Review

Book Review: Rabbits: Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits

Review by: Homer C. Emery, Ph.D.
Posted on NewsBlaze.com July 21, 2007

You don't need to own a rabbit to find Marie Mead's Rabbits: Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits: Inspirational Stories of Rescue, Triumph, and Joy both inspirational and educational. If you already share your home with a rabbit or are one of the thousands of individuals actively involved with rabbit rescue then Mead's new book is a must have item.

Written with collaborator Nancy LaRoche; Rabbits: Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits provides the reader with stories not only of inspiration, but also, a variety of "how to hints" about rabbits. For example, on page nine a sidebar at the end of Stardust's story provides insight on dealing with rabbit deafness. This same sidebar approach is used at the end of each story and provides a wealth of information and guidance on dealing with special problems ranging from vision problems and creating trust to holiday concerns.

The account of the 2006 "Great Rabbit Rescue" in Reno, Nevada was amazing. A December phone call to the Best Friends Animal Society, from an elderly caller, requesting help with what was described as a pair of rabbits and several litters soon turned into a major news event. What the caller forgot to mention was that the several litters had also had several litters. By the time the rescue effort was completed more than 1,600 rabbits had been saved from what could have been tragic consequences.

Original art work and colored photographs are provided through out the book. Some readers might be tempted to purchase an extra copy just to be able cut and frame several of the original sketches and paintings. These would make great gifts at Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions along with a copy of the book. I especially liked Beverly Endsley's watercolors used in the story about Brown Beauty.

If you do not already have a rabbit as a companion you will find the guidance provided in the "Afterword" section at the end very valuable. Mead provides information on rabbit care ranging from the basics and finding quality veterinary care to dental hygiene in a non-technical and easy to understand manner. Additional resources on finding rescue organizations, medical texts and internet websites are also included in this section. One word of warning about Rabbits: Gentle Hearts, Valiant Spirits. If you don't already share your home with a rabbit or are one of the thousands of individuals actively involved with rabbit and animal rescue, you may just get hooked.

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