Hulk Asks, 'Why Do Hoomins Abandon Animals': Go Ask Wally

NATICK, MA - He’s a bonafide Internet sensation, and probably the biggest bunny celebrity to hit social media Wally the Bunny has 217,000 followers on Instagram, and he’s been featured in numerous media outlets, including People Magazine, CNN, Good Morning America and the Boston Globe.

Now, Wally (and Molly) assist and entertain Patch readers each week with the advice column “Go Ask Wally.” Each week, we’ll field questions from readers, and pick the most interesting one, with Wally answering one question each week on Natick Patch.

QUESTION: Hi Wally. My name is Hulk and I was abandoned. I have a question for you. Why do hoomins abandon bunnies like me? Me and the other bunnies at Wellington Rabbit Rescue love your page. <3 Love, Hulk

ANSWER: Hi, Hulk! It’s ME, Wally! Oh, Hulk. How sad and terrified you must have been when you were abandoned. The people of Wellington Rabbit Rescue are true champions and deserve a lifetime supply of basil leaves. Your question is difficult, Hulk. Why would humans abandon bunnies? Do you think it’s because we don’t wag our tails like dogs? Or have colorful fins like fish? Maybe it’s because we don’t have majestic antlers like moose? Or manes like horses? Or snouts like pigs? Would people keep us if we mooed like cows? Chirped like birds? Spun in wheels like hamsters? Is it because we’re vegans? Is it because we can’t do gymnastics like Simone Biles? Or play the cello like Yo Yo Ma? Or sing like Joni Mitchell? Or rap like Nas? Or paint like Van Gogh? Or dance like Misty Copeland? Hmm … probably not.

These are just my own subconscious insecurities and desires surfacing. My apologies. Could it be that our society doesn’t value and understand animals as it should? Perhaps we are lacking compassion for these beautiful and complex beings. If more animals could talk, they would communicate how scared and sad and lonely they feel when abandoned. And if more animals felt comfortable crying in public, they would weep and ask for tissues. I don’t think it would be as easy, then, for people to walk away.

You and I both know, Hulk, that pets are not filled with cotton batting like stuffed animals; we have beating hearts and sensitive, intelligent souls. Many people fail to explore and learn about the complexities of animal companionship. They are then surprised by and unprepared for the dedication, patience, and time involved in caring for an animal. Uninformed about the importance of neutering and spaying, they may also allow animals to breed, producing enormous families!

And while baby bunnies are such cute wittle fluffy, puffy, muffin shmuffins, each one requires a committed home. I encourage people to read more about pet overpopulation because, contrary to popular belief, even my wisdom is not always comprehensive. Hulk? Thank you for your question. I am sure that lots and lots of bunnies who find themselves in shelters have asked the very same question. I truly hope that you are – or have been – adopted by a wonderful, loving, and joyful family!

Wally (and his mom) fields questions that range from life’s conflicts and local politics to social etiquette to general hygiene and fashion tips. If Wally thinks the question is beyond his scope of expertise, he will pass it to his administrative team.

So what say you? Have you a question for Wally? We will compile them here at Patch and feature one question and answer each week. Send your questions to charlene.arsenault@patch.com. Or post your query in the comments section.

Photo Credit: courtesy Molly Prottas