Social and Emotional Support: A Healing Network for Your Bunny
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Volume 6 Number 1 THE PUBLICATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY Summer 2014
Social and Emotional Support: A Healing Network for Your Bunny
By Marlene Larkin Editors: Linda Cook & Maureen O’Neill
I
n graduate school I had an oppor- highly social, emotional, and intelligent
tunity to build an expert system. It beings, they need similar support net-
modeled the types of observations works. They seem to do best when fight-
and decisions that nurses perform ing an illness if they have the support of a
when assessing whether patients companion, or reinforcement in the form
have the resources to overcome their of love and attention from humans, in the
illnesses. Patients with fewer resources least stressful environment possible.
to combat illness or disease were con- Caeden was a rabbit at the Georgia
sidered to be in “adaptive impoverish- HRS who demonstrated this concept.
ment.” Measurements of the patient’s The first time I saw Caeden and heard
blood pressure, temperature, pulse, his story, I assessed him as adaptively
Caeden, fully recovered and waiting for a
and other physiological dimensions impoverished. His owner was homeless
forever home.
would all be captured as well as the and staying in a shelter. When the shelter
patient’s social connections, emotional One example is a woman who had discovered she had a rabbit in her room,
state, spiritual beliefs, and strength of battled throat cancer for two years and Caeden was tied outside to a tree with a
the patient’s support network. was in remission. She had signed up leash. Caeden had suffered fight wounds,
In modeling the system, which to take some classes in the hope for a probably from a second bunny who had
was based on interviews with expert future healthy life. After a recheck, her passed away, and he had mite infesta-
nurses, what was remarkable is that doctor bluntly informed her that her tions and other parasitic issues. The own-
factors unrelated to the physiology of cancer had returned. Sadly, she passed er had no money for proper rabbit food,
the patient (e.g., their social support, away two days later for no physiolog- so she had given Caeden an apple and
emotional state, etc.) could have a ical reason, as the cancer had not yet a can of moldy creamed corn. His diet
greater influence on their ability to progressed to be fatal. What the doctor alone should have killed him. The owner
fight their illness than the physiologi- didn’t realize is that she was adaptively expected him to die from his injuries but
cal readings. Patients perfectly within impoverished, and her resilience to deal when he didn’t, she took him to a vet
normal ranges of most physiological with her illness was completely depleted. to be put to sleep. When she found she
measures who were impoverished in The lesson of the importance of could not afford to have the vet perform
other dimensions (lacking social and the non-physiological dimensions on the euthanasia, she took Caeden back
emotional support) could have more healing always has stuck with me, so and tried to do it herself by feeding him
difficulty in managing their illnesses. much so that when a bunny arrives at her antidepressant medications/poison.
Patients with strong social support our Georgia HRS shelter with multiple Imagine the mindset of a rabbit attempt-
networks could have a number of medical issues I want to know the ing to survive outdoors with inadequate
physical readings outside the normal bunny’s background so I can gauge shelter, inappropriate food or no food,
ranges, but nonetheless achieve re- whether the bunny may need more as- wounded, then having humans either
markable recoveries. sistance in recovery. Because rabbits are abandon him or attempt to poison him.
Photograph by Ed Christensen House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 1SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT IN HEALING / Continued
Fortunately, we received a call about is the heart and soul that counts. From supported and cared for. In doing so I’m
a bunny tied to a tree, and a volunteer those needing social/emotional help, I trying to build up their support
rushed to his rescue. In addition to his feel privileged to help them. Being an network for the dimensions that I know
medical injuries, all of Caeden’s adopted person myself, I know how they are every bit as important to their physi-
support networks had failed him. can feel and react in this strange cal recovery.
Although he still tried to survive, his de- environment.” Joy Gioia, chapter manager of St. Lou-
meanor seemed depressed and hopeless. In addition to emotional support is HRS, also adds “Not only do buns from
Part of his recovery was rebuilding his offered by a human, having a companion poor backgrounds need extra love and
trust by reassuring him, in ways that he of their own kind can be invaluable in attention, but also we categorize some of
could understand, that he was now safe: building a support network for bunnies. the very happy and social buns as ‘needy’,
protected and surrounded by a network When I try to describe to others the value and make extra attempts to adopt them
of people who would care for him and to a rabbit of having a second rabbit— to people who will have a lot of time for
attend not only to his medical needs, but even if it is not a bonded pair—I describe them because we’re concerned that they
also to his emotional ones. it as if aliens (kind, well-meaning aliens) will go downhill if they don’t get that
As expected, Caeden was not resilient took me to another planet. I would be social time. Some buns seem more
and took a long time to recover. However, terrified out of my mind, first by the interested in human attention and, al-
with the care of numerous Georgia HRS fact aliens had traveled to our planet though bond mates are wonderful, these
volunteers who became his new support and abducted me, and second by the buns really need a lot of human atten-
network—feeding him, providing very nature of being alone in a bunch of tion. They appeal to everyone because
medicine when needed, and giving copi- weird-looking beings trying to tell they’re so social, but that doesn’t mean
ous petting sessions and loving voices of whether I’m a pet, entertainment, a everyone is right for them.”
support—Caeden now is fully recovered medical experiment, or dinner. Sadly, (continued on page 8)
and waiting in a wonderful foster home bunnies fill those last three roles far
until he can find his forever home. For too frequently in our society. The aliens
HRS volunteers, it is cases such as this— may feed me well and take care of all my
when you see the bunny first recover physical needs, but I’d likely experience
from injury, and then blossom under incredible stress from the uncertainty
the love and protection they have always and fear. If they suddenly brought me a
deserved from humans—that fill up your new human, I wouldn’t care what that
heart. It is as good for the caretaker as it person looked like, what language they
is for the bunny being nurtured, and is spoke, or even if they were necessari-
one of the great rewards our volunteers ly a good person back on Earth. I’d be
experience. clinging to that human like an over-eater
“We always take into consideration clings to a bag of Cheetos.
the social and emotional factors,” says I’m always happy when bunnies
June Booth, an HRS educator and fos- make it out of our medical quarantine
terer in Slidell, LA. “The ones who need area (which I liken to the silver, metal-
special care in that area come to me. I lic alien spaceship) and can at least be
love working with them as I do with elder moved into the adoption room where
buns. These bunnies give back far more they can see that they are with other
than I can give to them. From the elders, rabbits. As a volunteer, I also try to spend
I learn dignity: when one’s body chang- time with those bunnies in our medical Caeden—wounded, starved, tied to a
es, you have to deal with fewer physical area, giving them gentle touches and tree, abandoned, poisoned—rescued by
abilities than you had as a youngster. It talking to them softly to help them feel Georgia HRS.
2 House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 Photograph by Carl StilwellCONTENTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Editor: Beth Woolbright
Feature/1 Regarding Bunny Road Trip! (Abé, Vol. usually place the rabbit on a Bed Buddy, which
Social and Emotional Support: A 5, No. 11) the one big thing that’s missing is you warm in the microwave, for a minute or
Healing Network for Your Bunny probably something Shana Abé does with- more. Then, I gently place the rabbit on my lap
Marlene Larkin
out conscious thought. Before allowing your and put both hands on the side of the stomach.
Down the Rabbit Hole/4
Bunnies Leap From the Pages of bunny(s) to roam the hotel room, very carefully I gently massage for 15 or 20 minutes. I’m not
Children’s Literature (with flashlight in hand) inspect all areas (e.g., saying don’t see your vet, but sometimes the
Linda Cook under beds and behind furniture) they can rabbit will start eating the next day. If there is a
Behavior/6 access. I have found d-CON and other poisons gas bubble, a gentle massage can break this up
Respecting Rabbits (chocolate is one we forget) in out-of-sight and get the rabbit back on track.
Nancy Montgomery and Amy places. Electric cords, sharp objects, and other
Bremers physical hazards lurk in bunny-reachable Sincerely,
Rabbit Personalities/7
Insight/8
nooks and crannies. I cannot state too strongly Donna Jensen
How Do You Do? how important it is to be very diligent in your House Rabbit Society, Burrow Inn
Beth Woolbright inspection. A close call with a missed rat poison Northern California
Health/9 container the same color as the carpet in a AAA
Spay and Neuter Clinic a Success! three-star property taught me, no matter how Thanks, Donna! You’re right; massage can defi-
Anne Martin, PhD tired I was, to make an inch-by-inch check with nitely be helpful when rabbits are experiencing
Bunny Brigade Members/11 a flashlight. a little digestive trouble, especially if the trouble
Warrenwise/12
My method is to first clear the bathroom is gas. Massage can break that up and make a
An Hour Before Midnight
Anne Martin, PhD as it is normally very easy to do and affords a rabbit feel so much better.
comfortable and quiet area for the post-trip Thanks for all you do to help rabbits!
House Rabbit Journal acclimatization. Additionally, it allows the
Executive Editor humans to do all the checking and organizing
Beth Woolbright
Coordinating Editor of the rest of the room without further stressing Q: What can I do to try to keep my bunny’s nails
Amy Bremers the furry ones. shorter?
Department Editors
Shana Abé
Linda Cook Tim Dowdle A: The frequency with which a rabbit’s nails
Maureen O’Neill
Rita Richardson Member from Issue One! need to be trimmed depends on the surface they
Gayle Kiviat hop on. If your bunny is on carpeting or vinyl,
Designer/Editor
Sandy Parshall Thanks for the great additional advice. And you can try this idea. Place the bunny’s water
thank you for helping HRS help rabbits for over bowl on a layer of bricks or else flip a granite tile
House Rabbit Society
is a nonprofit corporation and its publication, 25 years! over so the rough side is up and place the bowl
House Rabbit Journal, is published at on that. In theory, regularly hopping on that
148 Broadway, Richmond, CA 94804.
HRJ is copyright protected and its contents may Hi Amy, rough surface may result in wearing down the
not be republished without written permission. I enjoyed reading your article in the Journal nails—at least a little.
Executive Director about rabbit massage (Bremers, Vol. 5, No.12).
Anne Martin, PhD I have been rescuing and fostering for House Editor: Do you have suggestions, comments,
Board of Directors Rabbit Society since 1991. We have had very few feedback you’d like to submit to House Rabbit
Margo DeMello, PhD rabbits with digestive issues but when we do, Journal? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at
Mary Cotter, EdD
Dana Krempels, PhD massage is one of the first things we do besides HRJEditor@rabbit.org
Beth Woolbright subcutaneous fluids. A gentle massage can get
Marinell Harriman
Kathleen Wilsbach, PhD thing moving in their digestive tract. Some of Go to rabbit.org/hrj for guidelines on sub-
Laurie Gigous us have found that even the movement of a car mitting original articles, photos, or
Joy Gioia
Paris Grey ride to the vet can get a rabbit back on track. I illustrations.
House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 3DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Editor: Shana Abé
Bunnies Leap discovered in a theater that was showing adventure story, it is also a female
From the Pages of “Dracula.” All indications, including the
fact that the new member of the family
empowerment story. The illustrations
are cute and the heroine is clever in this
Children’s Literature sleeps all day and wakes only at night, book that’s based upon a story Heyward
By Linda Cook lead Harold to believe that Bunnicula is told to his daughter.
a vampire. This story is perfect to read Guess How Much I Love You, by
aloud. Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita
W
hen did you begin to love A Bunny for All Seasons, by Janet Jeram. This simple, sweet story for
bunnies? It’s a personal Schulman, illustrated by Meilo So. This the youngest bunnyophiles comes
question, and one that often book, which will be appreciated by in a variety of editions. Regardless of
has no simple answers. For me, one the very youngest and the very oldest its format, the tale is timeless. A little
of my first introductions to literature of bunny aficionados, is a work of art. hare tries to tell his dad how much he
started it all. My kindergarten teacher Schulman’s text describes the happiness loves him (“I love you as high as I can
read “The Velveteen Rabbit” to us—oh! that a bunny finds in all four seasons of hop”), but the older hare always bests
How I loved, and still love, that book. nature, and So’s gorgeous watercolors, his descriptions. It’s the perfect book to
For more decades than I care to share, which are very striking, delicately depict read aloud or to hear right before you
I have continued to read and collect the transitions of nature and the bunny fall asleep. The fanciful drawings are
books about rabbits. Children’s books, herself. charming, fun to look at, and discuss.
in particular, may be the first experience A Classic Illustrated Treasury Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest
any of us have with the characteristics of Rabbits, Chronicle Books, San Bunny, by Jan Karon, illustrated by
of rabbit protagonists. Impressionable Francisco. This delightful hardback Teri Weidner. In an effort to find the
minds retain those first concepts of book offers wonderful poems by girl for whom he was made, toy bunny
bunnydom in tales of whimsy, humor, different authors, as well as full-color Jeremy, a British rabbit, is determined to
and gentleness. drawings and illustrations by various complete his journey to North Carolina.
Here’s a look at a baker’s dozen artists within its 28 pages. Walter de The impeccably dressed Jeremy meets
of my favorite children’s books about la Mare and William Wordsworth’s a variety of people and other creatures,
rabbits. Some are silly, some are poetry is included, along with the likes including a parrot, an owl, and a kindly
thought-provoking, and some are almost of Elizabeth Coatsworth’s “Song of the ship’s captain. The color illustrations
spiritual in their approach to the grace Rabbits Outside the Tavern,” of which are just lovely. Karon, author of the
and character of rabbits. I hope this list I am especially fond. It refers to the
provides some reading options for both rabbits being outdoors in the cold,
those who have children in their lives, watching the people inside who “laugh
and those who do not. Gather ’round, and eat and are warm.” But “they never
regardless of your ages, and let’s read dance as we dance….”
about bunnies! The Country Bunny and the Little
Gold Shoes, by DuBose Heyward,
Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery, illustrated by Marjorie Flack Larsson.
by Deborah and James Howe, illustrated This book, first published in 1939, is
by Alan Daniel. This book for grade- about a little girl rabbit who grows up
school children reminds me a little of to be Mother Cottontail, the parent of
the humor found in my beloved Beverly 21 children. She longs to be an Easter
Cleary books (think “Henry and Ribsy”). Bunny, and finds that her skills, courage,
The story is told by Harold, the family and determination suit her well in her
dog, who recounts the arrival of a bunny quest. Although this is a wonderful
4 House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 Illustration by Oliver WilliamsDOWN THE RABBIT HOLE
“Mitford” books, wrote this storybook—a turn out to be more of a curse than gift. family bunny. A family goes out and
good tale to read aloud chapter by Other readers see the theme of “Be their inquisitive rabbit finds adventure
chapter—for her daughter. afraid of what you don’t understand” in in closets and other forbidden places
Rita Rabbit and the Runaway Pie, this story. while they’re away. And how do they
by Valorie Tatum, illustrated by Tanya The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery discover where their bunny has been
Stewart. This little paperback was Williams, illustrated by William when they return? Well…how do you
written by a special-education teacher Nicholson. This long-beloved book has know where your rabbit has been? This
who wanted to provide families with been updated and published in many is the only children’s book I’ve seen in
a book that would help them focus on other editions, but this is my favorite. I which rabbit poop plays a significant
family-oriented goals. The humorous love Nicholson’s gentle illustrations, and role! I appreciate the matter-of-fact way
story is about the three sons of a mother the language that remains true to the the bunny “trail” is presented.
rabbit who has just baked a pie. The period. It is a fantasy story of a toy rabbit Voyage to the Bunny Planet,
black-and-white drawings retain the who desperately wants to become Real. by Rosemary Wells, who is also the
“rabbitiness” of the mischievous bunny But more than that, it is a tender story illustrator. “Far beyond the moon and
siblings in this tale that’s just 26 pages about hope, and how love transforms us. stars/Twenty light-years south of Mars/
long. I cannot read this book without crying, Spins the gentle Bunny Planet/And the
Little Bunny on the Move, by Peter and have spoken to other people who Bunny Queen is Janet.” Wells’ work is not
McCarty, who also is the illustrator. tell me that the story touches something a single book, but a collection of three,
In this picture book with the softest deep within their souls. all featuring adorable bunnies and
of pastels and very little text, a little humorously illustrated by Wells herself.
white bunny is traveling. We don’t “This book, which will be “Moss Pillows” stars a bespectacled
know where the bunny is going, but the appreciated by the very youngest bunny named Robert, who has a rough
bunny obviously does, and does not and the very oldest of bunny day as a visitor in his cousins’ home;
want to stop. One of my favorite aspects aficionados, is a work of art.“ “First Tomato” stars little Claire, who
of this book is that the bunny appears - Linda Cook also has a disappointing day; and “The
only as “Little Bunny,” and is not Island Light” stars Felix, whose illness
gender-specific, so anyone can identify What Have you Done, Davy?, involves getting sick in front of the
with this eye-catching protagonist. by Brigitte Weninger (translated by whole class and a scary shot. Each wee
Each illustration depicts shimmering, Rosemary Lanning), illustrated by bunny finds respite in an imaginary trip
delicate textures combined with moody, Eve Tharlet. This is the delightful tale to the Bunny Planet, where Queen Janet
surrealistic beauty. of Davy, a rambunctious bunny who is there to comfort them. f
The Little Rabbit Who Wanted unwittingly wreaks havoc everywhere
Red Wings, by Carolyn Sherwin Bailey, he goes one day. He annoys his brothers
illustrations by Dorothy Grider. There and his sister, as well as his mother, and
seem to be two camps regarding this they all become upset with him. Anyone, AUTHOR’S NOTE: While writing this
picture book for little children: those regardless of age, will smile at Davy’s article, I heard from many other readers
who love it and those who do not. antics and the accidents he causes. The who want to share their thoughts on
Because I read this book when I was color illustrations are beautiful and are their beloved books featurng bunnies! A
a child, I cherished it for the themes I sure to please little readers or listeners, “Part 2” of this article already is in
discovered in the story: “Be careful what who may notice that Davy is the only the works. Please share your favorite
you wish for” and “Be yourself.” In this one in his family who wears slippers. rabbit-related readings from children’s
wonderfully illustrated version (there While We Were Out, by Ho Baek literature (including title, edition,
are several editions of this book), Lee. This whimsical picture book is author, and publication date) with
a bunny yearns for red wings. But they inspired by a true story about the Lee Linda Cook at linda@rabbit.org.
House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 5BEHAVIOR Editor: Rita Richardson
Respecting Rabbits them also shows respect. By slowing
down and methodically doing what
petting them when we can tell they want
to be alone.
by Nancy Montgomery and Amy Bremers
makes sense for rabbits, we respect their For special-needs rabbits, respect
needs for security and stability. means making them a priority. They
R
abbits just seem to have innate Sandy Parshall, Program Manager at often require us to perform painstaking
dignity and self-respect. For the HRS, says that (unless they’re younger and “off-putting” additional tasks. Peggy
most part, they keep themselves than a year), “Rabbits are adults who are (pictured) is missing one hind leg and
groomed, they “sit up straight,” they capable of making their own decisions— has trouble standing up after using
observe their surroundings, and they are about their partners, about their the litter box; sometimes she ends up
aware of what they are able to do—and belongings, about their living spaces.” dragging around litter and hay stuck to a
get away with. They also have respect Respecting them means that we should clump on her rear end. This necessitates
for each other: they are attuned to each “give them enough attention and space a 30-minute cleaning—gently pulling
other’s needs and who’s who in their to let them make those decisions for the pieces off, cleaning with a special
“hierarchy.” Because rabbits are so themselves.” Many of us like to think of shampoo, and blow drying on low
vulnerable, however, it is up to us to help them as children, she says. We give them while combing to prevent mats. Peggy’s
them maintain this sense of dignity. We toys and buy them cute things for their “mom,” Nancy Montgomery, says, “In
can do so by respecting them and their habitats. But sometimes treating them respecting Peggy and who she is, it is my
unique personalities. like children can lead to us thinking that job to think how Peggy feels, what she
First, respecting rabbits means to we always know what’s best for them, has to go through and has been through,
take care of them. This includes ensuring when sometimes it’s best to let the rabbits how she lives the challenges every day.”
they have a clean environment; a change tell us. Respect means trusting their By meeting her needs right away and
of toys for stimulation and novelty, judgment. handling her extra gently, she says, “I can
especially when we are away; plenty of help her maintain her dignity though
time for exercise; fur that is brushed so “Rabbits are adults who are she has to have these things done to her.
that they don’t ingest it; trimmed nails; capable of making their own I must take time for Peggy to be a real
proper food and clean water; and lots decisions. Give them enough priority in my life and rabbit household.”
of affection. Taking care of them also attention and space to let By making time to care for our rabbits
includes taking them to the veterinarian them make those decisions for and realizing what life is like for them,
at least once a year. themselves.” - Sandy Parshall we can provide opportunities for their
To respect rabbits, we need to see happiness and peace. Adapting to the
things from the rabbits’ point of view. Unless it’s for their safety and well- workings of our rabbits’ world instead of
If they are snatched up in a hurry, or being, respecting rabbits means not expecting them to adjust to ours shows
carried incorrectly or put down too fast forcing anything upon them, particularly true respect. f
by some giant (to them) creature, they something they wouldn’t do on their
become scared and anxious and can own. For example, dressing them up or
get hurt easily. Rabbits require support parading them around so that strangers
from underneath when being carried or can see and touch them might give us
held. They like to know when someone attention we want, but rabbits aren’t dolls
is coming so that they are not startled. or commodities for us to show. They are
They need to be moved carefully; talking creatures in their own right and they
to them and petting their sides or rear should be respected by being provided
can let them know you are about to pick with the routine and quiet they like.
them up. Since rabbits like to be on solid And sometimes, even though it can be Peggy (right), a three-legged special-needs
ground, getting down on the floor with difficult, respecting them also means not bunny, and her mate, Len, Jr.
6 House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 Photograph by Damir GalzinaBEHAVIOR Editor: Amy Bremers
Rabbit Personalities very close if she trusts that they won’t
touch her. Deep down she really is sweet
with me. If she is people-shy, it means tell
them what “I” want.
and would never bite her humans during • Do: Learn from the Clever Mensa
nail clipping or butt baths. You find out Member and figure out which bribes
R
especting rabbits also means how much she trusts you when you take work best.
knowing how your rabbit wants to her to the vet. • Do: Barricade her pen using heights,
be treated—and doing it. Match • Do: Talk sweetly to the Boss. weights, padlocks.
your rabbit’s personality to the type he or • Don’t: Try to touch her. • Don’t: Put a toy in her face unless you
she most closely resembles; then, get to • Don’t: Scold her, as it hurts her pride. want it thrown back in yours.
work. -Maureen O’Neill • Sometimes: When you can outsmart
her, still let her win.
“The Love Bunny” “The Type-A” -Gayle Kiviat
Also known as the “lagomorph lap His boldness knows no bounds. When
dog,” he craves and even demands love you enter his domain—even to place “The Nurse”
from everyone he meets. He positions water, hay, or a cardboard roll—he flies Her goal in life is to groom or clean
himself in the middle of foot traffic. Two from under his loft to take a nip from an rabbits in her care, and she takes this
leggeds cannot walk by without stroking intruding hand and then disappears just job very seriously. If a rabbit under
his head. He’ll hop up on the bed in the as quickly. He races through tunnels and her care has eye issues, the nurse will
middle of the night and nuzzle skin until leaps over huts and houses when it’s his make sure the rabbit’s eye is kept clean
he is cuddled. He might kiss one hand if turn to exercise. But the other side of and gunk-free. A rabbit who is unable
the other is doing a great job. He accepts this adventurer soaks up affection as he to groom his rear or ear because of a
being held during full bunny pets. He is climbs up your chest then turns around disability will find that his nurse will
easily hypnotized. When he encounters so that he can safely monitor the room keep him clean by taking care of those
his mates, he shoves his head under their while he snuggles under your neck. hard-to-reach places.
nose. When meeting a non-hostile rabbit, • Do: Handle the Type-A carefully since • Do: Find her a mate (AKA patient).
he’ll approach and even lean into her he’s excitable and driven. • Don’t: Stand in the way of her calling.
side. He expects her to instantly like him. • Do: Provide stimulation for all his -Donna Jensen
• Do: Pet, pet, pet. senses and plenty of space to run.
• Don’t: Scare the Love Bunny while he is • Don’t: Ignore his need for rest time in a “The Follower”
napping contentedly. soft retreat. The Follower is a happy-go-lucky
• Maybe: When he grunts, try pets. If -Nancy Montgomery bunny. While he doesn’t like being picked
grunts subside as you stroke, he has up, you can pet him on the floor all day
trained you. “The Clever Mensa Member” long. He always partakes in adventures
-Gayle Kiviat Every object is a toy to chew on, dig around the house, but you will never
in, or fling about. Exercise pens are meant see him in the lead. He tolerates the
“The Boss” (or “The Diva”) to be tugged open and rattled loudly to occasional nip from his partner without
The Boss needs to be dominant over get attention from all beings. New places retaliation. What he lacks in bravado he
not only her rabbit companions but also are fun to explore, be they rooms, stairs, makes up for in charm.
her humans. She is highly intelligent, chairs, or tables. She understands what • Do: Pamper the Follower with lots of
inquisitive, and manipulative. She will you are asking her to do; when she is in pets.
do things on her terms and only if there’s the mood—because of hunger, curiosity, • Do: Give him his treats where he can
something in it for her. She does not or boredom—she will agree. If she is finish them before they are stolen.
tolerate being petted or picked up. She domineering, it means stay out of her • Don’t: Try to pick him up.
loves to be near her people and will get way. If she is playful, it means explore -Maureen O’Neill
House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 7INSIGHT Editor: Gayle Kiviat
How Do You Do? of their enclosure, first give them time
to play, run off energy, and explore new
(continued from page 2)
Many owners with multi-bunny
Introducing People to Rabbits
corners. When bunny has settled, it’s households have witnessed how a sick
By Beth Woolbright
time for saying “hello.” In the meantime, rabbit rallied when given supportive care
I counsel people to sit on the floor and from a partner, even one of a different
R
abbit guardians who’ve overseen do absolutely nothing. Let bunny come species such as an affectionate dog or
bunny-to-bunny introductions to you. cat. Many of our volunteers who foster
know that putting two (spayed/ Next, show the person how to intro- rabbits also have stories about witnessing
neutered) rabbits together does not duce themself to the bunny. A concept bunnies that should withdraw, given
instantly make a friendship, because that has not occurred to a lot of people the abuse or physical mistreatment they
bunnies do not give affection away freely. is that a rabbit has a preference. I find it have endured. Instead, once the bunnies
Friendship is something that must be underscores an element of respect for know they are in a safe and supportive
eased into; it must be earned. the individual animal that the person environment, they blossom and offer
Occasionally kisses are bestowed quick- may not have recognized. copious binkies and kisses. Their dances
ly, but usually there’s a bit of first-date Second, have the person put their show pure joy.
awkwardness. fist on the floor directly in front of the Learning to assess a rabbit in times
So, too, it can be for a person wanting rabbit’s nose. It’s important that the of illness (as well as in times of good
to meet a bunny. Some folks come into hand not be moving. If bunny ignores it, health), much the way an “expert nurse”
the Rabbit Center, in Richmond, CA, it can be moved closer. Next, it’s up to the would a patient, gives us as caregivers
expecting every bunny to run up to them bunny. If bunny makes a motion to leave, an opportunity to not just focus on the
and sniff their hands. Others expect rab- I say, it means she’s “busy.” If bunny physical dimensions of what each bunny
bits to be the aloof or skittish creatures doesn’t move, it generally means that it’s needs, but to also recognize those times
and are surprised at the bun who rises on okay to pet her—on the top of the head, that a bunny needs emotional support
hind legs to sniff their fingers. The truth avoiding the ticklish nose and whiskers. and nurturing as well. As rescuers I often
is that rabbits come in all personalities Long, firm sweeps over the ears are feel that we can just look at the rabbit’s
and with very different social graces and generally okay. attitude and behavior without knowing
attitudes—as do people. Over the past 12 That’s it. The person doesn’t feel its history, which frequently we do
years I’ve been an adoption counselor at rejected because bunny left. Bunny not, and assess whether it is adaptively
the Rabbit Center, the bunnies and I have doesn’t feel threatened by being pur- impoverished. When we can confirm that
shared a technique for how to introduce sued. It’s a mutual agreement of timing, they came from a neglectful or abusive
new people without causing feelings of and it opens the door to a new friend- situation, then those are the ones that
rejection on either side. ship. f need a little extra attention and support,
When approaching a rabbit you don’t from human or animal, to recover faster
know, do not offer your fingers in front from illness or loss. All bunny owners
of their face the way one does with a dog. and caretakers should recognize just how
Rabbits have flat faces with eyes on the valuable social and emotional wellbeing
sides of their heads. Something hovering are to the overall health and happiness of
between their eyes, in front of their nose, our beloved companions.
is threatening and liable to get forcefully P.S. Bunnies may indeed also have
boxed or bitten by the rabbit, or cause a spiritual dimension. We just can’t
bunny to retreat. ask them. Perhaps Bunny God looks
Usually, we hang out at the open something like a large nebulous banana
door of bunny’s cage or sit on the floor Offer your fist on the floor and let the in the sky. Well, at least one in a lip-
with the rabbit. When letting a bunny out rabbit decide if she wants pets. smacking dream... f
8 House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 Photograph by Sandy ParshallHEALTH Editor: Beth Woolbright
House Rabbit House Rabbit Society’s Rabbit Center
and international headquarters rescues
Society’s New over a hundred rabbits each year from
Spay/Neuter Clinic euthanasia lists at San Francisco Bay
Area shelters, but there are many more
a Success! unwanted rabbits arriving at shelters
By Anne Martin, PhD every day. With our new community
spay/neuter clinic, we are able to
proactively prevent accidental litters,
B
un Bun, a black and white spotted uterine cancer, and hormonal behaviors
bunny, sleeps soundly on her (and help rabbits to use the litter box!),
back under anesthesia covered keeping bunnies healthy and in their
in a green surgical drape. Wearing a cap homes. With our spay/neuter clinic, we
and mask, volunteer Gabriela Chavez strike at the root of the problem.
opens the wrapped package of surgical In the San Francisco Bay Area, there
instruments. Dr. Michele Kim opens are only a couple options for low-cost
the interior wrapping and takes the rabbit spay/neuter. We get calls from Volunteer surgeon Carolynn Harvey,
tools she needs. Dr. Kim carefully and people who have been told by veterinary DVM, puts on her surgical gown with help
quickly spays Bun Bun, while Gabriela offices that it will cost $300 or more to from Melinda Reed, RVT, and Executive
makes notes on the medical record on a spay a rabbit, and are deterred by the Director Anne Martin.
clipboard. After surgery is over, Gabriela cost. At just $50 for males or females,
carries Bun Bun into the recovery area our spay/neuter clinic is the lowest-cost insurance coverage for our use of the
to monitor her as she wakes up and her rabbit spay/neuter surgery in the entire clinic, pays the Fix Our Ferals’ clinic
temperature returns to normal. Bun Bun Bay Area. manager’s hourly rate for the day, and
is just one of the 50+ rabbits that House We offer microchipping at the time of donates two rolls of toilet paper. House
Rabbit Society has spayed/neutered since surgery for only $10 more. A microchip Rabbit Society must bring our own
the February 2014 opening day of our is ideal if a rabbit accidentally escapes or surgical instruments, medications,
monthly community rabbit spay/neuter becomes separated from their guardian, supplies, and paper towels, as well as
clinic at headquarters in Richmond, CA! as in the event of a fire or earthquake. our own volunteer veterinarians, paid
If the found rabbit is brought to a vet’s registered vet tech (RVT), and volunteer
office or shelter, staff can call the family assistants.
immediately and the rabbit will not be Building this clinic has been an
euthanized. With this information, many adventure! From forceps to sutures, we
of our clients choose to have their rabbit purchased over 250 separate items just
microchipped. to get the clinic up and running. We have
We teamed up with Fix Our Ferals, giant storage tubs full of spay/neuter
an organization that runs a spay/neuter supplies. The morning of the clinic,
center for free roaming and stray cats, we drive the tubs over and set up our
located a mile from House Rabbit equipment for the day, and at the end of
Society. We use their facility and surgery the day, we break it all back down.
suite, which includes parking, heated Rabbits arrive at House Rabbit Society
Volunteer Gabriela Chavez and Executive surgery tables, surgery lights, anesthesia the morning of surgery between 7-8am,
Director Anne Martin help a bunny machines, autoclaves, laundry, and in carriers. Guardians pay, fill out a
recover after surgery. kitchen. House Rabbit Society provides surgery release, and provide information
Photographs by Sandy Parshall House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 9HEALTH
$50, and we need several boxes for Where do all of these unfixed rabbits
every clinic day. Add that to all of the come from, you might ask. When the
medications, sterilization supplies, appointment is scheduled, we ask where
and surgical supplies needed for 15- they got the rabbit originally. Our growing
20 surgeries for each surgery day, and dataset shows that rabbits are being
it really adds up. We also keep our purchased directly from breeders, county
volunteers and surgeons fueled and fairs, pet/feed stores, flea markets, as well
happy by providing a vegan lunch, as found stray and acquired from other
snacks, and coffee. people who have had accidental litters.
As of May 2014, we have performed We can use this information to both
Spay/neuter clinic volunteers prepare just over 50 surgeries—all in only four target future outreach for the spay/neuter
medications, examine rabbits, and months! We have a 100% success rate, clinic, and better understand where
prepare for surgery day. sending bunnies home a little groggy, shelter rabbits may be originating.
but no worse for wear. Each guardian Our clinic is a valuable service to
on their rabbit. Staff weigh the bunnies is personally counseled when they rabbits and to the community. It not only
and look them over for injuries or come to pick up their rabbit, both with helps the individual rabbits served, but
illnesses. They drive the rabbits over aftercare instructions and bunny lifestyle it helps the entire region by reducing
in full car-loads to the clinic, where recommendations. For rabbits with fleas the burden of accidental litters on our
volunteers are waiting at 8:30am to start or mites, we treat with Revolution at the shelters. Simply put, our clinic saves lives.
administering medications. clinic and discuss the benefits of indoor There is huge demand for low-cost rabbit
Veterinarians Dr. Carolynn Harvey living. With obese rabbits, we discuss diet spay/neuter. We are booked solid two
and Dr. Michele Kim volunteer their and exercise changes that will improve months in advance and refer people who
valuable surgery time, wearing bunny- their rabbit’s health. For bunnies with need to get their rabbits fixed sooner to
print scrubs that peek out from under long nails, we trim the nails, but also let other clinics. Every rabbit we can keep
their surgery gowns. Melinda Reed, families know we offer $10 nail trims in their home through spay/neuter, and
RVT, induces anesthesia under the at House Rabbit Society where we can every accidental litter prevented, is a
supervision of our vets and preps teach them how. We call and follow up rabbit House Rabbit Society doesn’t have
rabbits for surgery. Our wonderful with each guardian a day or two after to rescue from the local shelters.
crew of volunteers shepherds each surgery, making sure every bunny has a If your chapter is interested in starting
rabbit individually through the entire smooth recovery. a clinic in your region, we would be
anesthesia, surgery, and recovery happy to tell you more. Please contact
process. Volunteers closely monitor anne@rabbit.org, if you have the time and
each rabbit’s temperature, heart rate, resources to devote to starting a clinic
and respiratory rate, and complete and want more information!
the medical record form. Fix Our Your support of House Rabbit Society
Ferals Clinic Manager Michelle Jewell makes it possible for us to take on
washes instruments when they come innovative new projects, like our spay/
out of surgery and runs the autoclave neuter clinic. Your donations enable us
continuously during the day, so we can to buy the instruments and equipment
reuse the instruments as quickly as we need to run a state-of-the-art rabbit
possible. surgery clinic, available to the public
While our staffing costs are low, Volunteer Susan Kennedy monitors at very low cost. To everyone who has
surgical supplies are surprisingly rabbits recovering from surgery and contributed to getting our clinic off the
expensive. One box of sutures costs makes a note on a rabbit’s chart. ground, thank you! f
10 House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 Photographs by Sandy ParshallBUNNY BRIGADE
Please join us in thanking House Rabbit Society’s Buy a bunny a little time.
Bunny Brigade members!
Ann Yanagi Catherine Ann Faver Melanie & Timothy Pocoke
Donna McKnight Tammy Nogles Kathy Merritt
Stephani Jenzen Brenda Moot Kenix Yu
Sapphira Wang Kate McKinlay Erin White
Anthony Cimino Maureen Loza Kathy Bolton
Louise Auray- Pepin Deborra Terlet
Kim M Casolari
Nicole Rubio Debbie Culver
Andrew Revak Monica Lin Kathleen Rossa
Kimberly Kris Chen Han-Yu Lo Stephanie Wiley
T
Alicia Brosterhous Jim Tom Bordelon Lia Germain
wenty-five years of eleventh-hour rescues. When their time is
Jean Silva Janet Glessner Christian Zmasek
up at animal shelters, rabbits with your support are placed in
Christine Podhora Elizabeth Ayala Christopher Amaya foster care until adoptive matches are made. Membership enroll-
Stacy Schmidt Bowen Cho Coleen-Marie Hanson ment in House Rabbit Society and all other donations continue to
Susan Trimble Kelli Hepler Susan Mullen help provide needy rabbits with food, housing, veterinary care,
Peter Zapp Laura Leff Jo Anne Ellis and enough time to find them permanent homes.
Paul LeVasseur Margarite Carter Melody Wang
Debra J. Carron Pilar Mendoza
Carol Whitehurst House Rabbit Society Membership
Laili Goahartaudje Samori Sean Gamboa
Dan Chapman United States: $20; International: $28
Reiko Narita Mark McClure
Heather G. DeNoia Diane & Jason Suen Patty M Higgins House Rabbit Journal is included. Support your local HRS chapter
Kirsten Lodge Ernest & Bonnie Selke Lois M. Veeder and visit our website for chapter information. Enroll online or mail
Roberta Smith Helen J. Dong Stacey Jonasen in the form below.
Sepida P. Sazgar Joel Borden Darcy Feuerstein
Tonya Penkrot Carolann Koplik Katrina Cepeda NAME
Richard & Nancy Haseman Joyce Chee Cheryl Jeanne Gehrke STREET
Charlotte M. King Cynthia Gong Julie Behm CITY
Becky & Ron Jorgensen Gail & Charles Jennings Eliote Durham
Claire Jordan Jason Wiener
STATE/PROVINCE ZIP
Jill Barton Kane EMAIL
Lisa Connolly Joyce E. Lively
Tanya Eakes
Blake Grauerholz Ronald Kardon
Brandy Abernethy Downing Susan Friday Allegra Roberts Join the HRS Bunny Brigade!
Roseanne M. Nicolucci Luke McGuire Annie Shiau By pledging to make a monthly donation, you will become a
Isela Brown Raymond Bayes Tracy Reeb member of the very special HRS BUNNY BRIGADE MONTHLY
Anthony Zepeda Jessica Soske Kyna Morgan GIVING CLUB of members who sustain our daily operations and
Melina Verbeek Susan Simms Julie Ann LaGuardia put food into our rabbits’ mouths. A pledge of $30 per month or
Brigette Zacharczenko Linda Chestnut James Driver more qualifies you to receive our thank you gift, an official
Nancy Jane LaRoche Alanna M Ward Cecily Harris House Rabbit Society necklace. Join online:
Nancy Jane Perkins Lisa Marie Adamo Robert Massey
Marcia L Suarez Gerard Jacobson http://www. rabbit.org/bunnybrigade
Benita & Dennis Moore
Kateri Anderson Heather Andrus
Donna Goyette
Marie Arrowsmith Jean Reinys
Sandra A Martin Samantha Fisher Marlene A. Larkin
Stacey Ho
House Rabbit Society
Tamara Matheson Kimberly Farrell 148 Broadway, Richmond, California 94804
Amy C. Deitchley Shawn Elyce Taylor Jacqueline Ednah MacKay
Karen A. Trapani
www.rabbit.org/ 510-970-7575
Joanne Hayashi John Pound
Lynne Lee Christine Sinnette Jeannie Taylor
House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 11House Rabbit Society NON-PROFIT
International Headquarters ORGANIZATION
148 Broadway U.S. POSTAGE
Richmond, CA 94804 PAID
ALAMEDA, CA
PERMIT NO. 27
WARRENWISE Editor: Beth Woolbright
An Hour Before Midnight: Buying because of the support of our Bunny Brigade members. Our
Bunny Brigade members have joined House Rabbit Society’s
a Bunny a Little Time monthly giving club at a level that works with their budgets.
By Anne Martin, PhD Municipal shelters do not have the resources to seek specialist
veterinary care and complex surgeries to aid a rabbit in need
like Midnight. But together, over one hundred members strong,
I
n April, I received an urgent email from the director of the Bunny Brigade allows House Rabbit Society to help these
the animal shelter in Berkeley, CA. A fluffy black lionhead most vulnerable rabbits.
named Midnight had a “very bad Every month, House Rabbit
eye” and was at risk of euthanasia—I Society spends thousands of dollars
told her House Rabbit Society would on veterinary care, including spay
take him. The next day, Midnight was and neuter, medications, x-rays,
transported to House Rabbit Society. blood work, and vet visits. Every
Dr. Serena Brenner, a rabbit- month, new rabbits come to House
savvy veterinarian, found the bad eye Rabbit Society and get the veterinary
had a large cataract and an abscess. care and TLC they need to find their
She got him started on medications forever homes. And every month,
and recommended a visit with a we have the support of the Bunny
specialist. We took Midnight to Brigade members.
see a veterinary ophthalmologist, A heartfelt thank you to each
Dr. Deborah Friedman, who of our Bunny Brigade members
recommended removal of the eye for their ongoing support of House
to prevent painful glaucoma from developing. In May, his Rabbit Society and our rescue and education work.
abscessed eye was removed by veterinary surgeon Dr. Michele When you join the Bunny Brigade today at $30 a month or
Kim, and Midnight is making a swift recovery. He is doing great higher, you receive an engraved House Rabbit Society pendant
as a one-eyed bunny, and we expect he will be adopted quickly. as a token of our appreciation. When you join the Bunny
The Berkeley shelter’s staff thanked us and said, “I’m excited Brigade, at any level, you receive a $10 gift certificate for bunny
that HRS can do so much. We are entering a new (overdue) era toys from our friends at Busy Bunny, and you give the gift of
for shelter rabbits!” lifesaving care for rabbits like Midnight. f
House Rabbit Society was able to unhesitatingly say “yes”
and jump into action to help a bunny with medical needs Join the Bunny Brigade today. Visit: rabbit.org/bunnybrigade
12 House Rabbit Journal Summer 2014 Photograph by Sandy ParshallYou can also read
