Every Easter, I like to remind people of an important fact that often gets overlooked this time of year – namely, that bunnies are not toys, and should not be given like toys at Easter.

This is something that’s a bit personal to me, since I was given to some kids for Easter, who later abandoned me in a parking lot. Fortunately for me, mum saw this happen and rescued me – but every year there are many, many more of my bunny brethren who aren’t so lucky.

Which is why I go to such great lengths to remind people that giving a real, live bunny rabbit as a toy or gift is probably not the best idea.

Of course, if you asked dad, he’d also mention all the “work” that he supposedly has to do, and how vet bills can add up, and how so on and so forth. And I’m sure mum would also mention something about chewing & furniture, but I wouldn’t know anything about that (that’s Betsy’s specialty).

But whichever way you look at it, a bunny is a living animal, not a toy, and we aren’t temporary, either – we can live for 10 years (I’ve just passed my 8th birthday).

So if you’re thinking about getting a bunny for Easter, please think twice about it. So many people aren’t prepared for what taking care of a grown rabbit means – and if you’re not prepared, I would beg you not to get a live rabbit at all – instead, stick with the chocolate kind.

And if you do decide that you’re ready to bring a bunny into your life, perhaps consider adopting one instead? You’d be saving the life of a bunny who’s probably been abandoned – maybe even another Easter bunny, like me.

-Gus