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Bunnyfest 2014 raises funds for a cute cause

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Bunnies are easy to love.

They have soft fur, adorable, pink noses and fluffy tails.

In fact, they might be too easy to love sometimes, said Patricia Mulcahy, president of the San Diego House Rabbit Society.

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“It’s really hard to resist a rabbit. They are just so cute,” she said. “But a lot of people just don’t understand how much work goes into taking care of them.”

That could be why families jump at the chance to adopt a rabbit, but a few months later, regret the choice. After dogs and cats, bunnies are the animal most likely to be relinquished to a shelter, and that number soars in the weeks after Easter, said Mulcahy.

That’s where the San Diego House Rabbit Society comes in. The group rescues rabbits from local shelters and educates new owners about how to care for the pets.

To support their work, the organization hosts a series of fundraisers, but none are bigger than the annual Bunnyfest, which was held Sunday in Balboa Park.

The event was a smorgasbord of everything bunny. There were designer bunny hutches, bunny paintings and bunny necklaces. There was also a host of organizations that educated attendees on rabbit care, rabbit food and rabbit temperament.

The event saw hundreds of bunny owners and, of course, rabbits of all shapes and sizes. Most pets were carried delicately against their owner’s chest. Some were on leashes. Others rode in style.

Michelle Stoner, of Clairemont, pushed a small stroller. Inside were three cuddly rabbits — Bubba, Lil’ Bit and Sweepy.

Nearly ten years ago, Stoner decided to foster two rescue rabbits. Soon, she had adopted them.

“That was the beginning of my rabbit adventure,” Stoner said. “They are constantly doing things that are just hilarious.”

She said Bunnyfest is the perfect place to try new bunny treats, talk with experienced vets and trade tips and tricks with other owners.

It’s also a great place to explore whether or not bunny ownership is for you, she said.

Childhood is filled with whimsical bunnies. There is Peter Rabbit and his mischievous ways, the plush Velveteen Rabbit who was real all along and the Easter Bunny, who leaves chocolate and hides eggs.

Real bunnies are a bit different.

They aren’t starter pets, they may not be the best choice for children and some go through a “raging hormones” phase, Mulcahy said. While they do like to cuddle, it has to be on their terms and most domesticated bunnies prefer being indoors.

But bunnies are also intelligent, intuitive and loyal, and if you’re willing to put the work in, they can be rewarding pets for years to come, she said.

To learn more about rabbits or the San Diego House Rabbit Society, visit sandiegorabbits.org.

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