Look! It’s a BUNNY!

Once upon a time in 2016, there was a small bunny rabbit who had no name. He was with a group of other small animals and was working at a petting zoo at Christmas time. He loved it when the children would pick him up and hold him, but they always put him back down.

One day he overheard a lady tell his owner that she had always wanted a lop-eared rabbit and asked where she might get one. The owner said, “You can have this one for twenty dollars!” The lady gave the owner a $20 bill. Before I knew it, I was picked up and put in the arms of that sweet lady who became my mom. I could tell that I would be very loved and was given my very own name. She started to call me Jingles like bells because it was Christmas. She continued adding names to Jingles and settled on Mr. BoJingles! I loved my name and even snuggled my cold nose under her warm neck.

She took me home with her and placed me in a dog crate. She took a cookie tin and filled it with litter and put it in the crate with me. I really needed to potty and figured that was why she had placed it there. So, I jumped up on the tin and pottied. My mom was so pleased!

I met my sister Bella, a black Shih Tzu, and I loved her instantly. Bella told me all about how she was a therapy dog and that she got to visit hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. Right then, I decided that was what I wanted to do, and I told my mom.

Mom carried me with her to a Faithful Paws training meeting where I was the perfect gentleman. I was passed around to everyone there and stayed very calm and still. I was so happy to hear the instructor say that I had the temperament to be a therapy bunny and a member of Bella’s group, Faithful Paws. Before I could even do a blitz, I was certified and licensed as a therapy pet and was given a badge with my name and picture on it. I couldn’t wait to get home and tell Bella.

Since then, Bella and I have made hundreds of visits to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, libraries, the Children’s Museum, and the Discovery Center. I even go with my mom to Sunday School to her 3–4-year-olds class. She always dresses me up and puts on one of my many hats. Mom says that I have more clothes than she does!

I have the cutest little trick that everyone always wants me to do. I have a little wooden toy that my mom rolls to me and says, “Throw it.” I always pick it up with my teeth and toss it. I usually do this several times for everyone’s entertainment. They think I am so clever.

My mom has an 86-year-old friend on hospice that we visit 3-4 times a week. She lights up when she sees me and reaches for me. She says that I calm her and make her heart so happy. I always go to sleep when mom puts me in her arms. Sometimes the friend goes to sleep, too. She always tells me that she loves me. I really love her too.

I truly love to make people smile and forget their worries, even for a little while. I love to be held and talked to. Sometimes they even sing to me and rock me. One of my favorite places to visit is in the pre-surgery department at the hospital. Mom puts me in a patient’s arms, often someone who is dreading their operation. Holding me makes them laugh and relax. They always want their pictures taken with me. After all, who would believe them if they told someone a rabbit came to see them in the hospital? 

However, I am not just another run of the mill rabbit. I am invited to all kinds of parties, celebrations, and special occasions. I was a guest of honor at a nursing home for a lady’s 100^th birthday. Now I am invited and I go every year. She just celebrated her 103^rd birthday. 

The same day that she became 103, my sweet sister Bella crossed the rainbow bridge. I still miss her. She was a wonderful therapy dog and very instrumental in my becoming a therapy pet.

I am so very proud to be a member of Faithful Paws Houston where I am friends with about 350 dogs and one cat. Mom and I usually make 3-4 visits a week, and I love every one of them! I get to spend one-on-one time with my mom who loves me very much.