Mr. Bogie's Wild Ride

                           Sightseeing in Denver

When Victor and Debby decided to take their 10-month old, 14-pound baby, Humphrey, on a trip to Colorado, they made all the usual arrangements. They packed his food, toys, snacks and the baby carriage. In Denver, the threesome shopped, visited friends, ate at restaurants, and got lattes (well, Victor and Debby had the lattes). Everyone had a great time, and Humphrey seemed to enjoy all the new sights and sounds, and napped in his carriage when he became bored. Occasionally passers-by would peek into the baby carriage to see the baby. That’s when they noticed…those ears. You see, Humphrey is adopted, and doesn’t look anything like his new father Victor (well, not much).

Humphrey Bogart (affectionately known as Bogie) is a Flemish Giant bunny. He was unwanted by a breeder and doomed to a fate we’d rather not think about. Luckily, he was saved by a rabbit rescue organization and came through Best Friends Animal Society. Traumatized by the circumstances of his life thus far, the stressed-out bunny bit several people in as many days, earning the nickname “Cujo”.  He came to Victor and Debbie’s house for a sleepover, and Victor took him into the backyard to sit with him. Bogie hopped over to where Victor was sitting on the ground and began delivering bunny kisses; a forever friendship was born.

                                             Naptime!

Victor and Debbie were planning a trip to Colorado to visit family and attend the Colorado House Rabbit Society Spring Fling. As Bogie was now a part of the family, it seemed only right to take him along for the trip.

Bogie has already been to California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. In fact, this seasoned traveler has been to Las Vegas (only proving that what happens in Vegas does NOT always stay in Vegas). His large fluffy tail suffered a fracture sometime in his dark days as a breeder rabbit, so instead of the usual “comma”, it is more like a “hyphen” – and adds to his extreme charm!

Apparently Bogie – unlike some people’s children – was so well behaved on his travels with Debbie and Victor that most people did not realize there was anything but a (human) baby in the carriage (until they took a closer look and saw…those ears).

                                                  Checking on the baby

Pet carriages are readily available in pet stores, online, and through online auctions. The prices vary widely, but with a little research you can find a reasonably priced carriage. Make sure the carriage that you get has a mesh covering so your bunny gets plenty of fresh air (some carriages come with occlusive “weather coverings” and no mesh covering). While Bogie did not make any breaks for freedom, pet carriages generally come with a hook fastener; a bunny harness hooked to this fastener would prevent any mad dashes through the mall.