Rabbits doing fine (and holding): dog doing fine
There’s been an eerie kind of quiet at the rabbit rescue ranch over the past three weeks. An odd lack of activity has descended upon the whole compound. What is causing such unbridled calm? NO MORE BABY BUNNIES BEING BORN!!!
That’s right folks, it’s been three weeks since the last rabbit birth took place. And according to Rapid Response Manager Richard Crook, this means “we are officially out of the woods.”
As of June 15, 1320 spays and neuters have been performed at the ranch. The remaining 100 rabbits have been separated by sex so there will be no more hanky panky.
And that’s not the only good news for the rabbits. They have overcome the worst of a Coccidia outbreak. Several juvenile bunnies passed over the rainbow bridge when they contracted the microscopic parasite --- but thanks to quick work separating the affected population from the healthy rabbits, the outbreak was contained. The Coccidia bunnies were immediately treated and most are ready to hop around with their friends.
The rabbits also successfully overcame the Snuffles, an unspecified respiratory disease identified and named by Richard Crook.
“The rabbits were sneezing and sniffling,” said Crook. “‘Snuffles’ seemed an appropriate title for their symptoms.” Those bunnies are breathing easy now, too.
Because no more bunny buns are baking in the oven and illness no longer poses a threat, the rabbit rescue ranch has more of a rabbit relaxation ranch. But yesterday, a flurry --- make that a furry of excitement --- rocked the grounds. And it had nothing to do with the rabbits.
It seems a small dog had lost its way and was running toward the ranch. As she moved closer, Richard noticed a pack of coyotes in hot pursuit. When the dog raced by, he jumped into a tractor and positioned himself in between the coyotes and the dog. Richard’s bark scared the coyotes away. He called out to the dog, who ran happily into his arms.
“I named her Lucky, because, well, that’s what she is,” said Richard.
(pictured with Richard Crook, left) has taken up temporary residence at the ranch headquarters until her people come to take her home. If she doesn’t have people, Richard said she’ll go up for adoption. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a home, he said, because “she’s so friendly and cute.”
The rabbits are pretty cute, too. And hopefully, it won’t be long before they all find new homes too!
Written by Amy Abern. Photos by The Great Rabbit Rescue volunteers.