Socializing with rabbits...

Feeling snubbed?

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Last evening after nightfall, I went out to feed the rabbits. I greeted Mrs. Rabitowitz, who was in the far back hedge which separates St. Joseph's wood from the garden. She appeared to be keeping watch as is usual, and therefore while thus occupied, she rarely speaks. In the beginning I always felt a bit snubbed, although I later came to understand she actually reciprocated my greeting with a slight nod of recognition. Feeling snubbed is nothing but a deception invented by self love for humans, whereas rabbits never experience it at all.

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To my surprise, as I leaned over to place the supper on the rabbit's little table, I noted a flash of movement out of the corner of my eye. I spontaneously glanced back towards the garage door, just a foot or two behind me, realizing one of Mrs. R's bunnies had just scampered past me. He sat rather gingerly upon the threshold, and peered in, looking all about. I watched quietly for a moment, yet fearing he might enter and get locked in, I greeted him softly, "Why hello! I don't believe we've met." Hearing my voice he quickly ran back into the south hedge a few feet behind me, where he remained while I set the table.

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Finishing, I stood there, much like his mum would, staring at the trellis; wild rabbits do that you know - they often do not look towards their children when they are close by, nor while speaking to them while away from the nest. As a protective measure, they usually position themselves some distance from the bunnies, pretending to look in another direction from where the children are grazing, thus attempting to divert potential hunters and predators. (And that is why Mrs. R keeps watch so far away and doesn't speak.)

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Trying to reassure the little fellow, I said, "So you must be Mrs. R's son? You've grown up so fast." Silence.

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"Oh my goodness, you're a shy little fellow, aren't you yet? For many years your mum was like that as well. But you'll soon learn you have nothing to fear from me - I just keep an eye out for all of you, nothing else." More silence.

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It occurred to me that it would be best if I continued to speak so that he grows accustomed to my voice; "You don't need to respond at all - I know you're there. I suppose I better let you eat your supper though. Please say hello to your dad; I hope he's still doing okay." True to form, bunny rabbit remained silent - he was well taught. A man ought never to waste his emotions feeling snubbed by them, remembering that when it comes to rabbits, it takes a very long time to win their trust - and it is ever so easy to lose it.

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Stepping back to enter the house, I turned to look at him, whispering, "Night-night Schmui! You are such a good boy." As if on cue, he suddenly ran away, down the hedge row, taking cover in the thicket.

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