Pet Forum / Mammals / Rabbits / December 2008

Friday we will be finishing the remodeling of our upstairs. We put in
new rugs, ceiling fans, and have turned the third room into a second
office. Included are, a custom desk, a Murphy bed, and a Compu-trainer
exercise bicycle. What with all the work, and people going up and down
the stairs, I added latches to the gates that keep the rabbits from
going upstairs into the computer room. The rabbits get to play in the
living room between 4 and 8 PM. My routine consists of vacuuming,
setting up the Carrot Village, and releasing the latches, closing the
gates to the upstairs. I never forget vacuuming or setting up the
village, but quite a few times I have forgotten to close the gates.

I don't have to tell you, rabbits are not stupid and they see
everything. Wizard immediately saw that the gates were open, and before
I could turn around he was gone. Yeah Jump and Zolo where there, Wizard
was gone. In a panic I ran upstairs only to find Wizard sitting on a
green rug in the bathroom. I'm sure he thought, "Wow, a green rug just
like the one I have in the kitchen". I picked him up and took
downstairs. Wizard hates to be picked up. Yeah there was a second time,
and a third time, and a fourth time, etc. I think I have a mental block
about the gate. Or perhaps, Wizard got me with a genjutsu, [That would
be the ninja art of creating an illusion in and opponent's mind. In my
mind the gate was closed. LOL].

The second time he went up I found him under the bed. I spotted him with
my flashlight. In the pleading voice I said, "Wizard! Come out from
under the bed". To my amazement, he came out from under the bed. Then I
said, "Okay wizard you have to go downstairs". Now this really got me.
He went downstairs.

The next time he went upstairs, I saw his tail disappear around the
corner as he headed right for the bedroom. I was right behind him. I saw
him go under the bed. I called, "Wizard come out!" He came out and went
right downstairs. Like most rabbits he has a tough veneer, but he's
really a very sweet rabbit. Sprinting upstairs, past the gates, and
under the bed, has become one of his favorite games. While the boys were
on the fold out table eating carrot, I realized I had left the gate
open. I figured as soon as the rabbits finish eating carrot I would go
immediately and close the gate. Wizard, no slouch, saw the gate was
open, and left right in the middle of carrot eating. Quick as a bunny he
was up the stairs and under the bed. When I said, "Come on Wizard!". He
came out from under the bed and went right downstairs.

I've gotten a little better, just a little, at keeping that gate closed.
Wizard always checks, and looks a little disappointed when he sees that
I remembered to close that gate. If he does get upstairs, he always goes
downstairs when I ask him to. Go figure! I've included a photo of Wizard
being escorted downstairs. He loves playing with me but appears to be
sad that the game is over. Enjoy the photo, and I hope you enjoyed the
story.

http://image69.webshots.com/669/9/28/62/2052928620042966404Uppzcq_fs.jpg