Put a Pin in Your Easter Bonnet or Basket. Live Rabbits are no Spring Fling By Robin Roth Compassionate, intelligent parents don't buy bunnies for their children at Easter, unless they are chocolate, or an adorable pin. That's the message of Make Mine Chocolate, a campaign committed to educating the American public that live rabbits aren't loving Easter gifts. This year's campaign with Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue of Phoenix, Arizona, discourages people from buying rabbits as disposable Easter gifts. The group aims for their latest campaign to join the ranks of the pink breast cancer ribbon and the yellow ribbon supporting American troops for a cause many find just as important. Make Mine Chocolate's goal is preventing impulse purchases that often result in more rabbits being placed in animal shelters and with rabbit rescue groups. Rabbits are a common but misunderstood creature, according to the organization. Contrary to popular perception, they are not cuddly pets happy to be toted around by their young owners; rabbits also aren't low-maintenance animals, content to sit idly in their cages. Rather, rabbits are highly social but often fragile creatures that require regular interaction with their human family, an appropriate diet, and veterinary care provided by a rabbit-savvy veterinarian. Like cats and dogs, they must be spayed or neutered for both behavorial and health reasons. Properly cared for, rabbits can live as long as large dogs. So keep an eye out for the ceramic bunny with the blue ribbon. And think twice before you take that cute little bunny home. Pins can be purchased for a $5.00 contribution by contacting Emily Smit on behalf of Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue at 520-884-4375, 520-293-3198, or emilysmit@earthlink.net. www.makeminechocolate.org