My house rabbit, Harriet

Before adopting Harriet in 2019, my last experience of owning a pet was Cookie, a hamster when I was about 13 and it is fair to say that my Mum did most of the hard work.

Fast forward to the present day and my partner and I decide to look I to rescuing a cat. Due to where we live we were told we would only be able to adopt a very old cat due to the fact we do not have a garden.

We had not previously thought about rescuing a bunny though until we went to our nearest animal rescue place just to have a look. It was then that we came across the most fluffy rabbit named Harriet. She crawled out of her safe bedding area to come and say hello, despite being told by the staff she had never done that before. We took that as a sign from the universe.we went home to think about it and returned the next day to talk to them properly

We asked why she was there in the first place and apparently the previous people had found her to be too anxious and nervous. I felt so sad that they couldn’t give her the time she needed but happy we were able to take her home.

She hid away for the first couple of weeks only emerging for food and would shrink away if we tried to stroke her. However, we had lots of patience and trying to hand feed her eventually did the trick. She still isn’t too keen on being picked up but ultimately rabbits are prey animals and prefer to have all four paws on the ground.

For such a small little rabbit she has taught me a lot.

We all need our own space: as humans we can feel bad breaking up a conversation or leaving early. If Harriet feels too overwhelmed by visitors or noises, she stays with us for as long as she feels comfortable and then hops off somewhere she feels safe

Different moods: our vet said that rabbits are special and can have their down days. I definitely know when Harriet prefers to be left alone. She stops nudging for headstrokes and will take any bits of food or treats to another part of the room and eat them in peace. Sometimes taking some downtime is all you need

Happiness factor: there is nothing more comforting than stroking her soft head and fluffy fur and her coming over to say hello. She is gentle and doesn’t like quick movements or loud noises so I’m definitely more mindful of my own actions when I am around her.