GOAL OF THE RABBIT PERSONALITY TEST PROJECT: to create a tool by which rescue and shelter workers could identity basic personality types based on shelter behaviors, and make better rabbit/adopter matches.

HOW THE DATA WAS COLLECTED: the personality tool, which is called “Flower Rabbits,” is based on data from dozens of questionnaires filled out by shelter workers, fosterers, and those with rabbits in permanent homes. Volunteers donated many hours watching and recording rabbit behaviors.  Samples included rabbits of many ages and breeds, as well as both neutered and unneutered rabbits.

HOW THE DATA WAS ARRAYED AND INTERPRETED: the personality types emerged out of the data clumps.  Each personality type was given a flower name:  Violets, Bluebells, Daises, Tulips, and Roses.  There will of course be those rabbits that fall outside the categories, but most will fit in one of the five types. As with any tool such as this, the worker must also use common sense. For example, if there is an un-neutered rabbit that seems to fit the daisy category except that he nips, logic should tell the worker that the nipping may be from  the fact he is unneutered, and that he probably does fit into the daisy category.

WHERE TO GET THE RABBIT PERSONALITY TEST: a pdf may be downloaded at http://lagomorphs.com/mainpage.html To the left on the navigation bar, click on “NEW Personality Guide for Shelters.”

“The Christmas Bunny” (PG suitable for 8 years+)

The cast: Rumple (the rabbit), Florence Henderson (Brady Bunch), Sophie Bolan, Madeline Vail

The story: A lonely foster child (Sophie Bolen) finds a lost, injured rabbit (Rumple) in the woods on Christmas Eve. The rabbit is nursed back to health by the child under the supervision of the “bunny lady” (Florence Henderson), who runs a rabbit rescue in an old barn behind her Michigan farmhouse. Both the rabbit and the young girl learn about love and belonging.

The buzz:  In early 2011, The Christmas Bunny was awarded the Pearl Award by the International Family Film Fest.  The Pearl Award is given to the film that “best exemplifies the purity and enduring strength of the family bond.”

Where: George Washington University’s Quad, Law School Building Auditorium LL101 (on H Street, between 20th and 21st Streets NW), Washington, DC 20052.

When: December 3, 2011, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Tickets: at the door, or RSVP at rabbitwise@verizon.net, or 301-530-1252

Adults/Seniors:  $8

Children (under 14) $7

For those of you in the Baltimore area:

The House Rabbit Society will be showing The Christmas Bunny movie on the following weekend in Baltimore on December 10 at 10 AM at the Rotunda Cinemas, 711 W. 40th St., Baltimore, MD 21211.  More info at http://rabbitsinthehouse.org/?p=765

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO (CNN) — Dozens of rabbits were dumped along a Colorado road over the weekend.

Luckily, some kind hearted people stepped in to help. One person says, ”We were watching the news and saw that someone abandoned these rabbits on the side of the road so we’re animal lovers and we couldn’t have that.”

Sixty white rabbits were scooped up by volunteers who heard about the abandoned bunnies on the news.

It’s believed that someone dumped the animals on the side of the road.

The rabbits are now looking for good homes.

COMMENT:

Let’s support the good works done for rabbits and that the media reported it.

“The Christmas Bunny” (PG-suitable for 8 years+)

The cast: Rumple (the rabbit), Florence Henderson (Brady Bunch), Sophie Bolan, Madeline Vail

The story: A lonely foster child (Sophie Bolen) finds a lost, injured rabbit (Rumple) in the woods on Christmas Eve. The rabbit is nursed back to health by the child under the supervision of the “bunny lady” (Florence Henderson), who runs a rabbit rescue in an old barn behind her Michigan farmhouse. Both the rabbit and the young girl learn about love and belonging.

The buzz:  In early 2011, The Christmas Bunny was awarded the Pearl Award by the International Family Film Fest.  The Pearl Award is given to the film that “best exemplifies the purity and enduring strength of the family bond.”

Where: George Washington University’s Quad, Law School Building Auditorium LL101 (on H Street, between 20th and 21st Streets NW), Washington, DC 20052

When: December 3, 2011, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Tickets: at the door, or RSVP at rabbitwise@verizon.net, or 301-530-1252

Adults/Seniors:  $8

Children (under 14) $7

Charity benefit: Sponsored by RabbitWise, an all volunteer 501c3 public charity that advocates for and rescues rabbits nationwide.  After the presentation, knowledgeable people from RabbitWise and Friends of Rabbits will be on hand to answer questions about rabbits as pets.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

the Save Canmore Rabbits campaign is asking for donations.   Visit http://canmorebunnies.blogspot.com/ to make your donation.

join the cause at:  http://www.causes.com/causes/620980-save-canmore-s-bunnies/welcome Speak the word to your friends.

RABBIT LIVES ARE DEPENDING ON YOU!

In the past when RabbitWise complained about a similar photo that accompanied his review of the restaurant Bebo Trattoria (The Washington Post Magazine, December 31, 2007).  He responded in print “…don’t look for any more rabbit photos anytime soon.”  Full response below (sidebar).   Apparently, he thought that “soon” has expired.

IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE RESPONDED TO SIETSEMA AND THE RESTAURANTS WHO PUT RABBIT ON THEIR MENUS.  If we do not, it will send the message that rabbits do not have a community that is willing to stand up and fight for them and people like Sietsema and the restaurants that he writes about will feel that they have free license to do whatever they want to rabbits.  PLEASE , PLEASE, PLEASE WRITE AND COMPLAIN.  Newspapers are inclined to do something, maybe even write a story, when they see there are sufficient numbers of people commenting on the same topic.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

-CALL AND COMPLAIN. The Washington Post switchboard will connect you to Sietsema’s voicemail if you call 202-334-6000 (or 800-627-1150).   Also call, Patrick B. Pexton, Ombudsman, the readers’ representative within the newspaper, at 202-334-7582 (or 800-627-1150).

-WRITE A LETTER to him at:

Tom Sietsema

c/o The Washington Post

1150 15^th St. NW

Washington, DC 20071

Copy your letter to Letters to the Editor and Patrick B. Pexton, Ombudsman, the readers’ representative within the newspaper, at the same address.

-E-MAIL Tom Sietsema:

http://projects.washingtonpost.com/staff/email/tom+sietsema also copy your e-mail to Patrick B. Pexton, Ombudsman, the readers’ representative within the newspaper, at ombudsman@washpost.com and to letters to the editor of The Washington Post at letters@washpost.com

-FACEBOOK:

Comment on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/washingtonpost

www.facebook.com/people/Tom-Sietsema/702741654

-COMPLAIN TO THE RESTAURANT:

Et Viola!

5120 MacArthur Blvd, NW

Washington, DC 200016

T: (202) 237-2300
F: (202) 237-5007
E: Mail@EtVoilaDC.com

Web: www.etvoiladc.com

FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Et-Voila-DC/103661299710758

WHAT YOU CAN SAY

Go for the bad for business angle as opposed to the rabbits are fluffy and cute angle.  They don’t care about cuteness.  They do care about what is bad for business.  Point out that according to the American Pet Products Manufacturing Association, rabbits are the third most popular pets in the USA after cats and dogs; point out that there are HUNDREDS of shelter and rescue organizations across the nation that rescue rabbits.  If you are from the DC area, mention that there are 17 organizations in this incredibly rabbit friendly area and that none of these rabbit people or their families will be eating at ANY restaurant who serves up their pet on a platter.  What if it were your cat or dog?

To counter the inevitable “we’re not  eating anyone’s pet” response say that there are plenty of rabbit people who now live with rescued former “meat” rabbits who were clearly traumatized for life by their experience in rabbit mills.   Counter the “it’s our cultural heritage” argument by stating that this was the same argument used to excuse slavery and other travesties and that the point of being civilized is to move forward in moral progress, not to be stuck in archaic practices.  Furthermore, you do not see where it is necessary to add more misery in the world by increasing the demand for the flesh of yet another species.  If you are vegan or vegetarian, all the better to point out that you do not eat any animal and hence can avoid the hypocritical and/or specieist argument.

Here’s where you can get cute and cuddly:  remind them that you’ll be happy to let everyone you come in contact with for the next one hundred years that they are frying up adorable little bunnies who are slaughtered before they even reach adolescence after being raised, transported, and slaughtered in horrific conditions.  It’s like eating Thumper, the Easter Bunny, Rodger the Rabbit, or Bugs.  That’s a lot of people to alienate and it’s bad for business.  You can also mention that you’ll be telling everyone you know about exactly what they are really participating in if they patronize restaurants and grocery stores who sell/serve rabbit.  If they learn about rabbit mills, they won’t be going anywhere that serves or sells rabbit ever in their lives.

THE TREND FOR EATING RABBIT IS ON THE RISE.  LET’S DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW!

The side bar response, “Ask Tom,” to his regular review in the Sunday Washington Post Magazine, February, 3, 2007, p. 28:

“A number of readers took issue with the food photograph that accompanied my review of Bebo Trattoria in Crystal City (Magazine, Dec 31). “Seeing a rabbit on a platter produces the same reaction as seeing a cat or a dog fricasseed for human consumption,” complained Lana Lehr of Kensington. “As if we aren’t fat enough as a country,” weighed in Kathy Burke of Greenback, Tennessee, “we have to go beyond the typical meat-laden fare and add yet another species to our repertoire. A species that just happens to be the third most popular house pet in the country.” Paulette Lincoln-Baker, a self-described “companion to six house rabbits” in Sterling wondered in an email if I would be willing to promote “fried beagle if some local chef decides to do something trendy and different.”

Vegetarians complain when I write about steakhouses, and seniors have taken me to task when I fail to mention how loud some restaurants are.  I’ve listened to both camps, and I’ve made changes as a result: When I write about places specializing in meat, I try to find dishes that might appeal to those who avoid it, and I’ve spanked more than a few restaurants for their lack of soundproofing. But the bottom line is this: I write for a general readership, and I’m reluctant to avoid mentioning dishes just because they aren’t to some readers’ taste.  That said, don’t look for any more pictures of rabbit anytime soon.”

Apparently he missed the point that we were complaining about the third most popular companion animal in the country showing up on a dinner plate.

Talking Animals Wednesday September 21 2011 11:00AM

Comment at http://www.wmnf.org/program_specials/641

Call:  813-239-9663

E-mail:   DJ@wmnf.org

My guest on “Talking Animals” Sept. 21 will be LANA LEHR, the founder and managing director of RabbitWise, a Washington DC-based national organization that seeks to promote greater awareness and education about domestic rabbits, and enhance their welfare

More specifically–according to their stated purpose–”by providing local and internet rabbit resources public education, consultation and referral services, RabbitWise hopes to assist current and potential rabbit caretakers in making responsible decisions about rabbits, in giving high quality care to rabbits, and in understanding the nature, behavior, and communication styles of rabbits…. hopes to raise public and private consciousness about rabbits to help them achieve the status that dogs and cats currently enjoy.”

So this conversation with Lana could be entitled “(Almost) Everything You Wanted To Know About Rabbits,” and I scheduled it so as to take place a few days before International Rabbit Day, Sept. 25.

Lana Lehr will speak with us live on “Talking Animals” on Sept. 21 at 11am ET, and listeners are invited to participate in the conversation by calling (813-239-9663) or e-mailing (DJ@wmnf.org).

http://www.RabbitWise.org/

http://www.talkinganimals.net/

Thanks,

Duncan

SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

WHO:  Lana Lehr, Founder and Managing Director of RabbitWise, Inc. will be talking about companion rabbits with Duncan Strauss, host of “Talking Animals.”

WHERE:  Tune in at www.wmnf.org to listen live or listen later in the archives.  If your in the Tampa, Florida area, tune your radio to 88.5 FM

WHEN:  Wednesday, September 25, 11 AM to 12 noon ET;  Lana will be speaking from about 11:15 to 11:40.

DO SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR RABBITS

ON INTERNATIONAL RABBIT DAY!

1) Buy a cruelty-free product. These are any items whose ingredients have not been tested on animals. You will find cruelty free products at stores such as Whole Foods, My Organic Market, and Trader Joe’s. Look for the Leaping Bunny logo. Some brands include Jason, Avalon, Aveda, etc. For more info about companies with cruelty-free products, visit www.leapingbunny.org or click on their link on RabbitWise’s Rabbit Advocate page. They will send you a free pocketsize shopping guide upon request.

(2) Write a letter to a restaurant you know has rabbit on the menu and request that they remove it. Recently a local Maryland restaurant, Café des Artistes, agreed to stop serving rabbit when The Natural Rabbit group, RabbitWise® volunteers and other devoted rabbit lovers flooded the owners with letters and information about rabbits. Your voice matters!

(3) On September 24, have a vegetarian meal. Rabbits really dig their salads! Learn to eat like a rabbit.

(4) Volunteer for a rabbit rescue or advocacy group (like RabbitWise!®) or help out at a local animal shelter. Saving an animal’s life enriches the soul and uplifts the human race.

(5) Foster a rabbit and experience the joy of sharing your home with one. Many rabbit rescue groups can assist you with finding a rabbit. Visit RabbitWise®’s Adopt A Rescued Rabbit page for links to our local rabbit shelters and organizations.

(6) Make a donation to an animal shelter, rabbit rescue and advocacy group. Funds are always desperately needed to provide medical care for fostered and abandoned rabbits, to promote education about rabbits, and to find rabbits good homes.

(7) Shop at www.cafépress.com. Many groups, such as RabbitWise® and House Rabbit Society, have stores located there with items for sale, e.g. tote bags, mugs, T-shirts, even lunch boxes and camisoles! A percentage of the profit goes to support these groups to help the rabbits.

(8) For the next celebration, a child’s birthday, baby shower, or other special occasion, introduce children to rabbits and humane care of all living beings early in their development. Get a rabbit doll or books with rabbits as main characters, such as Beatrix Potter’s Peter Rabbit Stories.

(9) Send a letter to Animal Planet on cable or PBS, and tell them that you want to see some shows/documentaries about rabbits. They are one of the least understood animals and sadly, exploited as food, fur, and fiber. We need to get the word out how wonderful these creatures are to stop this exploitation.

(10) Boycott shops that sell rabbit fur clothing and linings. Write letters to their corporate headquarters and complain. For example: Lord and Taylor is currently selling a whole line of rabbit fur items. UGG boots, a very popular item from last year, has just released a new line of $400 boots trimmed in rabbit fur.

Remember the rabbits
Whose fur coats have been flayed,
Whose lives have been wasted
Their beauty betrayed.

Remember the rabbits
Whom hounds chase to ground
For man’s brutal sport And his money,
ill-found.

Remember the rabbits
Who lie dead on man’s plate
To satisfy gluttonous tastes -
Such a waste!

Remember the rabbits
Who pine in pet stores
Too young to leave mama
Still, there to be sold.

Remember the rabbits
Alone in the labs
Their heads locked in stocks
Red eyes burned,
red eyes sad.

Remember the rabbits
Whose lives we have saved
Who’ve moved far away
From premature graves.

Remember the rabbits
Who share our own beds
Who purr in our arms
When we stroke their soft heads.

Remember our rabbits
Who’ve hopped to the Bridge
Who live in our hearts
May we meet again.

Remember the rabbits
On this, their own day,
On all of their lives
Let us contemplate and pray.