By Hedi
For as long as I can remember, I've loved rabbits. THE VELVETEEN RABBIT was one of my favorite childhood books, as were those written by Beatrix Potter. I once received a rabbit as a birthday gift from a grade school friend, but had to return it the next day (with many protests and tears!). As I grew older, I did a great deal of reading up on rabbits and discovered that they were (are) indeed as wonderful as I'd dreamed. In a surprising turn of events, my husband found a stray domestic rabbit on Valentine's Day of 2003. We were unable to locate her owners and were fortunate enough to share six wonderful months with her. Sadly, she had a sudden seizure and died in August. We mourned our precious Biscuit's passing, and I discovered that I couldn't acclimate to a rabbit-free household. In October, we agreed that we would once again add a bunny to our furkid family (which includes dogs and ratties).
Since all of our animals are rescues, rabbit adoption was the only option we considered. I had heard of Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue the year before, and immediately found their website. As I browsed through the pictures of adoptable bunnies, I found myself a bit panicked: how to choose just one? They all looked adorable! Fortunately, Stacey would assist me. I spoke with her about what type of rabbit I was looking for, and since sex or age really didn't matter, I had a wide field from which to choose. Stacey immediately suggested Marshmallow, a sweet little white Rex mix, as well as a few others. She felt that Marshmallow was a uniquely special choice, however, and I kept this in mind as I met the rabbits for the first time. However, I couldn't make a decision right away, seeing as they were all amazing! I found that I had to go home again and ponder which rabbit would truly be right for our family. I could picture at least three in our home, munching hay happily and sprawling out on the sofa as we watched Animal Planet together. Which one would be best? After speaking with my husband, I finally took time to listen to my heart . . . and did indeed choose Marshmallow. I e-mailed Stacey with the news, and was able to bring home my gregarious bunny from the next adoption event.
Marshmallow was quickly renamed him Moshi-Moshi, since he loves to say "hello" whenever he sees a person. He has made himself right at home, and it feels as though he's been here forever. He loves to fling his vegetables into the air and catch them, just as he does his toys. One of his favorite games is tag, and he also likes to play catch with his tiny cat ball. His personality absolutely shines through -- visitors comment on how sweet he is and they're shocked that he loves to be picked up and cuddled (which is quite unusual for a rabbit). Every day I try to see him stretching at least once, for few things in this world are as cute as a rabbit stretch followed by a rabbit yawn! Finally, there is that beautiful peace that settles over me when I'm holding him in my lap. There is something incredibly "zen" about a rabbit, especially our beloved Moshi. When you are spending time with a rabbit, even if it's just sitting next to each other in silent companionship, the everyday chaos of the outside world simply seems to dissolve.
Bunnies are such astoundingly intelligent and loving creatures, and we're blessed to share our home with one. I thank everyone at Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue for making this possible, for they've enriched our family immeasurably!
Hedi
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