I recently discovered the Seattle Animal Shelter's Bunny Cam. 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.

As of this morning, there are 40 toe-curlingly adorable rabbits, 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?

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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