Hop to it
Bunnies never get any press. This is a plea from a Long Island rescuer (and friend) who has her hands (and hutches) full:
<<Need temporary, donated garage space in Nassau County: Owners let breeding rabbits get out of control and we volunteers are trying to contain, sex, neuter, medically treat and socialize about 35 rabbits. Many rabbits have injuries/wounds/abscesses from being loose and getting into fights. Despite volunteers' Herculean efforts, three litters were born in last 2 weeks (one litter died). One broken leg bun recuperating in my home, a few bunnies being fostered/adopted in volunteers'
homes.
We are making twice-daily visits to the site to keep the situation under control and help keep the bunnies clean and fed. And with the hot weather, we are trying to prevent deadly heatstroke and flystrike. We are doing adoption events for these rabbits at a local Petco.
So far, we have the cooperation of owners to access their property but we *desperately* need to move the bunnies -- most all now sexed, separated and caged -- into a centrally located garage, warehouse or basement that we have free access to, because it is getting hot, too crowded, and fly infested in the filthy, cluttered, tiny shed on the owners' property.
We can keep the bunnies and their cages clean but we need space to do it. We cannot turn around in the shed where the bunnies are now. And we must constantly keep rotating in frozen water bottles to keep them from succumbing to the heat.
Do you know anyone with a relatively cool, unused garage who would like to help by lending us their space for a few months? Or perhaps a business owner with basement storage? As I said, we'd need access because the volunteers are really dedicated and are making multiple care visits daily-- early before they go to work, and late at night too. Finding an ideal space at this point is more important than anything.
Thank you for any suggestions!
Mary Ann Maier, Licensed Educator
NYC House Rabbit Society
(516) 671-6654
Poor little bunnies need so much help. The same thing happened where I live in Sacramento. Lots of Bunnies, and exotic ones too, at the City Animal shelter - it really taxed their resources. These were all in good health though, maybe 40+ of them. I thought about adopting one, but they are time intensive and I was afraid one of my dogs might "catch" it and then "you know" - no more bunny, or dogs would bark too much etc. and I was concerned about the bunnys' quality of life. They are sweet, and live a long life under ideal circumstances, but require much care.
Posted by: Cynthia | May 31, 2006 at 04:37 PM
oooh I wish these bunnies good luck- I wish I had a garage- I have aa 1 bedroom apt :-( I will ask around and again - good wishes.
Lydia
Posted by: lydia | May 31, 2006 at 04:37 PM
I love the idea of having a bunny because they seem so sweet, but judging by my Sam's the intense interest in squirrels and rats, bunnies would be a poor lifestyle choice for us!
Posted by: Jessa | May 31, 2006 at 04:47 PM
Jessa, I second that. My Samurai would go crazy after a bunny. All ready, he thinks the birds might be dessert.
And I don't even have to wonder what the Coonhounds would do to the bunny - they caught and killed a rat last week, that turned real nasty, and they played king of the hill, take it from me if you can, and probably even invented a couple of new games, before I finally removed the dead over-sized monster from the back yard.
Posted by: Cynthia | May 31, 2006 at 04:51 PM
How about coordinating an adoption program with a local special needs school,retirement complex, nursinf home, posting on petfinders,etc. You may be able to find homes for some...
Posted by: hb | May 31, 2006 at 09:35 PM
O good shepherd, seek me out, and bring me home to thy fold again.
Deal favorably with me according to thy good pleasure,
till I may dwell in thy house all the days of my life,
and praise thee for ever and ever with them that are there.
St. Jerome (c. 342-420)- This is the saint folks that walked with a lion by his side. The original
"Androcles", Jerome, according to legend, pulled the thorn from the lion that was terrorizing his monastery. They became fast companions. He is another animal lover! While I doubt that any of us would think that he/she was a candidate for canonization, if you love animals you are good company.
Best Shepherd, the God who not only made the world and all its creatures, but took joy in protecting and nurturing those He created, We lift up a prayer on behalf of Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles. Continue to nourish and keep them safe from all harm! Bring them to someone they can trust (one of the NYC angels?)and help that person to bring them home to Jil and Rick, Sharon, and Ashley.Let them sleep safely warm and away from the thunderstorms- let them be cradled in the arms of the creator. Thank you for the healing which is taking place in Baby Girl and Madison. Thank you too for the healing taking place in Dante and Murphy! Bring miraculous healing to Nell. Show us,and teach us, the way in which You wish Vivi, Biggie, and Sniffles to be rescued. Comfort and uplift us when we become discouraged. Embrace all who will join You in Paradise this night! Unite them with all who have gone before. Count us as members of Your flock when it is time for us to journey home. Let this journey with Vivi serve to increase our faith in You. Bless and keep from harm all of Vivi's angels. Reward their efforts By letting them see and rescue our little ones. Send Your Angels and Saints to support them in their pursuit of this graceful whippet. We give You the night watch Loving Father. Let us sleep well knowing YOU ARE IN CHARGE.AMEN!
http://www.saintpatrickdc.org/ss/0930.htm
'Night all!"
Posted by: Sharon (MI) | May 31, 2006 at 11:30 PM