Hoppy New Year, including Bunny (Slave) Resolutions

Hi there. Bunya here with a few thoughts on the New Year ...

First, Lucy & Ethel and I want to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Please be careful in your celebrations. If you drink, don't drive.
We don't have anything against moderate imbibing ... we've fermented a little carrot juice to celebrate, too. But we are staying home to celebrate. We hate cars.

Even if you don't drink, be careful driving out there, because not everyone is as smart as you. Don't text while driving either. Pretend you are looking at an orange juice carton -- concentrate.

Also, be kind to each other next year. And beyond.
Be kind to all pets and animals, too. (But especially bunnies.)

Take care!

Bunny bonus:
Here are 10 Resolutions for bunny owners from the Hopper Home blog. They were for 2012 but are worth repeating for 2013 ... and every year. (BTW, Hopper Home is listed on the Bunny Care/Resource Links page because it is an awesome bunny information bank.)

Ten New Years Resolutions for 2012 from a Long Time Rabbit Fanatic

1. I will never get too close to a shedding rabbit on my way out to work again: White rabbit hair sticks to my work clothes most days. I had an early meeting and couldn't find one of my many lint rollers in my office desk. I spent an hour with scotch tape frantically removing rabbit hair. Still, it looked like I was wearing an angora sweater. No bunny hugging until evening.

2. I won’t assume I can build an inventive playhouse for my rabbits with just a handsaw and hammer/nails: This type of project screams out for full scale engineering with drawings certified by an Architect. The rabbits love their cardboard playhouses I order online anyway. 

3. I will not read every news item that has “rabbit” and “menu” in the same title: It’s too depressing. I am horrified that the third most popular pet in the USA is butchered for food. I want to toss pots and pans at the trendy chefs who are serving these wonderful creatures as an entree. These are the same breeds I have as companions. Don’t these people have dogs and cats? Never mind. I will think of positive ways to discourage rabbit slaughter for pompous palates.

4. I will never think because other people call me a rabbit expert I will be able to bond two rabbits: Pansy and Sweetie are not interested and it has been almost a year. Car rides, vacuum cleaner sounds, squirt guns, neutral locations and all manner of stress are futile (I don’t like this approach anyway). Positive reinforcement with treats, toys and affection is pointless. They will get other partners. There is a first time for everything even after all these years.

5. I will not take for granted my home is “bunny proofed”: It just takes one new rabbit with a skeletal system that must fold or dislocate enough to get around the normal bunny barriers I have installed. Also, he knows what those back legs are for – jumping. I mean jumping really high over all man (or woman) made barriers.

6. I will never bring home another bale of hay from the grange before checking it first: A 60 lbs. bale of hay is a nice place to hide for bugs, small mammals and other creatures of a more reptilian nature. Enough said. I hate surprises.

7. I will never be embarrassed about my obsession with bunny poop again: One of my rabbits recently lived through a bout of GI Stasis because I was paying attention to his litter box contents and took immediate action. It may not work as a conversation starter at a cocktail party, but bunny poop is worth talking about.

8. I will never be flabbergasted about reasons rabbits are relinquished to shelters after this one: "The rabbit doesn't match my furniture since I redecorated."I don't think this person should ever have another pet again. Interior design trends are ever changing just like her concept of commitment to a living creature that can live to 10 to 12 years old. Go figure.

9. I will always pay attention to the sensory abilities of a rabbit: This past year a rabbit was credited with saving a family from a house fire in Alaska. Then there was the bunny, Hammie, who alerted a mother her daughter was having a life threatening diabetic episode not just once, but twice. Plus, a raccoon might have made it through a window if it weren't for a vigilant female bunny who lives with me. That's heroic in my book. 

10. I will never stop having admiration for the commitment of rabbit rescuers: The 2011 Year of the Rabbit has been like every other year for rescuers - full of rabbits. There have been many, many examples in the news all year. You know who you are, you are one person saving rabbits out of your home, you are fostering bunnies, you run a sanctuary, you are part of a organization like a House Rabbit Society chapter, an independent rescue or a shelter. You are everywhere in the world where there are domesticated rabbits. You make big sacrifices for small long eared creatures with your time and resources. You are amazing. [Amen!]

Cute bunny meme

Awwwww ...

Also, hard to resist a pun. Especially a bunny pun.

Sent by RRRR (Rabbit Ramblings Roving Reporter) who found it here.

Owned by rescued bunnies

Oh, yes. There's no denying it.

Great slogan (but too small): ADOPT. DON'T SHOP.

But it's okay. It's a wonderful thing.

This link will take you to a list of the House Rabbit Society chapters, a great resource whether you want to adopt a bunny, find a bonded companion for your bunny, obtain information on how to care for your bunny, buy supplies, or volunteer time or donate charity.

Here's a partial list of adoptable bunnies in GA.

Bunnies munch a box o' grass

Grass is one of the bunnies' favorite treats.

They have different chewing styles. Bunya is a bottoms-up grazer. Lucy is more top-down. Ethel, well, sweet little Ethel is just all over the place.

 It is easier to notice when the treat box is a little further along. Bunya's portion is clear-cut, practically down to the dirt. Lucy has an even growth of stubble, about a half inch high. Ethel's section is like a little city skyline, just all over the place ... some short, some taller than Lucy's section. Lucy & Ethel's patches look like they might have a chance to grow back with a little water and sunshine. Bunya's ... not so much.

In this clip, they get a brand new box. Lucy is the first to spot it and starts right in. With a short "kissy" noise, Bunya knows there's a treat to be had and hops out for his share. He doesn't need to be told twice. Ethel follows. They graze until the box is taken away, so they have some for next time.

Yeah, I know it's too long, but there are some things about bunny activities that are almost Zen-like. I find it peaceful to watch some of the things they do. They concentrate, persisting at their "task", making no sound (other than the air filter) and with a sense of purpose. I think it lowers my heart rate and blood pressure.

And I can use as much of that as I can get.

Bunnies snuggle, one day at the water dish

Saw this one evolve.
Bunya was settled up against the cool water dish with Ethel nuzzling him.

Lucy spotted them and wanted in. Literally.
She hopped over and wedged herself between Ethel and Bunya, her ears up like little twin periscopes.

Then she lifted her head up for a moment.

Slid her back leg out to get comfy.

Rested her chin on Ethel's back ...

 ... and then she decided: No, I like it better snuggled down.

Bunya and Ethel never moved. They waited patiently until Lucy found her comfortable position.

And that's how I left them.

It always makes me feel good when they all snuggle into one version or another of the Bunmuda Triangle.

Merry Bunny Christmas!

One of my all-time favorite bunny pictures ...

*Sigh*  Okay, Mom, I'll pose because it makes you so happy
and, after all, I am so darn cute.

This is Mr Cookie, one of the cutest bunnies ever and my way of wishing everyone a joyous, happy and safe holiday!

Chew-a-palooza

Decided the bunnies have a lot of choices for stuff to chew on.
But carpet still seems to be a guilty pleasure for Lucy (we think).

Bunya likes "inside" the new chew house,
with the "top" down.

Lucy still checks out this new present, inside and out.
Sometimes, they'll just run by and
give the ball a drive-by nose bonk to set it swinging.

Okay, how many bunny chew toys can you spot in this picture?
(Click on the picture to make it larger, at least in some browsers)
Answer below

Going roughly counterclockwise, starting with Bunya and Ethel:
1. Chew box with flowers inside
2. Hay cubes
3. Hay cube box (they chew on that, too)
4. Sticks, in the box with the cubes
5. Cardboard tube
6. ABC wicker tunnel ("ABC" - Already Been Chewed & Chinned)
7. Rolling toy (leaning against the fence)
8. Chew mat
9. New multicolored chew mat
10. Chew cornucopia with dangle and wooden chew decorations
11. The rug, if Lucy has her way
How many did you get?

I'm sure the kids will understand why they didn't get any gifts this year ...

Bunya the building inspector

Bunya was giving the new chew house a thorough inspection

Bunya: Hmm ... yes, I can see through to the adjoining chew box.

Bunya: Floor is quite tasty.
Well, it's really a wall, but now it's a floor.

Bunya: I like the view, too.

Bunya: Well, I'm not inclined to "hurry up and get out",
Ethel, but a little kissy-kissy and I, um, might
be able to speed up your certificate of occupancy.

Bunya! Just move your big, furry, shedding butt and let her have a turn inside!

Bunny gifts - for humans!

It's nice to have friends.
It's nice to have friends who take exotic vacations, like to Japan.
It's nice to have friends who would even give you a thought while on such a wonderful vacation, much less bring back gifts for you -- bunny gifts!!!

Bunny paper clips! I love these,
but I don't want to use them on any papers I give away.
Well, maybe to another bunny's human slave.

We each clipped a clip on our e-readers.

Can you see this beautiful material?
And it's got bunnies all over!

Maybe you can see the bunnies better in this detail.

These friends are pet lovers, too.
They have dogs.
Their dog's name is ...

Bunny!

Really!

Peter Rabbit

One of our Sunday morning rituals is watching CBS Sunday Morning.
Often while cleaning the bunny pen, another Sunday morning ritual.

Anyway, last Sunday was the 111th anniversary of when Peter Rabbit was first published. Their Almanac segment was about Beatrix Potter and how the Peter Rabbit stories evolved.

Beatrix Potter with bunny (Peter?)

It runs about 2 minutes, and if you are interested, you can find it here or here.

An earlier post discussed a revival or continuation of the Peter rabbit stories.
And another, Peter Rabbit dishes.

Rabbit Ramblings is 2 years old!

A few musings on our second anniversary ...

THANK YOU!

Thank you to all you bunny fans out there who are members, followers, subscribers and especially, the commenters. Special commentor recognition must go to SpeedyRabbit, who seems to currently be the most prolific commentor and who touches so many bunny blogs around the www. Rabbit'sGuy is probably second.

Thanks to Bunya, Lucy & Ethel for making our lives so entertaining.
Thanks to our daughter who smuggled Bunya into our basement.
Thanks to our son who suggested I start a blog.
Thanks to our other son, who mocks me as totally nuts and whose laugh as he's seen something that amuses him on the blog is a joy to hear as he says:
         Just to be clear, Dad, I am laughing at you, not with you.
         [He means it and he is not alone.]
Thanks to my sisters who, before this blog, probably never realized how many Bunny Things cross their paths almost every day.
Thanks to my wife, my partner in life, bunny crime and bunny care.

A few RR statistics:
Members: 45 (not including Bunya) [Year ago: 12]
Bunny Things: Over 180 [Year ago: Over 100]
Posts: Over 670 [Year ago: Over 300]
Comments: Over 940 [Year ago: Over 160]
Pageviews yesterday: Almost 300 ... not bad for a Sunday [Year ago: Over 200]
Pageviews - last month: Over 8,700 [Year ago: Over 7,500]
Pageviews - all time: Over 134,000 [Year ago: Over 45,500]
Countries we noticed making those pageviews: 113 [Year ago: 102]
Facebook "Likes" (new just a few months ago): Over 500
Please "Like" Rabbit Ramblings on Facebook! Thank you!

Wishes for the next New Year:

Healthy bunnies, for all of us
Greater capacity at HRS and all animal rescues - but not the need for it
More "members/followers" (see right hand column*), comments & page views
         * Hint, hint! Please figure it out, join/follow, subscribe somehow and make comments!

To get at least one of our bunnies on Disapproving Rabbits, probably one of the two funniest bunny blogs, along with Daily Bunny.

      (*Sigh* Still no luck ... we thought Lucy would be a disapproving slam-dunk.)
Whirled peas - Tolerance among humankind, joint efforts to repair the world, good health and prosperity for all

We hope to see more of you next year!

This bunny tells time!

Go ahead, it takes a second...

He doesn't have a "second" ear.
Well, he does have a second ear,
but not in the sense of an hour ear and a minute ear.

So cute, just had to share.

Please "Like" Rabbit Ramblings on Facebook! Thank you!

Adopt your next pet and save two

Very true. Whether you want a bunny, cat or a dog, please adopt.

And educate yourself --  learn how to properly care for the pet you adopt!

This link will take you to a list of the House Rabbit Society chapters. Use your nearest chapter as a resource - to adopt a wonderful pet, buy supplies or learn how to care for your bunny. (If you can, do yourself and your bunny a huge favor and adopt a bonded pair - and save 4 lives!)

I have reached my MBL (Married Bunny Limit = add a bunny, lose a spouse), so it's up to you out there!

Here's a partial list of adoptable bunnies in GA.

Holiday Gifts -- for the Bunnies!

We were supposed to go to a holiday party tonight thrown by friends with whom we have exchanged gifts for years. Unfortunately, the bunnies' Momma is under the weather and we can't make it.

Imagine my surprise when they dropped off "our" gift at the office --
The bunnies have scored big-time!!!

In the festive bag were a load of bunny treats, hays and chew toys.

Anxious to see their reaction to this one -
will they go inside? Ethel could fit but
Lucy & Bunya will have to make a little effort.

Stay tuned!
And have a great weekend!

Lucy & Ethel

I really like this picture ... a couple of my favorite subjects, the color (or black and white) contrast, and just the way they are curved next to each other.

Lucy was at the gate to their pen and Ethel came over to hang out with her.

Bunya followed shortly thereafter, not wanting to miss out on any licks.

He left after a while and then it was just the girls again.

Bunny greeting cards

In previous posts, bunny cards received for birthdays and other occasions have been noted. As has the general dearth of bunny cards when searching the card racks at the store. They are not easy to find and I often receive re-purposed Easter cards for my birthday.

Well, my better half found this website with lots of bunny cards! (Some are singles and some are multiples in boxes.) They have cards for many occasions like birthdays and Valentine's Day, but due to the time of the year, most of the ones below are for Christmas (because it's not too late). Examples are below but there are lots more choices at the website, so if you like bunny cards, check it out.

Do you send bunny cards for certain occasions?
If so, which ones?
And where do you find them?

A Very Bunny Chanukah

One of the things I think about during the holiday season is the bunny picture I post for Christmas (this is the one time I'll tell you not to look back at older posts ... just wait). It is one of the cutest I have ever seen and look forward with anticipation to sharing it each year with Rabbit Ramblings readers.

But then I was wondering about Chanukah (or Hanukkah, Chanuka, Chanukah, Chanukkah, Channukah, Hanukah, Hannukah ... however you prefer to spell or pronounce it ... ask 2 people and you'll get 4 opinions).

Anyway, are there any bunny and Chanukah tie-ins???
Well, yes there are. And thanks to search engines and the world wide web, here are some examples ...

Bunnies lighting a menorah
is an animated ecard on doozycards.com

This bunny sitting on a carrot is a Menorah.
Once sold out - no more, but you can buy any left here.

You can buy cards with a bunny and Chanukah theme here.

A bunny book about the holiday for little kids is available here.

Bunny and chocolate ... yum!

Needlepoint bunny eating a latke*.
Don't think a bunny would
really eat a latke, but it's cute.
(* fried grated and seasoned potato pancake,
traditionally served on Chanukah.
Think of a really excellent little hash brown round.)

Happy Chanukah - The Festival of Lights!

New bunny chew mat

Remember that at the GHRS holiday party, they had the mobile Hop Shop open?
Well, this is the present the bunnies got. It's a new chew mat from natural coconut fibers.

Something new!
Smells nice. Scratchy on the feets.
Hmmm ... too flat to chin properly.

Now it's even more interesting!
Anything is more interesting when you add a box of fresh grass!

It's part of the landscape now. The last one they got stayed fairly undisturbed for a while. Now it's maybe 40% gone. So this gives them some new flavors and textures. And sometime soon, they will work it to just the right angle for nibble access.

What do your bunnies like to chew on -- that you want them to chew on? What works for you when you are trying to satisfy your bunny's urge to chew?

Bunnies are intelligent ... and funny

Are bunnies intelligent? I say yes.
To demonstrate to someone just how trainable (only one aspect of their intelligence), I offered this funny video. The clip was in a post about 2 years ago but I just found out that clip went private. Found it elsewhere, so watch it while it's available (it's only about 2 minutes).




(Worked this post a little backwards ... posted this on the Facebook page first.
Please "Like" Rabbit Ramblings on Facebook. Thank you.)

BONUS UPDATE! A Facebook reader shared another video of Skippy!

What demonstrates your bunny's (or pet's) intelligence?

Cleaning the bunny pen

What is it about pen cleaning day that makes the bunnies so desire to go behind the pen? Maybe they are trying to find the Wizard of Bun. Follow the green rug road.

We take everything out ... the hidey boxes, toys, litter boxes, tube, tunnel. When we pull it away from the wall to vacuum, they must explore. The vacuum does not bother them and, if they can get to it, the cord is a delicacy. (Yeah, it's headed to the repair shop. Again). When we're done, we have to practically shoo them away so we can move it back without accidentally squishing anybunny.

Ethel is usually the first behind the pen.
Bunya is off to the left, peeking out from behind the hay feeder.
Lucy got her laps in, too.

(Their 24/7 fresh hay feeder stays in place because it normally rests on top of their big white tube and is zip-tied to the pen fence.)

What does your bunny do on cleaning day? Hide? "Help" you?

GHRS's Holiday Party

Love this sign that GHRS uses
to point the way to the festivities.

But it's all about the bunjamins - and there were plenty! Their human slaves brought them to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus (if he wasn't the real one, he was a close relative). Here are a few of the participants (pictured in the many pens GHRS had set up with hay, litter and water) having just finished or awaiting their turn to pose ...

I do "pensive" -
how's this?

Dressed up for his photo.

No I did not do all that!
I tripped over the water bowl.

"Brownie" here is the
scene stealer, out front.

Make-up!
Where's my stylist?!?

Is it my turn yet?

Love the little white nose.

This is my disapproving pose.
Take the picture. Now.

Groucho Marx -
Reincarnated as a bunny!!!
All he needs is a carrot cigar.
"Say the secret woid
and take my picture!"

So many cute bunnies!
Here are some "featured" bunnies:

Took so many pictures of this adorable bonded pair but couldn't get their little faces in it.

So finally, their human slave held them for this photo.
(Squee at will.)

And get a load of this incredibly well-trained pair in their baby carriage!

"Monkey" checking out the goings-on.

And here's Mongo
(LOVE that name, but then, I'm a fan of Blazing Saddles -
and, yes, that's where his name came from)

Where, you might ask, is Monkey, now that Mongo has landed?
Well, under Mongo. Look carefully in the back of the carriage.
Mongo BIG bunny. Don't know if he likes beans, but he could ride a longhorn steer and knock a horse out with one punch.

Not really.

What makes Mongo extra special

is that he is a therapy bunny!

How cool and generous is that?!?

Volunteers set up a remote "Hop Shop"
so party-goers could select gifts for their bunnies.
(Will show you what I got the buns another time.)

Check out these hand-made
gift tags they are selling.
What bunny wouldn't
love to chew on those?
But they may be for
labeling human gifts.
(Bunnies might chew them anyway.)



You can check out the pictures with Santa at the GHRS Facebook page.