If you bite the ear off a real bunny, one thing is for sure - it won't melt in your mouth. And although a candy bunny might leave chocolate stains, that's nothing compared to the mess a real rabbit can create. If you're thinking about giving someone a live animal for Easter, you might want to reconsider, or at least do some serious research first.

The Humane Society of the United States sponsors the "Make Mine Chocolate" campaign to urge everyone to think about the lifetime care that a rabbit requires. The goal of the campaign is to help reduce the large number of rabbits who are relinquished by their owners, particularly in the weeks and months following Easter.

South Suburban Humane Society in Chicago Heights is also hoping to spread this message.

Many people think rabbits are low-maintenance animals that can sit in a cage all day, but this isn't the case. The result is that many Easter rabbits are given up to animal shelters. Some are even set free outdoors, which is a death sentence for domestic bunnies, South Suburban warns.

If you're still not convinced, think about this before bringing home a rabbit.

* A healthy bunny can live seven to 12 years.

* Rabbits shed all their fur at least three times a year and are not good for those with allergies.

* Bunnies need daily exercise outside of their pens or cages.

* To keep odors down, the rabbit's litter should be changed daily. Owners may also consider neutering their pet to prevent marking and other unwelcome hormonal behaviors.

* That being said, neutering a rabbit can be costly.

If you are still up to the commitment, a bunny can make a wonderful companion pet.

South Suburban does have adoptable rabbits that have already been neutered for a $75 adoption fee. These guys will be available for adoption after the Easter holiday and can be seen at participating PETCO stores. Available pets are also pictured at www.sshspets.org.

Other critter news

I took my dog to meet the Easter Bunny at the Humane Society of the Calumet Area one year. She preferred sniffing the other dogs, meeting the other humans and trying to sneak baked goods off the tables above her, but overall, she had a lot of fun.

The Munster shelter will again host an Easter bake sale and pet photos event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Donations are needed for the bake sale and can be dropped off at the shelter starting Tuesday.

Photos with the Easter Bunny cost $6; children and pets are welcome. Raffles will be included. For information, call (219) 922-3811.

The opinions are solely those of the writer. She can be reached at jpallay@nwitimes.com.