I recently discovered the Seattle Animal Shelter [0]'s Bunny Cam [1]. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., a video eye silently captures rabbit life in two glass-fronted cages. I've whiled away more time than I'd like to admit watching a pair of floppy-eared, gray Lagomorphs sleep and munch, but mostly sleep. It's calming on a hectic day.
The shelter also has a Kitty Cam and a Doggy Cam (the latter never seems to be filming), but the rabbits are particularly suited to this medium. Unfortunately, the reality behind all this cyber-serenity isn't so wonderful. Rabbits are close behind cats and dogs in crowding shelters, and are the third most euthanized pet in the country, according to Best Friends Animal Society [2].
As of this morning, there are 40 toe-curlingly adorable rabbits [3], including six baby bunnies, available for adoption through the Shelter. If that seems like a lot, it will probably get worse, since we haven't hit the bunny-dumping season that inevitably follows Easter.
Follow the Petfinder link above to learn more about a pair of black and tan one-year-olds, Bandit and Petunia, found loose in Carkeek Park. Boca Burger, an all white New Zealand rabbit, who can handle cats. Guinevere, a brown Holland Lop, who loves to have her soft brown fur brushed. And a Dutch rabbit named Yukon Jack, who likes to groom his toys.
The sons and daughters of Peter are intelligent, fun-lovin' critters who can get along well with other companion animals, answer to their names, and be trained to use a litter box. Learn more about them, and hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, rats and mice -- all looking for homes -- Jan. 19. On the third Saturday of the every month, from 1 to 3 p.m, the Seattle Animal Shelter showcases small animals. Why not get a bunny hop on February, Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month [4]?
From dogsledding in Fairbanks to tracking down lost pups with a pet detective in Fresno, Pet Dish blogger Lisa Wogan explores the world of dogs and their people for Bark magazine, and in books such as Unleashed: Climbing Canines, Hiking Hounds, Fishing Fidos, and Other Daring Dogs. She lives in Seattle with rescue dogs Lulu and Renzo.
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