Table of Content
[back cover] Want to find out what it's really like to own a house rabbit? It's all here in Living with a House Rabbit, a pet book with a difference. As well as providing the latest practical advice on all aspects of house rabbit care and training, owners tell their own special stories of the love and companionship that have come from living with these wonderful animals. Illustrated throughout with stunning photography, Living With a House Rabbit is the book you just can't live without. [front flap] Gone are the days when all rabbits were kept outside in cold, drafty hutches, with little human contact. Now, house rabbits are becoming increasingly popular, sharing their owners' lives as cats and dogs do-indoors, as part of the family. In Living With a House Rabbit, every aspect of bunny ownership is covered -all specifically tailored to the needs of an indoor rabbit. Starting with a look at the rabbit's wild ancestors and how domestication has affected this popular pet, the book moves on to give advice on choosing a house rabbit, making your home bunny friendly, and experiencing the first days of ownership. Caring for a house rabbit is given detailed coverage, with guidance on grooming and exercise, together with a comprehensive chapter on feeding. The fascinating topic of rabbit behavior is discussed, and there is a helpful chapter on training and overcoming common problems. Rabbits are very sociable animals, and generally get along well with other pets in the household. To establish domestic harmony, there is a chapter filled with hints to ensure that your pets all respect each other. Owning a house rabbit does not mean your pet has to be confined to the house. There are lots of activities that you and your bunny can get involved with together. From showing to show-jumping, suggestions abound to suit all rabbit enthusiasts. Finally, rabbit health care is examined, written in consultation with veteranarian Owen Davies, BVSc, MRCVS. It includes a nose-to-tail health guide to ensure that your house rabbit remains fit and healthy. Throughout this beautifully illustrated book, there are real-life case histories, where people share their experiences of a variety of rabbit-related topics. [back flap] Dr. Linda Dykes lives in Liverpool, England with two house rabbits and a dog. She works as a hospital doctor, specializing in Accident and Emergency medicine. She has been involved with rabbits for most of her life. A visit to America in 1994 introduced her to house rabbits and showed her a new side to these amazing creatures. In 1995, she brought together a handful of like-minded rabbit lovers. By 1996, this group had grown to become The British House Rabbit Association (recently renamed with Rabbit Welfare Association), with Linda as president. Following her retirement from the RWA committee in March 2003, Linda remains involved with their rabbit health liaison team, working with veterinary advisors to write articles on rabbit health matters for the veterinary profession, as well as for the Association's journal, Rabbiting On. Helen Flack first shared her home with a rabbit in 1990. Since then, a succession of house rabbits have lived with her in Essex, England. Together with Linda, she was one of the founding members of the BHRA and is currently serving as Chair of the RWA. Throughout her time in the Association, Helen has been responsible for developing the network of advisors available to members and also for the growth and development of Rabbiting On. In her spare time away from the bunnies, Helen works as an airline pilot, flying as captain of a Boeing 737 from London's Stansted Airport.