slavetoabunny
Well-Known Member
Our rabbit rescue was featured in another newspaper article. They did such a wonderful job!
http://www.myhometownnews.net/index.php?id=53674
By Jeanne Willard
Staff writer
VOLUSIA COUNTY - Vinny's cute and cuddly with large pink eyes and a friendly disposition, but he lacks a permanent home.
He's a foster rabbit - one of several up for adoption through the Daytona Beach chapter of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue.
"Look at this little guy," said chapter co-founder Liz Ober, as she nuzzles Vinny and leaves a scarlet lipstick kiss planted on his snowy white fur. "He was in horrible shape when we rescued him."
February marks "Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month" and the organization wants to get the word out that there are many rabbits in need of both foster and permanent homes and they make wonderful pets.
"A rabbit plays and socializes just like a dog or cat," said co-founder Patti Brant. "They are very social and they like to be out with the family."
Acquired from the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, Vinny required extensive medical care to recover from a host of problems stemming from owner neglect, Ms. Ober said.
He'll need committed caretakers, she added, because Vinny is a special-needs rabbit.
He's lost some teeth, leaving him unable to chew hay, and requires formula, which Ms. Ober whips up into soft "meatballs" to supplement the pet's nutritional needs.
That extra effort is not a deterrent to the Port Orange resident and animal lover, who said she's grown fond of Vinny.
"These rabbits are wonderful, loving pets," she said.
Ms. Ober and Ms. Brant said tough economic times mean there are more abandoned pets, including rabbits.
Rabbits have been found abandoned in foreclosed homes and out in the wild after owners were no longer able or willing to care for them, Ms. Ober said.
She said parents sometimes buy baby rabbits as gifts for children, but the kids grow tired of caring for the pets, especially as they grow larger.
"It's an 8-to-10 year commitment," she said.
As volunteers for the Halifax Humane Society, Ms. Ober and Ms. Brant recognized the need to rescue rabbits that the Humane Society could not accept and to prevent euthanization.
"Rather than euthanize," Ms. Ober said, "we will pull them, get them medical care and get them into foster care."
Since they started the local chapter in May, they have been successful in placing more than 50 rabbits.
"Since we have gotten involved with the shelter," Ms. Brant said, "not one single rabbit has been euthanized there."
An Ormond Beach resident, Ms. Brant has two rabbits of her own and is trying to find permanent homes for two more.
Ms. Ober also has two rabbits and is trying to find a good home for Vinny.
Funded by grants, private donations and the help of local veterinarian's such as Dr. Alicia Emerson at the Port Orange Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic, the non-profit rescue group is dedicated to finding permanent homes for unwanted or abandoned rabbits.
There are more than 100 rabbits available for adoption between the Daytona Beach and Gainesville area, officials said.
The organization welcomes volunteers and donations and is in need of foster homes.
The rabbits are spayed, neutered and litter-box trained before being adopted.
People can adopt rabbits through the Gainesville Rabbit Rescue for $45 for one or $80 for a "bonded pair" or through local humane shelters, Ms. Brant said.
The Halifax Humane Society is promoting rabbit adoptions during the month of February with a special fee of $20.
Because volunteers have been caring for the rabbits available through Gainesville Rabbit Rescue, they get to know the animal's unique characteristics, Ms. Ober said.
"We can match the rabbit with the family," she said. "Because we know the personalities."
http://www.myhometownnews.net/index.php?id=53674
By Jeanne Willard
Staff writer
VOLUSIA COUNTY - Vinny's cute and cuddly with large pink eyes and a friendly disposition, but he lacks a permanent home.
He's a foster rabbit - one of several up for adoption through the Daytona Beach chapter of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue.
"Look at this little guy," said chapter co-founder Liz Ober, as she nuzzles Vinny and leaves a scarlet lipstick kiss planted on his snowy white fur. "He was in horrible shape when we rescued him."
February marks "Adopt a Shelter Rabbit Month" and the organization wants to get the word out that there are many rabbits in need of both foster and permanent homes and they make wonderful pets.
"A rabbit plays and socializes just like a dog or cat," said co-founder Patti Brant. "They are very social and they like to be out with the family."
Acquired from the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, Vinny required extensive medical care to recover from a host of problems stemming from owner neglect, Ms. Ober said.
He'll need committed caretakers, she added, because Vinny is a special-needs rabbit.
He's lost some teeth, leaving him unable to chew hay, and requires formula, which Ms. Ober whips up into soft "meatballs" to supplement the pet's nutritional needs.
That extra effort is not a deterrent to the Port Orange resident and animal lover, who said she's grown fond of Vinny.
"These rabbits are wonderful, loving pets," she said.
Ms. Ober and Ms. Brant said tough economic times mean there are more abandoned pets, including rabbits.
Rabbits have been found abandoned in foreclosed homes and out in the wild after owners were no longer able or willing to care for them, Ms. Ober said.
She said parents sometimes buy baby rabbits as gifts for children, but the kids grow tired of caring for the pets, especially as they grow larger.
"It's an 8-to-10 year commitment," she said.
As volunteers for the Halifax Humane Society, Ms. Ober and Ms. Brant recognized the need to rescue rabbits that the Humane Society could not accept and to prevent euthanization.
"Rather than euthanize," Ms. Ober said, "we will pull them, get them medical care and get them into foster care."
Since they started the local chapter in May, they have been successful in placing more than 50 rabbits.
"Since we have gotten involved with the shelter," Ms. Brant said, "not one single rabbit has been euthanized there."
An Ormond Beach resident, Ms. Brant has two rabbits of her own and is trying to find permanent homes for two more.
Ms. Ober also has two rabbits and is trying to find a good home for Vinny.
Funded by grants, private donations and the help of local veterinarian's such as Dr. Alicia Emerson at the Port Orange Ravenwood Veterinary Clinic, the non-profit rescue group is dedicated to finding permanent homes for unwanted or abandoned rabbits.
There are more than 100 rabbits available for adoption between the Daytona Beach and Gainesville area, officials said.
The organization welcomes volunteers and donations and is in need of foster homes.
The rabbits are spayed, neutered and litter-box trained before being adopted.
People can adopt rabbits through the Gainesville Rabbit Rescue for $45 for one or $80 for a "bonded pair" or through local humane shelters, Ms. Brant said.
The Halifax Humane Society is promoting rabbit adoptions during the month of February with a special fee of $20.
Because volunteers have been caring for the rabbits available through Gainesville Rabbit Rescue, they get to know the animal's unique characteristics, Ms. Ober said.
"We can match the rabbit with the family," she said. "Because we know the personalities."
