Bunny Knits Might Mean More Than You Think
Put your needles to work for neglected animals with bunny knits!
When you think of bunny knits, you probably think of, well, knitting bunnies -- in other words, toys for small children. And while that's a worthwhile goal, that's not what we're talking about here! I've written about several charities that accept knitted blankets for dogs and cats -- mostly shelters and SPCA locations. But do you know that hundreds of rabbits are abused, mistreated, and abandoned every single year?
Who'd Hurt a Sweet Li'l Bunny?
No one sets out to hurt an animal, but too many people view rabbits as large hamsters and think they can live in cages, classrooms, and garages. Whenever someone mentions that their rabbit died after less than a year, keep in mind that the average lifespan of a rabbit is eight to ten years.
Every year, hundreds of rabbits die due to overpopulation and ignorance. You've heard of spaying your dog -- who ever talks about spaying a bunny? But that's exactly what you should do!
Fortunately, there are organizations dedicated to fostering homeless bunnies, educating the public, and setting up adoptions -- and more than you might think! The House Rabbit Society is the most famous of these, and their website provides links to rabbit shelters across the United States and around the world, from Helping Rabbits in Russia to the Stichting Bunny Bin in the Netherlands. And that's where the bunny knits come in!
Bunny = Destruction
Bunnies like to wreck things. They like to chew, shred, and claw. That might not make you too enthusiastic about getting one, but don't worry: as long as you provide them with enough stuff they CAN chew, they're pretty good about leaving your furniture alone -- just like a cat!
Unfortunately, though, many organizations that foster rabbits are very short on cash. Feeding, altering, and caring for rabbits can get expensive, especially when you're working on a permanent volunteer basis!
That's where the idea of bunny knits comes in. By a lucky coincidence, rabbits absolutely adore knit textures. They're loose, easy to scratch and get tangled up in, and fun to chew. A knit rabbit toy will entertain a bunny for hours, and a rabbit blanket is pure heaven. Sure, it'll get chewed up -- but it'll also provide a warm, safe place for bunny to sleep. And the sight of a ball of fluff curled up in the blanket you knit makes the whole thing worthwhile!
Convinced yet? Good! Check out the House Rabbit Society's webpage and find a bunny shelter near you. Stop off to deliver your generous bunny knits, but be careful -- you might find yourself going home with a new best friend!
