Pete the BunE, by Denise Stone
Until very recently, our pet family consisted of 2 senior labs and our beloved tuxedo cat Scout, whom we’d had for 12 years. Adopted from Pets in Need, we all adored her, particularly our granddaughter, who nicknamed her “Pete the Cat” after one of her favorite cartoon characters.
When Scout passed away about 2 months ago, we were heartbroken. But eventually we were ready to take the plunge again and thought maybe we should adopt a rabbit this time around.
All our animals have been rescues, so we started by looking at both local shelters on the Peninsula. Right away we spotted a rabbit that looked eerily like Scout. It seemed like a sign, and my husband headed down to Pets in Need to check him out. During the meet-and-greet, Pete came right over and sat on his lap. I thought I might just be imagining it, but he called me from the shelter and said, “OMG, it’s like Scout come to life again. We have to adopt this bunny!”
Then the unthinkable happened. Before we could finalize his adoption, he went home with another family. We were beyond disappointed. But then we checked the website a few days later and he was back and available again! Clearly meant to be, we finalized his adoption immediately and brought him home.
Settling In
Pete the BunE has been with us for about 2 months now. He has a great personality and from the moment he arrived, he’s made himself right at home. Rabbits tend to be quite independent, even standoffish ─ they don’t typically socialize with humans the way cats and dogs do. But Pete apparently didn’t get that memo. He can’t get enough pets, is very loving, and clearly thrives on our affection.
Still a baby (only 5 months old and about 5 lbs.), he’s also unusually comfortable in his own skin. Our two senior labs live in a beautiful condo in our garage and hang out in our backyard. When they occasionally bark through the glass doors, Pete is very chill and somehow knows it’s OK just to ignore them.
An Absolute Delight
Since I work from home much of the time, Pete loves to hang out with me, making me chuckle as he explores his new digs. He has a beautiful 10x6x4 ft exercise pen (x-pen), and this gives him plenty of space to hop around, stretch out, or do zoomies in and out of his two tunnels ─ one of his favorite pastimes.
When we get into his pen with him, he comes right onto our laps and snuggles. He’s been completely toilet trained from the day he arrived, which is quite unusual. We’re now putting in a sliding wall that cordons off the hallway to the stairs, and that will allow him to roam freely throughout the main floor of our house with us.
Meant to Be
When we lost our beloved cat Scout, we thought it might be too soon to adopt again, but as it turns out, Pete has been just what we needed. I work from home a lot, and he loves to hang out with me, quietly providing a very comforting presence. My husband’s lap is another one of his favorite places. His little antics and sweet mannerisms cheer both of us up whenever we need it.
Every morning when we get up, I say, “Good morning, Petey,” and our handsome and happy boy gleefully runs right over to start the day.
All Pete the BunE has to do is hop your way and look up at you with those big brown eyes to melt your heart.
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To learn more about Pets In Need and see their mission in action, visit PetsInNeed.org or follow them on social media:
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You’re also welcome to visit their shelters in person at 871 5th Avenue in Redwood City or 3281 E. Bayshore Road in Palo Alto. Come meet their adoptable pets and give a loving animal a place to call home.
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