My name is Rosemary
Rabbit and I am a Harlequin Rabbit. Harlequin's are an old breed of
rabbit from France. We are a "fancy" breed. Some people
think we need to have exact markings on our fur. It can take several litters of bunnies to
produce a so-called "perfect" rabbit.
What happens to all the
"imperfect" Harley's? I was lucky. I
ended up in a pet shop. Fortunately, they were charging $20 for me
because, well, excuse me, but I am not dinner nor
snake
food!
A pet store! They had to
be kidding, but it was no joke. The clerks fed us dry pellets and water.
They kept my litter mates and me in an aquarium style enclosure. Do
you see gills? I am not a fish! We were all sold in a few
days. I was brought back to the shop within a week. (See House
Rabbit Society Open Letter.)
Well, what did they think they had ... a fish!
I'm a rabbit that needs to chew, run, eat lots of fresh veggies and timothy
hay, and socialize. My ancestors, the European rabbits, have been known
to live in warrens with up to 450 rabbits. Rabbits are party animals!
Back
in the pet store a woman saw
me and wanted me even though I had bruises on my forehead. It hurt to
have anyone pet my head. The clerk told her I was a male, a
Rex rabbit, fixed and a year old. Wrong! The lady knew
better. She told them she was paying for the privilege to rescue me from
their store. And, she did! She just paid 'em and got me outta there!
In my new home they
appreciate my attitude and personality and they have for almost seven years
now! I have made many new rabbit friends especially Groucho and
Bumble.
Everyone is
extra gentle with me including the cats! I can run, play and the room service is great!
Someone pass the apple treats!
One thing makes me hopping mad!
Harley's don't have to be perfect to be beautiful. This isn't a Miss
America pageant. I am not a Barbie Doll . . . I am a rabbit and look
... I am gorgeous!
