Best Friends Rabbits

Mr. Bogie's Wild Ride

Joy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:33:17 GMT

Flemish Giant Humphrey Bogart cause such a stir when he took his people Victor and Debby to Denver, that his trip received extensive coverage on Examiner.com.

Read the full story HERE

Posted by Joy Moffat, Best Friends Staff

Photo courtesy of Victor Gutschalk, Best Friends Staff

Resources

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:06:59 GMT

Documents

RabbitSick.pdf

Links

Guinea Pig Rescue

Rabbit Rescue

Shopping

Vet Recommendations

The House Rabbit Society has complied a list of member vet recommendations.

Like to talk about rabbits and guinea pigs?

rosebud — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:16:53 GMT

Hello to everyone. I am Debby Widolf, Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator for the Rabbit Dept. at Best Friends. I wanted to have a blog where we can post questions, give information, learn from each other, share pictures and stories about rabbits and guinea pigs as companions. Please write, I look forward to hearing from you on our favorite subjects.

RabbitSick.pdf

Anonymous — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 23:13:01 GMT

The Bunny Blog

rosebud — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 22:57:13 GMT

Relating to Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

What’s Up Doc?

scratchtopaz — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:50:12 GMT

Rabbit assessment pilot study launched by Best Friends

by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends staff

Designed by experts in the field of animal behavior The Rabbit Behavioral and Personality Assessment has one simple goal: to prevent rabbits from dying in the shelter system.

Debby Widolf, manager of the Rabbit Department, Dr. Frank McMillan, DVM, and Director of Well-Being Studies, both of Best Friends Animal Society, with Lucile Moore, PhD, author and rabbit expert have all come together to create this study. They are reaching out to individuals involved in the day to day care of rabbits. Be it a forever or foster home, local municipal shelter with a steady rabbit population, or a chapter of the House Rabbit Society- anyone that is caring for a rabbit and willing to document some easy but thorough observations are being asked to participate. This is the first time an in-depth personality study has been conducted on behalf of rabbits.

Study Makes for Interesting Bedfellows
Interestingly enough, the impetus to get to know these furry friends better, sprang from Dr. McMillan’s behavioral study of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick dog fighting bust. To understand their progress and better meet their needs, each of the Vicktory dogs has detailed information recorded about them on a daily basis from their Dogtown caregivers. To a prejudged group of dogs like those saved from a notorious dog fighting ring, getting to know their personalities as individuals was the key to not only dispelling myths but a way to tailor their ongoing rehabilitation. It is this principle that is being applied to help rabbits! Yes, all our domestic rabbits descend from European wild rabbits, however they’re also individuals with personality traits that are unique like snowflakes. Or so we assume – no one has ever done the research!

People that have lived with rabbits know they make great pets. Rabbits can be litter box trained, clicker trained for tricks and can be friendly towards an array of different species. They are adaptable to many different environments: from apartment living to a sprawling estate in the country. Unfortunately, many are perishing in shelters rather than being adopted out to loving homes, this study should also help change all that.

Clicker training rabbits from Reno rescue

“The Rabbit Behavioral and Personality Assessment study is to see if there are personality prototypes that we can identify by grouping together different traits. To give the personalities a name and have it mean something will also help shift the companion animal status more in their favor. That is, when people start seeing rabbits as individuals with distinct and interesting personality types rather than lumping all rabbits together as all pretty much the same, then there will be more appeal to choosing a rabbit as a unique household companion. Moreover, this will help homeless rabbits get placed into the right family. As this is the first time a study like this is being conducted there are both good and bad sides to it. The good part is that we are leading the way! The bad part is that there is no earlier work to provide some direction,” Dr. McMillan bravely stated as he goes where no veterinarian has gone before – down the rabbit hole of discovery.

Socialized rabbits make great friends!

“Dr. Frank is interested in the assessment of all animals and Lucile is a respected expert in rabbit behavior; it made sense to bring them together to help benefit rabbits everywhere. People don’t realize that they are the third most popular mammalian companion animal, so they wind up in animal shelters just like cats and dogs. The Rabbit Behavioral and Personality Assessment will be a tool to match up the right rabbit with his adopter,” Widolf shared.

When is a Rose Not a Rose? She Might Be a Daisy!
The ultimate idea is to be able to identify different behavior categories and to standardize the personality types and give them a name. For example: “Daisies” (seek out attention) or “Violets” (shy around strangers) - something this simple could help shelter staff look at their rabbits in a whole new light. They could say ‘this is a shyer rabbit’ rather than ‘this is an unadoptable rabbit’ and work on getting the rabbit into the right home rather than being destroyed.

So far twenty different rabbit rescues have received the assessment packets; the program is also encouraging people in the rescue arena to open up a line of communication with the Best Friends’ experts and one another. All the data will be shared with all the groups after Dr. Moore has compiled the results.

Proper handling and personality awareness make rabbits the perfect companion animal

Rabbits Fit With Many Lifestyles
Dr. Moore, coauthor with Kathy Smith of Touched by a Rabbit, is an excited participant in the project. She sees this as an opportunity to be able to classify personalities for people inexperienced with rabbits. As she explained, rabbits actually make fabulous companion animals for the modern family.

“Rabbits are good for people who work and lead a hectic lifestyle. They are active in the morning and in the evening – when most people are home, and generally rabbits are content to sleep during the day. If they are kept in a nice large enclosure, they are happy to chew and nap while their people are out. And different rabbits have different personalities! I have one rabbit that is best friends with my cat, and another rabbit that loves to play chase.”

Dr. Moore also noted it’s very important to not only know your new rabbit, but know what your rabbit needs from you. Rabbits do not make good pets for small children – their skeletons are very delicate, even the gentlest of children can mistakenly mishandle a bunny. Rabbits have been known to make friends with cats and dogs, but should never under any circumstances be left alone together unsupervised. Rabbits need their ‘free-roam’ environments to be rabbit-proof. This means no wires or favorite furniture or items within reach of the rabbit. Even when supervised rabbits can quickly chew through wood, metal, and your heirloom Persian rug is no match for those chompers!

This discovery work is an important step in helping homeless rabbits across the country. Through education and collaboration the future will be brighter for all companion animals, and this is another example of Best Friends helping to lead the way.

Calling All Rabbit Lovers!
If you or someone you know is caring for a rabbit and would like to be a part of this groundbreaking study, please email Debby Widolf at debby@bestfriends.org and Lucile Moore at rabbitlady@xpressweb.com for more information.

Adopt Your Next Bunny!
Best Friends has a lovely rabbit population with the right fit for you! Check them out on the Adorable Adoptables page

Sponsor A Bunny of Your Own
Get to know the rabbits of Best Friends by sponsoring your own new pal!

Are Rabbits Right for You?
Read more about caring for a pet rabbit and find out for yourself!

images by Best Friends photographers

St. George Cottontail Coalition seeking team members

tiffani — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:49:58 GMT

Love rabbits? Can you spare an hour or two a week to check in on the rabbits Best Friends will have available for adoption at the St. George Petco?

As a member of the St. George Cottontail Coalition, you'll be part of a team of local volunteers helping homeless rabbits find their forever families. Duties will include: visiting the rabbits at Petco, conducting home checks on potential adopters, transporting rabbits to and from the Best Friends sanctuary, as you are available.

This position is flexible to your schedule. Full training and support provided.

Skills
*Own transportation
*Responsible, professional demeanor
*Team player- able to get along with a variety of different people
*Knowledge of rabbit care a plus, but can be trained
*This is an adult or adult with youth volunteer opportunity

To join this team, please email Tiffani at tiffanih@bestfriends.org

Holiday Gift For Rabbits

jhayes — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:55:04 GMT

PETCO ends rabbit sales: opts for adoption only

By Cheri Moon

Rescue groups across the country are applauding PETCO's decision to stop selling rabbits at its more than 900 stores. Through its “Think Adoption First” program, PETCO will now partner with rescue groups to find homes for rabbits that are available for adoption.

Decision will save thousands of lives
Says Debby Widolf, Coordinator of Outreach and Advocacy, Best Friends Rabbit Department, "This is a monumental decision by PETCO. They are a massive retailer in every state of the country. By only offering rabbits for adoption, they will help reduce rabbit surrender and euthanasia rates. And that is very exciting."

Widolf adds, "A big thank you goes out to PETCO and the welfare groups who worked with them. This decision is one of kindness and compassion that will help homeless rabbits find loving homes."

PETCO will begin phasing rabbits out of its stores immediately. Beginning early in 2009, the only rabbits available at PETCO stores should be from shelters or rescue organizations.

Instrumental grassroots efforts
The House Rabbit Society, (HRS) a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing rabbits and educating the public about proper rabbit care, blames thousands of cases of neglect, abandonment, and euthanasia on impulse purchases of rabbits at pet stores. As of 2008, HRS volunteers alone have rescued over 20,000 rabbits—the vast majority originally purchased through pet stores and breeders.

PETCO's decision to stop rabbit sales is due in large part to the tireless grassroots efforts of dedicated humane workers and volunteers. For years, animal welfare groups have urged PETCO to stop the sale of birds, rabbits and other animals.

In 2005 PETCO agreed to stop selling Amazon and African grey parrots, cockatoos and macaws. PETCO currently works with its shelter partners to help adopt homeless birds of all sizes.

Building partnerships
The big-box retailer already has relationships with about 70 rabbit adoption groups—including the Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society, the Oregon Humane Society, the Animal Rescue League of Boston, San Diego House Rabbit Society and the Escondido Humane Society as well as other groups across the nation. The company is also communicating with the national House Rabbit Society to build additional relationships with local chapters and affiliates.

It is the continued dedication to providing companion animals with loving forever homes that will bring about a time when unwanted animals are no longer destroyed in shelters. Thankfully, this dedication is something that rescue workers and volunteers have in spades.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

■ Interested in adding a rabbit to your family? If so, please do the necessary research to determine if a bunny is right for you.

■ Once you discover that a rabbit will make the perfect companion animal, if your area PETCO does not feature a local rescue organization, check out Petfinder to fall in love with one of over 6,000 homeless rabbits listed or consider an adorably adoptable bunny from Best Friends.

■ Join the Best Friends Rabbit community to learn more about how you can support bunny and guinea pig rescue.

For more information:
• Petco showcases rescued rabbits
• Basic care and behavior of rabbits

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photo courtesy of the House Rabbit Society

Petco showcases rescued rabbits

tiffani — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:25:19 GMT

House Rabbit Society (HRS) is delighted to announce that PETCO has decided to cease its sale of rabbits in all PETCO stores. PETCO will begin phasing rabbits out of its stores immediately and as of early 2009, the only rabbits available at PETCO stores should be rabbits from shelters or rescue organizations.

HRS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing rabbits and
educating the public about proper rabbit care, blames thousands of
cases of rabbit neglect, abandonment, and euthanasia on impulse
purchases of rabbits at pet stores.

Because PETCO is one of the largest pet supply chains in the United
States, its decision to stop all rabbit sales will have an enormous
impact on the plight of surplus and homeless rabbits in this country,
and HRS applauds PETCO's intelligent decision.

HRS also applauds the work of animal welfare groups around the
country who have been urging PETCO for years to stop the sale of
rabbits, birds, and other animals in their stores. The work of these
groups has no doubt played an important part in PETCO's decision. In
addition, local rabbit rescue groups have also been instrumental in
this decision, through their work in establishing rabbit adoption
programs in their local communities, and ending the sale of rabbits
in those regions with adoption programs.

As the world's largest rabbit rescue organization, and with a website
that gets over a million hits per week, House Rabbit Society has
played a leading role in rescuing and placing abandoned rabbits
around the world. As of 2008, HRS volunteers have rescued over 20,000
rabbits, the vast majority of whom were originally purchased through
pet stores and breeders.

HRS encourages PETCO to reach out to animal rescue groups and animal
shelters all across the country in order to help those organizations
adopt out their homeless rabbits, birds, and small animals. PETCO
can, and should, play a leading role in rehoming, rather than
selling, adoptable animals in all of their stores, and HRS hopes that
PETCO will use responsible criteria in screening adopters, and
providing them with educational materials.

House Rabbit Society looks forward to working with PETCO to shine a
spotlight on the plight of unwanted rabbits, and to help end the
euthanasia of rabbits in our nation's shelters.

posted by Tiffani Hill, Best Friends staff, with permission from HRS. Photo of Benjamin Bunny Hill.

Little Miracles Rabbit Rescue wants miracle of its own

tiffani — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:54:32 GMT

Can you help this rescue?

We know that times are rough for everyone right now - however, we are concerned that with money and time in short supply, that those of you who support our mission overlook the TINY things you can do that help us so very much. Even $5 spent at the dollar store or Wal-Mart on cleaning products helps us immeasurably!

We are down to a critically low number of foster homes. The refrigerator is EMPTY of veggies. There are about three handfuls of the last bale of hay, and 25 lbs of food left. We are low on towels, we're missing EIGHT of our carriers that have been loaned out and not returned and we desperately need new toys, small cardboard boxes, wicker baskets to replace the ones that have been chewed and destroyed. The vet bill still needs $780 to pay it OFF.

The newsletter, which usually raises significant donations cost almost $160 to print and mail out - and not one single donation slip was sent back. Not a single person sent an item from our wish list. We're beside ourselves with need right now. We are taking in animals from foreclosure and financial disaster - and we're heading into one ourselves. Our electric bill is $350 a month, our phone/internet/printer ink/stamps cost almost $150/month. We are down to half a container of bleach and about three cups of laundry detergent. We have one bag of litter left. The rescue's bank account currently has $34.60 in it. That's not even enough to get us through the week with food & litter.

PLEASE look at the list below, pick ONE item that you can afford, and send it with love and our eternal gratitude to:

Little Miracles Rabbit Rescue
4073 Feather Terrace
North Port, FL 34286
LMRR

Want to donate online by credit/debit card? Simply go here:
Donate

Want to purchase items online to ship to us? Try these EXCELLANT stores:
www.oxbowhay.com
www.leithpetwerks.com
www.woodyswabbits.com
www.woodyswabbits.com
www.americanpetdiner.com
www.bunnybytes.com
www.petsmart.com
www.drsfosterandsmith.com

WE NEED: ** ASAP BALES OF HAY, Bags of FOOD, VEGGIES **
-Wal-Mart Gift Cards
-Home Depot Gift Cards

WE NEED CAT CARRIERS! We are down to SIX, and we REGULARLY transport more buns than that.

Bleach, laundry detergent, STAMPS, bunny litter (any paper based / we buy equine fresh from Tractor Supply!), LARGE bags of bunny food (any brand that is NOT a "fiesta" mix), hedgehog food, chinchilla food, chinchilla dust, cat food, trash bags, litter boxes of various sizes, towels/blankets, BABY TOYS, bunny toys, plastic balls (cat toys, dog toys, etc)

Do you have any of these strange Items that we need?
A shop vac, a cart on wheels (for moving around loads of carriers, laundry, trash, etc), large rubbermaid bins, plastic pitchers, sheets of plywood, drills (cordless and otherwise), carpet pieces

PLEASE take five minutes and think about what YOU can do to help, because YOU alone can make a huge difference, even with a very small donation. NO donation is *SMALL* when it's saving lives!

Cross-posted with permission of LMRR, by Judy Marshall, Best Friends Network Program

Indoor Housing for Rabbits

tiffani — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:55:26 GMT

article by Debby Widolf

All rabbits love a special place of their own where they can retreat and yet still be a part of family life. Here are some guidelines to follow when considering housing for your bunny:

● Many rabbit cages are too small to provide humane housing. A rabbit’s home or enclosure
should be large enough for the rabbit to stretch out all the way, with the back legs extended times one.
● The home should be tall enough to allow the rabbit to stretch to his full length when standing
on his hind feet.
● Provide a wooden shelf that the rabbit can hop up on. This gives your bunny a bit of exercise even when confined inside her home.
● The home needs to have an opening or door large enough for a litter box to pass through and for you to bring the bunny out of the house without injury.
● Wire bottoms are uncomfortable for rabbits and can lead to sore feet. If your rabbit’s house has a wire bottom, cover at least half of it with Plexiglas, a wood platform, or washable towels or blankets. Consider getting a home with a solid metal or plastic tray bottom – it’s healthier and more comfortable for your rabbit.
● Besides the litter box, you’ll need to equip your bunny’s house with a food dish, a ceramic bowl for water and lots of bunny toys. Even with all these items in his house, your bunny should still be able to stretch out comfortably.

One option for bunny housing is a dog pen. Pens provide spacious enclosures that have room for all the necessities, including toys and a wooden or cardboard house so your rabbit can “take a break.” One advantage of pens is that they can be easily moved from place to place. One note about pens: Some rabbits love to jump, so they may need a taller pen.

How elaborate you make your bunny’s house is limited only by your imagination and your pocketbook. Many people create and build their own “bunny palaces.” There are companies that sell double- and triple-level condos with ramps connecting the floors. Whatever type of housing you choose for your bunny, make sure he gets supervised time outside his house to exercise and interact with you.

Debby Widolf is the manager of the Bunny House at Best Friends. She oversees the care of 110 rabbits and educates the public about the care and behavior of rabbits. Photo from RabbitNetwork.org

Baby endangered pygmy rabbits born at Oregon Zoo!

tiffani — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:17:41 GMT

Watch some U-Tube footage of the US' smallest native rabbit!

Little was known about pygmy rabbits before 2001. Since then, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Zoo have joined together to save these one-pound bunnies from extinction. Read more about the pygmy rabbit and support these efforts.

photo courtesy of the Oregon Zoo

Bunny Photo Gallery : George & Gracie

iamk9mom — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:17:09 GMT

George & Gracie are both Reno Rabbits who are both amputees. Gracie is one tough bunny and the only one who can keep her inline is George.

Bunny Photo Gallery : Evie McSpeedy

iamk9mom — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:06:15 GMT

Evie is a Lionhead and was originally one of my foster bunnies from the Humane Society of Utah. She was severely underweight and developed snuffles. After getting her through the snuffles (even requiring penicillin injections) I was so smitten by her perky personality I had to adopt her. Another foster failure!

Bunny Photo Gallery : George

iamk9mom — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:50:25 GMT

George is a Reno Bunny and is an amputee. He's not handicapped--he's handicapable!

Bunny Photo Gallery : Benjamin Bunny

Tiffani — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:09:49 GMT

2 months old :)

Bunny Tunes live concert - LIVE HAY'd 2008

tiffani — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 18:50:08 GMT

Live Hay'd 2008 was staged in a riverside location in the Wye Valley and was a great success - already it has been decided to repeat the event in 2009.

The concert was recorded and will be available later this year as the Bunny Tunes Live Hay'd DVD which will be sold to raise funds for needy bunnies in the UK and USA - just like the Bunny Tunes albums.

The Live Hay'd Video DVD will be launched on Monday 1st September - order now to receive your copy upon release! (USA launch will be 15th September)

Bunny Tunes is a fundraising project formed by a small team of UK and USA-based companion pet rabbit owners dedicated to pet rabbit care and welfare.

The 'Tunes' include many well-known and favourite songs but adapted with a rabbity-twist. They are all written, recorded and produced in-house (or in-burrow) by the team and are available free in exchange for a donation to the the rabbit welfare charities listed on the ordering page. This is a fun project amongst a team of enthusiastic amateur song-writers, musicians and singers - and the songs are mostly in tune!

The CDs and DVD are available only from the production team, Bunny Camp Sanctuary Open Days (and similar events) which ensures that all donations are paid directly to their beneficiaries. They are not available for retail sale.

Article & photo courtesy of Bunny Tunes

Best Friends staff contribute to book about rabbit care

Tiffani — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:40:51 GMT

Debbie Widolf and Shelley Thayer share their wisdom in "When Your Rabbit Needs Special Care: Traditional and Alternative Healing Methods".

Amazon.com describes the book as: A complete guide to the care and behavior of rabbits with special needs, this resource provides information on topics as diverse as how to administer subcutaneous fluids to how sounds and color help promote healing. With photographs and drawings accompanying the text, this handbook features quotes from leading rabbit veterinarians and alternative healing practitioners from across the country. Information on basic care, pain control, digestive system problems, chronic illnesses, physically challenged rabbits, progressive disabilities causing mobility problems, dental problems, and emotional issues provide pet owners with the perfect reference to sustaining a longer, healthier life for their rabbits.

Story posted by Tiffani Hill, Best Friends Volunteer Manager

Urgent need for help in west Tennessee

Tiffani — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:17:45 GMT

Bartlett Animal Control in West Tennessee seized 119 rabbits Friday
evening from a breeder in a cruelty case. Evidently the rabbits are
purebred show lops in "unusual colors."

The shelter is desperate and needs help with placing these rabbits.
They are not spayed or neutered (but otherwise appear to be in good
health) and if a veterinarian were to offer their services with fixing
some of them, that would be welcome.

But beyond that, they just do not have the facilities for long term
housing for over 100 rabbits (they seized 30 dogs as well). If you can
help by taking in rabbits AT ALL, please contact the shelter directly
at (901) 385-6484. If you are a veterinarian and can help with spay
neuters, please ask for Kim Scheu, the shelter director, who you can
also email at kscheu@cityofbartlett.org.

photo from Microsoft Clip Art

COLORADO HOUSE RABBIT SOCETY: PROVIDING FIRST RATE CARE FOR SECOND CHANCE BUNNIES

tiffani — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:27:49 GMT

Byline: Shannon Gleason, News Writer, Best Friends Network

As animal welfare advocates, we are pleased, if not elated, when mistreated animals are rescued and placed in new homes that are safe, loving and permanent. Colorado House Rabbit Society, located in Broomfield, Colorado, goes the distance, and beyond, to provide bunnies-in-need the care, attention, and training required so that they may have a second opportunity to enjoy a forever home.

MEET FRANKIE AND MAX
Consider Frankie, a temporary resident of Colorado House Rabbit’s Society’s. He arrived starved, with head wounds so deep and infected that multiple surgeries were required, as well as daily, vigilant cleanings to heal the abscesses. The patient, nurturing volunteers of The Society never gave up on Frankie. Their dedicated efforts restored his health and enlivened his spirit.

Next, he would be adopted and meet Max, a 10 year old, blind rabbit, grieving the loss of his long-term mate. Max’s guardians were worried. They observed that when he woke from naps, alone, he appeared confused and disoriented. Realizing that Max needed guidance and companionship, his guardians adopted Frankie. The once compromised rabbit rose to the challenge, anticipating his new buddy’s every need. The two are now inseparable, as Frankie grooms Max and lies protectively across his body while they sleep. Frankie now extends the love and care to Max that he received at the shelter, giving new meaning to the cliché shared between friends: “I’ve got your back!”

SOCIETY FOCUSES ON RESCUE AND EDUCATION
Established in 1991, Colorado House Rabbit Society maintains dual purposes: rescue and education. In 2007, 168 bunnies were placed in new homes, made possible by nearly two thousand hours of donated time which volunteers spent on selection, pairing, education and travel. As a licensed, local chapter of the National House Rabbit Society, based in Richmond, California, Colorado’s Society receives a number of amenities, including educational support, networking and grant opportunities, national publicity and in-service training. However, the national organization does not provide Colorado’s chapter with income, so local donations are especially appreciated. As a nonprofit business comprised entirely of volunteers, those who contribute are assured that every penny of their donation directly aids the rescue and placement of rabbits, in addition to funding programs offered to educate the public about their specialized needs and care.

Three satellite branches span Northern Colorado, finding homes for rabbits and answering questions about adoption and health concerns. Considered “exotics,” from a medical point of view, rabbits require specialized veterinary care. The Society’s primary branch and satellites maintain lists of locally recommended veterinarians with clinical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of rabbits.

As in Frankie's case, Colorado House Rabbit Society works to heal each rabbit physically and mentally prior to adoption. Their knowledge of rabbits is extensive, and they are adept at matching characteristics of each bunny with the most suitable prospective guardians. The Society is committed to the success of each placement and provides ongoing support, resources and guidance to resolve problems which may arise after the adoption. “Tune-Up” classes, offered free-of-charge, are available to those who adopt rabbits from a shelter, work at an animal shelter or assist veterinarians. Topics of the course include handling rabbits safely and comfortably, techniques for grooming and nail clipping and procedures for cleaning genital pockets. Information is provided regarding ways to routinely check ears, eyes, chin and teeth so that potential problems can be detected and treated quickly.

RABBITS WHO DESERVE A SECOND LOOK
Members and supporters of The Society rally to the aid of special-needs bunnies through a program titled Rabbits Who Deserve A Second Look. For a variety of reasons, these rabbits have a difficult time finding homes; therefore, adoptive matches require the highest degree of compatibility and commitment. Older rabbits may need the exceptional devotion of those willing to look beyond the beauty of youth and appreciate these elders. These bunnies have frequently spent the bulk of their lives in someone’s home and, due to unfortunate and untimely circumstances, face the loneliness of shelter life in their later years. Often, they are well-mannered and dignified, truly reveling in the companionship of a devoted guardian. Other rabbits have significant health care needs and require a home in which the caretaker can routinely administer medications for conditions such as glaucoma or arthritis. These rabbits are eligible to become permanent fosters. Within this program, those who have time, space and loving care to offer are selected as suitable families, while all medical costs of the bunnies are covered by the chapter.

MEET CHRISTIE AND LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP
Kai is a bold, beautiful, big bunny, weighing-in at thirteen pounds. Those who know her say she is mature, sophisticated, and quite a character. One moment she’ll appear relaxed, sprawling across the floor, only to enjoy a burst of energy and bound across the room, performing “bunny dances.” Prior to adoption, her Colorado House Rabbit Society name was Christie. Characterized as physically stunning with the personality of a “ham,” she was selected to model as The Society‘s “Chairbunn” of Ways and Means. As one of their former residents, she seems to know that a little help can go a long way. Thanks to the generous time commitment of her adoptive Mom who is willing to commute, Christie travels from Colorado Springs to Broomfield for photo shoots so she can model for her web page, titled “How You Can Help.” The page illustrates new items The Society can recycle to generate income and announces the fundraising link Giveline. Though Christie’s description as a model is written “tongue-in-cheek,” all involved in her photo shoots note her pride and enjoyment as she investigates the props and poses for the camera. Christie’s adoptive sister Lily, at a third the weight but a beauty in her own right, attends the shoots, too, and joins in the fun. However, there is no doubt who owns the stage.

Please visit Christie today and learn of the many way you can help Colorado House Rabbit Society as they continue saving the lives of rabbits and educating people. She looks forward to introducing herself at http://www.coloradohrs.com/waysandmeans.asp.

Photo of FRANKIE courtesy of Colorado House Rabbit Society.