Rabbits and Easter Don’t Mix
With Easter around the corner, many well-meaning parents will be tempted to acquiesce to their child’s innocent wish to get an "Easter bunny." The folks at the House Rabbit Society have something to say about that . . .
Easter Bunny![]() by Mary Brandolino ![]() In memory of all the bunnies we couldn’t save. |
I remember Easter Sunday![]() It was colorful and fun ![]() The new life that I’d begun ![]() In my new cage. ![]() |
I was just a little thing![]() When they brought me from the store ![]() And they put me on the floor ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
They would take me out to play![]() Love and pet me all the time ![]() Then at day’s end I would climb ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
But as days and weeks went by![]() I saw less of them it seemed ![]() Of their loving touch I dreamed ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
In the night outside their house![]() I felt sad and so neglected ![]() Often scared and unprotected ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
In the dry or rainy weather![]() Sometimes hotter sometimes colder ![]() I just sat there growing older ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
The cat and dog raced by me![]() Playing with each other only ![]() While I sat there feeling lonely ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
Upon the fresh green grass![]() Children skipped and laughed all day ![]() I could only watch them play ![]() From my cage. ![]() |
They used to take me out![]() And let me scamper in the sun ![]() I no longer get to run ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
Once a cute and cuddly bunny![]() Like a little ball of cotton ![]() Now I’m grown up and forgotten ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
I don’t know what went wrong![]() At the home I did inhabit ![]() I just grew to be a rabbit ![]() In my cage. ![]() |
But they’ve brought me to the pound![]() I was once loved and enjoyed ![]() Now I wait to be destroyed ![]() In my cage. |
If you or anyone you know is thinking about purchasing a rabbit for Easter, be aware that they can easily live for 10 years, they are fragile and often cannot withstand the rough play of children, and they can destroy your house. (Read Bob Tarte’s heartwarming and oftentimes hilarious stories about living with a rabbit in Enslaved by Ducks.) Check out if a rabbit is right for you and your home with this interactive quiz.
This year, say Make Mine Chocolate!
What a great post Mary! Very good advice!
I know of several families who have gotten cute little live easter rabbits for their small children, only to watch the rabbits live out in the back yard in a cage for the rest of their lives….just like in the poem. It is very sad.
Make mine chocolate too!