Make mine chocolate

Think twice before buying a real Easter bunny. People buy rabbits thinking they're great low maintenance starter pets, but as a pet, they are actually more time-consuming than dogs. They have cages that need to be cleaned, like other small animals, but they need social interaction like a dog does, at least a couple of hours out of their cage each day.

Your home needs to be carefully rabbit-proofed against chewing. The many electrical cords required by modern living are a particular hazard. Although rabbits can be affectionate, they don't like to be picked up, which is frustrating for children, and can result in injury to the rabbit when it tries to get away. Spaying and neutering is critical. Otherwise, behavioral problems start at puberty, including territorial aggression and smelly spraying. A pet rabbit can live 10 to 12 years.

Because people often don't understand what they're getting into when they buy a rabbit, and rescue organizations get at least 30 phone calls a month from people wanting to give them up, many of which were bought as gifts for children at Easter.

That problem is why the Columbus House Rabbit Society started their "Make Mine Chocolate!" campaign. The campaign encourages a better understanding of rabbits by distributing educational literature, and raises awareness of the Easter issue by selling rabbit pins that resemble chocolate bunnies.