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Summer, Su n… and Heatstroke! o t o h P By Kerstin Aumann reduce body heat through sweating (like Summer is here. After a long, cold winter, humans) or panting (like dogs). The only it’s finally time to put away our winter way rabbits can dissipate excess body coats for good. If only our rabbits could heat is through their ears, the only part do this, too. Imagine wearing a fur coat of their body that’s covered with just a in 80- or 90-degree weather. Sounds light, peachy fuzz instead of fur. Not pretty miserable, right? exactly the most powerful cooling system. Summer is a time of fun in the sun, That’s why we have to keep an eye out holidays and celebrations. But it is also a for our little buns and protect them time of danger for our rabbits. Not only from heat stress and – potentially fatal – are they stuck with their fur coats for heatstroke. Even temperatures in the the summer; they are also unable to mid- and upper 80s Fahrenheit are a red Dr. Anthony Pilny supports the abscessed mass flag, especially when humidity is high. on the left side of Asher’s face. t t a y Keep in mind that each rabbit is an W ’ O

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Ashe r’s Severely : o t heat than others. For example, older and o h P disabled rabbits tend to be more heat Misshapen Face sensitive than healthy, young rabbits. Posed Challenges Make sure the temperature in your bunny’s room doesn’t exceed 80 By Jane O’Wyatt degrees F. Use a thermometer that tells “Hey, there’s a red mini-lop at the shelter you what the highest temperature was in who looks like he needs urgent medical your rabbit’s room during the daytime. Alfalfa cool s off between frozen water bottles. care. Eating and pooping just fine, but I

a If you’re away all day at work or school, k l can see 2 HUGE abscesses on the left side u K t you might not know how the room feels r e of his face and chin. And they are really b o R

during the hottest time of day. Ideally, :

o awful. His left eye is oozing. His name is t o h keep your bunny’s room air-conditioned, P Asher. Will send pic to you and Cindy.” at least during the hottest hours. An energy-efficient unit with a thermostat – Brittnee Spence, text ,9:13 p.m ., April 21 set to 78 degrees F. will help keep your I go to the shelter early the next morning rabbit safe and comfortable, while to see this bunny, hoping to get him to minimizing the impact on your wallet. a rabbit-savvy veterinarian as soon as Yes, you will have higher electric bills possible. Asher’s cage card indicates he during the hot summer months – but the is a one-year-old intact male who was Skip uses hi s tile t o stretc h out , slee p and sta y cool. (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 3)

This Furry Dutch Bunny Brave Rabbits Family in Need Named Domino Of New Zealand Arrived Without Patiently Comforts Cope With Life Any Warning Children, th e Elderly After Earthquake Page 7 Page 12 Page 16

The rabbit in our masthead is Billy Montero-Nisar, adopted by Paola and Mickey in October 2009. Ollie and Maya Cool Themselves Off With Frozen Water Bottle s, a Pizz a Stone t s e r r

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I love the summer. A friend of mine once : o t o

called heat “the great equalizer,” and I h P tend to agree. Everyone’s gnarly and sweaty, but we’re also elbow deep in watermelon slices, tans and Summer Fridays. Maya and Ollie hate the summer. Each Memorial Day, I return from the beach to find them lounging around the apartment, their bodies literally wrapped around frozen water bottles. Seeing them dripping over the floor compels me to action: I clean my bedroom, set up the puppy pe n Maya and Ollie. around my bed so they don’t run beneath to kisses with only a slight roll of her But when I open the door to the bedroom it, and import litter boxes and toys. eyes. I pop her into the cool bedroom, and plunk him down, his demeanor Maya is the first I scoop up. She’s normally close the door, and allow her to adjust. changes. The bedroom is much smaller a beast to handle, but she’s in such a Ollie barely fidgets, probably because he than the living room. And even though stupor, she’s quite manageable. In fact, it’s thinks we’re going to play the freezer I set aside a “digging space” of blankets a rare treat for the two of us – she, my game where I tuck him to my neck and for Ollie and Maya to move and bite teenaged menace always pulling from my we stand in front of the open freezer and dig into, it’s not the same. arms in a race for independence, succumb s (fun, but not environmentally friendly). (Continued on page 5)

Heatstroke! (Continued from page 1) • Keep in mind that bunnies don’t sweat , so cover will keep the cool air in and the they don’t benefit from fans in the same hot air out and allow a two-liter bottle investment is well worth it, considering way as we do when perspiration evaporates to stay cold for six or more hours. It’s what an emergency trip to the vet might from our skin with the help of a gentle okay to leave an opening for fresh air and cost you if your bunny suffers a heat- breeze. Use a wet towel over your bunny’s light. The larger the bottle, the more related illness. pen or condo and have a fan blow through hours it will take to thaw out. A pair of Below are some tips to keep your rabbit it to cool the air. Never have a fan blow two-liter bottles will make the space cool and safe this summer, especially if directly on your bunny – and make sure colder and thaw out more slowly. Owners air-conditioning is not an option: the power cord is bunny-proofed! should test the setup, monitoring the temperature inside the tent, before leaving • Put some large marble or ceramic tiles • Mist the ears with cool water. Don’t use their rabbits this way for a substantial on the floor for your bunny to sit on. The cold water, though, and be careful that amount of time (say, a whole day at work). coolness of the tiles will feel good when no water gets into the ears. the mercury rises. My bunny Joshua love d • Provide plenty of cool water and veggies • Be on the lookout for any signs of heat to snuggle up against the cool ceramic to help your bunny stay hydrated. stress, heat exhaustion or heatstroke: difficult or rapid breathing, flared nostrils, toilet on the marble bathroom floor. • Be especially careful about keeping your lethargic or slow movements, poor bunny cool when traveling with her • Move bunny to a cooler part of the house. coordination, poor appetite, body temp- during hot summer weather. Riding in a This might be a bathroom with cool erature above 103 F., confusion, seizures. tiles, a basement or a room that doesn’t hot car or waiting on a hot train platform get direct sunlight. in a small carrier is not only miserable, • If you suspect your rabbit is suffering from but dangerous for your bunny. heat stress or exhaustion, mist his ears and • Provide some frozen water bottles for bunny • When using a frozen water bottle in a body with lukewarm – not cold – water. to snuggle against. A large water bowl cage, you can place a large cardboard box Do not submerge your bunny in water, with some ice cubes also can be refreshing. or blanket over the cage to insulate the as this might cause him to go into shock. • Brush out any loose fur. We don’t want environment and keep it cooler. The Call your rabbit-savvy vet immediately! any extra layers in the summer! bottle will cool the air in the cage; the – Mary Ann Maier contributed to this article.

THUMP JUNE 2011 2 t t a HEALTH, MEDICAL ISSUES y are the cause or an effect,” he says. W ’ O

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P their moth-eaten appearance also surrendered by his owners because they indicates deterioration due to infection. couldn’t afford veterinary care. Asher’s condition seems daunting, but As I approach, Asher comes to the front Dr. Pilny does not mention euthanasia. of his cage to greet me. I open the cage He thinks this bunny deserves a chance. door and stroke his forehead. What has happened to his left eye? I can’t see it! The treatment plan begins with a reduction Below where his eye should be, thick of Asher’s bacterial burden with daily Asher at AC&C. yellow pus has streamed down and 0.5-cc subcutaneous injections of Penicillin congealed on inflamed red-pink skin G/Bicillin and ciprofloxacin eye drops. and matted fur. I lift up a heavy, furred “That naso-lacrimal [tear] duct is too mass, and there it is – a normal-looking inflamed to be flushed today,” Dr. Pilny dark brown eye staring back at me. The says. “We’ll see about a flush next time weight of this lump has been pulling soft you bring him in.” After a week or 10 tissue over his left eye and tugging his days of foster care, Asher should be a lower eyelid downward. I rub Asher’s fore - stronger candidate for surgery. Dr. Pilny head again. As he pushes into my hand, proposes to excise the bigger, heavier abscess under Asher’s chin first. “This I see movement below his chin. Another Seen from his right side. big mass dangles from his lower jaw. abscess,” he says, weighing it in the palm These masses couldn’t have erupted Dr. Pilny excised “en bloc” (as a whole), of his hand, “is not closely attached to overnight. They feel firm and irregular, was not all abscess (encapsulated pus: the head like the other, so it should be as though they have been increasing in necrotic tissue, white blood cells, bacteria). easier to take out. The bunny will size and complexity for some time. It also included salivary gland tissue and definitely be more comfortable without its own blood supply. The latter, termed it. Plus, surgery should give us an idea Asher’s former owner may have been vascularization, made for a very delicate what we’re up against. If all goes well, short of money and observational skills, surgery because Dr. Pilny had to cut the we can schedule a second surgery for the but she seems to have given him some mass away from Angela’s jugular vein. other abscess. And at some point, while care. His body feels well-fleshed, and his Angela has recovered beautifully, and I hope he’s under, we can neuter him, too.” pumpkin-and-white coat is clean, thick that Dr. Pilny might be able to help Asher. and soft. The bottoms of his feet are At home, I place the carrier containing nicely furred, his lop ears are free of Palpating Asher’s body, Dr. Pilny says, Asher in the bathtub and close the door mites and his nails are not too long. His “He doesn’t seem to be in pain, but there to keep our cats Virginia and Amelia poops, plentiful and scattered around are multiple lobulated abscesses, the O’Feral out of the bathroom while I his cage, are perfect! worst I’ve seen.” In rabbits, Dr. Pilny round up supplies. My partner and I live explains, certain kinds of bacteria are in a loft with no closed-off spaces except Asher is friendly and inquisitive. Although sequestered in abscess capsules, so infection for the bathroom, so it has functioned he is disfigured and smells bad, I find doesn’t spread throughout the body. as a guest room for an injured pigeon, him lovable. Under my gaze, he tilts his The downside: few drugs can penetrate the various visiting cats and a couple of head slightly to the right, as if he were thick walls of abscesses. Highly developed medical foster bunnies, Francis and Angela. trying to balance the heavy load on the abscesses like Asher’s are impossible to Asher is our third and most compromised left side of his face. cure except by excision. At six-plus pounds, rabbit guest. I set up water and pellet I call Cindy Stutts, who has seen the Asher isn’t in bad physical shape, so he bowls along with a Timothy hay-filled photo that Brittnee took the night before, might do all right in surgery. Dr. Pilny litter box, spread out an old bath towel and I tell her that this bunny looks holds Asher gently and expresses pale and flannel sheet, and then I lift Asher young and healthy – except for these yellow pus from a blocked tear duct. He out of his carrier. He does a brief enormous masses. We arrange an says , “You are a smelly bunny.” reconnaissance – I’m sure he detects immediate vet appointment for Asher. A radiograph shows that the bone of Asher ’s Angela’s scent, but, with those sandbags I put the unprotesting Asher into a carrier lower jaw is in good shape, although the stuck to his head, he doesn’t try to re- and take him to Anthony Pilny’s office, root tips of a couple of molars on the chin her markings. As soon as he starts where we have an 11 a.m. appointment. left side look dark, abnormal. These eating pellets, I rush out to buy greens. Dr. Pilny seems like a good choice for molars are located where the abscesses I would like to think that our place is Asher, having recently removed a large, may have begun to form, but Dr. Pilny is less stressful than the shelter, but our heavy mass from the dewlap of a shelter reluctant to declare them the cause of bunny named Angela. Her mass, which the infection . “I can’t tell if these molars (Continued on page 4)

THUMP JUNE 2011 3 1 1

HEALTH, MEDICAL ISSUES gastrointestinal stasis, aka the silent 0 2

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Asher is a long shot; his recovery may © door, are curious about Asher and annoyed : s o t

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about the attention he’s getting. While P it’s quiet here, the cats’ vibes might be I read articles about abscesses by veterinarians unnerving to a sick rabbit. But Asher, Susan Brown and Carolynn Harvey, who has the option of crouching in the among others, which emphasize that the litter box under a shelf stacked with cause of a rabbit’s abscess must be towels, doesn’t hide. He drinks water identified and dealt with. If, in Asher’s from a bowl, submerging and soaking case, the cause is the infected molars most of the abscess under his chin. Then, and/or incisors in Dr. Pilny’s radiograph, after wolfing down parsley, cilantro, extracting these teeth will be difficult. dandelion and romaine, he flops on the Removing the abscess on the left side of floor between the toilet and the tub. Asher’s face will be tricky because this Asher is a stoic patient, settling quietly abscess appears to be anchored to under- Both of Asher’s abscessed masses were shaved before surgery. into the daily routine of injections and lying tissue, possibly impinging on the eye drops. He has no litter-box skills to ear canal and other structures. Asher may speak of, but he doesn’t circle or hump– be genetically predisposed to produce he’s not feeling well enough to act like a new abscesses. He may have to receive normal intact male bunny. Despite daily Pen G/Bicillin injections for months, assiduous grooming, he can’t clean the or years. His treatment’s monetary left side of his face. Relatively inactive expense could be astronomical. for the first couple of days, he hops On the thirteenth morning of Asher’s around slowly and shudders sometimes, sojourn in the bathroom, I find a single but I don’t see him binky. He responds perfect bunny poop on the closed toilet gratefully but undemonstratively to lid. Since there’s only one way it could verbal and physical caresses. He is always have gotten there, I laugh and tell Asher enthusiastic about food, though. He love s I found his signature. “Lucky for you Dr. Pilny excised this cluster of abscesses en bloc. to eat. Each day he gets fresh hay, a half- the lid was down,” I say, and he turns to cup of pellets and copious fresh greens. look at me with his right eye. I interpret References I begin to feel that I am entering Asher’s his leap up to the closed toilet lid as a good omen. At 10 a.m. he is due at Dr. “You’ve Got Bunnies,” 1:38 in length, shows cage when I go into the bathroom. right-side views of Asher at Animal Care & Although he avoids the bathtub, he has Pilny’s for surgery. Control, Manhattan. Asher’s “good” profile claimed the rest of this little pentagonal Dr. Pilny calls around noon. “Asher can be seen clearly on the video at points room with its window opening into the didn’t make it. I removed the abscess 00.13 and 00.22-25. living area and its sliding barn door, on under his chin. It was wrapped around http://video.aol.com/video/youve-got-bunnies/1993278205 the other side of which Virginia and the jugular vein. His heart stopped at Amelia often sit. Perplexed by his dietary the end of a 48-minute surgery. We Susan Brown, DVM: Abscesses in Rabbits preferences, the cats never seem to tire brought him back and he arrested again. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=503&S=5 of listening to Asher crunch on his salads. I’m so sorry. If we’d known any Carolynn Harvey, DVM: Abscesses in Rabbits Asher’s medical condition doesn’t appear medical history….” http://therabbithaven.org/DrHarveyBunnyfestAbcessTalk_060410.html to change, but within a few days he I manage to thank Dr. Pilny for all his seems brighter. He jumps out of his help. For the rest of the day I cry about VCBE, Laurie Hess, DVM litter box cheerfully when I give him Asher’s short, neglected life, the softness http://www.avianexoticsvet.com/showItem.php?article_id=78&cm=y pellets in the morning. He enjoys being of his coat, his buried left eye, his love of http://www.ontariorabbits.org/health/healthinfo1.1.htm petted whenever anyone enters his dandelion greens, his half-handsome, space. He often stretches out near the half-horrific, burdened head. With the http://www.hrschicago.org/abscessfr.html closed door, inches away from the cats. cats’ help, I clean up the bathroom. http://www.hrss.net/aar/health/health_dentaldisease.html Watching closely for any sign of improve - They seem sympathetic, even sad. They, http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-4/pandora.html ment, I find solace in the likelihood that and I, were just getting to know Asher.

THUMP JUNE 2011 4 Why Rabbit s Are the Unluckiest of Animals t t a

By Natalie L. Reeves lop, I read everything I could find on y W ’ O

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Chinese zodiac, and the Chinese believe o h that rabbits bring luck to the humans would be a good idea to review advice P associated with them. The rabbits them- provided by breeders on grooming. So I selves, however, are far from lucky. Rabbits registered for every Yahoo Groups list I are one of the most popular pets in the could find relating to rabbits, particularly U.S., yet they are also killed for fur, food, angoras and long-haired rabbits. It was keychains, experiments and sport. This on these breeder lists that I learned for dichotomy would be unthinkable with the first time in great detail the horrors other companion animals. Why are endemic to rabbit breeding. rabbits different? The never-ending cruelties I read about Cindy Stutts, manager of the NYC led me to start a Facebook group, Big AC&C Rabbit Program, and I discussed Apple Bunnies, which is meant to help Natalie Ree ves and Cindy Stutts at the New York what makes rabbits special and the laws rabbits by showing pictures of adoptable City Bar Ass ociation. that permit rabbits to be eaten, worn or rabbits, educating as to various cruelties conditions of rabbits being raised by otherwise abused, at a program held at inflicted on rabbits, and posting lighter breeders. She talked about the success of the New York City Bar Association on stories relating to rabbits. As a member of the New York rabbit-rescue program due April 28. This was the first time, to my the Committee on Legal Issues Pertaining knowledge, that a legal association has to Animals of the New York City Bar to partnerships among Rabbit Rescue & sponsored a program relating to rabbits. Association, I proposed that we sponsor Rehab, Animal Care & Control, Petco, volunteers, veterinarians who volunteer The April program was the culmination of a program relating to rabbits, and the committee gave its full support. or provide services at discounted rates, years of research into rabbits following adopters, fosterers, the Mayor’s Alliance my 2007 adoption of Mopsy from New Cindy showed a powerful video created for NYC’s Animals and others. York City’s public shelter. Before and by the Monaco House Rabbit Society after adopting my adorable black fuzzy that highlighted some of the living (Continued on page 6)

Ollie and Maya Cool Off until it lost some of its freezer bite, and He shakes his head, wide-eyed. (Continued from page 2) then flopped right onto it. Bonus: when “They don’t wear them in the summer they dig at the stone, it acts as a giant nai l because it’s too hot. They wear them in I leave to get the water bottles. Early on, file. However, I must admit: it is jarring I realized that frozen water bottles were the winter. Since you have a built-in to see your rabbit lying in the center of a Ollie coat, you need to be extra careful the key to summer with bunnies. I keep platter usually bound for the oven. eight one-liter bottles in my freezer, with to stay cool.” I’ve also repeated the trick with extra or the labels peeled off. Each day before I He is too stunned to even twitch his discounted ceramic tiles, bought for about leave for work, I wrap four of the bottles in nose, so I scoop him up, kiss his head, ten bucks each. pillowcases, and place them sporadically and return him to the cool bedroom, around their room. They bite and move Whe nIope n the door to the bedroom, where he lays next to Maya and repeats them, but in the end, they always lie Ollie bolts out through my legs. He what I said in a hushed whisper in her next to them, pushing their ears into the tells me in a tiny, yet assertive, voice ear. She sighs in response. cool condensation. When I come home that he prefers the extra space over the When I return with a final gift (ice cubes from work, I swap them out for another set coolness. I plead for him to return. I try for their water dish), he doesn’t run in the freezer, and another set of pillow- bargaining with frozen banana chunks. away. Instead, he dances around my cases to allow the morning ones to dry. Nothing works. Then I tell him the legs, digs at a frozen piece of ceramic tile, story of terrible people who make coats One day I had a revelation on how to and then flops in a curve next to a water out of bunnies to keep themselves warm cool them off: a pizza stone. I happened bottle where he’ll stay until Labor Day. –“Ollie coats,” I say. to have two different pizza stones, so I took one, tossed it in the freezer, then “And do you know when they wear laid it out for the buns. They lay next to it these Ollie coats?” I ask.

THUMP JUNE 2011 5 t t a y W Nin e Reasons to Adopt a Rabbit ’ O

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From a Rescue Grou porShelter o t o h Instead of Purchasing One P By Mary E. Cotter more rabbits are bred to meet the 1. You save a bunny who might otherwise “demand” that you helped to create. be euthanized. By adopting instead of buying, you can be sure your money is not going to Volunteer Joanna Ung with Webster at Petco store. 2. You free up cage space so another support this exploitative system. rabbit can come into the shelter and 8. When you adopt a spayed/neutered have a second chance at a home. 6. A bunny from a shelter or a rescue typically has had a health check. Bunnies rabbit from a rescue group, what you see 3. Rescued buns have already been spayed from pet stores are often kept in crowded, is what you get. When you buy a baby or neutered, so you do not have to deal unsanitary conditions and carry intestinal rabbit in a pet store, you don’t know with hormonally driven behavior. (and other) parasites; many die shortly what you are getting. The rabbit isn’t yet 4. You save money: adoption fees are after purchase. sexually mature, and you have no idea substantially lower than spay/neuter 7. Adopting is an educational act: you what the adult personality will be like. costs at private veterinary clinics. model a life-saving behavior that others 9. You will get excellent and very useful 5. When you buy a rabbit in a pet store, will emulate. People who see that you adoption counseling and education the breeder and pet store both profit adopted a rabbit rather than buying one from a rescue group, something that pet from the sale of a “commodity,” and the are more inclined to do the same, so stores typically are not able to offer, and pet store immediately replaces the rabbit your adoption could result in several you will be affiliating yourself with people you bought with another rabbit (often other adoptions – all supporting shelters who care about the long-term well-being acquired from a “rabbit mill”); then or rescue groups. of your rabbit, instead of short-term profit.

The Unluckiest of Animals the rescue, shelter and well-being of pet them. If rabbit is served in a restaurant, (Continued from page 5) rabbits and generally do not get involved contact the manager and let him or her in rabbit activism. As a result, rabbits know that you will not eat there as long When an audience member asked about receive minimal protection. as rabbit is served. It is best to do this ways to stop restaurants from serving nicely as people in the restaurant industry rabbits, Cindy related a method that The American Rabbit Breeders’ do not distinguish between rabbits and had been successful for her. She and her Association is the largest organization cows and chickens – these animals are husband, Bill, have known many chefs representing rabbit breeders in this all food to them. Never buy a rabbit through their involvement with the country. Think of ARBA as the rabbit from a pet store or from a breeder and James Beard Foundation. Cindy and Bill version of the American Kennel Club would invite chefs who had previously (the dog breeders’ organization). But tell managers at pet stores that you will served rabbit in their restaurants to meet unlike the American Kennel Club, ARBA not buy their products as long as rabbits the Stutts’ pet rabbits. Cindy said that advocates the killing of the animals its are sold there. chefs who visited her home and met her members breed. Rabbit breeders who Changing the laws is not easy. There are rabbits said they would never again sell rabbits to the public directly or a few existing laws that can be used to include them on their menus. through pet stores usually are willing to protect rabbits, such as the laws prohibiting sell excess rabbits as food to people or In my talk, I highlighted the ways that animal cruelty and nuisance laws. If you other animals. In fact, their own rabbits “fall through the cracks.” For are interested in learning more about organization trumpets its belief that example, while there are countless rabbit activism issues, please contact me rabbits are mere commodities. You can American nonprofits involved in pet at: [email protected] . I’d be read more about ARBA’s views on its advocacy, most of these organizations happy to send you a copy of the slide website ( www.arba.net ), where among focus on dogs and cats. And while there presentation I gave and then answer any other things you can find a list of rabbit are many advocacy organizations that questions you may have. Please “like” processors to kill rabbits. are devoted to the protection of farm Big Apple Bunnies on Facebook, where animals, rabbits usually are not one of What can you do? First, talk about your I’ll post issues as I become aware of the animals those organizations speak rabbits and show their pictures to non- them. There is also an excellent overview out on behalf of. Most of the nonprofit rabbit people. People who think of rabbits of these issues in the book “Stories Rabbits groups devoted to rabbits are focused on as pets are less likely to eat and wear Tell” by Susan Davis and Margo DeMello.

THUMP JUNE 2011 6 RESCUE AND REHAB A Furr y Famil yinNee d Arrives Withou t Warning By Will Leung newborns feel secure, without too much The last day I saw Jinx, she was running On that Friday, March 25, it was my distraction. around grooming herself, munching on second day helping out as a volunteer at We left them that night hoping all would greens and doing little popcorn binkies! the shelter, which was a lot different from be well for the babies. Cecilia and Jinx were fostered by Loraine my usual volunteer work at the Petco As volunteers posted messages over the Kopf, who said, “Cecilia, having been stores. Jane O’Wyatt was there to officially next few days, we learned that only one spayed a couple days before I brought her show me the ropes, and every thing baby survived. We named her Jinx, and and her baby home, continued nursing seemed to be going smoothly. when I finally saw her the next Friday, she Jinx for two weeks. What a good mom!” Loraine said Cecilia had become an Just before we were about to leave, Jane was already wandering around in the cage. escape artist, “getting over the screen in taught me something very important: By her coloring, I guessed that she was my bathroom doorway and finding the the patchy black kit, but I wasn’t certain. Always ask the front desk if there are any darkest places to hide!” Loraine added, new rabbits that have come in. As days went on, we all marveled at this “I think she was the one who did in my Sure enough, there were two adults, a cute baby girl growing up at the shelter. Internet connection because one place male and female, along with their three t she was hiding was behind my computer, t a y

babies, back in the medical area. W and I found that the wire connecting the ’ O

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: s o t guidance from other members of our o Loraine said the two rabbits “are both h group. We took the rabbits out of medical P sharing my bathroom with me, and I and brought them into the rabbit room have to be careful because Cecilia, a very on the second floor. The dad was placed clever bun (she nibbles on my bare heels in a separate cage, with the babies and to get my attention),” still tries to escape their mom put together – with a small when she can. “And I have to chase her litter box for the babies and a larger one all over the apartment to catch her. I’m for the mom. The newborns were small; convinced that she enjoys getting out one had black patches and the two and having me chase after her!” others were entirely pink. We examined Meanwhile little Jinx, who unlike her the cage they had arrived in and noticed mother is fuzzy, “has doubled in size and a fourth kit who had died. having stopped nursing, now is gobbling The cage itself was one of those typical up her pellets and hay, and is relishing store-type setups, cramped and dirty. all kinds of greens,” Loraine said in early May. She said Jinx was “eating every- The bottom of the cage was soaked, and thing that’s not nailed down,” and added, the bedding seemed to be perhaps a “She is very outgoing, coming up to me combination of soil and wood shavings and putting her head up to be petted, or wood dust. and is not afraid at all of Annabell, my We tried to pluck out fur from the dirty cocker spaniel.” cage to create a nest for the babies. But As for Jinx’s appearance, Loraine said, much of the fur from the mother, now “the baby is jumping around like crazy. named Cecilia, was unusable because it She is eating everything plus still nursing was mixed into the soiled bedding. from her mom, and is simply adorable. Of the three kits, the patchy black one For those of you who volunteer at 86th was the biggest and seemed most active. Top, Jinx with her Street, she looks just like the bunny on One of the pink babies barely moved, mother Cecilia at the key chain, just a little bigger.” while the other pink one had a bit AC&C. Tobias was put up for adoption at Fauna, more strength. Middle, Jinx in previously known as Uptown Birds, and Loraine’s bathroom. Cecilia and the kits’ dad, Tobias, were Cecilia arrived at the Center for Avian Bottom, Jinx’s father and Exotic Medicine in mid-May to ravenous and we fed them extras of Tobias at AC&C. veggies and pellets. Then we put paper take up residence in the display window. up around the mom’s cage to help the – Loraine Kopf contributed to this article.

THUMP JUNE 2011 7 Photo: Chloe Moreno h o V A p B w s b w s V I B W S S R p r V e f t I f r B T r r h h a e a

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I n d l ; a n i f e 8 a d l n d y s . . VO LUN TE ERS Single White Bunny Seeks Forever Home t t a

By Kirsten Ott here are a few excerpts, along with y then quickly decide W ’ O pictures: to venture even e

Since about a year ago, I’ve been writing n a J

further – onto your : s

Tucker (adopted) is a medium-sized, caramel- o

“blurbs” to promote our adoptable furry t

o chest, or up onto h colored bunny who was found on a street in P rock stars. I took over from the incomparable your shoulder! He’ll Queens. This boy is very high-spirited, Jane O’Wyatt, who taught me everything need a home with outgoing and active. He’ll do his utmost to I know and who still supplies artful lots of opportu nities make friends with you! He makes cute little photos of our bunnies. I post the bunnies to climb and play, grunting noises while he’s playing or ripping and would make a with their photos and blurbs on paper. His coloring and lean athleticism good partner for Petfinder – you can see the current crop bring to mind a miniature fawn! Tucker will another bunny. He is by searching on rabbits in NYC. need lots of space for exercise and lots of also very affectionate: stimulating playthings. A good blurb conveys all the essential info he loves petting, and on a given rabbit (or bonded pair) in a Abigail (adopted) is a highly entertaining, he’ll kiss you any compelling and entertaining way. Of medium-sized black-and-white lop. Having chance he gets. Kelsey course, the objective is to “sell” a given a bad day? This fun girl is guaranteed to has a very shiny black rabbit, but we certainly don’t want to cheer you up. She has giant white feet and coat with typical place our rabbits with the wrong people. long black ribbon-y ears that brush along silver-marten accents, the floor as she hops around. Abigail is in light gray. Some rabbits shouldn’t be in homes playful, bright, enthusiastic and sociable. with small children; some need more And she has an appetite to match her energy! On the other play space than others; some would work hand, if a bunny is Jiminy and Geppetto are a better than others as partner bunnies, (adopted ) particularly shy, I bonded pair of large boys, but more aptly and so on. described as the latest comedy sensation to try to pu t that across: Each blurb includes the basics: recent hit New York! These guys, found on the Giselle (adopted) is a history, size, breed (if known), appearance, street, are so much fun to watch; they have stunning, medium- personality , any medical conditions or great personalities, amusing behaviors and large harlequin. Her special needs, spay/neuter status, funny facial expressions. Jiminy, the tan, black and gray dominant bun, has a super fluffy white and litter-box skills and our email address. coat will certainly gray coat. His partner, Geppetto, is a mostly turn many heads! Depending on the individual bunny, some white bunny with brown helicopter ears. Though Giselle is of these elements may be emphasized beautiful, she is no more than others. Kelsey (adopted ) is a small, super-cute silver marten boy who was surrendered by his narcissist; she’s actually Top to bottom: Tucker, somewhat tentative If a bunny has a very outgoing personality, owner for “landlord reasons.” This guy is a Abigail, Jiminy and I shine a spotlight on that. To illustrate, little monkey: he’ll crawl up on your lap, Geppett o, Kelsey , Giselle (Continued on page 10)

Benny Inspired M e to Volunteer y k s t By Alanna Slepitsky i Although I’m only assisting with the p e l S

a rabbits who live there once a week, my n

After adopting Benny (formerly known as n a l A

being there for a few hours is all that it :

“Homer”) last summer, I knew that I o t o h wanted to pay it forward by volunteering P takes to make them binky, and me smile. for the shelter. Along with Benny, I have I take pleasure in knowing that I am another rabbit, Queen Bea, and they are shaping these buns to be amazing pets always a source of amusement. and wonderful additions to forever homes. As soon as there was an opening in my It’s because of the caring volunteers who schedule, I decided to buckle down and nurtured Benny until I was able to take sign up for a volunteer position at the over that I can happily say I have him in Union Square Petco, which was a conve- my life, and I can’t wait for others to say nient subway ride from my apartment the same about the rabbits they adopt in Brooklyn. Benny and Alanna. from us.

THUMP JUNE 2011 9 t t a VO LUN TE ERS His personality is just as fun: he’s an active y Gerta (adopted) is a W ’ O

explorer and chinner, and is very outgoing. wonderful special- e n a J

needs bunny who was Single White Bunny : s o

Unfortunately, some of our bunnies t

o surrendered by her h

(Continued from page 9) P arrive in poor physical condition as a owner. Gerta has a and unassuming. She was found on the result of neglect, abuse or homelessness. mild congenital prob- street, and now she needs a calm home with a Our volunteers, fosterers and vets work lem with her front loving human who will earn her t rust and hard to clean up and rehabilitate these shoulder or collarbone give her a lot of gentle attention. A partner bun poor souls, and sometimes I choose to sockets, and as a might help her come out of her shell a bit. showcase their “before and after” stories result her front legs do not fit securely Dale (adopted) is a large, very sensitive in their blurbs: Californian bunny who was found on a street into her joints. This in the Bronx. This poor guy was extremely Jessy (adopted ) is a truly remarkable large causes her front legs traumatized when he arrived at the shelter; it white bunny who was found on a street in to splay, making her has taken him a while to acclimate and start the Bronx. She was in quite a sorry state movements similar to to relax. He is by nature a very sweet and when she arrived at the shelter – she had a baby seal’s! Gerta’s cuddly bunny, but because of his recent life dirty hindquarters and hocks, was missin g condition doesn’t experience, he needs a very quiet and predict - fur, and her back was covered with an oily seem to bother her at able home where he can finish coming out of substance. Fortunately, she’s now on the all: she’s very active, his shell. Dale has a creamy coat, soft, light mend. Despite her sad recent circum stances, outgoing, curious and brown feet, and a big Hershey’s kiss for a Jessy is a very happy, sociable, trusting and funny. She’s also very nose. He has beautiful, small pinkish-red eyes. intelligent girl! She runs and binkies, eats cute: she’s a warm brown color, has some like a horse, and is a total snuggle bunny. Sometimes a bunny has particularly lionhead/woolly She’s assertive, too – she’ll hop right up to striking physical features, and my blurb features, and you’ll you and lay her head on your lap. Jessy will call those out: love her kissable would make a great family bunny and/or round cheeks. Gerta Clark (adopted) is a small-medium-sized partner for another bunny. will need a home black and white bunny with some remarkable with plenty of good physical features. First, he has striking blue- Gracie (adopted) is a big miracle of a girl. floor covering to give grey eyes – very unusual for a bunny – and This giant angora mix was in bad shape her good traction. he’ll stare right at you with those eyes while when she was surrendered at the shelter. She he enjoys your nose scratches. Second, he was neglected emotionally, and had severely Webster (adopted) is an has a raccoon-like eye mask, and on one side matted fur; thankfully, she was fostered back adorable little hotot of his face, the black eye patch morphs into to health. Now Gracie is in good shape: her guy who was found a sideburn. Finally, he has a white back – but coat is healthy and beautiful, and she’s on the street. At some a mostly black rump! Clark was surrendered beginning to trust people again. She will point in the past, by his prior family because a child was failing need a very calm, quiet home where humans Webster broke his to care for him. He needs a fresh start with a are predictable and loving. Once Gracie shin bone; clearly, he patient, loving human who will earn his trusts you, she’ll adore petting and grooming. was not seen by a vet, trust and give him a chance to come out of Because she’s so big, she must have lots of because the two his shell. room – a puppy pen or bunny-proofed sections of broken room. She’ll also need cool temperatures – bone fused together Nicholas (adopted ) is an absolutely stunning at a right angle. small lionhead gentleman who was abandoned air conditioning when necessary – because Miraculously, this at a Petco store with his two young lionhead of her thick coat. guy is able to shuffle sons. This handsome guy has a light-brown Finally, it’s important to describe around on his bum torso and a chocolate -brown, velvety muzzle, any special needs or medical history leg pretty well! feet and ears. Most strikingly, from some warranting ongoing attention: Webster has recently angles his eyes glow a deep burgundy red! been examined by a Nicholas is well-mannered, unassuming and Ace (adopted ) is a delightful dwarf hotot boy. knowledgeable bunny easy to handle. He is now ready for a new This little guy arrived at the shelter with vet, who determined home without his kids – though he would severe malocclusion, so he had to have his that the leg has make a good partner for another adult bunny. incisors removed. That means that he’ll need vascular function and Orlando (adopted) is a large lop who was his daily veggies finely c hopped before serving! does not appear to be surrendered (along with his identical twin He has no trouble with hay and pellets. Ace causing Webster any brother) by his owner. This boy is distin- got his name from the cool black fighter- Top to bottom: Dale, pain. However, guished by his very amusing helicopter ears: pilot goggles around his eyes. But he’s really Clark, Nicholas, Webster’s adopter one tends to stick straight up or bend to the a lover more than a fighter; he is very friendly, Orlando, Jessy, Gracie, will have to be Ace, Gerta, Webster opposite side, and the other hangs down, and would make a great partner for giving him a permanent “comb-over” look! another bunny. (Continued on page 11)

THUMP JUNE 2011 10 Some New Arrivals and Their Stories By Kirsten Ott t t a y W ’ O e n a J

: s o t o h P

Eloise is a large, absolutely stunning Pegasus is a medium-sized cream- Simon is a striking young Dutch bunny Himalayan bunny who was returned to colored boy. He was discovered with his who was surrendered by someone who the shelter by her adopter after just a pregnant “wife,” who promptly gave claimed they had “no time” for him. few months. If anybun ever merited a birth to a litter of seven! He was separated This guy has a perfect Dutch coat of the forever home, it’s Eloise. She’s smart, from them, of course, and is now looking brightest white and blackest black. His beautiful, healthy, and has a lovely for the next chapter in his already busy black rear legs and white back feet make personality. This girl has aristocratic life. Pegasus is named for the winged him look like he’s wearing spats! Simon looks: a perfect cream coat, giant deep- horse of myth, because this guy can fly! is a very enthusiastic guy and extremely brown ears, and light-brown gloves on He loves to launch himself into the air, active: he’ll spend his days motoring her pretty feet. Perhaps because she’s and he can easily clear most puppy pens; around like a race car driver and doing all been abandoned more than once, Eloise therefore, his new people will need to manner of binkies. He’ll need a home is understandably wary: she needs to make sure his habitat has high walls. with lots of running room. When he’s not check you out carefully, looking thought- Pegasus will charm you with his outgoing, dashing around, he’s quite easy to handle. fully into your eyes, before she decides confident, high-energy personality; this to fully trust you. Once she decides guy is ready for anything! He would you’re okay, though, she’ll stretch out make a good family bunny or partner right by your side and ask for petting. for another (spayed) bunny. Eloise would make a good family bunny or partner for another rabbit.

Forever Homes Found! Rabbits adopted since the last newsletter include: Angela, Polito, Ollie, Mandy, Tippie, Tula, Webster, Dale, Snoopy, Snuggy, Mickey, Nonnie and Patty.

Otto is a funny, spunky little Himalayan VO LUN TE ERS guy with a real lust for the playing life. This young bunny absolutely loves to Single White Bunny (Continued from page 10) dig, run, jump, and explore, and he needs a home that will give him plenty of especially attentive to his comfort: his home I don’t have the opportunity to meet opportunities (and tunnels) to exercise must have soft surfaces with good traction, every single bunny, because some go i.e., no slippery or grid flooring. Despite his his eager little self. Otto sports classic straight into foster care. Once fostered Himmy looks, with soft brown ears, a leg condition, Webster is a very happy and bunnies are ready for adoption, however , friendly boy! He will approach you to ask slightly irregular brown patch on his for attention and petting. And you won’t be I encourage their fosterers to send me nose, shiny red eyes, and a particularly able to resist: Webster is as cute as a button, blurb “ingredients” or even fully-drafted cute pinkish-brown cottontail. with dark-gray markings and symmetrical blurbs that I can edit and use for posting. gray under-eye dots. For me, this job has been a lot of fun.

THUMP JUNE 2011 11 BEHAVIOR Domino Patiently Comforts Childre n, the Elderly s e v

e had guests over or took him places – Domino had passed the test, saying he e R

. L commented on how calm he was. This was the calmest rabbit she had seen in her e i l a t a was especially true for parents of small 20 years of certifying animals as therapy N

: o t o children as young as one to two years old. pets. I took him around the soldiers’ h P home and allowed the residents to pet him. Kids loved petting Domino, and every time they did he would sit there and just I walked out of the nursing home almost look very relaxed. More often than not, in tears because I was so proud of parents would be shocked that he didn’t Domino. This summer he will become try to bite or scratch their child. certified by the READ program, which will allow him to go to public libraries I noticed his calm disposition, and I in New York City and sit quietly while decided to see if I could get him certified kids read to him. to become a therapy bunny. I took him to a soldiers’ home for retired veterans I think the most rewarding part of all in Edison, N.J. this is that it brings a smile to the faces of elderly people who may have had a It was there that I met a woman from an rough life, or children who cannot have organization called Therapet. The woman, pets at home, or kids who may be too Donna, took Domino into a quiet room Nora Beard and Domino. shy to read out loud at school. Domino’s and I sat down on the floor nearby. She personality amazes me because he is By Nora Beard picked him up and lightly stroked his friendly and calm with all strangers. I feet and his mouth, and then patted him. In 2009 I had owned my Dutch rabbit hope that he continues to help people as Domino for about a year. It seemed that He just sat there as if what was happening a wonderful therapy rabbit. everyone who met him – either when I to him was normal. Donna told me that

Bunny Talk: It’s All About Body Language By Diana Kronenberg By the time our second rabbit joined the every sound and indicating his next The first step to any relationship is family, I certainly had learned a lot movements. Nearly every time I look at introductions, but that can be a bit tough about how rabbits communicate. I felt him, I can guess what he wants or is when you don’t speak the same language. confident that I could connect with our trying to do. His posture and stance can When I brought home my first bun, new girl, Bella. I didn’t just stick my tell me if he’s relaxed or ready to pounce. Charlie, I had to contend with an entire hand out to pet her; I knelt down and His nose wiggling quickly can signal species barrier between us. Rabbits are let her sniff my face. It definitely made a danger or just curiosity. From the very prey animals and a human could certainly difference to understand what her little beginning, my bunny established a appear like a predator to one. I did my head flicks and heel kicks meant from the hierarchy, and he was at the top. He best to let Charlie have some space and beginning. One thing I was not quite would tell us when it was okay for us to take the lead in our greeting. He’s a ready for were the differences between pet him and would demand to be fed. feisty little guy who’s not afraid to make Charlie and Bella. He was aloof and a When Bella came into the picture, simple nudge could mean, “hello,” the first move when he’s ready. As much Charlie was no longer the boss. Oh, he “move it,” or “feed me!” Bella, on the as I wanted to jump right in and play still ruled over us humans, but Bella was other hand, liked to bite when she with him, I didn’t want to scare him. At the new queen. She demanded to be wanted attention. “Pet me” and “Don’t times it was frustrating when I couldn’t groomed constantly, to which Charlie get him to understand me, as it still is stop petting me” were this needy girl’s main concerns. would oblige, but she only occasionally today occasionally. The best thing I groomed him. It didn’t seem to bother could do was wait. Time helped us to Body language is key with bunnies, him. He understood better than we did. understand one another and learn from especially their ears. Charlie’s ears move each other, too. around like two radar dishes, tuning to (Continued on page 13)

THUMP JUNE 2011 12 GLOBE HOPPING U.K. Rabbit Group Marks 15-Year Milestone By Dr. Linda Dykes know these things is in no small part due was time to become a charity, and also Founder, British Houserabbit Association / to the Rabbit Welfare Association & to rebrand the association to reflect the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund Fund, which has worked to change the work we were doing to promote rabbit lives of Britain’s bunnies for the better. welfare. The result was the Rabbit Welfare Just a few years ago, it wasn’t uncommon Association (the club) and the Rabbit for rabbit medicine to resemble some- How We Began Welfare Fund (the charity). Charitable thing from the James Herriot era. Our group, formerly known as the British registration was completed in 2001, Remember the tales of sick animals being Houserabbit Association, began when following which the British Houserabbit treated with multivitamin injections? Association was relaunched as the Rabbit Fast forward to the mid-1990s, and four rabbit lovers decided to start a club Welfare Association & Fund. that’s exactly how some vets would have for people who were keen to bring their treated your rabbit if he stopped eating. rabbits indoors, aiming to “raise the This year, the Rabbit Welfare Association status of the domestic rabbit to that of & Fund celebrates its 15th birthday. Fifteen years later, many British rabbit a cat or dog.” The association is now the U.K.’s largest owners are knowledgeable about GI stasis. charity dedicated to improving the lives They know about the impact of dental By 2000, the British Houserabbit of pet rabbits. disease, and the benefits of neutering. Association had become much more (Continued on page 14) And the fact that they and their vets than a club for house-rabbit owners. It g r e

BEHAVIOR be easier for us to learn to understand b n e n o them than vice versa, but they do seem r K

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Bunny Talk (Continued from page 12) n a pretty aware of what goes on in our i D

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world. Charlie can tell when I’m upset o Rabbits supposedly are mostly silent h P creatures, but my first bunny did not and goes on alert to protect me from seem satisfied with that constraint. harm. They’ve figured out our routines, Rabbits can make several kinds of noises, knowing when they get fed and when to and Charlie’s favorite was a low, short go to bed, and they have learned these grunt. Many things would elicit a grunt things a lot faster than some humans do. from my little guy: an intruder in the The connections my rabbits make in room, petting his fur the wrong way, their bunny minds often seem human- touching his food and messing with his like, but I know they must have their litter box; that last one was a big no- own logic. Somehow they’re able to no. The grunts usually meant he was understand me as well. They come when angry, but sometimes they just seemed I call them, turn an ear in my direction more like his way of expressing himself when I talk to them and know a head the only way he knew how. Bella grunts, rub means I love them. It’s astounding too, but not at the same things that how quickly they pick things up. When provoke Charlie. I’ve come to appreciate I want them to follow me, I crawl on the grunts as their way of talking back my knees and turn my head over my to us, and even find them sneaking into shoulder and they come flying. It took my own vocabulary. My entire family me almost a year to realize that’s what “grunts” now when we get annoyed. Charlie wanted when he did that to me. As much as I had hoped to train my Sometimes I even think I can commu- rabbits, it seems that they have actually nicate better with my rabbits than with trained me. I change my own behavior other humans. With a little learning on to make them happy and react to the both sides, amazing communication can communications they send to me. It may be achieved. Charlie, at rear, with Bella.

THUMP JUNE 2011 13 GLOBE HOPPING A rabbit’s quality of live is inextricably once said, “£100 ($160) will pay for one linked to better medical care. This or two rabbits to be neutered – or for U.K. Rabbit Group includes basics such as safe neutering, 1,000 educational leaflets, which would (Continued from page 13) which enables rabbits to be kept in pairs. hopefully result in at least 10 times as Educating Owners The handful of vets who were particularly many rabbits actually being neutered.” The association’s first leaflet was titled, rabbit-savvy (indeed, there were some As well as providing educational literature “Hey, Look at me. I’m a House Rabbit,” international experts in rabbit medicine free of charge for rescue centers to distri- and featured information on neutering, in Britain even then) were recognized on bute, we’ve always encouraged rabbit diet and behavior. That leaflet was our “rabbit-friendly vet list,” a service adoptions. A directory of rescues is followed by the first incarnation of our that still exists today. For the rest, the available via our helpline. In 2006 we magazine, Rabbiting On, which was association launched an ambitious launched “Sponsor a Rescue,” and to date, photocopied and stapled by hand. educational program. this program has raised almost $19,400, benefiting 18 rescue centers so far. Members were hungry for knowledge, In 2002, the Rabbit Welfare Association and bearing in mind that fewer than & Fund organized our first “Rabbit Campaigning on the National Stage Health Matters” conference. The event was 10% of the U.K. population used the Prior to the creation of the Rabbit Internet in those early years (no Facebook; a sellout, and has taken place annually ever since. Welfare Association & Fund, there was no no online forums), the association started single national body in Britain offering a helpline and set up a network of The next phase in influencing the U.K. expert advice on companion rabbit advisers to give advice over the phone. veterinary profession was more ambitious: issues. We were first approached by the Outreach targeting vets still in training. Back in government for advice in 2002 when 1996, veterinary students typically only the Animal Welfare Act was still on the The association relied on the traditional spent five days training in rabbit medicine. drawing board, and we are now undoubt - media to spread the word, as well as So, when the opportunity arose to half- edly Britain’s leading rabbit-welfare educational leaflets, which remain a vital fund a residency at Bristol Vet School organization, serving on committees tool. Even with the rise in Internet usage, (shared with Bristol Zoo), we jumped at alongside other major animal welfare the association still produces more than the chance. To date, more than 2,000 groups such as the People’s Dispensary 100,000 leaflets (14 titles) every year at veterinary and veterinary nursing student s for Sick Animals and the Royal Society a cost of about $11,000. have been trained in Bristol’s state-of- for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund the-art rabbit clinic, creating a generation We are part of the government’s representatives also attend as many public of rabbit-savvy professionals in practice Companion Animal Sector Council and events as possible. These outreach efforts throughout the U.K. are currently working on rabbit health occasionally attract criticism from those and welfare standards. Funding for Research who think we should have nothing to do One of the reasons we are established as with other facets of the pet-rabbit industry, Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund grants the authority for U.K. rabbit-welfare issues have enabled research into topics such as but the association has always believed is our politically moderate approach: E. cuniculi (it was an RWAF-funded that it is more important to seize opportu - building bridges, not barriers, and project that revealed that 50% of British nities to educate and, when necessary working with organizations that have a pet rabbits have been exposed to EC), dispel myths, than to pretend that pet different philosophy, as long as we can shops and rabbit shows (which many myxomatosis vectors, heart disease in improve rabbit welfare. members find disturbing) do not exist. rabbits, environmental enrichment and You can read more about our successes If you want a benchmark for how far coccidiosis. Many pet rabbits benefited from this research. in the quarterly magazine Rabbiting things have come, consider this: 15 years On, (sample articles and information ago, you couldn’t buy a six-foot hutch Supporting Rescue Efforts are available at a link on our website, from a mainstream retailer in the U.K., http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk ). The and rabbits were rarely kept in pairs. From the early days, the association has supported rabbit rescue – but decided most notable success recently has Educating Vets not to take a hands-on role. undoubtedly been influencing British retailers to stop selling completely Although the initial emphasis of the The reason is simple: rabbit rescue inadequate hutches. association was providing an entertaining, provides an essential service to pick up the informative network for members, we pieces when things have gone wrong. We have continually improved our quickly realized that U.K. vets needed to But education is essential to make sure website, which we believe is one of the catch up with their American counterparts. things don’t go wrong as often. As I (Continued on page 15)

THUMP JUNE 2011 14 GLOBE HOPPING Here ’s Thumping at You From Jolly Old England b n

By Ros Lamb a L

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Ros Lamb, a committee member of the t o h Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund in the P U.K., initially contacted Mary Ann Maier of Rabbit Rescue & Rehab in late April. Thanks to the efforts of Ros, Thump received permission to run the article by Dr. Linda Dykes about the U.K. group that starts on page 13. We asked Ros to tell us about her own rabbits, Nutmeg and Betty. I have two rabbits. Nutmeg, cream and white, is seven years old and is husbun to Betty, who’s only four. Their full names are Nutmeg Varmint and Kween Betty Winzer. Yes, I am eccentric! Both are rescues. Nutmeg came from a small local rescue when he was two. He had spent the early part of his life alone in Nutmeg Varmint and Kween Betty Winzer. a cramped hutch. His sister lived alone away and left her behind to starve. Initially, I couldn’t get near her, and she in an equally cramped hutch next door Neighbors reported that she was there. would lunge and growl. Now Betty’s a to him. She was adopted out before I The RSPCA informed the police, who little softy. She is still very protective of met Nutmeg, and he came to be husbun have the legal right to break into properties food, though, and it has been a problem to my widowed Cinnamon Varmint. It if they believe animals are at risk. She between the pair of them from time to was a wonderful love match from the was found in her cage with nothing to time, but mostly they are great friends. moment they met up until Cinnamon eat or drink and extremely nervous. It’s died two years ago from cancer. taken a long time and a lot of patience Betty arrived soon after. I adopted her to give her the confidence to be the from the Royal Society for the Prevention bossy boots she is today – the bun who of Cruelty to Animals. That group had nose-bumps me every time she passes and rescued Betty when her family had moved will run over to have her head scratched.

U.K. Rabbit Group members and others can help, we include (Continued from page 13) a “Get Involved” section on our website. Rabbit Welfare Association members most up-to-date and informative rabbit- Betty and Nutmeg rarely argue, except love to “talk rabbit,” and we’ve always occasionally about food. specific websites in the world. Rabbiting facilitated this. We initially set up local On has featured articles about choosing “Hopper Groups,” where members veterinarians, about poisons to avoid, would meet up and share rabbit stories and about the rabbit digestive system, and photos. Later, we organized annual among many other topics. events such as the “House Rabbit House Moving On Party,” owner conferences and, more recently, fund-raising galas. This is in What happens next is largely up to our addition to the helpline, vet list, bunny- members, who are encouraged to help by boarding list and, more recently, the free donating time and money, however vet referral service offered in conjunction Did I just hear the refrigerator door open? small the donation. For ideas on how our with the vet residency program.

THUMP JUNE 2011 15 GLOBE HOPPING The Brave Bunnies of New Zealand s r e v i

By Natalie L. Reeves R her own vet was handling a far greater

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: caseload and she had trouble getting an o t

This past winter was a particularly hard one o h P appointment. When she finally was able in the metro New York area. As several to see the vet several days later, Holly was snowfalls paralyzed public transportation diagnosed with a respiratory infection, and rendered roads impassable, rabbit most likely due to the silt dust in the air. guardians with sick bunnies had to do To be safe, Kei used bottled water to their best to care for their rabbits until clean Holly’s face rather than boiled they could find a way to get to a vet. rainwater. Thankfully, despite the poor But imagine if you lived in a place where air quality and other challenges, Holly your city was decimated by a natural has gotten much better. disaster, with vets’ offices and pet stores More than three months after the quake, caught up in the devastation. This was Holly and Nellie. things have improved for Kei and her the experience of Kei Rivers, a resident of neighbors, but they still face many Christchurch, New Zealand. Her story off and furniture moved. The chimney challenges. They finally have drinkable underscores the importance of being on Kei’s home snapped off, fell onto the water so that they don’t have to boil prepared for unforeseen disasters. driveway and cracked in two. During this rainwater anymore, but there is limited On Feb. 22, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake terrifying time, Kei held onto her desk sewage capacity. The roads are still often hit Christchurch. More than 180 people because she couldn’t stand up. As soon in very poor condition and many area were killed and the area was devastated. as the quake stopped, she ran out of her businesses (such as Kei’s local grocery A large number of pets were killed or lost . house to check on the bunnies. Thankfully and pet stores) remain closed. After- Countless structures were demolished, the bunnies were fine. In fact, Kei thinks shocks continue. and up to one-third of the city’s buildings that the only change in them was that Kei’s life has changed in other, more were deemed structurally unsound. they were more affectionate than usual. She believes that perhaps they sensed how subtle ways. Her bag always contains a Kei has two young bunnies, a boy named upset she was and were trying to calm her. dust mask and a bottle of water. She will Holly and a girl named Nellie, who live only wear comfortable sneakers and she outside but get a lot of attention from The days following the February quake has her rabbit supplies (such as Metacam) their doting mom. When an earlier were confusing and terrifying. There readily accessible so she can grab them if earthquake hit at 4:35 a.m. on Sept. 4, was little news of who had lived or died she needs to evacuate. 2010, Kei immediately ran outside to or how extensive the damage was since Even though Kei dreams of having her check on her bunnies. They seemed more there was no power, no clean water and rabbits one day live inside with her, she confused by her presence in the middle no way to treat sewage. Kei’s family used fears that they would be in danger of the night than they were by the their outside barbecue and gas stove to because of all of the falling objects during shaking ground. boil rainwater for themselves and for their rabbits. They could not readily get a quake. Since her area has few natural From September until the huge quake supplies because the roads had actually predators, she believes the rabbits are safer in February, residents of New Zealand liquefied and the winds blew dust around, outside. She is proud of their resilience. became accustomed to regular earthquakes. which residents feared was contaminated. While neighborhood cats have “freaked Likewise, Kei’s bunnies seemed to take The two pet stores closest to Kei’s home out,” her rabbits have remained calm them in stride. During one of the minor were badly damaged and had been and brave. quakes, Kei was hand-feeding Holly, yet forced to close. Kei says, “I also don’t know how I would Holly didn’t stop eating his snack even have handled things myself without [my as the ground shook. A few weeks after the quake, Kei’s bunny Holly got sick with a nose discharge and rabbits]. They’ve given me something to The day of the quake that obliterated head tilt. In the past, Kei had always been focus on, and keeping busy making sure Christchurch’s way of life was a warm and able to get her bunnies in to see their vet they have all their needs attended to has sunny Tuesday. Around lunchtime, every - on the same day that she called. Since so kept me from dwelling on other things, thing started shaking. The power went many area vets had closed after the quake, things I can’t control.”

THUMP JUNE 2011 16 n n a m RIP: Beautiful Bella u A

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By Kerstin Aumann : o t o h Bella joined our home in February of 2005. P We adopted her because she reminded my husband of the two Siamese cats that were his childhood pets. Bella was exceptionally beautiful both in looks and in spirit. Her trademark was a white spot on her nose that constantly wriggled…sometimes slow and relaxed, sometimes alert and curious. Bella was known for a vigorous routine of daily Bunny 500 laps around our living room. She was also known for “pancaking” anywhere and everywhere to enjoy a good, long head rub. A social butterfly, Bella especially loved a good party where she could get attention – and head rubs – from strangers. Bella was a friendly and gentle soul who gave and received Bella the Beautiful has just finished a round of binkies in this photo, taken on Labor Day weekend 2009 much love from her humans and mates. in Kerstin’s garden in Rockaway.

Bella’s claim to fame is her starring role her arrival, beautiful Bella had charmed I’ve always felt inspired watching these on the CBS “Early Show” in a segment our resident little black dwarf, Schnucki, two love buns. Jerry misses Bella, who on why chocolate rabbits are better and the two became inseparable for the died on June 2, but he is carrying on Easter gifts than real rabbits (aired on rest of Schnucki’s life. Schnucki was an bravely as Bella would have wanted him Easter Sunday, March 22, 2008): elderbun already and Bella made his to…maybe he knows that she’ll be http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=3959921n “golden years” truly golden. After waiting for him at the other end of the Bella’s adoption signified the transforma - Schnucki passed on, Bella bonded with rainbow, just like Schnucki had been tion of our single-bunny home to a a young buck named Jerry. The two waiting for Bella. multibunny warren. Within three days of shared true love and lots of affection – y e

NYC Metro Rabbit s n h o M At Petco Stores in Manhattan d i v a D

Near right, Hin-Sung. : s o t

Far right, Naomi. o h P HAY Sincere thank s to all of our generous hay donor s!

THUMP JUNE 2011 17 n n o o s l w e K i

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Frankie snuggles with Trix. Frankie and Trix Frankie was adopted last year by Anna Kwon, who later adopted Trix as a partner bun. Anna sent us this update in mid-April. Thank you so much for asking about Frankie and Trix! I’m sorry I couldn’t give you many updates before. The initial bonding sessions went very poorly and it’s taken awhile for both bunnies to settle in and be reintroduced to one another. I think there were several factors behind Ulysses and his new friend, the kitty Buster. the rough bonding, in retrospect. Frankie Ulysses had pretty much claimed the entire basement, so every spot was his territory – Jared and Natalie adopted Ulysses, who even the areas I didn’t think he had has a new BFF, the kitty Buster. Amy visited. He also seemed a little melancholy Odum received this letter in early April. and not really in the mood for Trix; Hi Amy, perhaps he missed his mother and sister, This is Jared Danielson, one half of with whom he had been bonded before Natalie and Jared. :) We adopted Ulysses being adopted separately by me…not to from you a couple of weeks ago and he mention that Trix was recently spayed has been a perfect little member of our and too overeager to meet Frankie. His family. He and the kitty snuggle on aloof “ladies’ man” attitude and her sweet, affectionate demeanor couldn’t Newton. occasion and Ulysses loves roaming the house. I built him a little house for be more different (doesn’t it sound like Newton himself and when we’re home we let the premise of a romantic comedy?), and Newton was adopted in December by him happily hop all around the rest of the first few sessions were dispiriting, to say the least. Andrea and her family. She introduced our place. We will take him to the him to her three cats and sent this letter exotics vet next week. We’re happy to But after keeping the bunnies separate, but in early May. have him in our lives. close, and then moving bonding sessions one floor up to the kitchen and bathroom Newton is doing great. I think he may Ulysses is a ham and a lovely little bunny. areas (with a lot of maneuvering and be a genius and he loves cats. But he is We’re so glad to have him. shifting of our other pets upstairs), I’m also very particular. He likes to chew on Best, happy to report that there have been a unpeeled willow and yucca toys but no Jared apple branches. He is enjoying a new lot of breakthroughs! Frankie and Trix are exercise pen and shares his Cottontail comfortable with their faces smushed Cottage with the cats. Thank you! up against one another. Andrea (Continued on page 19)

THUMP JUNE 2011 18 Letters (Continued from page 18) Bonnie is quite a climber. She somehow We have had a bit of trouble with his nails. managed to find a way to get on top of We are just cutting them for his comfort; This past weekend, Frankie groomed Trix. my desk the other night. Clyde responded Rhys doesn’t scratch. We were wondering Granted, it was only for two seconds – by hopping into the trash can by accident. if you had any advice. For one, his nails and then Frankie proceeded to use Trix’s Hehe. It is evident who is the smarter are black and we can’t seem to find face as a prop to groom his hind foot – of the two! anything on the Internet about how to but it was a breathtaking two seconds. Loving my two bun kids, however, I still avoid cutting the quick. One website I think this is starting to become some- haven’t picked them up. Cindy, you said to try a flashlight but that didn’t thing really wonderful, so I hope to let made it look so easy at the shelter. In help. Another said you just have to you know soon when the two can be reality, they never stay still long enough guess. How long should his nails be? finally together :) for me to wrap an arm around them, Rhys doesn’t like to have his nails clipped. Take care. much less pick up their back feet. So He will let me hold his front feet and Anna now I just feed them by hand and give pretty much just cut one nail, but then them kisses as they are eating. he will run away. I do it in a small room, so he runs two feet and then I pet him u h They are also shedding up a storm (Clyde Z i s i and he’ll let me do another one. He S

especially) and don’t like to stay still for : o t

o doesn’t seem too stressed out or upset h

P grooming. Clyde really hates the fur comb and will try to attack it. Again, I and will lay down and relax right after I take advantage of when they are eating cut one. and run my hands through their fur as I am not sure how far down to cut and much as possible. I hope the molting wonder if I’m doing any good at all. phase passes after this month! The Web has advised us that cutting the Cheerio, quick is common and not a big deal Sisi but that you must treat it to stop bleeding before letting the bunny go free again. I am worried about that since he’s skittish s a m o

h about letting us touch his feet even T

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o I pretty much haven’t been able to get at h Bonnie and Clyde. P his back feet at all. He pulls them under Bonnie and Clyde his body. We have tried holding him as you did when you showed us how to Bonnie and Clyde were adopted by Sisi, take his temperature but haven’t had who sent this email to Cindy Stutts and much success with that. I can hold him Cathy Zelonis in late April. for a little while – less than a minute – Hi Cindy and Cathy, but not long enough to get at the nails. Greetings from Bonnie and Clyde. Both We’re thinking about just having the vet do have gotten chubbier since I adopted it – at least once, so we can see someone them, but I’m watching their weight skilled do it – and maybe permanently, now by limiting the pellets and switching depending on what kind of headway we Indignant Rhys disapproves of the nail clipper. to Oxbow. I was using Kaytee Forti-Diet make with doing it ourselves and how Pro, which had less protein but included much it costs. Rhys a bit of alfalfa, so hopefully the switch to Hope everything is great with the bunnies. Oxbow helps. Rhys was adopted by Megan and Bob, who sent this email to Cindy Stutts in early May. Thanks for your time and attention, They are very spoiled in their big pen, Megan and Bob and sweet Rhys complete with a fort, cooling ceramic Hi Cindy, tiles and lots of chew toys. They also get Hope you and your bunny friends are P.S. After receiving this email, Cindy some exploring time everyday in my well. Rhys is great and seems happy. invited Megan and Rhys to her home room, where they do binkies on the rug and she gave Megan a hands-on nail- We were thrilled to see the picture of and climb on a few pieces of furniture. clipping lesson. you and Rhys with Martha Stewart in the last bunny newsletter.

THUMP JUNE 2011 19 Rabbit-Savvy Veterinarians Licensed H RS Representatives Here’s our recommended vet list for the New York metropolitan area. Please note that many Mary Cotter , HRS Licensed Educator, clinics have multiple veterinarians, and our recommendations are for specific veterinarians in Chapter Manager, Rabbit Rescue & Rehab, those clinics. If you can’t get an appointment with a recommended vet at one clinic, don’t mec@cloud 9.net, (914) 33 7-6146, rabbitcare.org assume (no matter what you are told by the clinic) that other vets in the same clinic can help Nancy Schreiber , HRS Licensed Educator, your rabbit. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the vets on this list, Co-Chapter Manager-in-Training , Rabbit please contact Mary Cotter at (914) 337-6146. When you make an appointment with any of Rescue & Rehab, Long Island Rabbit Rescue these vets, please tell them you were referred by us. Group Volunteer, [email protected], (516) 510-363 7, LongIslandRabbitRescue.org Long Island: Manhattan (continued): Cindy Stutts , HRS Licensed Educator, Jennifer Saver, DVM Alexandra Wilson, DVM Manager NYC/AC&C Rabbit Program, Laura George, DVM The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine [email protected], (646) 319-4766, Catnip & Carrots Veterinary Hospital 568 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10024 nycacc.org (212) 501-8750 22 21 Hillside Ave. , New Hyd e Park , NY 11 040 Mary Ann Maier , HRS Licensed Educator, (516) 877-7080 Anthony Pilny, DVM Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group Volunteer, Heidi Hoefer, DVM Veterinary Internal Medicine [email protected], (516) 671-6654, Island Exotic Vet Care and Allergy Specialists LongIslandRabbitRescue.org 591 East Jericho Turnpike 207 East 84th St., New York, NY 10028 Donna Sheridan , HRS Licensed Educator, Huntington Station, NY 11746 (212) 988-4650 Long Island Rabbit Rescue Volunteer, (631) 424-0300 Shachar Malka, DVM [email protected], Jeff Rose, DVM Humane Society of New York LongIslandRabbitRescue.org Jefferson Animal Hospital 306 East 59th St. Kerstin Aumann , HRS Licensed Educator, 606 Patchogue Rd.(Route 112) New York, NY 10022 NYC/AC&C Volunteer, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 (212) 752-4842 [email protected], nycacc.org (631) 473-0415 Westchester County: Gabrielle LaManna , HRS Educator-in- Manhattan: Gil Stanzione, DVM training at large, New Fairfield, CT, Becky Campbell, DVM 381 Dobbs Ferr y Road, White Plains, NY 106 07 [email protected], (203) 746-7548 Deborah Levison, DVM (914) 421-0020 Jennifer Saver , DVM, HRS Licensed Educator Symphony Veterinary Center Laurie Hess, DVM Laura George , DVM, HRS Licensed Educator 170 West 96th Street, New York, NY 10025 Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics (212) 866-8000 709 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 THUMP June 20 11 Katherine Quesenberry, DVM (914) 864-1414 Newsletter of RRR/NYC HRS The Animal Medical Center 56 West Pondfield Road #5C 510 East 62nd St., New York, NY 10065 Bronxville, NY 10708 (212) 838-7053, (212) 329-8622 www.rabbitcare.org Editor: Susan Lillo Creative Director: Jane O’Wyatt ADOPTABLE RABBITS Masthead Logo Designer: Mary Ann Maier There are lots of adoptable rabbits available Adoptable AC&C rabbits are also at Petco ’s Rabbit Rescue & Rehab is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation in New York State. in Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester. Lexington Avenue (86-8 7th) and Union Our purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and Square locations; rabbit volunteers are present To adopt a rabbit in New York City , contact find permanent homes for abandoned, at both stores on Saturday and Sunday Cindy Stutts at bygolyoly @yahoo.com or call abused and neglected rabbits, and to educate he r at 646-319-4766. On Lon g Island , contact afternoons to answer questions. There are the general public on rabbit care through Nancy Schreiber at nschreibmd @aol.com two rabbits living at each of those stores. publications, telephone consultations, home or at 516-510-3637 ( www.longisland Many of our rabbits are living in foster visits and public presentations. This newsletter rabbitrescue.org ), and in Westchester homes and you can meet them as well. You is published by RRR/NYC HRS, which is solely responsible for its content. Letters, contact Mary Cotter at mec @cloud9.net or also can arrange to foster a rabbit until he photographs and other submissions to the 914-337-6146 ( www.rabbitcare.org ). or she finds a permanent home. Contact newletter become the property of the NYC AC&C rabbit volunteers’ email address in Mary Cotter at mec @cloud 9.net or Amy Chapter and cannot be returned. We retain New York City is nyc.metro.rabbits @gmail.com . Odum at either amy @adoptabunny.info or the right to edit submissions for publication. nyc.metro.rabbits @gmail.com . You can visit the New York Animal Care All donations go directly to caring for our & Control Center at 326 East 110th St., For basic information about rabbits as foster rabbits and are tax-deductible . Please between First and Second avenues. Volunteers pets, go to www.rabbitcare.org , help us help them. Checks should be made out are there every weekday evening and on www.longislandrabbitrescue.org and the to Rabbit Rescue & Rehab and mailed to: Saturday and Sunday afternoons, but it is House Rabbit Society main site, Nancy Schreiber, 12 Grace Court North, best to arrange an appointment first. www.rabbit.org . Great Neck, NY 11021.

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