Jennifer Russell of Silver Run, Maryland is the owner of the world’s oldest living rabbit.  At 15-16 years old, Heather was confirmed by the Guinness World Records earlier this month.  Russell adopted Heather in 1995 with papers saying the rabbit was two years old at the time.   According to Russell, Heather was quite the diva in her prime growling at cats that came too close, and while still spunky, the elderly rabbit now spends her time relaxing on the comforter and eating hay.

For more information, see wtop.com.

In Japan, home to many adorable and also very quirky things, there are rabbit cuddling cafes that people can visit to relax. Basically, patrons of the cafe can play with the resident rabbits, who have been trained to be amenable to petting and handling, and they can also eat rabbit-shaped food and buy rabbit-shaped pottery.

Watch the video here.

Rabbit Rescue Inc. of Ontario held BunFest on Sunday, August 23rd.  The event brought bunny owners from all over for a day of education and pampering. Owners were able to chat with vets and rescue staff about health, diet, care, and a variety of other issues. Bunnies could get pampered with spa treatments. There was even a bunny cafe where the bunnies could have a snack and take a rest.

There was an adoption area where visitors could meet rabbits in search of forever homes. Rabbit Rescue, Inc. took in more than 600 rabbits last year. Each year since being established in 2001 the rescue has taken in an increasing number of rabbits.

Check out a related article from Mississauga.com and the BunFest website for more details.

Ollie Parris visited Beech Tree Bunnies, a rescue in Leicester, and came home with two guinea pigs. He also came home with an idea; Ollie wanted to help the rescue. So Ollie took to the streets on his bike for a sponsored ride.

Ollie rode for two miles while his father jogged behind. He raised 217 pounds for the rescue.

His parents are very proud of what he has achieved.

Beech Tree Bunnies was formed six years ago and relies on donations to care for its current group of 30 bunnies and 10 guinea pigs. Visit the rescue at their website, www.beechtreebunnies.co.uk.

Story source.

Andrea Bratt Frick has been clicker training rabbits since she adopted a bunny named Filbert who was able to jump 36 inches.  She used a clicker to train Filbert to use his leaping ability to clear hurdles.  She uses the clicker to signal the rabbit to do a trick, which is followed by a reward. The reward is dependent on the rabbit, some rabbits like particular veggies or pellets, while others are satisfied with a nose rub.

She also uses the clicker to help abused or neglected rabbits become comfortable around people.  Clicker training helped these rabbits become less aggressive and more willing to be handled by humans. Frick works with the rabbits at Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter in Santa Barbara, CA.

Read the full article at The Examiner.

I guess Cosette found chewing envelopes to be quite exhausting.

It’s funny what rabbits find to be comfortable resting places.  I used to try to make/buy nice soft beds for my rabbits, but eventually determined from their reactions that these beds were apparently too wrinkly and weren’t saturated enough with rabbit urine (quickly remedied by them).  Instead, I discovered that rabbits (at least my own) prefer hard areas- like plastic food mats, hearths, vents, and as pictured below, entertainment stands.

Coco and Cosette relax in line.

I learned about this cute treat via Twitter (@GvilleRabbits, @bunE).  The recipe is from the National Watermelon Promotion Board and involves some carving and some attachment of features with toothpicks. I’m a little doubtful in my ability to recreate this, but if you could do it, I think it would be a real hit at a summer party.

Get the recipe at the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

After filming behind the scenes action for Lucas Film productions, Amy Do decided to branch out into something more earthly, rabbits. Her new documentary, Rabbit Fever, explores the world of rabbit showing.  Do follows the competitors at the National American Rabbit Convention over the course of five years.  Each year 20,000 rabbits are entered into competition for Best in Show, Rabbit King, and Rabbit Queen.

The film premiere coincides with the 100th anniversary of the American Rabbit Breeders Association.

To learn more visit the Rabbit Fever website.