We have a 15 pound English Lop (Mr. Jar Jar Binks) who LOVES to visit. Larger breed rabbits can become warm, fun, and particularly noble visiting rabbits with extra planning and careful observations. This is what we have learned along the way:
Larger breeds are not ideal for frail program participants. Everything about Mr. Binks is big, brown, and bold---his body, his ears, his paws and his trimmed claws. He is gentle, but heavy, and does not like to be restrained or held tightly. That’s exactly how some participants automatically respond to him. We have "train" the participants about his needs. He’s not a lap cuddler and doesn’t like being lifted.
Many people have not experienced a larger breed rabbit. The “Oh my Goodness!” factor is high. Some have refused to believe Mr. Binks is REALLY a rabbit, and not a dog-rabbit hybrid, etc... This is very common!
Mr. Binks doesn’t fit in a basket safely, and it would be too heavy for me even if a basket could accommodate him. Instead, I “roll” him in a pet stroller, open the top, and he “periscopes” up for greetings. We have an activity plan in place before we visit to avoid the stress of excess lifting and moving him.
Mr. Binks loves his large visiting blanket (36” x 36”) and we keep him on it at all times. He enjoys exploring the floor surrounded by seated children. He lounges on a coffee table for admiration without attempting to escape. He sits happily on a sofa between program participants who pet him intentionally (but gently) on the head, ears, and back. We "switch out" the participants, and keep Mr. Binks in place. He watches Wii bowling for an hour serving as a team mascot.
Everyone who encounters him seems impressed and interested. He has been called the “George Clooney” of buns! Mr. Binks is often remembered and requested. “Where is that big, brown bun you have???” As with all visiting rabbits, participants enjoy hearing personal stories of the rabbit and facts about domestic rabbits. The larger breeds have varied, interesting histories that make for great sharing as well.
Larger breeds are not ideal for frail program participants. Everything about Mr. Binks is big, brown, and bold---his body, his ears, his paws and his trimmed claws. He is gentle, but heavy, and does not like to be restrained or held tightly. That’s exactly how some participants automatically respond to him. We have "train" the participants about his needs. He’s not a lap cuddler and doesn’t like being lifted.
Many people have not experienced a larger breed rabbit. The “Oh my Goodness!” factor is high. Some have refused to believe Mr. Binks is REALLY a rabbit, and not a dog-rabbit hybrid, etc... This is very common!
Mr. Binks doesn’t fit in a basket safely, and it would be too heavy for me even if a basket could accommodate him. Instead, I “roll” him in a pet stroller, open the top, and he “periscopes” up for greetings. We have an activity plan in place before we visit to avoid the stress of excess lifting and moving him.
Mr. Binks loves his large visiting blanket (36” x 36”) and we keep him on it at all times. He enjoys exploring the floor surrounded by seated children. He lounges on a coffee table for admiration without attempting to escape. He sits happily on a sofa between program participants who pet him intentionally (but gently) on the head, ears, and back. We "switch out" the participants, and keep Mr. Binks in place. He watches Wii bowling for an hour serving as a team mascot.
Everyone who encounters him seems impressed and interested. He has been called the “George Clooney” of buns! Mr. Binks is often remembered and requested. “Where is that big, brown bun you have???” As with all visiting rabbits, participants enjoy hearing personal stories of the rabbit and facts about domestic rabbits. The larger breeds have varied, interesting histories that make for great sharing as well.
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