Give Chocolate Bunnies at Easter, Not Real Ones

Easter is sweet time of year and bunnies are an icon of the seasonal traditions. The temptation to choose this time of year for bringing a new pet into your children's lives is strong but the best tactic is to give chocolate bunnies at Easter, not real ones.

Easter and other holidays aren't good times to introduce a pet to the family. Giving animals as holiday presents places them in a novelty category and often overlooks the true investment needed to prevent the novelty from wearing off. There's quite a bit to consider before acquiring a bunny so it's better to take some time before making a rushed decision in time for Easter.

Bunnies can be wonderful pets but like any pet they come with responsibility. They may seem like a low-maintenance pet but they come with plenty of special needs.

Young children and bunnies aren't always a good match. Although small and quiet, bunnies need daily attention to keep their domestic demeanor. They require proper nutrition, shelter and handling specific to the species and each breed.

The commitment to take in a bunny as a pet will include having proper supplies, room for exercise, ability to groom, desire to bunny-proof areas of your home, and a capacity to attend to medical needs which will require a bunny savvy veterinarian, money and time.

All the responsibility that comes with having a bunny as a pet is above the means of even the most diligent of children. The responsibility will need to be shared by a family and this is a consideration before giving in to an impulse bunny purchase.

Too often bunnies given as Easter presents are impulsive decisions and many Easter bunnies are soon given to shelters when the reality of ownership takes hold. Some Easter bunnies are released into the wild where they have no defenses against predators, cars, disease and injury. And still other Easter bunnies become neglected in their new homes absent of proper attention and left in a caged existence with complete boredom.

The Easter bunny syndrome is not ill-intended. It is driven by the desire to see small faces light up with the excitement of their very-own, real live Easter bunny. The problem is that anytime a pet is brought into a home it should be accepted only as an enjoyable responsibility, not a present that can be forgotten about in a few days, weeks or months.

Well-meaning parents are better off trying a few alternatives before giving in to the "we want a bunny for Easter" cries. First, opt for a chocolate bunny - they're delicious! You can also give books about bunnies and bunny care. Next step would be to visit a local shelter where children can get acquainted with bunnies under the guidance of bunny rescue volunteers.

You may even find that you can sponsor a bunny that resides at a shelter. This creates a bunny bond for your children, a sense of responsibility and avoids the pressure of becoming a full-fledged bunny owner. Many shelters allow regular visits from sponsors and bunny patrons can keep updated on "their" bunny's well-being.

After some thought, you and your family can decide whether having a bunny as a pet is right for you and if you are up to the challenges of bunny care. But before you're certain, give chocolate bunnies at Easter, not real ones.

For more information:

House Rabbit Society www.rabbit.org

ASPCA www.aspca.org

Make Mine Chocolate! campaign www.makeminechocolate.org