"It gives them longer and happier lives," she said.

Dumas said house rabbits can get along with certain cats or well-mannered dogs. However, their own habit of cleaning fur can produce a problem.

"The biggest health problem with a rabbit is intestinal blockage," she said. "They cannot vomit like a cat and so it can be fatal when they get furballs."

Dumas said to watch for danger signs concerning the health of a rabbit.

She gave a list of reasons to call the veterinarian immediately, including any sudden behavior change, loss of appetite with runny nose, head tilt and a sudden loss of appetite with bloat and abdominal gurgling.

"If it is more than 80 degrees, a rabbit should be kept cool with nearby wet towels or ice," she said. "It really helps your chances of keeping a rabbit healthy if you regularly check the animals eyes, nose, ears, teeth, weight, appetite and droppings for any sudden change."

The second summer reading program was slated for 2 p.m. on June 20. Watson said representatives from DeGray State Park would be bringing live snakes to the library.

The third summer program will feature the Clark County Museum at 2 p.m. on June 27.