You’d think that after all these years of stories just like this one – making a point that a pet bunny is an awful impulsive purchase – the message would have sunk in. “I can’t say why the message hasn’t (sunk in), but it really hasn’t,” says Toni Greetis, vice president of the Red Door Animal Shelter in Chicago.

Lucile Moore author of “Touched by a Rabbit (Infinity Publishing, West Conshohocken, PA, 2009; $18.95) says, “We know those Easter purchases are still a problem – because two months or so after Easter shelters all over the country are overwhelmed with returned rabbits.”

While Red Door also adopts dogs and cats, they specialize in rabbits. However, not all cities have shelters who understand rabbits. And those who do typically fill with rabbits floor to ceiling my mid-summer.

“It’s sad and not necessary – if people only didn’t make an impulsive decision,” Greetis says.

Actually, Greetis says there’s no religious explanation for rabbits being tied to Easter. The link between the Easter bunny and the holiday Easter has been as intrinsic as Santa Claus and Christmas. The only difference is that people don’t think of buying a red suit at Christmas, they do think of getting a bunny at Easter.

Of course, the idea of a pet rabbit isn’t so bad – if you know what comes with the territory. For starters, it’s a commitment – rabbits generally live around seven to 12 years.

Moore says, “Often people have previously only had experiences with dogs and cats – and rabbits don’t act like either. It’s not bad, just different. But people don’t always accept what doesn’t match their expectations.”

The biggest myth of all is that rabbits and young kids go together. “Rabbits are really a very delicate prey animal, “ Greetis says.

The problem begins with the propensity little kids have for carrying around bunnies. That’s a problem because rabbits are pretty much born with agoraphobia (a fear of heights). “They really may feel like they are about to die when they are picked up,” says Greetis. “So, of course, they panic. They may scratch and/or bite. If that happens, they may be dropped.”

Moore says veterinarians all too frequently see rabbits with seriously injured spines, perhaps paralyzed, as a result of being dropped by a child. Even if the rabbit doesn’t suffer an injury, once scratching and/or biting a family member, that rabbit is at risk for being abandoned.

“That’s not to say that when they’re held properly and securely (generally adults do that best), that many rabbits don’t become accustomed to being carried around,” says Greetis. While rabbits don’t generally enjoy being smothered with hugs and kisses, as dogs and at least many cats tolerate – they absolutely learn individual family members, and express affection on their own terms.

Rabbits are great pets for busy families. They can tolerate being home alone far better than dogs or even cats. If you’re off at work, rabbits don’t generally care because rabbits are naturally most active in the morning and early evening, and enjoy snoozing during the day. They’re also great apartment pets because they’re quiet and they don’t take up very much space. Litter box training is generally a snap. Greetis suggests feeding rabbits their dinner in the litter box. They like to multi-task, having their bowel movements as they eat

Inappropriate urine spraying is a common reason for rabbit give-up, but spay/neuter can prevent that problem from starting in the first place. Spaying also prolongs female rabbit’s lifespan, eliminating chances of uterine or ovarian cancer, common in rabbits. Also, spay/neuter simply settles down both sexes, ultimately they’re better pets as a result.

Moore says rabbits do require exercise and they enjoy play. However, unlike a dog, there’s no need to take a rabbit outdoors for a game of fetch. Although, some rabbits actually do fetch, and most enjoy toys – even if they eat their toys. A toy may be a cardboard box, toilet tube or paper towel roll, or carboard for them to rip a part. After the game, they generally eat the toy. “It’s okay,” insists Greetis. “For a rabbit it’s just fiber.”

Providing rabbits something they enjoy chewing is important. If you don’t provide items to chew, the rabbit may choose his own – such as a throw rug or shoes. Far better for the rabbit’s health, and your pocketbook (to save on vet bills) if their chew items are digestible. Greetis also suggest wooden toys made for parrots.

Moore has one more thought, “I am not totally against purchasing rabbits at Easter – get a chocolate rabbit,” Learn more at www.makeminechocolate.org. Learn more about rabbit health at welfare at www.reddoorshelter.org or the House Rabbit Society, www.rabbit.org.

©Steve Dale, Tribune Media Services