ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Consider chocolate bunny as gift rather than a rabbit

Hawaiian Humane Society

The adoption counselors gently explain that as a surprise, plush toys or chocolate bunnies make better gifts.

It is a common misconception that bunnies make cute Easter pets for young children. These lovable and cuddly animals certainly can be wonderful pets, but they may not be the ideal choice for children, especially young kids.

Parents often think that a pet rabbit will be a good opportunity to teach their child responsibility. They believe that caring for a rabbit is a stepping stone toward the larger responsibility of owning a dog or cat. This is deceiving because rabbits should not be considered "low-maintenance" pets as they need just as much love and attention as other animals do.

If you are considering making a rabbit part of your family, make sure you and your child understand the responsibility of caring for a bunny, that you truly want the companionship a rabbit can provide, and are committed to giving the bunny lifelong care. Rabbits can live for about 10 years when kept indoors as pets.

Keep in mind that rabbits are delicate creatures that are easily frightened and cannot withstand the play or unskilled handling of a young child. Rabbits have fragile bones that may be easily broken by a child who does not have a gentle touch or who accidentally hugs too tightly.

Every spring, uninformed parents buy rabbits for their children because of their connection with the Easter holiday. Every summer, there is an increase in the number of rabbits that end up homeless because the novelty has worn off.

Before bringing a rabbit into your home, make sure everyone in the household is committed to caring for the bunny.

Ask the humane society for information about the care required for keeping a rabbit happy and healthy. They should be given fresh food and water daily, be kept in a clean environment and have plenty of exercise and attention. Although their instinct is to run when frightened, rabbits can enjoy being held and are able to recognize their owners. Each rabbit has a distinct personality, and they are delightful pets for those who understand them.

Owning a pet should be a family decision and not be motivated by a special occasion, a holiday, or the result of an impulse. The pet should be considered part of the family and be treated with love and respect.

ADOPTABLES

Lovely

Tag No. 22566

It's all black and white with Lovey! This 3-year-old female cat wears a short coat of white with artistic black splotches. She has golden eyes and an affectionate personality toward people and other cats. As an adoring feline, Lovey is well-named.

Kahi

Tag No. 644

Here's a good family dog who is looking for a home. A 10-month-old female shar-pei mix, Kahi already knows how to sit and shake hands. Training using positive reinforcement is fun for this shy gal who enjoys the company of kids and other dogs.

These animals already may have found new homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park, at 2700 Wai'alae Ave., are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The incoming-animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, immediately call t946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.

For more information on rabbit care, visit the House Rabbit Society at www.rabbit.org or the Animal Care and Behavior link at the Hawaiian Humane Society site, www.hawaiianhumane.org. Rabbits available for adoption can be viewed at www.hawaiianhumane.org/adoptions.