2011 Holiday Newsletter
cont.
This was by far our busiest baby season ever. At least 1,600 little wild things came to us this year, starting in February. Over 60 came in to the Rescue on one day in March! Our resources and time were truly put to the test with all that came through our doors. We fielded over 3,000 telephone calls, including one from Spain! Watch for us in the April issue of National Geographic Kids this new year — they are featuring us in a story about a litter of cottontails we rescued from the wildfires at Possum Kingdom! We helped rescue cottontails all over the country this year, including some in Connecticut who fell victim to Hurricane Irene. Those of you who brought us wildlife in need showed great compassion by traveling to us from all distances. Thank you for caring enough to help those little orphaned, injured, wet or cold babies and helping us save lives.
Thank you to everyone who adopted domestic rabbits from the Rescue! We are so glad to have you in our extended bunny family. It takes a great heart to open your home to a furry one, and we couldn’t think of a better companion than a domestic house rabbit. We have adopted out almost 150 fur kids to new homes this year, including a few very special kitties – a number greater than any year previously thanks to our amazing partnership with local Petco stores. We assisted in the rescue of 27 rabbits from a hoarder case in Dallas, holding them safe in protective custody until the case closed and the rabbits — and the more than 200 other animals — were granted to their respective rescues. Those 27 turned into 41 when all the pregnant moms had their babies, and nearly all 41 of them have since been adopted! We also took in rabbits from several rescue operations across the country who were either overloaded or had shut their doors. We may feel overwhelmed at times with the amount of domestic rabbtis in our care seeking homes, but the work we do is important and there would be such precious lives lost if we were not able to step in for their sakes.
We want to thank our friends and volunteers from Petco and the Petco Foundation for helping us expand our adoption program to include almost every Petco store in the Metroplex! This is a dream come true for us – something we have slowly but surely been working toward for several years. Because of this relationship even more deserving bunnies will go to their forever homes. The stellar staff at our Petco stores are always willing and able to help people find the right rabbit to adopt. We simply cannot say enough or thank you enough. Petco was there to help in all of our emergencies – donating product, time and extra space to give our kids the most exposure possible. The bunnies here at Rabbit Rescue give you all a 21 Bun Salute!Our amazing volunteers – we could do nothing without you. The love and care you show is inspiring and noble. Whether it is trudging through the mud, sweeping the rehab room floor or making yet another GRAH run, just know that we love you! Your efforts are forever appreciated. THANK YOU!!! And of course, a Humphrey-sized Thank You to our veterinarians – Dr. Elizabeth Rogers, Dr. Patty Weber, Dr. Pam Henrichs and Dr. Kyle Jones – thank you for your support, love and care for all of our rescued rabbits and wildlife.
We received some incredible in-kind donations this year. With the setup of our Amazon Wish List we were able to give an answer to people who asked, “What do you need?” Carriers, water bottles, food for all species, incredible things were donated! Orbitz Misters donated 1,000 ft. of misters for the back yard to help cool the bunnies in the scorching heat we had this summer! Oxbow donated hundreds of pounds of hay and food for the rabbits from the hoarder situation. The Petco Foundation, Petsmart Charities, and the James. A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation provided grants to help with spay/neuter surgeries, caging, and even funds to build an on-site aviary!
Every year I say this, and every year I shake my head in disbelief. By far, this was the worst year we have ever seen with regard to dumped domestic rabbits – either in shelters or out on the street. When you know how intelligent these creatures are, what love and companionship they can give, it truly breaks your heart to see them so very mistreated – not even given a chance to show their human what they are truly like as a companion and friend. 12 just came in from Plano, another 15 from Irving Animal Services. Our work is cut out for us, and no it is never done. Late nights, tears of frustration, one more trip to Dr. Rogers, Jones or Patty for a Friday pick-up, exhaustion and determination are all part and parcel of what we do here.
Our organization is growing by huge hips and hops! This coming year we will be renovating the garage into our new Wellness Center, constructing outdoor shelters for the two bunny yards, converting the storage shed into a habitat for our senior and special needs rabbits, and running water and electricity througout the Center. An anonymous donor has offered to match a dollar for every two dollars donated between February 1st and February 29th, 2012 which will enable us to complete those renovations! Read more about this on our website.
Think of us, then, when you want to donate financially. We are a grass-roots nonprofit organization that struggles constantly, yet one that is always turned to as one of the best and most responsive in the country. Donating to us ensures a quality care program for those rabbits and wildlife coming into our care. Your money does not go to salaries – it goes to buying much needed resources for all the animals while they are here. Our medical bill traditionally is close to $30,000 per year — even more this year in particular due to the sheer volume that has come through our doors. Just because a rabbit needs teeth trimming, a leg needs amputating, wildlife needs transport to another facility; doesn’t mean we won’t help – we certainly do. You can donate right at our vets’ clinics by helping us to pay down our veterinary bills. You can donate online on our website via Paypal. A check can be mailed to the address on our website. Help us help them!
I hope that as Christmas approaches the memory of gallant deeds and warm bunny kisses will bring you peace and joy. Keep doing what you are doing – making a difference, stopping to help a creature in need, adopting an animal that otherwise would not have a chance. Keep moving forward with smiles and hope – hope that one day, animal shelters will be a thing of the past and all creatures will know the joy of human love. Compassion and mercy are contagious – pass them on!
With love,
Diana
