#stuffedbunnymovement

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

With Easter so close it’s important to realize that rabbits do not make good “starter” pets for children. This common misunderstanding of rabbits as easy pets leads to impulse purchases during Easter, followed by the surrender or abandonment of large numbers of rabbits shortly after Easter. Everyone considering bringing home a bunny should know: • Rabbits are not “low-maintenance” pets — they need as much care and attention as dogs and cats. • Most children lose interest in a live bunny after only a few weeks. • Rabbits need regular veterinary care by a vet with additional training in small animals (exotics). • Rabbits have an average lifespan of 8-14 years. • Rabbits must have an adult as their primary caregiver. • Rabbits are the third most surrendered animal at shelters, and the third most euthanized. • According to an ASPCA study, rabbits are more expensive to own than cats or guinea pigs — coming just after dogs in expense. This Easter, don’t buy a bunny on impulse. Alternatives to live animals — such as plush bunnies, chocolate bunnies or books about bunnies — make great gift choices and come with no additional obligations or responsibilities. 🐇 #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rescue #rescued #rescuedismyfavouritebreed #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #bunny #bunnies #bunniesofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #adopt #makeminechocolate #notjustforeaster #stuffedbunnymovement #petsarenotgifts https://www.instagram.com/p/CMdS-YjlxYt/?igshid=11q2vp94u4oy2

[lahi-n-delilah]

Seriously. Don’t ever buy a rabbit on impulse. If you haven’t actually sat down and researched rabbit care, I can almost guarantee you don’t know how to take care of a rabbit. Here’s the thing:

Pretty much everything the average person thinks they know about pet rabbits is wrong.

They are not low-maintenance pets. They are not good pets for children. They cannot be cuddled and played with like cats and dogs. They cannot be kept in a small animal cage like rodent pets. Also, they’re not rodents!

It’s been suggested (and well-accepted in the rabbit community) that rabbits are more closely related to horses than rodents.

And think about that for a second; because what the average person thinks they know about how to take care of a horse is a way better guide to taking care of a rabbit than what they think they know about taking care of a small animal.

Rabbits are tiny horses. They need lots of space, lots of excercise, lots of food, lots of attention, and lots of vet care. Neglecting any of requirements will result in the animal wasting away, getting sick, or going insane.

Delilah was so stir-crazy and starved for affection when I rescued her, she would throw herself against the bars of her cage, and press her cheek against them to make it easier to pet her if you chose. It was heartbreaking

If you think you want a rabbit because a dog or a cat needs too much space, attention, time, effort, vet care, etc etc, you’re WRONG. Do not get a rabbit, because they need all those things just as much as a cat or dog!

This Easter, get a stuffed bunny instead.

~*~

Meet little old man Lahi!

Meet pudgy princess Delilah!

Learn about Lahi and Delilah’s story!

Read more about the myths surrounding pet rabbits!

~*~

Questions, comments, suggestions, or generalized squee'ing? Rabbits love attention!

[pitterpatterfurryfeet]

’Tis the 🐱🐰 Season! (see below ⬇️) (📷: @hollysisson) #cat #Siberian #Toronto @bestmeow #bestmeow @pixeltheplanet #pixeltheplanet . This Easter, some bunny wants you to know that #RabbitsAreNotToys! They're small and cute but they're also living and breathing creatures who come with a big responsibility. They can live up to ten years and deserve to have the same love, care and attention we give to other beloved pets. 🐰💕 #SpreadTheWord #SaveTheBunnies . Every year, thousands of rabbits are abandoned to shelters or released outdoors where they will likely die. Up to 95% of "Easter Bunnies" don't make it to the age of 1. If you're thinking of buying a bunny, how about a stuffed toy or a chocolate one? 🍭🍫 #StuffedBunnyMovement #MakeMineChocolate . Please read about "why not buy a bunny for Easter" (link in bio) and then visit @houserabbitsociety 's website to learn more about these wonderful animals and to find out more about their rescue efforts. 🐰💕 #AdoptDontShop #RabbitRescue . 🐰🐰 #BunniesUnited #makemine🍫 (at Toronto, Ontario)

[hobbes-gingerlicious]

. This Easter, some bunny wants you to know that #RabbitsAreNotToys! They're small and cute but they're also living and breathing creatures who come with a big responsibility. They can live up to ten years and deserve to have the same love, care and attention we give to other beloved pets. 🐰💕 #SpreadTheWord #SaveTheBunnies . Every year, thousands of rabbits are abandoned to shelters or released outdoors where they will likely die. Up to 95% of "Easter Bunnies" don't make it to the age of 1. If you're thinking of buying a bunny, how about a stuffed toy or a chocolate one? 🍭🍫 #StuffedBunnyMovement #MakeMineChocolate . Please read about "why not buy a bunny for Easter" (link in bio) and then visit @houserabbitsociety's website to learn more about these wonderful animals and to find out more about their rescue efforts. 🐰💕 #AdoptDontShop #RabbitRescue . 🐰🐰 #BunniesUnited #makemine🍫

[missbudgetbunny]

This is the time of year when rabbits, guinea pigs and other adorable 'starter' pets begin popping up in pet stores, being sold as great Easter presents. These animals have very specific dietary needs, require a great amount of care, need to be spayed and neutered, have delicate bone structures, prefer their feet on the ground and are also a long term commitment! Please resist the urge and opt for a chocolate or stuffed bunny instead!

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in North America. They're also the third most abandoned pet. Shelters and rescues are always overflowing with rabbits. Always. Rabbits are often purchased on impulse from a pet store or through an on-line ad. Most buyers have not done their research before bringing bunny home. When they realize rabbits are not the easy pet they are made out to be, owners release the rabbit outdoors, or surrender them. Many rabbits given as gifts this Christmas will be abandoned in the months following. Live animals do not make good gifts! Pets are for life, not just for Christmas... Remind your friends, family, and random strangers to always adopt, and never shop. The saying "Don't shop! Adopt!" goes for all animals...not just dogs and cats. This Christmas, give a stuffed animal bunny, or donate towards the care of a rabbit in a shelter or rescue instead #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #stuffedbunnymovement #notjustforchristmas #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #petsarenotgifts #nopetsasgifts #liveanimalsarenotgifts #norabbitsasgifts https://www.instagram.com/p/B55Sucynwy_/?igshid=1sfntkjv2bx7i

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in North America. They're also the third most abandoned pet. Shelters and rescues are always overflowing with rabbits, mostly because owners are not educated about their care and they give up when they realize rabbits are not the easy pet they are made out to be. With Easter fast approaching, many rabbits will be abandoned in the months following because of impulse pet store purchases. Live animals do not make good gifts, and a rabbit is for life, not just for Easter. Remind your friends, family, and random strangers to always adopt, and never shop. The saying "Don't shop! Adopt!" goes for all animals...not just dogs and cats. This Easter, give a stuffed animal bunny or chocolate instead. 🐇 #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement #notjustforeaster @makeminechocolate https://www.instagram.com/p/CcSvkB3u3Lf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Ladybird Animal Sanctuary strongly urges parents not to buy their children live “Easter bunnies” unless they are willing to make a 10-year commitment to properly care for them. Rabbits are not the “easy starter pet” that they’ve been made out to be. Every year, thousands of baby rabbits, chicks, and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts, only to be abandoned or left at shelters in the days, weeks and months that follow. We’re hoping that the current health crisis will slow the sale of rabbits this Easter, but because there are still avenues of purchase (Kijiji etc) we’re positive there will still be “Easter bunnies” abandoned after the novelty wears off. This Easter, help end rabbit sales by pledging to never buy a rabbit, no matter the season. Make the commitment that your rabbit companion will be adopted from a shelter or rescue. Adopt! Don’t shop! 🐰 Photo of Ladybird adoption alumni, Darla, by @trevor_weeks_photo . . . #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rescue #rescued #rescuedismyfavouritebreed #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #bunny #bunnies #bunniesofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #adopt #makeminechocolate #notjustforeaster #stuffedbunnymovement #petsarenotgifts @makeminechocolate https://www.instagram.com/p/B-uRP8pHTlN/?igshid=3d0duly8bzh

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

#Repost @furbearers ・・・ It’s the Easter long weekend and you know what that means – bunnies, chicks and other little critters are being discussed, if not bought, as presents. But as many of you know, little animals aren’t just gifts, they’re sentient beings who are a lifetime commitment, require love, patience, veterinary care, and many other things. Our Defender Radio #Podcast (@howiemichael) connected with Lisa Winn of @LadybirdAnimalSanctuary about the plight of #Easter #rabbits, as well as the depth of commitment to having a #bunny as a loved family member. Listen NOW at TheFurBearers.com, on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or anywhere else you listen! P.S. That adorable bunny is currently in the care of Ladybird Animal Sanctuary (and her name is Marcel). See her on their website at ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com! #podcasts #animals #rescue #animalrescue #pets #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #notjustforeaster #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement #notaneastergift https://www.instagram.com/p/BwarZxRBtds/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1siut1ua1ekcw

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Wise words from one of our favourite bunny accounts, @thefluffygroup Check them out to see how cage-free living is possible for pet rabbits. facebook.com/thefluffygroup/ #rabbits #notjustforeaster #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement #petsarenotgifts #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv4GDifB2gC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sdxj3p8duuwr

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in North America. They're also the third most abandoned pet. Shelters and rescues are always overflowing with rabbits, mostly because owners are not educated about their care and they give up when they realize rabbits are not the easy pet they are made out to be. With Easter fast approaching, many rabbits will be abandoned in the months following because of impulse pet store purchases. Live animals do not make good gifts, and a rabbit is for life, not just for Easter. Remind your friends, family, and random strangers to always adopt, and never shop. The saying "Don't shop! Adopt!" goes for all animals...not just dogs and cats. This Easter, give a stuffed animal bunny or chocolate instead. #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement #notjustforeaster . . #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rescue #rescued #rescuedismyfavouritebreed #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #bunny #bunnies #bunniesofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #foster #fostering #fosteringsaveslives #adopt @makeminechocolate https://www.instagram.com/p/BvjuHHEhWZh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1199uyfnt9ndp

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Rabbit rescue! Tuck was found as a stray and brought to Hamilton Animal Services. The folks who found him mentioned that he had been attacked by a dog, but thankfully Tuck didn’t have any noticeable injuries, aside from a very cloudy eye. HAS staff sent Tuck to the vet and it turns out the eye issue is an old injury, and the eye needs to be removed. As this was beyond the shelter’s cost restrictions, they reached out to us for help. We were happy to take Tuck in, and he’s now settling in at his foster home. He has his eye removal and neuter surgery booked for next week, and we’re hopeful everything will go well. Tuck is a sweet and extremely friendly little guy, and we know once he’s ready, he’ll make a lovely companion. Welcome to Ladybird, Tuck! We’re so happy you’re here! ❤️ We can only rescue and rehabilitate animals like Tuck with your help! Click the donate button to give, or visit our website to see all the ways to donate: ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com 🐇 . . #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rescue #rescued #rescuedismyfavouritebreed #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #bunny #bunnies #bunniesofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #foster #fostering #fosteringsaveslives #donate #give #registeredcharity #animalcharity #notjustforeaster #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement #tuck https://www.instagram.com/p/CNNnFWNHWmF/?igshid=1yip53niri0n

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Happy Easter from all of us here at Ladybird! This is adoptable bunny, Pinkerton. He's a super sweet, wee bunny who would love a forever home where he has lots of space to run and play. Pinkerton would like to remind you that rabbits are for life, not just for Easter. An average of eighty percent of rabbits purchased as Easter gifts are abandoned or surrendered in the weeks and months afterward. A bunny is a 10+ year commitment, not a holiday gift. Always adopt. Never shop! Visit our website to learn about Pinkerton and all the other animals in our care: ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com . . #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rescue #rescued #rescuedismyfavouritebreed #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #bunny #bunnies #bunniesofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #foster #fostering #fosteringsaveslives #adopt #adoptable #adoptables #adoptme #adoptarabbit #adoptarescue #availableforadoption #notjustforeaster #nottheeasterbunny #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement https://www.instagram.com/p/B-44TLnnBoU/?igshid=11d2vipb98bow

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

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A post shared by Ladybird Animal Sanctuary (@ladybirdanimalsanctuary)

* Rabbits needing rescue at Hamilton Animal Services * So, remember that thing we posted a few days ago about the overwhelming number of rabbits currently waiting for rescue? Well, between that post and now, Hamilton Animal Services has received seven more rabbits. (!!!) We managed to get one bunny out yesterday, but we need your help to rescue more. Please consider becoming a rabbit foster home. We cover the costs of vet care, and we provide all the food and supplies your foster rabbit needs. You just provide the space and time the bunny needs until he or she can find a forever home. Or, if you've been thinking about adopting, please consider our adoptable rabbits. Every adoption opens up a space for another needing rescue. Visit our website to fill out the foster application. Many bunnies will thank you! ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com (🔗 in bio) . . . #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rescue #foster #fostering #fosteringsaveslives #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #notjustforeaster #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement #rescueneeded #pleasehelp #becomeafosterparent #becomeafoster

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

Live animals do not make good gifts. Rabbits are complex animals with a specific set of needs that are very different than a dog or cat. They require specialized vet care. They're not a pet to be kept in a cage full time. They can live ten years or more. Right now, pet stores are "stocked up" on baby rabbits to be sold for Easter gifts. The majority of these rabbits come from unscrupulous breeding facilities akin to puppy mills. There are thousands of rabbits waiting to be adopted in shelters and rescues all over North America, and the numbers always increase in the months after Easter. Pet store purchased rabbits end up surrendered or dumped in the wild by people who were not prepared for what is required to care for them. The lucky ones survive. Many do not. Don't shop. Always adopt. #notjustforeaster #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement Photo of Darla (Ladybird adoption alumni) by phurtography.ca . . . #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #rabbitlife #easterbunny #easterrabbit #easterbunnies #bunny #bunnies #bunniesofinstagram #rabbitsoftheworld #bunniesoftheworld

[ladybirdanimalsanctuary]

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A post shared by Ladybird Animal Sanctuary (@ladybirdanimalsanctuary)

And then there were three... Sadly, another one of Margot’s second litter babies passed away a few days ago. Our hearts go out to their foster family for having to go through this heartbreak again. Our fingers and toes are crossed that this will be the last loss, and that Muesli, Miso and Minty here, will keep growing and thriving. It’s pretty amazing to see them with their eyes open now. The cuteness factor has gone through the roof for sure. They’re having lots of fun running around their enclosure now, and hanging out with their older siblings... and their mom, of course. For those who have been inquiring; we have not yet confirmed their genders, and they will not be available for adoption until they are eight weeks of age. When they are ready, we’ll be asking that they be adopted in pairs if their forever home doesn’t have any other rabbits living there. Keep being healthy and super cute Muesli, Miso and Minty! Visit our website to learn more about these baby bunnies and to donate to their care: ladybirdanimalsanctuary.com (link in bio) . #ladybirdanimalsanctuary #lookwhatlovecando #hamont #hamilton #animalrescue #rescue #rescued #rescuedismyfavouritebreed #rabbit #rabbits #rabbitsofinstagram #bunny #bunnies #bunniesofinstagram #babyrabbit #babyrabbits #babybunny #babybunnies #adoptdontshop #dontshopadopt #foster #fostering #fosteringsaveslives #notjustforeaster #makeminechocolate #stuffedbunnymovement #notaneastergift #stayminty https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv7rmunBA9u/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=173hft7oik11g