tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post6118187124774269237..comments2024-03-25T17:38:01.020+08:00Comments on Digital Tibetan Buddhist Altar: Rabbits, Buddhism, and Politics of the FancyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-38598980949956669222010-02-01T07:45:49.973+08:002010-02-01T07:45:49.973+08:00I am a practicing zen buddhist, who was undeniably...I am a practicing zen buddhist, who was undeniably led to this path by a checkered giant who had been dumped in the woods by a local breeder. He was subsequently named "Buddha" by me. I had to leave him to head off on pilgrimage, but since that time, I have found a bunny to be rescued in every locale, even when I was in a Japanese monastery (long story)!<br /><br />I truly believe these creatures deserve our utmost care and attention, they have suffered so much for us. Thank you for your posts and bringing these issues to the forefront. Thank you especially for being there for "Old" rabbit....many blessings in the dharma.Genrohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10251873649080518559noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-54987913901189625692009-11-11T13:49:33.273+08:002009-11-11T13:49:33.273+08:00i only wish to add that i very much appreciate you...i only wish to add that i very much appreciate your blogs about the rabbits. while we haven't adopted as many rabbits as cats (simply because virtually all our animals are rescues in one form or another), all our rabbits have been adopted from groups that rescue them or shelters. right now we have one here (i don't know why type he is sorry- grey with perky ears..), but thank you for these posts. i do love them and sorry to hear about the divisiveness between animal rescue groups sometimes it is sad to me, at least that's how i understand it.mr frodohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10229314609522204723noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-84833229197228733472009-11-05T01:15:25.381+08:002009-11-05T01:15:25.381+08:00Dear Don -- By all means speak up. There is certai...Dear Don -- By all means speak up. There is certainly nothing lowly about the cottontail in my book.<br /><br />Dear Amy -- Thank you for your thoughtful post. For me, the whole show breeding issue falls down to a single question: if you love rabbits enough to breed them, then how can you bear to knock them off in pursuit of some stupid trophy or ribbon? Do you think the rabbits care about trophies? They already <i>know</i> they are beautiful!<br />While I don't think it can be stopped -- you look at dog breeders for example -- I am hopeful it can become more humane, and that is one reason why I am encouraging dialogue between breeders and HRS. Thank you very much for writing.Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17607443504553459238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-32432887862405510292009-11-05T00:21:39.746+08:002009-11-05T00:21:39.746+08:00Perhaps after years of rescue I am jaded, but my f...Perhaps after years of rescue I am jaded, but my favorite comment in this blog post was about breeders coming back as rabbits in a breeder's care. I really don't think those who exploit these creatures--and breeding IS exploitation, even for pets, let alone culling/food/fur--have stopped to think about the big picture they fuel in tandem with an uneducated public.<br /><br />HRS (of which I am a part, but I'm speaking from my own personal experiences here) fights battles on several fronts. We are faced with too many homeless rabbits in shelters and as strays. Many came from some hobby or 4H breeding program; others come through pet stores; and then there are all the accidents and experiments that happen in pet owners' homes. Less frequently but still significantly there are abuse/neglect cases, though we respond to requests for help from local animal control agencies and do not 'raid,' 'investigate,' nor 'plot against' breeding facilities, despite what others might believe in the ARBA community. We simply don't have the resources to fight back at every source, since most days are spent treading water and making hard decisions about which shelter bunnies can come home with us and which must stay to be euthanized for lack of space in foster care, available good homes, or funds to pay the vet. The mission is one of rescue and education, not politics and infiltration.<br /><br />Like Judith, I'd love to see the gap bridged between ARBA and HRS, if only to stop some of the vitriol that poisons those younger members. Trust me, we want to be 'out of business' (but let me be clear we're all going broke doing rescue, despite the hilarious references to us as HR$ in some breeding circles). We don't want there to be rabbits who need rescue! The curious position of rabbits in the Western world as both livestock and pet makes this battle more than twice as hard for HRS than it does for a dog or cat rescue group. Can anyone imagine siding with a puppy mill, or passing local laws that allow one to eat or break the necks of extra dogs from breeding programs? HRS has to focus on the flow of homeless rabbits because that is the most urgent need, the lives lost daily. We are hardly equipped to fight battles of eating/breeding/fur-producing, and indeed that's not the mission. Our education efforts (which are significant) are primarily at the pet-owner level and convincing pet stores to cease the sale of rabbits. As surprising as it may be to some members of ARBA, we aren't out picketing nor are we even all vegetarians!<br /><br />One of the biggest barriers to HRS having a presence at an ARBA convention (other than policy) is that our mere presence gives the appearance of sanctioning that breeding exploitation. Casual attendees could easily assume we are part of, aligned with, or in agreement with rabbit breeding and showing, which is definitely not the case. Yes, we may post educational materials in some pet stores--but not stores that sell rabbits! That implies that it's ok to buy a bunny, which promotes breeding and the rabbit as a 'product,' something against our philosophy.<br /><br />I appreciated your thoughts in this post, and indeed if every rabbit-lover were so reasoned, the gap between HRS and ARBA would not be as wide. As it is, we struggle to save lives daily, and the other organization creates and destroys them. I fear never the twain shall meet until breeding and showing - exploitation - are out of consideration on ARBA's part, and that seems unlikely.Amyhttp://www.deitchley.com/blognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-35312895434704321762009-11-04T18:44:19.454+08:002009-11-04T18:44:19.454+08:00May I just say a word or two in praise of the lowl...May I just say a word or two in praise of the lowly wild Cottontail?Don Cronerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03047395949533329883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-85472220909703340682009-11-04T14:09:10.835+08:002009-11-04T14:09:10.835+08:00I wholeheartedly agree.
Very well reasoned, very ...I wholeheartedly agree.<br /><br />Very well reasoned, very well said, and definitely worthy of <b>everyone's</b> support -- not just rabbit fanciers.<br /><br />This is just one more reason why Digital Tibetan Buddhist Altar makes it a point to publish seasonal appeals for support of House Rabbit Society.<br /><br />I really do want to thank you for entertaining this dialogue in the spirit in which it was intended, and please be assured I am always praying for your success and happiness.<br /><br />P.S.<br /><br />Maybe I got a little hot, eh? Well.. the overstuffed coward with the red ball cap at the Silver Marten table, who confidently told me of smacking a bunny across the barn for spraying pee, caused the fuse to burn rather close to the powder. As it happens, I have a Silver Marten (Rambo) rescued from a topless dancer (long story) who has seizure issues from being mistreated (the rabbit, not the dancer).<br /><br />You can pray for the man, and I did and I do, because the rabbit got smacked once, whereas the man has a rather more frequent smacking in store as lifetime follows lifetime.<br /><br />Anyway... still wish you were there.Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17607443504553459238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-51902076925319773322009-11-04T13:37:00.593+08:002009-11-04T13:37:00.593+08:00Yes, you are right about preaching to the choir. ...Yes, you are right about preaching to the choir. But in reality, HRS chapters all around the world hold monthly and annual events where they invite the public (not just members), and successfully educate many people who never knew a rabbit could be litter box trained and live to run free indoors. <br /><br />At San Diego HRS, in particular, we hold a monthly speaker series, which we advertise to everyone - not just people on our mailing list - to teach people about housing, diet, advances in medical care, etc. (with many great speakers who come from outside HRS) and we get a lot of new faces. Our Bunnyfest brought in about 600 people this year. With these types of events being held around the world, our organization is making good progress. <br /><br />We send our education booths into community events at least once a month, reaching people who never thought of a rabbit as a family companion. <br /><br />Rather than in one large annual event such as the ARBA convention, HRS chapters - around the world - are constantly educating, step by step, little by little. <br /><br />Maybe, some day, we'll be ready to challenge ARBA on its doorstep, but for now we are taking the non-confrontational method by working within our communities (including young people) and bringing the message of indoor rabbit companions to thousands. We may not "get" them all, but we are offering the "other side of the story." <br /><br />Don't forget, too, that many of us HRS folks are just like you and others who chose the 'non ARBA' path. We were raised in the environment where rabbits were considered livestock and we turned away from it; it was not for us. We turned to a new message. Even though our organization seems to be an urban one, many of us come from farming and ranching backgrounds and grew to love the animals in that environment first, turning to a no-kill philosophy as we grew old enough and confident enough to make our own choices. <br /><br />This has been a good discussion and I hope that many will see that our goal - both of us - is to look at rabbits the way they might their cat or dog. As a sentient being, thought of as a family member, and given the opportunity to thrive and to live out its potential 10 to 12 years. <br /><br />Like you said - it's about the rabbits.San Diego HRSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-56371598650873190182009-11-04T13:09:08.956+08:002009-11-04T13:09:08.956+08:00BTW... the rule about not having an HRS table at e...BTW... the rule about not having an HRS table at events which condone the food fur fancy nexus is a bad rule. That is precisely where you SHOULD be, telling the other side of the story. If people never see or never hear, then what do you expect?<br /><br />Preaching to the choir isn't very satisfactory, you know?Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17607443504553459238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-81573348043652971332009-11-04T12:06:44.087+08:002009-11-04T12:06:44.087+08:00Well, only the photos of Old Rabbit and Daisy are ...Well, only the photos of Old Rabbit and Daisy are of my friends. The other pictures are of sly charmers who side-swiped me with their good looks.<br /><br />They are rascals, but what can I say?<br /><br />Search "rabbit" in the box at the right column of this blog, and you will find some photos of my other friends.Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17607443504553459238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-18304936394483973392009-11-04T11:35:51.003+08:002009-11-04T11:35:51.003+08:00I remember when Old Rabbit first arrived in Arcadi...I remember when Old Rabbit first arrived in Arcadia. <br /><br />It seems a million years ago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-34882090610765900452009-11-04T11:24:28.926+08:002009-11-04T11:24:28.926+08:00I agree 100%. It's about the rabbits. It has...I agree 100%. It's about the rabbits. It has to be, or what's the point? <br /><br />BTW, your BWB's are fabulous. Like you, they are my favorites too.San Diego HRSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-87614495715280514512009-11-04T10:27:07.066+08:002009-11-04T10:27:07.066+08:00I think your idea about breeders working in shelte...I think your idea about breeders working in shelters is an ideal step for ARBA: one of many I would like to see them take. I also agree with you that handing out leaflets might seem antagonistic (although I did not mean it in the "picket line" sense) -- in fact, I am a bit self-contradictory on that point, because I wrote back to someone who wrote privately:<i>"Imagine if everybody in HRS joined in the various clubs and groups and educated -- and voted -- instead of standing on the sidelines pointing fingers? What if alternative "shows" demonstrating how to care for and rehabilitate abused rabbits took the place of the ridiculous and barbaric breeding competitions?"</i> So maybe standing on the street passing leaflets could be interpreted as standing on the sidelines, pointing fingers. <br /><br />What I am trying to express won't fit comfortably here in the comments -- so look for an update on the post above very soon.<br /><br />I think we can all agree that something needs to be done, and maybe it is going to involve a bit of give and take on all sides.<br /><br />But again, I want to say -- it is about the rabbits, it is not about us.Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17607443504553459238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-22101815044592429152009-11-04T09:56:06.700+08:002009-11-04T09:56:06.700+08:00Yes, I see now that I missed a point that was made...Yes, I see now that I missed a point that was made in an earlier post which I had not read. <br /><br />You make some good points, I agree, and I would still make my point that while we are educating, breeders should try working in the shelters. By meeting in the middle I assume you "do" mean that ARBA folks should do the same. <br /><br />On one note, however, HRS chapters are forbidden to have a table at any event where rabbits are being displayed as food, fur or fancy. In other words, exploited by humans in some way. So we coudn't have been there anyway, at least not as official representatives of HRS. I wouldn't have endangered that status of our chapter by doing so. Handing out leaflets across the street would seem to be more antagonistic than establishing dialogue. <br /><br />Anyway, interesting blog and I think your observations show just how wide the path is between HRS and ARBA. That's one tough river to cross.San Diego HRSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-90922957521918872472009-11-04T08:40:37.376+08:002009-11-04T08:40:37.376+08:00You need to go back and read what I wrote very car...You need to go back and read what I wrote very carefully. I am not "aligned" with anyone. I am aligned with the rabbits. I belong to both ARBA and HRS because of the rabbits. I dislike ARBA's policies and want to see them changed. But, that isn't going to happen through divisiveness: it is going to happen through dialogue. It won't happen by taking sides, but by taking a stand. HRS should have been there <b>in force</b> even if it meant standing across the street handing out leaflets. You have thousands of people who are interested in rabbits turning up, and where was HRS? This was a missed opportunity to educate at the grassroots level, among the people who are most likely to be the cause of the problems you are trying to correct.<br />Sorry... but it needs to be addressed.Editorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17607443504553459238noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31865608.post-27559703975928902432009-11-04T08:33:02.091+08:002009-11-04T08:33:02.091+08:00I wonder, and don't understand, how you align ...I wonder, and don't understand, how you align yourself with the breeders, at the shows, when your heart tells you that animals should not be exploited by humans. The HRS philosophy strays very far from ARBA intentions, in that we also believe it's wrong to "show" rabbits. As you discussed, the process of getting to that 'perfect specimen' is a cruel one, and we - I specifically - believe that to subject rabbits to the show circuit in order to win prizes, ribbons, and sell them or their progeny is simply one more method of exploitation. <br /><br />HRS volunteers often feel that we are left to clean up the messes of breeders; rabbits in shelters, in backyards, from 4-H'ers, etc. but we also feel that even after having done all that, ARBA also expects HRS to do the educating. Isn't this, at least, one area where they can carry some of their own weight? Perhaps members like yourself (who view rabbit spanking as injurious to the rabbit) can educate from within. For perhaps, from among their own ranks, they might be willing to learn.<br /><br />I too, wish there could be a "meeting in the middle" but I think we are still far from it. Perhaps the day that breeders volunteer daily in shelters, they will come to understand HRS a bit more and we will appreciate their support in the trenches where animals die daily from a simple lack of enough homes. <br /><br />JudithSan Diego HRSnoreply@blogger.com