Make Mine Chocolate Easter Message

[NorthernAutumn]

Are you looking for a way to influence people not to buy rabbits as Easter pets?

Here are two easy ways to make a difference:


Method #1]

I Found this great letter at Make Mine Chocolate. (http://www.makeminechocolate.org/mmceditor.doc)

I sent it to my local newspaper, and it actually got published!

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Dear Editor:

Over the next few weeks, thousands of local adults will be tempted to buy an Easter rabbit for a beloved child, godchild, grandchild, niece, or nephew. And a few months from now, our local animal shelters will be, as they are every year, inundated by a flood of cast-off bunnies. I ask that everyone who is considering buying a rabbit this year stop and think about two important facts:

First, although rabbits can make wonderful pets, they are naturally fragile and timid. An active child who expects a cuddly pet can easily terrify or even injure a rabbit.

Second, a well cared for rabbit should live as long as large dog (ten years or more) and will require just as much love, attention, and veterinary care as a dog or cat would. So don’t give an Easter rabbit to a child unless you know that the child’s parents will be happy to take on a decade-long commitment.

If you want to make a child’s Easter happy, don’t give a live rabbit unless you know it will be loved and cared for throughout its natural life. If there’s any doubt, give a stuffed or chocolate bunny instead.

Still interested in a Rabbit? Do some research first.
The sites http://www.makeminechocolate.org and http://www.rabbit.org are great places to start!

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Method #2]
I personally revamped the MCC flyer, and put it up on my local online classifieds sites.


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AD TITLE: Are you considering buying/selling a Bunny this Easter?


Make Mine Chocolate!

Before you bring a pet rabbit into your home at Easter, please consider these facts:

- Rabbits are NOT low-maintenance pets! They require as much work as a dog or cat.
- Rabbits can live 8-10 years, sometimes longer.
- The necessary spay/neuter can cost $100 or more
- Rabbits require routine veterinary care.
- Rabbits are not a good pet for young children.
- Rabbits are not cuddly - they can become frightened when held!
(They would rather sit beside you and be stroked.)
- Pet rabbits cannot be set "free" - it's a death sentence.

This Easter, why not make it a CHOCOLATE bunny, or a cuddly stuffed toy instead?
Let's make it a Happy Easter for bunnies too

Help spread the word that rabbits are NOT disposable pets!

Visit http://www.makeminechocolate.org
to see if a rabbit is really the right pet for you and your family


or, Contact Me (an experienced owner of 3 rabbits) for more info!
I'd be happy to talk with you


---------------------------------
I sent both messages out with my "internet rescue efforts" email addy attached. I deleted and reposted the craigslist ad several times to help keep it at the top of the page. Be careful not to post too many duplicate messages, as you may be flagged for spamming.

If you want to forward it on, just be sure to make a rabbit advocacy email address for yourself (keep your personal info safe ). Many people wrote me to thank me, and I answered many bunny questions!

Some people wanted to buy a rabbit, so I sent them to play this game: The Interactive Bun (http://www.makeminechocolate.org/learning.php)

You can also direct people here, to RO.

Remember, keep it frank, firm and friendly! Your tone and response determines how effective your message will be


****Anyone can use my ad, or the letter from MCC... just copy and paste, it's all good

 

[pOker]

awesome job!

I hope you dont mind that I used your e-mail as a rough draft of my own..

Over the next few weeks, thousands of local adults will be tempted to buy an Easter rabbit for a beloved child, godchild, grandchild, niece, or nephew. In most areas, bunnies are shipped off to rescues a few months later, but there are no rabbit rescues here, and the rabbits will most likely be released in the woods. I ask that anyone that is planning on buying a rabbit this year as an Easter present, stops and thinks about these 2 things:

First, although rabbits are great companions, a young child can easily hurt a rabbit and not even realize they are doing so. Just scaring a rabbit can kill it.

Second, a well cared for rabbit could live for up to 10 years, and requires just as much work as a cat or dog. It requires vet visits, dental work, and lots of love and care. Vet bills for a rabbit could cost much more than dog vet bills because there are not many rabbit savvy vets nearby.

Rabbits need to be 'trained' to use a litter box, they require a certain amount of food and hay each and every day, they require over 3 hours of excercise every single day. Rabbits are NOT low-maintenance pets.
Rabbits do not enjoy being held, and could hurt a child by trying to get away..Does that make it dangerous? NO, It makes it a survivor.

If you want to make a child’s Easter happy, don't buy them a rabbit unless you know that the child will care for the rabbit every single day of its life. If the rabbit is ever being neglected or forgotten, it needs to be reported immediately to a shelter or foster home.
Still interested in a Rabbit? Do some research first.
The sites http://www.makeminechocolate.org and http://www.rabbit.org are great places to start!

If you know of a rabbit that needs immediate care, or needs to be put in a shelter or you just have some questions-go to
http://www.thebunhut.weebly.com
and go to the contact page and submit.

Make Mine Chocolate.

-Hannah-



YOu really did a great job.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Your email looks terrific, Hannah!

Anyone can use my ad, or the letter from MCC... just copy and paste, it's all good

 

[RandomWiktor]

Awesome work! Folks, be sure to post this around any social networking sites and other forums you are on as well; this time of the year my signature on all non-bunny forums becomes the Make Mine Chocolate banner with a link to the site.

 

[kirbyultra]

NYC RRR is sending out a Make Mine Chocolate campaign notice in a special newsletter as well.

Autumn, you're an inspiration. It's so great that your local paper published it! With Easter approaching fast, I better get to work contacting local papers here as well. I'm sure there are many little ones in NYC. My assumption is that the bigger papers won't bother with a notice that doesn't generate revenue!

 

[pOker]

kirbyultra wrote:

NYC RRR is sending out a Make Mine Chocolate campaign notice in a special newsletter as well.

Autumn, you're an inspiration. It's so great that your local paper published it! With Easter approaching fast, I better get to work contacting local papers here as well. I'm sure there are many little ones in NYC. My assumption is that the bigger papers won't bother with a notice that doesn't generate revenue!

Yeah, and we know now that The New York Times wouldnt bother with it..After that recent article.

 

[kirbyultra]

pOker wrote:

kirbyultra wrote:

NYC RRR is sending out a Make Mine Chocolate campaign notice in a special newsletter as well.

Autumn, you're an inspiration. It's so great that your local paper published it! With Easter approaching fast, I better get to work contacting local papers here as well. I'm sure there are many little ones in NYC. My assumption is that the bigger papers won't bother with a notice that doesn't generate revenue!

Yeah, and we know now that The New York Times wouldnt bother with it..After that recent article.

Pretty much! Boo to them.

 

[countrybuns]

I am so glad out my way people do make theirs chocolate! I think I may be the only pet bunny owner in my entire town lol and the closest breeder only adopts out spayed or neutered buns and she is still 30 minutes away from us. Good luck to your campain I hope you make a difference!

 

[Jessyka]

I was just emailed this:

"Jessy- Do you know about the new law for Nashville/Davidson Co.? It is now illegal to sell bunnies, chicks, ducks (and pups, etc.) beside the road, in parking lots, etc.

We used to have a huge problem before Easter with people setting up their little stands, selling bunnies and dyed chicks. So, if you see anyone doing this, report it to the police or animal control."

SCORE! arty: