Rabbits are a strong part of more than 24.3 million households across the United States and untold millions more across the globe according to statistics published annually by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association. While that is far less than the number of dogs and cats that serve faithfully as beloved pets in 74 million and 88 million American households, it is still up considerably from previous years (18.2 million American homes had pet rabbits in 2006 and 16.4 million had rabbits in 2003), so it is clear that rabbits are winning the hearts of people everywhere at very rapid rate. (At least one commenter has predicted that rabbits will outnumber cats and dogs as pets by the year 2020, in fact.) So, especially since rabbits generally require just a little more attention from pet owners than do dogs and cats, this love affair with America's newest popular brand of furry friend, will produce – and certainly already has produced -- plenty of sentimental emotions among those who have adopted a rabbit as a member of their family. The remainder of this article will focus on this emotional experience of being a rabbit owner and, particularly, on what a rabbit owner can expect when his or her special friend passes on.
Probably the most important thing to keep in mind about the emotions involved with owning a rabbit is that it's perfectly natural – and even healthy – to think of a rabbit as being just another member of a family. Rabbits are no different from cats and dogs in that respect, but, because rabbits are not normally thought of as pets, some people may feel an unfortunate stigma attached to their emotions of love for their pet rabbit. Such a stigma is best ignored, experts in mental health advise. There is no shame in developing affectionate feelings for a cute, fluffy rabbit whose antics are likely to bring your life hours of joy and laughter. And, if these feelings mature to the point that you and others in your household begin to think of your pet rabbit as a special member of your family, well, so much the better, experts say. Friends are friends, no matter what the shape or size.
This leads us directly the next important thing about owning a rabbit: it's very common, and natural and healthy, to feel a dramatic sense of loss when a beloved rabbit has passed on. This phenomenon presents a problem for owners of any species of pet, but it can be especially troublesome for an owner of a rabbit. Rabbits – especially since they are often available on the menus of many fine restaurants – are sometimes not thought of as seriously as other animals such as cats and dogs, and, therefore, many people in our society may be tempted to belittle the love a rabbit owner feels for his or her faithful companion. But, while this is an unfortunate aspect of modern society, it should not give reason for a grieving rabbit lover to question his or her emotions.
Anyone who has lost a beloved rabbit should know that it is perfectly reasonable and normal to take some time to consider the many memorial options that are available for their beloved friend's memory. Cremation urns, headstones, cremation jewelry, caskets and other memorial products designed specifically for rabbits are readily available for quick and easy purchase today. Many of these items are designed to serve as discreet memorials that fit seamlessly into just about any indoor or outdoor display so that no one, except those the rabbit's owner holds in confidence, will ever have to know that the beautiful piece of art is, in fact, a touching tribute to a special friend.
Rabbits, like any pet, can be a truly special part of any family's life, and it's important to remember that love such as that is truly a wondrous thing.
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