THE BIG-CITY LIFE OF STEVEN J.BIKE SHOP RABBIT IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Bicycle Roots is a full-service bike shop. It's in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Joe Lawler is the co-owner and service manager. Perhaps more important, he's "dad" to the shop's most popular employee. That's Steven J. Lawler.

- VANESSA NIRODE

Steven J. is a brown Rex rabbit. He's six years old. Or maybe seven. He rides to and from work in a backpack Joe carries on his bike. At the shop, his responsibilities include shredding cardboard and helping sell new bikes.

Joe keeps a hutch, or cage, for Steven J. on the counter in the service area. From there, Steven can watch all the action. Wild rabbits spend a good portion of their days in underground burrows. Pet rabbits have the same need to feel safe and secure.

Steven roams free in the shop sometimes. If it gets too busy, though, he looks for a place to hide. Joe usually has a spare cardboard box around for that purpose.