Enter the Rabbit: Gus

I got a rabbit today!

After taking the subway all the way to Seokchon station (a little over an hour away), I met Jennifer near the station exit. She'd brought the cage with her, covered in a towel to protect him against the bitter cold, and she gave me a couple bags of food. I finally learned his name: Gus. All I needed to do was find a cab and take him home.

Easier said than done! The first cab wouldn't go all the way back to Anyang, and the second cab driver didn't speak any English, so we had to figure things out using an interpreter service via cell phone. Once he understood where I wanted to go, we were off! Gus was very quiet, though he seemed fine when I peeked under the towel at him. I decided, at some point during the ride, that Gus must be short for something. So, his full name is Augustus St. John Carbuncle III. But he finds it a bit pretentious and too much of a mouthful besides, so we're sticking with "Gus", at least among friends.

The driver got us all the way to Anyang, but then there was some confusion about where my apartment building was. We drove around in circles until he finally drove past an area that was familiar to me, and I used my extremely limited Korean to direct him to the right neighborhood. Finally, home! Safe and sound.

I set his cage down in a cozy corner and took the towel off his cage so he could get used to the sounds and smells around him. I didn't let him out right away, not wanting to overwhelm the little guy. His water bottle was empty, so I filled it, and he chugged down the whole bottle so I filled it again. Instead of giving him more pellets, I gave him some celery and sprouts and a cardboard tube to gnaw. He seemed to enjoy playing with the tube, picking it up and banging it around the cage.

After awhile, I left his cage door open so he could explore. So far, he seems most comfortable staying near his cage. I spread the towel out in front of the cage so he has a warm, safe area that gives his little paws plenty of traction (my floor is apparently very slippery for bunnies). I set out a shallow cardboard box with more scraps of cardboard for him to play with, and he took to it quite happily.

Right now, he's alternating between cautious little exploratory ventures outside the cage, and just chilling out inside the cage itself. I can't tell if he's just resting or actually sleeping, as apparently rabbits can sleep with their eyes open (third eyelid and all). He's incredibly cute, very laid back, well-socialized and friendly. He doesn't seem to mind being petted, though he's still a bit nervous about sudden motion or sounds. I haven't tried to pick him up yet, not wanting to stress him out more than necessary. Overall, he seems pretty calm and content with his little bunny self.

What a nice way to start off the Year of the Rabbit. Maybe Gus will be my lucky charm! I'm already a little bit in love with the guy, I've got to admit. He's pretty sweet.

Okay, so here's the part you're all waiting for: PICTURES! Warning: Massive picspam below. Enjoy.

Bunny butt! Gus seems a bit camera shy.


Chillin' like a villain.


His little "safe" area.


Venturing out, finally.


What's over here?


Or here?


O HAI I R CUTE BUNNEH


What's over there?


So, there you have it. I'm sure I'll spam you all with more of Gus' adorable antics as time goes on. Now pardon me, I need to prevent him from crawling behind the fridge...


-Maria