HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUGS BUNNY!

Back in 1940 on this date Bugs Bunny made his debut in an animated film called A Wild Hare.  The plot was the same as most of the cartoons involving Bugs Bunny - Elmer Fudd hunting rabbits, only to have Bugs escape every time. The first thing Bugs Bunny said to Elmer Fudd was this - "What's up, doc?" That phrase became Bug's catchphrase.

Bugs Bunny starred in more than 160 classic Warner Brothers cartoons.  He could dance, he could sing and he was "hare"larious.  His carrot chewing persona probably didn't do much to dispel the myth about rabbits eating carrots.  However, he became the second cartoon character, after Mickey Mouse, to receive his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Happy Birthday Bugs Bunny!

sTOP!!  iTS mR rABbIT!!!! 

Designer Ji Lee and his team of inventive public art enthusiasts have created a touching urban intervention titled "Mysterabbit." The street project involves 10,000 tiny bunny statues that have been hidden in random spots across the world.

From South Korea to Iceland to the United States, Lee's small sculptures -- which appear to be meditating -- greet unsuspecting pedestrians who happen to catch a glimpse of the peaceful creatures as they go about their business.

Mysterabbit is a whole new take on the age old cliche, "Stop and smell the roses," that encourages hurried city residents to take slow down and enjoy life's small pleasures. "We hope [Mysterabbits] will stop people from their daily routine and for a brief moment, make them wonder about their mysterious, newly found gift, and a small piece of the beautiful world that surrounds them

313,914,040

Thats how many people live in the United States.

Can you guess how many pets live here?

Approx. -360,000,000

Isn't that’s astonishing?!
 Not only that, but spending on pets has surpassed the candy industry and the toy industry. Its a good thing ...dont ya think...that we spend more on our furry friends and we do on Snickers Bars?!
We sure do love our pets!

More than half of us buy a holiday gift for our pets. And depending on who you believe, 8-50% of us  buy our pets something special for their birthdays.

Why do you think this is?
There are all sorts of theories.
Pets could be becoming America's new kids.  Women are waiting longer to have children, and many more than in the past are choosing not to have kids at all.
But still there is a need to nurture and care for and watch over a little something.
We like the company.

So it looks like the young and the old, the single and the married, and the empty nesters alike...are all lavishing their attentions on their pets.
Thats ok though..for we have a lot to give.
And its good for the lucky pets who are on the receiving end of all this generosity!!  

We  love contests!
We hold them all the time on our Facebook page
We are  toying with the idea of an art contest.
(But havent figured out how to pull it off...yet)

But here's another animal advocate group that had a fun poetry contest, for school age children.
We thought it would be nice to  share the results with you.
Creative kids rock!
Here is where you go for todays smile!

We love the worlds animal lovers.

What'd you think?  Should we have an art contest?!
Would you enter?
We'd love to hear from you!!

Halloween Safety Tips for You and You Bun!!

You smart rabbit owners have probably already thought about all these things...
But a good reminder never hurts...right?

For a frightened furry friend is no fun.

Tip #1-Think about the noises created by the celebration of Halloween. Doorbells and squeals, hooting and hollering.  There are all sorts of crazy sound effects, both inside and outside your home.  Those furry ears will pick up all of it.  Keep your bun away from the door and in a quiet room.  You know he'll thank you for it later.

Tip #2- Did you know that your bun recognizes your shape before anything else. Your shape and your smell. Costumes are going to wig him out! If your costume changes your shape..like a boxy robot...and you talk with a new accent, your bun wont know who you are.  Which we can all imagine would be a scary experience for Floppy. Try putting your costume on in front of him.  That'll eliminate the surprises... Or at least lessen the uncertainty.Or better yet...put on your costume after he's gone to bed!!!

Tip#3-Candy. We know its not good for us. We are certain its even worse for rabbits. Be strong and say NO!!

Tip #4-Decorations. That cottoncandy looking spiderweb from Walmart may look appetizing...but its no good for the buns. Not on any level. Serious tummy problems are guaranteed if this stuff is ingested. Keep it out of reach!!

Tip #5-Candles. The same rules that apply to kids apply to bunnies and fire. That yummy smelling jack-0-lantern with a candle inside will be to hard to resist!! Curiosity will kill the bun and possibly set the house on fire!! Out of reach is best!

Tip#6-Pet Costumes.  Sticks in the mud dont recommend them for rabbits. But its almost impossiable to resist the tempation to use those ears and cute round body and cover them in adornments.  If you do, please remember to not use rubber bands and elastics. They will be too tight! Watch them like a hawk..for they will probably try to get it off...for they will feel silly, right!?  Dont let them get entangled.  And resist the temptation if you think this custom of dressing up will stress your little bun out or that'll heat them up too much either,  Have Peter the Rabbit dress as fast as a runway model, and then snap a few pics and then disrobe as fast as a model as well!!

Have fun Halloween fans!!
source 

Patience  

Chocolate Easter bunny  

In a jelly bean nest,  

I'm saving you for very last  

Because I love you best.  

I'll only take a nibble  

From the tip of your ear  

And one bite from the other side  

So that you won't look queer.  

Yum, your'e so delicious!  

I didn't mean to eat  

Your chocolate tail till Tuesday.  

Ooops! There go your feet!  

I wonder how your back tastes  

With all that chocolate hair.  

I never thought your tummy  

Was only filled with air!  

Chocolate Easter bunny  

In a jelly bean nest,  

I'm saving you for very last  

Because I love you best.  

                                 Bobbie Katz

My Rabbit Habit


I have a rabbit habit.
I collect them constantly.
I hardly dare go shopping
in case there's one I see.
I love all bunny statues
made of pewter, wood or glass,
and rabbit-patterned kitchenware
with bunny demitasse...
I like to cuddle bunny toys
stuffed and fluffed with fur,
and even rabbit lingerie
holds quite a strong allure.
I favor rabbit ornaments
to hang around my home.
I've wondered if there's
such a thing as bunny
shaving foam...
If someone were to ask me
to a genuine masked ball,
I'd go as Br'er or Velveteen--
no contest, none at all!
OOOOOh, I have to have my bunnies.
It's a rabid habit, see?
You haven't heard the half of it.
Help me -- rabbitly!


                         Cheryl Hawkinson

art-daria lvovsky

I stumbled upon a fun artist-Lim Heng Swee. You can find him here. Lim says "I would describe my work as simple and fun, but with a strong idea or message behind it. Life should be fun and humorous when possible and I hope that my illustrations generate a sense of joy and happiness."
 Well done Lim Heng Swee.
We're smiling!!

Rabbits Rock and ROLL in The Hobbit!!

Though they only make a brief appearance  in the newest Hollywood sensation known as THE HOBBIT...
and even though they are solely the fictitious creation of Peter Jackson and not in the book...
We are grateful to witness the wild ride of the "Rhosgobel" rabbits pulling their sled ahead of the disgusting Orcs!!
 Isnt Middle-earth Grand!?

Rabbits on Chairs & Art Sit Well Together!

billybob on chair -Lorraine Bushek

Lorraine Bushek has talent, and a great love for rabbits.
Lorraine is a blogger, an artist, animal lover and a volunteer with the Rabbit Advocates in Portland Oregon.
Her profile says she lives with her husband, 2 cats, and 2+ rescue rabbits (the number is always changing).
We rabbit lovers have just got to love her painting of rabbits on chairs (plus other places). Her motivation for painting these rabbits is her belief that rabbits belong in the house with their human companions...not outside in a hutch, in the elements. I think the paintings are amazing! I'd hang one on my wall any day!! Go see them for yourself at the link above.  (Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the page to more!!)

What's That Noise?

People are curious..do you wonder what sounds rabbits make?
The answer is...YES!!

Here are a few sounds you can listen for and try to understand what they mean.

Tooth-purring- here we have a soft, rhythmic tooth-grinding.  You can imagine the sound.. especially if you have been the recipient of a loving scratch behind the ears.  The sound indicates pleasure and contentment.

then there's Tooth-grinding- here is a louder, crunchy like chewing ice kind of sound. This sound usually indicates pain or discomfort.

Bunnies can Honk/or Grunt as well....its one and the same.  Here is a low, bass sounding noise. It usually indicates excitement, interest, and happiness.

Then how about the Growl/bark- which is a loud, sharp noise. Watch out! This usually means your bunny is angry and or fearful. These sounds can also be accompanied with a lunging forward and "boxing" of their front arms..so beware of a possible nip.

And here's hoping you never have to experience a bunny screaming. (it'll raise the hairs on the back of your neck) Screaming happens when the bunny fears death and is experiencing great pain. Lets vow to do our best to NEVER hear this sound!!

How about the squeak/snort- a nasal sound that usually occurs when your rabbit is extremely happy;possibly when your rabbit is eating, grooming or mating.


We'll finish with the thumping- a sound that has nothing to do with  Disney's Thumper. Folks stamp their feet when frustrated or when they want attention.  When your rabbit does it, its usually a warning of danger, or another sign of frustration or anger.  He'll also do it when he's scared  or trying to scare something away.

Have you heard your bunny snoring?  You've heard the stories of rabbits snoring...especially those that like to sleep on their backs!!

Happy Deciphering!!

Strange But True!!

Just a few miles of the coast of Japan is an  small, remote island.
This island has a dark history.
And ironically it is also home to hundreds of rabbits.
The islands' name is Okunoshima..and is now nicknamed Rabbit Island. And though the island is only 21/2 miles in circumference it attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Visitors are attracted to the islands natural beauty, its dark past, and the 300+ rabbits that live there predator free. (Tourist will confess that its the bunnies they come to see and pet and enjoy.)

Are you wondering yet what Okunoshima's dark past may be?
Before it became the world largest rabbit petting zoo, Okunoshima was served as the base for the Imperial Army of Japan's lethal gas operation.  From 1929 to 1945, more than 6,000 tons of poisonous gas were manufactured on this remote island, and it was kept shrouded in secrecy.

The island became a thing of mystery and intrigue...for they took its location off the maps of that time, and the workers were sworn to secrecy as well.

Today all that remains of the sinister endeavor are the empty shells of factories, and cordoned off areas that are now believed to be where some of the canisters of gas are buried.

And true to form..the rabbits are thriving and nature has flourished...and what was once a dark, and fearsome place has become a refuge for man and animal alike.

Of course there is speculation as to where the bunnies came from. One story goes that the rabbits were brought in to 'test'/'monitor'  the toxicty of the island by the workers and to use them for testing. The other hypothosis is that school children released 8 rabbits on a field trip in 1971.

More Good Reading

We hear 'tail' that there's a great new book out about the favorite housepet..rabbits!!
We hear its a must read whether you're considering adopting bunnies or if you have already adopted or even if you have had a bunny as an companion for years.

The author, Stephen Flores,  is a volunteer and educator for the San Diego House Rabbit Society and has been a bunny parent for many years. It's an easy-to-read book loaded with valuable information and tips covering a broad range of topics including diet, housing options, bunny proofing, behavior, communication, medical issues and much, much more. At the end of each chapter there is a handy summary of key points which makes it helpful for future reference.

You can obtain a copy of your own at Amazon or at The Bunny Guy.

We missed it!! I wasnt paying attention!! Last year was the Year of the Rabbit- 2011. And now we wont celebrate it again until 2023! (I wont share with you how old I'll be when it rolls around again. I will need to have been born under that moon...the moon of longevity.)

 Famous People Born in the Year of the Rabbit:
 Johnny Depp, Germaine Greer, Neil Sedaka, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Jordan and Drew Barrymore. Harry Belafonte, Ingrid Bergman, Lewis Carroll, John Cleese, Peter Falk, Peter Fonda, James Fox, David Frost, Cary Grant, Oliver Hardy, Bob Hope, Whitney Houston, John Hurt, Michael Keaton, John Keats, Julian Lennon, Arthur Miller, Roger Moore, Tatum O'Neal, George Orwell, Neil Simon, Jane Seymour, Dusty Springfield, Sting, Orson Welles, Norman Wisdom.



 The Rabbit is the symbol of longevity.
 Their fundamental nature and strength is drawn from the moon. The Chinese believe a person born in this year is very fortunate! Soft spoken rabbits find happiness and contentment. Rabbits are gracious with excellent manners. There is no great inner struggle in their heart. They believe in their own judgment and ability to survive. Rabbits need trust and tenderness in a relationship. Like the rabbit they hop over obstacles, and always land on their feet! The rabbit's soft, vulnerable looking exterior is protected by an armor of cautiousness. Hares are very lucky in business and combined with their excellent bargaining wisdom will go far. They find it hard to work under pressure. Hares are the peace makers and good scholars. They may look easy going, but they are actually quite cunning! Being a strong willed person, they go quietly, yet determinedly towards their goals. Rabbits are considerate, understanding, warm, friendly, and easy to be with. They know how to relax!

I was trying think who the most famous rabbit was in the world. When  I ask that, what rabbit comes to your mind first?
To be honest, the first one that came to my mind was Rabbit, from Winnie the Pooh. After that, I thought of Peter Rabbit and all his troubles in Mr McGregors  garden.
Searching the web straightway produces  a very comprehensive list.
Each of these rabbits seems to bring back memories from my childhood.
How about you?
Did we miss any?

#1 Bugs Bunny..."what up doc?"  Good old Bugs and Elmer Fudd

#2 Br're Rabbit...I wonder if you have to be over 50 to even know who this is? Thats a sad state of affairs if this is so.  Look him up...and then read it to a child you love.

#3 Peter Rabbit...thank you Beatrix Potter

#4 Velveteen Rabbit..while your at the library getting The Brier Patch and Tar Babies for the antics of Br're Rabbit,  pick up this story for the kids too...and for yourself!

#5 Easter Bunny...not every kid should get a real live Easter Bunny...but they all should get chocolate!!

#6 Harvey...once again dating myself quite a bit.  Jimmy Stewart is and always will be a dream boat. Go rent the movie!! Its great!! Everyone should meet the 6 ft invisible rabbit!!

#7 Trix the Rabbit....Trix are for kids...and sugar highs.

#8 Roger Rabbit...naughty rabbit

#9 The Energizer Bunny...pink, cool and pounding the skin!

#10 Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh...Hundred Acre Wood  wouldnt be the same without him.

#11 Thumper...wasnt he Bambi's best friend? Making the most of large feet!!

#12 The Hare..from The Tortoise and the Hare...personally I prefer tortoises...but bunnies are the next best. We love the Hare even in his foible.

#13 The White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland...what time is it again? Who's late for a very important date?

#14 Little Bunny Foo Foo...who remembers this song...bopping mice on the head?  Another naughty rabbit I'd say....poor field mice.

Anybody want to round out the list...who did I miss?