NYC MET RO RABB IT NEWS OCTOBER 2014 n a d i r

The Poof’s Thymoma e Team Margot h S

a n n Success Story o By Tracy Nuzzo D

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By Donna Sheridan P I hate summertime, although it’s practically blasphemous to admit that After having rabbit companions for over in New York! In truth, I love the longer 25 years, and experiencing the normal days, sunshine and late sunsets, but highs and lows that come along with summer months are the cruelest for routine rabbit health issues and cures, I rescue bunnies. Count 90 days past experienced something in 2014 that was Easter, and you find people dumping upsetting, draining, exhausting and, in well-intentioned “gifts” in the city’s the end, joyous. My 8-year-old female parks – with terrible results. As someone spayed rabbit, She-Poof, also known as Poof today, looking pretty good. who fosters rabbits, I brace for impact the Poof, was diagnosed with a very the large thymoma pushing the Poof’s and dread the hot summer months. large thymoma at the beginning of heart all the way to the side of her chest. January 2014. The Poof had in the past A thymoma is a tumor in the thymus In mid -July, I heard about a very suffered from bouts of sneezing that were which can take over the chest cavity, injured and park-abandoned bunny kept in check with an occasional course squeezing the heart and lungs out of the that I anticipated fostering. In fact, of Orbax. This past January, the Orbax way as it grows. It is often a death 10 days later, I went to pick up this did not work and, in fact, her breathing sentence for rabbits, and thymoma is a bunny, named Margot, at the Center seemed to be getting worse. word that rabbit owners fear like no other. for Avian and Exotic Medicine. My Dr. Kristen Miller of Catnip & Carrots A veterinary huddle ensued and, on the heart broke as I entered CAEM and Veterinary Hospital examined the Poof recommendations of the team of vets at was told Margot couldn’t be taken for and suggested an X-ray, which revealed (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 4)

Road Trip to L.A.: Taking Our Menagerie With Us By Sarah Willson They were healthy, stable and extremely rabbits – only when absolutely necessary, bonded (mother and son), so we figured of course. But we have rodents as well, My first thought when it became clear they’d be up to the challenge. Two months and since they aren’t allowed in an we were moving from New York to Los before moving day, the research began. airplane cabin, we decided to take the Angeles: What about the rabbits? whole menagerie on a summer road Assuming long-distance travel was safe Our first decision was to choose between trip. I worried that the rabbits would get for Juno and Owney, they would need flying or renting a car, and the Internet to make the 2,700-mile trip with us. seemed to slightly favor air travel for (Continued on page 3

Fostering RescueMen Hare ye! Hare ye! How to Know Marshmallow Thre e Buns Calendar Rabbit Care Conference What Really The Diva With Patience Spotlights Matters Most Inspires Book And Affection Local Adopter Sunday, Oct. 26 In Your Life ‘Forgotten Page 6 Page 14 Radisson Hote l, New Rochelle Page 15 Rabbit’ See page 13 for more information Page 16

Our masthead bunny, fastidiously clean Harold, was rescued from the street in Wantagh, and had been so neglected that he was suffering from maggots. Thankfully, we got him in time, and he was treated at Catnip & Carrots Veterinary Hospital and recovered. He is now the healthy, handsome guy you see here. Available for adoption to a loving home through Long Island Rabbit Rescue ( [email protected] ). Photo illustration by Mary Ann Maier with photos by Mike Miranda. n a

After that, the Poof breezed through six d HEALTH ISSUES i r e h S

radiation sessions during January and a n n February, with no major ill effects. Dr. o Thymoma (Continued from page 1) D

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St-Vincent adjusted the Poof’s arrival o h Catnip & Carrots, led by Dr. Jennifer time at AMC each week so that the Poof P Saver, the Poof and I set off to the Anima l was able to spend the smallest amount Medical Center for an evaluation. Dr. of time in the company of dogs and cats Katherine Quesenberry recommended a also awaiting radiation. During the CT scan and additional tests to determine course of treatments, the Poof did lose if the thymoma could be aspirated and some weight, and I coaxed her to eat possibly drained to the point where the alfalfa, oats, pignoli nuts and other Poof could be reasonably comfortable. fattening treats that are normally off- The thymoma could not be aspirated, limits to my healthy rabbits. Poof with diploma after last radiation session. and I was then presented with options Approximately two months after the end for treatment. Opening her chest for of treatments, the Poof went back to constant worry over the Poof. The Poof surgery left little chance for survival. AMC for a re-check. The new image requires regular grooming and clipping, Radiation treatment seemed to offer her showed that the thymoma was “significantly and for the longest time I was afraid to the best chance for a cure with the reduced” to the point that she could be do it, and I depended on the kindness fewest side effects. Different types of “considered cured,” something that I of Dr. Saver and Dr. Laura George, who radiation were offered, with Intensity didn’t think was possible. She was released gently tended to her thick coat during Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) from AMC’s care and is back under the Poof weigh-ins. I am now finally able to being the most accurate one, and also wonderful care of the Catnip & Carrots vets. groom her again without fear of stressing the most costly. IMRT offered advance Over the summer, the Poof continued her out. I also no longer fear the nine- planning and multiple beams of radiation month mark or any other mark. I have contoured to the tumor to give an to improve, albeit slowly. Her urine had a slightly toxic smell that finally began to stopped looking at the months pass on accurate dose of radiation with minimal the calendar and worrying how long she damage to healthy surrounding tissue. dissipate in early summer. I had shaved a patch of fur on her back when she had will live, and if she will survive past a The Poof had been with me literally required some shots back in January, and certain point. I guess I can say that we are since birth. She was born at ACC in it remained bare for at least seven months, both cured of the thymoma. The Poof Brooklyn when I organized the rabbit due to her struggling immune system. In had a checkup on Sept. 25 with Dr. adoption program there from 2004 to July, that patch suddenly sprouted and Saver, who said she’s still in great health. 2008, and I took her and her mommy grew a beautiful coat of gleaming orange Obviously this may not be the outcome and siblings home to nurse and grow up. fur quickly, like seedlings in spring. for everyone, but should any of you be She has been with me ever since. It only unfortunate enough to receive a thymoma Still, her appetite remained slightly below seemed fair that I give her the best chance diagnosis, I urge you not to lose hope. I normal, and I continued with the oats, to live that I could offer, after all our recommend you consult with the vets pignolis and other treats. One of the years together. She was not a young rabbit at Catnip & Carrots, to whom I owe strangest side effects of her condition or by any means, but I felt we had many much gratitude, and Dr. St-Vincent at treatment was that she lost her taste for more years left together, and I would not AMC. Apart from the first week, the pellets, and it was very hard to make up be discouraged by the cost. I also chose Poof suffered no discomfort and bounced for those lost calories in a healthy way. By not to be discouraged by her prognosis, out of her carrier upon returning home accident, I discovered that if I sprinkled which was six to nine months of life, each week after treatment. depending on the success of the treatments. a tiny bit of water on her pellets, she would eat them, even though she never I must confess that this course of treatment After telephone consultations with AMC’s liked Critical Care. After that, I watered came at great cost. From the first exam Radiation Oncology vet, Dr. Rachel St- her pellets daily, and she ate them. at Catnip, through the radiation, and to Vincent, I signed on for IMRT radiation. the final images that proclaimed the The first week was very difficult as the In mid-September, the Poof decided that thymoma was gone, the cost was over Poof was sedated for a long time for the the time was right for her to start eating her $8,000. I do not regret spending that initial planning necessary to ensure pellets in the normal dry manner again. I money at all, because the Poof may have accurate placement of the radiation to still give her extra pignolis anyway, because a normal life expectancy. As I type this, I follow. She came home in a daze, and she has come to expect them. Her weight can hear her eating hay nearby. My stumbled into her fuzzy hidey-house and is holding steady at 3 pounds, 10 ounces. wallet may currently resemble the didn’t move for a long time. That proved As time went on, I realized at some thymoma (significantly reduced...) but to be the worst side effect that would occur. point that I was no longer in a state of my heart is very full.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 2 n o s l

TRAVEL l I kept expecting some kind of fiasco, but i W

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a thankfully there was none. Owney scared r a S

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Road Trip (Continued from page 1) s us by refusing to drink any water on the o t o h

P first day, but he got more comfortable overheated, refuse to eat, or somehow by the next morning, and both rabbits chew through their carrier and escape at adjusted to the routine by day two. On the first rest stop, but our vet reassured the first night, we stayed with friends in me with his own story of a multi-animal Indiana, and the rabbits were under- cross-country trip. I knew Juno and standably nervous about the scent of the Owney – surely they were resilient enough cats and dogs in the house. But we spent to get through four long days on the road. the next two nights in pet-friendly With all the obscure information on the hotels, where Juno and Owney made Web, you’d expect there to be more tales themselves right at home. We’d planned to put fresh towels in their carrier every day, of rabbit road trips, but the closest thing I Juno in a bathroom in Omaha. found was the occasional story of an all- assuming they wouldn’t be interested in day drive to a rabbit show. So I gathered using their litter box at a gas station, but all my knowledge about rabbits and we must have underestimated how well- decided to improvise. I stocked up on trained they were. Every day of the trip, supplies: Pedialyte, baby thermometer, a the towels were surprisingly clean, which variety of nonperishable food options, was a bit concerning until we saw them and a travel carrier big enough for both heartily making full use of their litter rabbits to stretch out in. Online sources box at night, munching on hay as if were split on what kind of carrier to use: nothing were out of the ordinary. traditional plastic crate or sturdy wire In Omaha, we let them explore the hotel cage? I ended up choosing a cat-sized room for a couple hours and then crate with a second door on the top, Juno and Owney in a hotel room in Colorado. confined them to their crate during the which can make it easier to handle a pet. night, which they were perfectly happy We didn’t own a family car, so we couldn’t about. On the last night, in Colorado, take them on practice trips in their we gave them more space by fencing off carrier, as rabbit experts recommend. the area by the sink, which seemed like a Instead, we set up the carrier near their good idea until I woke up at 4 a.m. to pen so they’d have a few weeks to get the sound of ripping paper: the rabbits used to it before the trip. Leaving a were excitedly shredding the bill that handful of pellets inside piqued their had just appeared under our door. interest, and Juno even started taking In the end, all that planning paid off, naps in the crate on occasion. Success! and the trip was a huge success. The rabbits were grateful to be out of the car When moving day arrived, we packed the when we reached our destination – Juno car full of supplies: litter box, Carefresh, slept like a log for hours. We didn’t get plenty of hay, clean towels and blankets, to do any sightseeing during our trip, and a cooler full of greens and treats. since we didn’t want the animals to get Finally, we loaded up the animals and overheated or stressed a minute longer said goodbye to our old home. Juno on the carrier in its new location. than they had to be. But their antics I’d read that rabbits can be terrified by planned to stop and check on them every were enough to make it a memorable the sound of the radio or the car starting, two hours, as Internet sources suggested, journey, and we have a newfound respect so we tried our best to avoid strange but since they didn’t seem inclined to for their bravery and resilience. Juno noises, but we knew it might be scary eat or drink at rest stops anyway (at least and Owney now have a souvenir of their for them no matter what. They stayed on the first day), we took less frequent time on the road: their travel carrier silent in their carrier through smooth breaks and made sure to leave fresh greens (minus the door) is now a permanent highways, rainstorms, road construction, in their carrier for moisture. Sure enough, fixture in their pen, and they love sleeping and showed no change in behavior when occasionally during a quiet moment we’d in it all day like a makeshift burrow, we eventually got bored and turned on hear one of them crunching ever-so-gently which leads us to believe the trip wasn’t the radio on day three. We initially on a lettuce leaf. Classic prey animals. too traumatic for them after all.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 3 o z

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: o Margot (Continued from page 1) t o h P fostering. In fact, she was in such rough shape that it was unclear if she would survive. I was in tears as I sent a text message to Cindy Stutts, head of NYC Metro Rabbits. I explained I had gone to collect Margot and was informed she might not make it through the night. Cindy’s response had me intrigued: “Don’t count Margot out just yet.” My “Rest in Peace” mind-set changed immediately to, “You can do it, Margot!” It was a mantra I silently repeated all day and night (and then endlessly, in the weeks to come). I found myself already invested in a bunny I hadn’t yet seen. Margot didn’t die the day I had gone to get her. She didn’t die the next day either. Almost a week later, I was asked to pick Margot up, and this time I knew she would be leaving with me. Margot was making the most of her terrible situation and although she wasn’t out of the woods, by any stretch, this girl bunny was fighting for another day. Aug 3: I arrived at CAEM to take Margot home. I was handed a super-skinny bunny with severe head tilt, and her entire hind end was covered in bandages. Margot. I instantly felt like we’d been friends for years. I’d loved and respected her since poor b loo d t est resu lts, a nd was su ffering expe rience with head-tilt fosters. I was before we’d met. I finally had the courage from a devastating case of fly-strike. unnerved by the fact Margot rolled and to ask – what happened to sweet Margot? Margot also had very severe head tilt. tumbled, trying to get her balance, but Her hind end was covered in bandages, Thea talked me through it all. Jul y16: Margot was in Orchard Beach, part resembling a diaper. She had undergone of Pelham Bay Park. She was mercilessly Despite Margot’s jarring appearance, I surgery, but there just wasn’t enough attacked by a pack of dogs. Park rangers was most surprised by the “normalcy” skin to close her wounds. said they heard loud noises, and they with which Margot lived her life. She rushed to free Margot and then transported I brought the broken bunny home and had a ferocious appetite and was easily her to the Manhattan shelter. Animal admired how hard Margot was fighting able to gain the weight her frame, and Care & Control felt Margot was too far to survive, even if it was for just one low iron count, desperately needed. gone. They did report, however, that more day. I spent that first night sleeping Margot also was playful; she began she was a fighter – and Cindy Stutts inside her ex-pen. There were two choices – running the bunny 500 inside her ex- championed this bunny who had no either join Margot’s team or get the pen. She was able to change direction one else in her corner. Margot was sent heck out of her way! whenever she chose. Some head-tilt to CAEM at Cindy’s direction. bunnies seem to chase their own tails, I had never fostered a head-tilt bunny so circling. Margot went wherever she Aside from Margot’s open wounds from I reached out to Thea Harting, one of dog bites, Margot was emaciated, had our stellar volunteers who has a lot of (Continued on page 5)

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 4 HEALTH ISSUES As tragic as Margot’s initial circumstances of new technology and a bunny who were, luck was smiling upon our girl. just wouldn’t give up left us all amazed. Margot (Continued from page 4) She had Cindy Stutts in her corner (a Within a week, the smallest of Margot’s force to be reckoned with), and there wounds healed, and I called CAEM to pleased. I lined the pen with some fluffy was this happy coincidence: the Center stuffed animals that she sometimes for Avian and Exotic Medicine had just schedule Margot’s spay surgery – the last groomed. There was no reason to feel received a cold laser that they planned stumbling block for any foster before sorry for this bunny, because there wasn’t to offer their patients, to assist in wound she can be adopted. Margot was spayed an inkling of sadness within Margot. care and other uses. Very generously, in mid-September. As I picked her up CAEM began using their newest from surgery, I saw several vet techs who The original catchphrase that I said technology to help Margot. We scheduled had helped with Margot’s wound care – before I ever met this girl was repeated bandage changes so that Lorelei Tibbetts, including one who hadn’t seen Margot constantly: “You can do it, Margot.” nurse and practice manager at CAEM, since her early days at CAEM, when it Initially, it was a plea. Once I saw Margot could use the cold laser on Margot’s was feared she wouldn’t survive. It was a in action, it was a statement of fact. open wounds. The results were nothing happy reunion of the many professionals Bringing Margot home with me meant short of amazing. who had helped us along the way, all duly impressed with Miss Margot and committing to a lot of vet visits. Margot One month from the day I began her will to live. would need to return to CAEM every fostering Margot, her bandages were three to four days for wound care and removed, far ahead of the schedule I Lorelei and I have marveled over Margot’s dressing changes. The conservative anticipated. At first, I was afraid of what healing process and I think she said it estimate, when I began fostering Margot, was beneath, but when Margot was best: “Margot is the miracle bunny of was that she would need three to four handed to me in the lobby, I had nothing summer 2014.” Initially, no one expected months to fully heal. I didn’t care if it to fear. All that was left of Margot’s Margot to make it, but she received lots took three or 30 months to rehab terrible injuries was a wound smaller than of support, good nutrition and the help Margot; I made sure that this bunny my pinky finger. What a transformation! of modern technology. Margot is now would be at every appointment. Her I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the entire looking for her best forever home. You very life depended on it and without a staff of CAEM wasn’t also highly impressed can do it, Margot! Of course you can! doubt, I was #TeamMargot. with Margot’s progress. The combination

Lasers: Q&A with Lorelei Tibbetts M By Tracy Nuzzo E Q: What’ s involved Q: Are there any side effects? A C

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Cold lasers really helped Margot so I h A: No, there are no known side effects. P rabbit? asked Lorelei Tibbetts, nurse and practice Q: What can I expect when my rabbit manager at the Center for Avian and A: The laser comes home after treatment? Exotics, to break it down for us. light is delivered through a A: You might see a change in activity Q: Is laser therapy new? noninvasive hand when your bunny comes home. For some A: The beneficial effects of laser light on piece to treat the it might be increased activity, while tissue were first recognized almost 40 affected area. Fur others may be more relaxed. This is due years ago. Since then, there have been is not clipped. to the pain relief and reduction in thousands of studies documenting the Your bunny will inflammation. Dr. Cynthia Brown with positive effects that laser light has on wear protective bunny getting cold-laser Q: Specifically, are there conditions which different types of cells, tissue and disorders. treatment. goggles. Your pet benefit from use of lasers? Recent advances in technology and will feel a gentle and soothing warmth. As manufacturing have made it possible to the laser is administered, many pets will A: Every kind of inflammatory process have this exciting modality available and relax, much like you would when such as wound care (sore hocks) and also affordable for clinicians. experiencing a good massage. The almost arthritis. Lasers can be used for acute immediate relief of pain will allow your pet pain OR chronic. Laser treatment helps Q: Are laser treatments painful for rabbits? to be comfortable, and any anxiety that with not just pain and inflammation – it A: No. your pet initially experienced will dissipate. helps with heal time.

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: o t o h P

Charlie Girl and Bramble, speed date.

Therefore it comes as a terrific surprise when, a week following her return, Charlie Girl assumes the classic pancake Amelia O’Feral and Greyson at Jane’s. pose and invites me to scritch her forehead. Hallelujah! Incredibly moved, I caress Greyson this newly pettable rabbit who closes After Greyson is surrendered at AC&C her eyes and grinds her teeth. “Are you in January, Cathe Rekis and I spend my bunny?” I ask. Has Charlie Girl weeks trimming and combing away the spontaneously changed her mind after dense, massive mats that make him look 15 months of “touch me not?” Did she like a sumo version of a Jersey Wooly/ learn about petting’s pleasures while she Angora/Dutch mix. Consequently, we was out of town? Whatever the etiology, advise all who contemplate adopting her request for petting is not a one-of-a- Greyson that they must keep his coat in Charlie Girl aka at Petco Union Square. kind occurrence: now she luxuriates in good shape: never again should his coat t t a y being stroked, scritched and massaged! I be neglected! To hear us ranting about W ’ O find myself forgiving the adopter whom e

n the grooming issue, you’d think Greyson a J

: I held responsible for the battle of the o t is a special-needs bunny – and he is. o h P unbonded bunnies: I am grateful to her Greyson is also Mr. Personality: friendly, for helping Charlie Girl overcome her gentle, inquisitive, energetic, not easily fear of human touch. (I am also indebted intimidated. Possessing lots of cuddly to her for giving up on Charlie Girl and charisma, he climbs into strangers’ returning her to me.) laps and lets them pet him. But many About a year and a half after she came potential adopters are put off by the home with me, Charlie Girl gets lucky. grooming caveat. In a harmonious speed date at Union Like other rabbits in foster care, a cleaned- Square Petco, supervised by Amy, up Greyson starts going on speed dates. Charlie Girl teams up with a Brooklyn His first date is with lop-eared Trixie at boy named Bramble and his patient, the Columbus Square Petco. Under doting parents. Cindy Stutts’ supervision, Trixie meets Her adopters report: “Charlene has four or five male rabbits, most of whom grown so much on us! The more she leave her cold. She is so nonchalant and comes out of her shell the more we love undemonstrative that I wonder if she her big goofy personality … the bonding wants a partner. At any rate, it will take process is going pretty well! … we have more than Greyson’s amiable good found that petting them both when manners – no chasing, no humping – to they’re sniffing each other works the best. engage Trixie’s affections. Introduced to They both will settle down right next to her last suitor, she perks up; for her own each other and sir bun [Bramble] will mysterious reasons, Trixie chooses a little continue to sniff her head (he is almost black dwarf named Scribble. Charlie Girl and George, speed date. grooming her!)” (Continued on page 8)

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 7 FOSTERING

Three Loves (Continued from page 7) t t a y W ’ O e n a J

: s o t o h P

Greyson and Tula, speed date.

the pen, Tula has met three aggressive Trixie and Greyson, speed date. males who won’t comply with her request for grooming. Will Greyson behave like Greyson and I are preparing to schlep a gentleman? I have never seen him try back downtown when a young guy with to hump a female during a speed date – a bonded pair – a Holland lop named Cindy with Greyson, Dumbo and Diva, speed date. but you never know. He doesn’t try to Diva and a Flemish giant named Dumbo – force himself on Tula, who is sitting in a asks Cindy to try a speed date with litter box. He sniffs her casually and Greyson. Yikes! That Flemish giant is hops away to the opposite side of the huge! But Cindy is willing, and Greyson pen where he grooms himself. She starts is game. I hold my breath as Cindy sits to groom herself. Looking away from down in the bonding pen with the three her, he lies down, keeping his distance. bunnies. Diva remains ensconced in a She lies down in her litter box. He comes litter box, Dumbo stretches out on the over to visit, and she puts her head matting, and Greyson hops around down for him to groom her – and he introducing himself to both. “This could seems oblivious. But she doesn’t seem work,” Cindy says. Unfamiliar with the L Greyson and Diva. M Greyson and Dumbo. to hold it against him. Almost nothing protocols of bonding a third bunny with “happens” – boring for onlookers, an established pair and alarmed at the promising for this pair. Romeo and worst-case scenario that pops into my Juliet they are not, but they tolerate each mind, I fear for Greyson in this ménage. other very well. Amy gives her blessing. A cell phone rings, and it’s the young Greyson’s adopters seem very familiar, and man’s boyfriend, who says he wants to I remember handling their adoption of meet Greyson before they adopt him. I Tula, their first rabbit, at AC&C over invite the two men over to my place to three years ago. Their love for Tula and hang out with Greyson the following their commitment to educating them- day. The outcome: the BF does not selves about rabbits impressed me then. succumb to Greyson’s charm. To my Now they have four rabbits, bonding relief, he will be staying with me. experience and enough space in their home for a proper bonding setup. September’s Adoptapalooza is in full swing. Greyson is now a veteran speed They report: “Greyson has been settling dater, and he has been at Petco Union in nicely and we all have fallen in love Square so much that he is bombproof. with him! … He is definitely an explorer – We wait near the bonding pen until it’s if we turn our backs to him, he can be Greyson’s turn to be introduced to an halfway across the room before we agouti lop named Tula. Am y is supervising notice! We’ve started doing very short vigilantly, skillfully scooping up bonding sessions with Tula which have contenders who make horndog moves on gone pretty well. … We’ve ordered the Tula, who only seems interested in being brush you suggested, and hopefully groomed. By the time Greyson enters that’ll help us keep him handsome!”

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 8 t t a ADOPTIONS y W ’ O

e n a J

: o t

Adoptapalooza’s o h P Lucky Bunnies Five lucky rabbits found homes at this year’s Adoptapalooza, which took place Sunday, Sept. 7 at Union Square Park. The rabbit-adoption activities were conducted inside the Petco store at Union Square, and it was a very busy day. Marcie Frishberg, who organized Adoptapalooza’s rabbit events, said she L Orson and Gloria, speed date. M Moxie meets Twitch during a speed date. Twitch, however, preferred Brianna. t t a wanted to give “a giant thank you to y W ’ O

everyone who came to set up, clean up, e n a J

: o bring food, bring buns, take home buns, t o h pet buns, do speed dates, do adoptions, P sit outside, clip nails, brush bunnies, walk around with a big sign, and talk, talk, talk to all the folks who came to see us.” Marcie added, “It was a great event. Thanks to you all and a big special shout- out to Amy Odum for the three speed dates that resulted in great homes for M Ronan chinning Amy’s pants during speed date. t the adopted bunnies.” t a y W ’ O Adopted rabbits were Greyson, Brianna, e n a J

Cannoli, Lenny and Orson. : o t o h The next big adoption event will be P “Whiskers in Wonderland” in December.

Ross. s e v e e R

. L e i l a t a N

: o t o h P

M Austin John Torres, left, with Abigail McCue. t t a y W ’ O

e n a J

: o t o h P

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 9 ADOPT US!

We Are Looking for Loving Homes

Written and compiled by Kirsten Ott Teandra Temple Teandra is a medium-sized Dutch who Temple is a New Zealand White female was seized by the authorities from a who was rescued, along with about 20 home in Queens. This lovely girl’s coat other rabbits, in Brooklyn. This girl, is a dark agouti and white, with an though still young, is quite large. She’s extra-large Dutch triangle on her face also quite beautiful, with soulful big red and an equally outsized white bib. The eyes that seem to take up her whole face. best thing about Teandra is her sweet, As you observe Temple, you get the gentle disposition. She’ll smush herself feeling that she has no idea just how lovely she is. She is shy – she’ll hang right down for petting, and she adores Teandra. head rubs. Teandra is sure to be a total back and examine you, nose wiggling love sponge in her new forever home. and teeth crunching all the while. She She would probably also make a good will eventually accept gentle petting. partner for another bunny. Temple would do best in a quiet home where she can come into her own. Efren Emily Efren is a medium to large black Rex boy Emily is a medium-large New Zealand who was found in Flushing Meadow White who was found in Queens. This Park. This guy is really friendly. His pretty girl makes friends quickly; if she personality is a nice balance of outgoing likes you, she becomes downright clingy and mellow. He’ll hop up to you to in no time. She loves having her cheeks make friends and politely request petting, scratched. Despite her fairly large size, and then crunch his teeth to signal Emily is very feminine, with slender legs Efren. satisfaction with every stroke of your and a cute, pouch-y dewlap. She would hand. Of course, Efren’s coat is made of make a good choice for a first-time the typical Rex velvet. This guy would bunny owner. make a great family bunny. Arielle Diamond Arielle is a small young bunny who was Diamond is a medium to large female rescued, along with about 20 extended bunny with a super sweet disposition. family members, in Brooklyn. When This girl is white with grayish-brown they were discovered, this little girl was ears and eye “makeup”; she also has a living with her sister, who subsequently nice big grayish-brown beauty mark died, so now she’s alone in the world. next to her nose. Her white fur also has Arielle is very slight, with a lean young a brownish-gray cast in places. Diamond face, and exhibits the agility and energy is very well socialized. She’s friendly of youth. She’s not used to people yet, and very eager for affection. She would so she’ll need a fair amount of make a good choice for a first-time socializing. Arielle is mostly white with rabbit owner, and would do well in a tricolor markings on her ears and eyes. Diamond. family situation. (Continued on page 11)

Forever Homes Found! Rabbits adopted since the last newsletter include: Vanessa, Tweet, Winston, Toes, Greyson, Brianna, Cannoli, Lenny, Orson, Shakespeare, Robbie, Gina, Cadberry, Donut, Babette, Montey, Helena, Batman and Puddles, Melba and Margaret, Mel, Nala and Lonnie, Tomato, Lola, Romeo and Juliet, Jeremy and Joey, Maddy, Ronan, Hershey, Odette, Tony, Sunshine.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 10 ADOPT US!

Looking for Loving Homes (Continued from page 10) Brock Brock is an extra-large New Zealand White fellow who was rescued, along with about 20 extended family members, in Brooklyn. We think he was the father of a number of the younger rabbits in Temple. the group. In fact, he brings to mind a male in a pride of lions. This big hunk of a rabbit is a very mellow fellow. He Buster. likes attention, and enjoys affection when in the mood. He would probably make a very good family bunny. Buster Buster is an adorable little bunny rescued from the streets of Brooklyn. He is kind, playful and loves to have his nose rubbed. He is litter-box trained and well

Emily. mannered. Buster loves carrots, hay and his wicker chew toys. He’s looking for a loving home where he will get lots of petting and some space to run around. He has been neutered and is in foster care. Margot Margot is a medium-sized brown bunny. In mid-July, she was found in Pelham Bay Park – being attacked by a pack of Margot. dogs. Park rangers were able to free Margot and she was rushed to the shelter This girl bunny is a fighter! The only in very bad shape. She was emaciated, reminder of Margot’s terrible past is her Arielle. suffered several deep, open wounds head tilt. Although the angle has from the attack, and had severe head decreased, Margot is still a head-tilt tilt. It was unclear whether she would bunny and it’s expected she always will survive. To give Margot a better chance, be. Because of this, we are labeling her she was placed with a private vet and “special needs”; however, Margot lives spent two weeks in their care. The staff her life like a “normal” bunny! She is at the veterinary hospital marveled at incredibly playful, runs the bunny 500, Margot’s sheer will to live. By early and enjoys affection. She requires no August, Margot was moved to foster special care or housing, with the exception care with the expectation that if she of a low-entry litter box to make her life continued to improve, it would be three easier. Margot requires no medication. to four months before she would fully She has a good appetite for greens and she Brock. recover from her attack. In her foster loves to eat hay. She has a green plastic home, Margot continued to amaze her slinky that she adores. Margot’s vantage Don’t miss December’s Whiskers in new caretakers. She was able to gain Wonderland adoption event, presented by the point on the world around her may be Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, in partnership weight and through the use of veterinary different, but her zest for life is unmatched. with the Petco Foundation. For details about the lasers, her wounds healed more quickly event, go to www.WhiskersinWonderland.org . than anyone had imagined possible. (Continued on page 12)

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 11 ADOPT US!

Looking for Loving Homes (Continued from page 11) Cocoa Cocoa is a medium-sized brown-and- white Dutch-mix boy who was found in Queens. This guy is an absolute sweetheart. He’ll approach you very gently and politely for petting – you can Cocoa. Tootsie. sense the hope in his heart. The brown of Cocoa’s coat is two-toned, with a darker shade on his face and cute rounded cheeks. Cocoa would make an excellent choice for a first-time bunny owner. Tony Tony is an extra-large brown helicopter lop with energy to beat the band. This bruiser of a bunny is very eager for attention and exercise – he literally Autumn. climbs the walls of his cage. When you go to pet him, he sticks his nose way up into the air for maximum-impact rubbing. Tony has a nice big head, and it contains a pretty amazing brain – this smart guy Tony. will keep you on your toes! He’ll calm down a bit post-neuter, but he’ll still need lots of space to run and explore. Jess Rabbit Jess Rabbit is a small to medium-sized agouti and white Dutch mix. This is an adorable little munchkin! She is a little shy, and will hang back a little, but she welcomes petting when it’s offered. She’ll surely open up in a nice forever Precious. home, and would probably do best in a calm environment. Jess has especially lovely, shining big brown eyes. Jess Rabbit. Barnabas Barnabas is a very friendly young New Zealand White who was found in Queens. This guy is super outgoing! He bounds over joyfully to greet you, as though you’re a long lost friend. He adores being petted, and is fairly mellow for a young rabbit. Barnabas is medium- sized now, but will be a large rabbit when he’s finished growing. He has traces of grayish-brown on his left ear, signaling a touch of ancestral Himalayan blood. Barnabas would make an excellent family bunny. Barnabas. Honeybun and Roger.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 12 Ha reye!Ha reye!

RRR/HRS 20th Annual Ra bbit Care Confere nce Sunday, Oct. 26, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Radisson Hotel • One Radisson Plaza New Rochelle, NY Conference hotel is walking distance from Metro North train station in New Rochelle (28-min. ride from Grand Central) There is plenty of free parking for anyone driving to hotel Featured Topic: BUNNY EMERGENCIES: How to recognize them, how to deal with them, how to work with your vet—presentation by Gil Stanzione, DVM SAME-DAY REGISTRATION: $40 ($10/family member). For details, go to rabbitcare.org

ADOPT US!

Looking for Loving Homes a Autumn (Continued from page 12) Autumn is a large dark brown boy who was found in Queens. This guy is very Tootsie impressive-looking. He’s strong and Tootsie is a medium-sized reddish-brown athletic, and he has huge ears – practically Rex bunny who’s all about the love. This jack-rabbit sized! Despite his powerful girl seeks out your hand for petting, and appearance, Autumn is on the shy side – lifts her sweet nose up into the air for HAY! it seems he’s not very accustomed to scratches. Tootsie’s regal-looking coat is kind human interaction. He would do darker in certain places, and almost best in a home with experienced rabbit black in some areas. She has a very cute people who can socialize him and little dewlap. Tootsie currently resides at develop his trust. Sincere thank s the Pet Valu store in the Rye Ridge Roger and Honeybun Shopping Center in Rye Brook. to all of our Roger and Honeybun are a bonded Precious brother and sister pair and must be generou s hay Precious is a medium-sized Himalayan adopted together. Both are medium- mix and the angel of the shelter’s rabbit sized lops; Roger is black and white, and donor s! room. This cute girl is mostly white with Honeybun has a Harlequin coat. Both some grayish-brown markings, including love to run and thump around. You’ll a soft mottled pattern on her ears and a often find them snuggling or hoping to funny smudge on her nose – it looks as eat a treat right out of your hands! if someone was painting her nose and Roger and Honeybun are currently in the paintbrush slipped! Precious is as foster care. Don’t miss December’s Whiskers in Wonderland adoption event, presented by the sweet as she looks, and loves to be Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, in partnership petted. She would make a good choice with the Petco Foundation. For details about the event, go to www.WhiskersinWonderland.org . for a first-time bunny owner.

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What Really Matters to You Matters the Most By Robert Kulka period (After Bunny). Suddenly I came to that too much to ask of others? Is a recognize that rabbits were very special, response of “I can shop there as long as I In today’s world of overwork, sleep great companions – smart, with distinct don’t buy the meat of a rabbit” sufficient? deprivation, sensory overload and messages personalities. The more I was around a coming at us from everyplace, just how I ask myself how I might have responded rabbit the more open I became to seeing can we process it all? Our primary before I was pulled into the wonderful a whole new world I never dreamed was communication seems to be texting or world of the rabbit. Would I have just out there. Rabbits were cool! selfies and we hardly look up to see the said I would not buy the meat but world around us. It seems everyone has a Along about three and a half years ago I would still shop there? I hope not. But I cause or message to tell us about. What began volunteering with Rabbit Rescue can say for sure now that I won’t shop do we do? How can we do anything at & Rehab. The new level of awareness I there and that I will try to educate all? How do we filter these messages developed about rabbits was astounding. anyone who will listen to the horror of throughout our day? Not only do rabbits have personality but the situation. Maybe now I will be more they each have very distinct personalities. sensitive to other people’s concerns. Take the issue of Whole Foods and They all had individual charms and a Maybe I will read the handouts and sign rabbits, for instance. I am going to be cleverness that impressed. I met dozens the petitions. After all, I suppose that is perfectly honest here. If I take myself of different rabbits and developed very how every movement starts – one person back to June of 2002, in my BB period different relationships with each, based at a time. Things change because one (Before Bunny), I wonder what my on the individual bunny. I became ever person cares. Injustices can be righted reaction would have been to a group of more amazed at how interesting, gentle one moment at a time. Best of all, each rabbit enthusiasts asking me not to shop and somehow spiritual they were. of us can save one little bunny at a time. at a store because rabbit meat was being And at the end of the day, isn’t that sold there. Sure, I am concerned about My experience with my own bunnies what really matters? animal rights, our environment and and the rescue crew showed me that social injustices. My response back then to rabbits had real feelings. They developed a k l u K those things would range from commenting routines. They would miss you when t r e b o R how awful it was, to making donations, you were weren’t there and would nudge : o t o h

to feeling unable to do much. I might you for a few pets and some attention. P send a letter to someone if it was easy. I You could sense that they understood might sign a petition if I felt it was what you were giving them and they trustworthy. (Even my own personal showed true gratitude. At times they issues don’t get me out of the comfort of were mischievous and always they were my personal space very often at all. I entertaining. They are smart little things. rarely take handouts or acknowledge Most important, they brought sheer joy giant blow-up rats on the streets of New into the lives of all they touched, even if York. Yes, I have refused to eat veal since for just an instant. a very young age because of the conditions So now I know that I have become one in which they are bred. I try to stay of those “rabbit people” asking other away from pork because I see pigs as folks to respect my concerns about a smart animals that could also be pets. store like Whole Foods selling rabbits as But if a store was selling veal or pork food. I know I personally will not shop would I stop shopping there? Of course at Whole Foods until their practice of Skip. I wouldn’t.) butchering bunnies is amended. I will Then came July 2002 and the entrance bring that message to as many people as Dedicated to a little bunny who helped of a very special companion into my I can and hope they, too, will pass by me see what was real and what mattered. life. It was the beginning of my AB Whole Foods and not shop there. But is For Skip, who lives in my heart always.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 15 IN THE MEDIA

Light s, Camer a, Cotton! o z z u N y c a r T

: s o t o h P

Cotton in the Jane hotel lobby. Another lobby shot. Back at Petco Union Square after the photo shoot.

By Tracy Nuzzo Jane hotel, where the photo shoot took me... I knew he was special!” Anne place, and back in Petco, exhausted after made a $100 donation to NYC Okay, fashionistas and bunny fans! Who flaunting his good looks for the cameras. Metro Rabbits. reads LULA, the British fashion magazine? He appeared with actress Tavi Gevinson. Well, if you don’t, you will be reading it Cotton was originally found in an soon! One of our NYC Metro Rabbits The shoot was arranged with the help of elevator in a housing project. He was and resident-bunny-in-chief at Union Kirsten Ott, who was contacted by tiny, scrawny, filthy and unwanted. One Square Petco attended his very first Anne Koch, a creative director who had of our most caring volunteers, Erin modeling shoot on Sept. 23, and he is a spotted Cotton at the Union Square McElhinney, fostered him and helped star! We’re not sure when his fashion Petco and thought he would be perfect him to grow into a sweet, beautiful spread will be published, but, of course, as a fashion star. creature who is turning heads in the we will alert you when it appears. Anne said, “I really fell in LOVE with fashion world. Go, Cotton! I took some amateur photos of Cotton, Cotton when I saw him at Petco only a our handsome model, in lobby of the week earlier. He was making eyes at

Marshmallow the Diva r e

By Nancy Furstinger g head and body in impossible yoga n i t s r u

F postures and flicking her ears until I

y

Big, bouncing New Zealand White rabbits c n

a giggle, which starts her off again. When N

are colorful characters. Their pink eyes : o t

o people witness their first bunny binky, h turn shades of powder blue and lavender P some become frantic and wonder if in different lights. These rabbits are their bunnies are having convulsions. the equivalent of the class clown: high- Binkies may be sporadic, but they’re a spirited rascals determined to spread dance of delight. And with a gigantic their contagious joy. rabbit like Marshmallow, binkies surprise Marshmallow nudges my foot to attract and delight all who witness them. attention. Then this jumbo New Zealand Difficult to imagine this vivacious rabbit White races the bunny 500 – spinning was jammed into a tiny outdoor cage and twirling around an invisible obstacle (not even a hutch) for the first three course. She’ll screech to a stop and binky straight up in the air, twisting her Nancy with Marshmallow. (Continued on page 17)

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 16 r e g

IN THE MEDIA n i t s r u F

y c n Marshmallow a N

: o t o

Continued from page 16) h P years of her life. Marshmallow came to me as a foster girl with House Rabbit Society. I kept telling her that she was going to go home – who knew she was already there? And little did either of us dream that Marshmallow would soon star in my newest picture book: “The Forgotten Rabbit.” I have been rescuing rabbits for more than 25 years – fostering them and transforming them into adoptable house rabbits.

After winning the 28 New Zealand Marshmallow reading her book. Marshmallow and Max. White rabbits at Catskill Game Farm’s http://www.thegryphonpress.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gryphonpress?ref=hl going-out-of-business auction and then fostering and rehoming them, I started you invisible. Big black dogs are the I also asked the publisher if I could dreaming about a NZW of my own. least likely to be adopted from a humane approach bunny aficionados about Then Marshmallow came along. Another society for a variety of reasons, including writing back cover blurbs. I was delighted house rabbit probably wasn’t a wise idea the difficulty of photographing their that Margo DeMello, president of HRS, at that time. I had recently become my facial expressions and features. agreed. Then I remembered Amy father’s caretaker. So I fostered her as I Sedaris, whom I had met at a rabbit Red-eyed white rabbits are in the same navigated the mountains and valleys of conference in New York City. Both boat. They languish in shelters because caring for a cantankerous man who was wrote terrific blurbs. people are afraid of those albino eyes. I dispassionate about animals. wondered if my publisher would be As soon as “The Forgotten Rabbit” was When the inevitable happened and my interested in a rabbit book. After all, published, Marshmallow hopped into father passed away, I watched Marshmallow they are the third most popular pet in publicity mode, helping me spread the word binky, and reckoned she was our house the country. And I could loosely base about house rabbits. As I read my book to jester. How could I resist those rose- this book on Marshmallow, who was a young audiences, Marshmallow demon- colored eyes and that enormous forgotten Easter rabbit. s trates why rabbits are unforgettable! personality? So I emailed House Rabbit Not only did The Gryphon Press sign Society, explaining that I flunked up this title, but my publisher sent me Editor’s Note: Nancy Furstinger donated a Fostering 101 once again. Marshmallow an article about rabbit agility that had copy of “The Forgotten Rabbit” for the was mine! And soon she instantaneously appeared in her local paper. Could I raffle at Rabbit Rescue & Rehab’s October bonded with husbun Max, who (incredibly) incorporate this sport into my book? I conference. To learn more about the book, was also rescued after enduring three literally hopped at the opportunity. By go to either years of misery in an outdoor cage; having Rosalita, the child protagonist, http://www.thegryphonpress.com/pages/books/bk_forgotten-rabbit.html together they share my office plus deck. rescue Bella the bunny and then encourage or www.nancyfurstinger.com . The Gryphon Press had recently published her to excel at agility, I was able to one of my picture books: “Maggie’s incorporate fun action verbs into “The Second Chance: A Gentle Dog’s Rescue.” Forgotten Rabbit”: zigzag, zoom, zip, It was loosely based on a big black dog I rocket, torpedo, hop. And the artist Don’t miss December’s Whiskers in Wonderland adoption event, presented by the had rescued from an abandoned house. was able to illustrate fun action scenes Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals, in partnership Black is beautifully mysterious, but if with homemade and professional with the Petco Foundation. For details about the event, go to www.WhiskersinWonderland.org . you’re a shelter dog, black often renders agility courses.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 17 o t a m a

Y Letters From Adopters i r o L

: s m o a t l l o Molly u h P G c M

n

Kathleen McGullam adopted Molly, e e l h t a

formerly known as Coco, at the end of K

: o t o

July. Kathleen had adopted her first rabbit h P from Mary Cotter 15 years ago, and she adopted another rabbit, Emma, from Cindy Stutts. This letter was sent to volunteer Tracy Nuzzo. I adopted Coco a few days ago. I just wanted to let you know she is doing Molly. very well. She is comfortable here and becoming friends with Alex, the guinea took such good care of her. Thanks for pig. Her new name is Molly. all your help!! She is really wonderful and I just wanted P.S. She does really love getting pets! Abigail, wearing edible hat, with her rabbit Napoleon. to give you a quick update because you Kathleen

Edible Hats for z e r

Blixa r e i t u G Rabbit Rescue! a

Blixa, formerly called Heaven, was adopted y a M

:

Local hat designer Abigail Aldridge, who o

in early August by Maya Gutierrez and t o h earlier had donated a green lace-up Claude Bauschinger as a partner for their P travel hat to raise conference-related mini Rex boy, Mr. Bun-Bun. Maya and funds for House Rabbit Society, created Claude sent this update in mid-September. two rabbit-edible hats for auction at the I can’t believe Blixa was found by the September HRS Educators Conference garbage! She is really thriving with us in St. Louis, Mo. and has completely taken over her new She said she hopes that the hats will home. She is a sneaky bun and spends a “add to the growing awareness of rabbit- lot of time trying to get into the cat’s rescue efforts.” litter box and the fridge. She also loves to go on early morning sprints through Oxbow Animal Health donated most the house, but for some reason avoids Blixa. of the edible materials for the hats, and the series of carpets which have been Abigail added some sisal bunny toys on the other hand, is set on being the laid out for that purpose. I think she as decorations. spoiled center of attention at all times, likes to slip and slide on the wood floors! and is still unsure about her. They Abigail wearing another edible style. She uses the carpets for her daily binkies. haven’t had any tussles for over a week, We’re still doing bonding sessions with and mainly ignore each other during Mr. Bun-Bun, my mini Rex, and Blixa bonding, so that’s a good sign for now. at this point is totally calm around him, Thanks, showing signs of curiosity. Mr. Bun-Bun, Maya and Claude

Bebe Thank you so much for taking excellent care of Bebe. We are completely in love Bebe was adopted by Jess and Christian in with her – her adorable swimmy early August. Jess sent us this update a few movements and high-energy personality days later. (A page one article about Bebe make her completely irresistible. So far appeared in the August Thump, she has been doing well. We put down a http://rabbitcare.org/ThumpAug2 5.2014.pdf ) (Continued on page 19)

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 18 Letters (Continued from page 18) y e l l and grateful little creature I have ever We spent weeks looking. Wednesday e K s s e known. She is also our first rabbit and a caught our eye because of her beautiful J

: o t o rescue. She has seen three rabbits and h black fur, and when Liz held her, P one rat go to the other side. Wednesday sat comfortably in her arms. I wanted to take the time to extend my Personality-wise she is Guapo’s opposite. condolences to you and those involved She is much younger, faster and a in caring for Charlie Stutts, the Dutch climber – oh BOY, does she like to bunny who recently passed away. climb – and she jumps up on He was a little hero in my eyes. He was so everything. We realized that we didn’t lucky to have you guys. He had so much want to get a copy of Guapo. He was Bebe. love and protection and that is the special in his own bunny way just as biggest gift we can give these defenseless Wednesday is, and we love her for that. bunch of carpets so she can get around and amazing creatures. Keep up the easily and discovered that with enough When we brought Wednesday home, it good work! traction, she loves to jump, and sometimes took some time for her to get used to us. jumps several feet in one bound! She Once again, I wish you guys all the best We spent a weekend (for Liz and me, it also loves to be petted and is very in finding homes for all the rabbits in was our three-year anniversary weekend) curious to interact with our older male need. God knows we would adopt more with Wednesday, talking to her, sitting rabbit, Berkeley. We hope to bond the of these babies if we could. on the floor and trying to get her to be two of them after Bebe gets used to Sincerely, comfortable with us. It didn’t take long being in the environment, Berkeley gets Karina Yuen for her to explore the apartment, and used to sharing his space, and we get now she pushes on her pen when she used to her unique body language. s

d wants to be let out, and she will climb r a h c i

R all over us on the couch when we are

I picked up her blanket and toy from z i L

:

o watching TV. She has a fiery personality the 86th St. Petco yesterday. That is the t o h pet store I generally frequent because it’s P and we love it! She loves to play on my way home from work. Please send throughout the apartment and then my gratitude to the other volunteers at when she is a little tired she will rest on the 86th St. Petco! our stomach and take a nap. Sincerely, Wednesday is fitting in nicely with us Jess Kelley & Christian Madera and we couldn’t have asked for a better pet than, as we call her around the Life With Our Four apartment “Lady Wednesday.” Happy Rabbits Wednesday. Josh Krebs and Liz Richards My husband and I now have four rabbits Wednesday in total after our Sunny passed away. Louise Sunny was the black-and-white Dutch Wednesday, previously known as Joy, was you included long ago in your newsletter. adopted in August by Josh Krebs and Liz Louise, known previously as Harriet, He is dearly missed. We still have Pete, Richards, who sent us this update. was adopted by Malinda and Eddie in our great 10-pound New Zealand Wednesday was welcomed into our lives mid-August. White who thinks he is a dog; Lola, our after our previous bunny, Guapo, sadly My husband and I walked into the tiny Netherland rabbit with unusually had passed away in the early summer. Animal Care & Control of NYC tiny ears; Adam, a black-and-white dwarf Needless to say, we were devastated to thinking we would be faced with making who is the boss around here; and Daisy, lose such a wonderful pet whom we a heartbreaking decision on “whose life a beautiful gentle dwarf. We love our loved very much. It was a difficult choice to save.” Instead, we were pleasantly babies :-) when we decided to adopt again. surprised to find dozens of bunnies Our oldest rabbit, Daisy, is now 11 years We were worried about trying to find a relaxing quite comfortably in well- and she is the sweetest, most resilient bun with the chillness that Guapo had. (Continued on page 20)

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 19 Letters (Continued from page 19) a d n i l a M s o t o h P

Louise. Louise wth Erin McElhinney’s pit bull Amelia. ventilated, cozy rooms. In fact, the the family alongside three chinchillas, Zoro is not afraid of us anymore, for sure. bunnies were listening to classical music two cats and one very defiant hermit crab. When I start to pet him on the head, he – a nice touch considering all of the Malinda puts his head down and turns himself to barking and meowing that was going on a bread shape and relaxes with his eyes outside the door. closed. He especially likes the cheek k r

a strokes, and this helps him calm down P

We had done all of our homework and y n a f

f tremendously. Also, he lets me stroke on i T

were well prepared to welcome a small, : o t

o his mane, by lowering his front body,

fluffy bunny into our lives. We walked h P away having adopted an underweight and waits until I’m done. What makes though extremely large, rather matted us delighted is that he even does simple New Zealand White rabbit who tricks like spinning around, begging, managed to escape from a slaughterhouse and hopping on a red cushion on his in Brooklyn. We named our new moose hide-away furniture with a little help of “Louise” after one of the characters on his favorite treat, raisins. I really love the TV show “Bob’s Burgers.” waking up in the morning because he will spontaneously run out (otherwise After a short stint in foster care (shout- we shake the raisin box) of the cage to out to Erin and her pitbull!!!) Louise Zoro. greet me (or his breakfast). Haha. came home with us and has been in our family now for almost a month. In this I fear that there are still some unsolved short time she has grown in size, weight Zoro challenges, though. Our biggest challenge and personality. Tiffany Park adopted Bruno in mid-July with him is handling. His friendly and at the Animal Care & Control of NYC approachable character disappears when She loves to run around the apartment (AC&C). He is now (legendary) Zoro. he is stroked or touched near his chest. and has finally shown us some rather (He thinks I’m going to pick him up) clumsy binky moves. Louise has no idea Zoro has been a curious guy since the He freaks out and flees to the nearest how massive she is and she has no first day we met, but he was extra alert hide-away. I can’t help but suspect that and cautious at the start. Therefore, it personal boundaries. We keep telling Zoro must have been through some took some time to earn his trust, and her that she can’t sit on top of the cats! traumatic handling experiences with a I’m still working on getting closer each Louise is quite comfortable lying around previous owner and/or handler. I will day. Thankfully, Zoro is now more the apartment on her side, on her back, keep trying until he opens up a little more. relaxed, approachable and more submissive completely splayed...she can fall asleep We will help him overcome his fear of than ever. Though he chooses to stay absolutely anywhere and in any handling in the future. Zoro is our family inside the cage most of the time, his cage position. She has the most expressive member and we adore him so much. I eyes, and she voices her disapproval with is open at all the times with access to plenty of space to run around. Since he can’t imagine a life without Zoro now. sounds more appropriate for a toad. wouldn’t step out on our wooden floor, My husband and I will never stop loving As Louise continues to grow and flourish we gave him area carpets and foam tiles him. Thank you so much! Tiffany in her new home, we look forward to for him to walk on. He utilizes his litter spending time with her and watching her box well and uses the one set up in his develop to her full potential. Louise joins play area more often than one in his cage. (Continued on page 21)

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 20 Letters (Continued from page 20) s s l e l i v

e Thanks again to NYC Metro Rabbit for M e

R a c . L c

e allowing me to welcome Sweet Dee into e i b l e a t R

a : our home. :) I’ll be sure to send along o N t

: o o h t P o additional updates and photos soon. h P Kindest regards, Anna o n i t n a f n I

e n a i l u J

:

Gandalf and Sweet Pea. Sweet Dee. s o t o h P Sweet Pea Sweet Dee Rebecca adopted Sweet Pea as a partner Sweet Dee, formerly known as Gina, was bunny in early August. Gandalf and Sweet adopted by Anna in September as a Pea are enjoying each other. partner for another girl bunny, Trix. Sweet Pea is doing very well in our home. We are all very happy to have “Gina” She is curious about everything and not with us, renamed “Sweet Dee” after the afraid. I love the fact that she loves to main female character from the TV cuddle with us. My boyfriend, Konstantin, show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” Pepper. and I have been keeping both her and our other pet rabbit, Gandalf, confined (The television character Sweet Dee is to their own living spaces for now (cages sweet-natured and usually has good next to one another). We are hoping intentions, but has unfortunate situations once the bonding process is complete that foisted on her, similar to what happened they both will be free to roam around to Gina, I’m told. Gina was not fed our living room without supervision. properly and had uterine tumors when We know it will be months before the she was found in front of a pet store.) two bunnies are ready. Sweet Dee has settled herself in nicely Gandalf and Sweet Pea are showing with our family and three dogs. She has improvements each day with bonding, taken a particular shine to Max, my 90- they are able to lie next to each other pound lab/pit, and she doesn’t seem to Melbon without issues. I think the two will be mind our noise and commotion. fine. They are learning habits from each Melbon and Pepper other. Gandalf is now eating more hay Right now I’m working on making sure after observing Sweet Pea, and he’s tried she puts some weight on her bony Melbon (formerly known as Mel) was lying in my lap like Sweet Pea (a little frame. She’s eaten everything I’ve put in adopted in September as a partner for Pepper. tough for me because he weighs 18 front of her so far – Timothy hay mixed Juliane says the bunnies are doing well. with oat hay, chopped celery, cilantro, pounds). Sweet Pea learned what the It’s a pleasure to have Mel in my company. purple cabbage, Oxbow pellets – and fridge is from Gandalf, and she now is He’s very sweet and so loving. His name she’s been hopping around a lot, starting to beg like him. It has really has been extended to “Melbon.” been interesting. I will keep you posted exploring and sniffing. He also has been getting along with my of the two. Attached is a photo of them I am doing the bonding sessions with other female bun, Pepper. lying next to one another when they Trix slowly but steadily. Sweet Dee and wanted petting from me. Trix are both being very laid-back and Thank you so much! Thank you, calm during their sessions. I can’t wait to Juliane Rebecca Mills show you all the end result when they become fast friends.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 21 CELEBRITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Batman and Puddles at 72nd Street Petland store. Montey and his adopter, Patrick Geraghty.

Luna, rear, with Romeo and Juliet, at Petco, 86th Street & Lexington Ave. Volunteer with Vanessa.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 22 CELEBRITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Moxie.

Cadberry.

Ronan at Union Square Petco.

Clifford. Cotton with volunteer.

THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 23 w ww.rabbitcare.o rg • www.Lon gIslandRabbitR escue.org • w We Are Five NYCMetro ww.Rabbit.org Ne R wsletter a of R b Years Old! abbit R b escue i & t Rehab/ N NICE New York e DIG City w S Chapter s of Ho use Rabbit Soc The online, full-color newsletter Thump First She iety • Fall 2009 is a continuation of NYC Metro Rabbit lterRabbits By TakeU Lisa Fresolone p Resi t d t en a c News, the earlier newsletter started by y e at W P Want to ’ et a O c dopt o a rabb e it bu n t ca a n’ J u t m p to t ake i : he s t o Mary Cotter in the 1990s, and mailed helter t Marci ? Che o e take ck out h s her t a the bu P ime–o t Petco! nnies hours– ften several making sure pr out in hard-copy form. are t ospective adopt Rabbit Rescue & old everything ers Rehab, in con ab there is to know with the New junction out having a ra York Animal Car bbit in the hom NYC Metro Rabbit News became Center, hav e & Control covers nutrition e. She e recently put in , rabbits’ psych adoption place an and physical ological program at Petc needs, rabbit-pr “Thump” in the fall of 2009, just as the Street a o’s East 86th the home, oofing nd Union Squa bunny-sitters an rabbi re locations.Tw health pr d common ts will be living o oblems to look first shelter rabbits were taking up 24 at each location even d out for. She /7. Volunteers w emonstrates nai ill visit the rab temp l trimming, daily to make su bits erature-taking residence at Petco stores in Manhattan, re they have foo and grooming. clean litter bo d, water, Petc xes and plenty o o announced th cage exercise f out-of- se at it would stop and is celebrating its fifth birthday time. lling rabbits in a w ll of its stores na The in-house ide in Decemb tion- this month. rabbits are the er 2008, as part the adopti next step for “think adoptio of its on program alre n first” philoso on week ady in place company wa phy. The ends. Volunteer s already a majo bunni s and adoptable of dog and r advocate The second issue, in December of es are at Petco S cat adoptions, Sun aturdays and past yea and over the days. The volun r it has stepped that year, featured the first Thump ad teers screen pote promo up its efforts at opters and educ ntial ting rabbit ado ate the public a ptions, too. rabbits as bout Cindy Stutts at pets, from Petco, Union There’s alw masthead, created by Mary Ann Maier, Un 2 p.m. to 4 p.m Square ays a need for v ion Square, and . at even a no olunteers, and p from 1 p.m. to vice can be a hu .m. at 86th Stre 4 Stu think y ge help. If you our wonderful logo designer. et and Lexingto tts, a licensed e ou might be in program is co n. The R ducator for the ema terested, please nsidered a succe abbit Society a House il Cindy Stutts average of th ss, as an nd founding bo at bygolyoly@at ree to four rabbi member of Ne ard “W t.net. Thump has appeared every other month from each ts are adopted w York Rabbit R ithout the volun location every Rehab. “A l escue & ti teers taking the month. ot of people are me to help facil ir The Petc you can h clueless that itate adoptions over the past five years. Our free o adoption prog ave a house-tra fostering,” Cin and “incre ram has the hom ined rabbit in dy says, “we wo ased the public’ e.” able to save uldn’t be newsletter is sent out in a PDF rabb s awareness of all these rabbits its as an option Marcie would be sé. Many as for adoption, a Frishberg is he euthanTirziepdo.”d Jo being an anim nd for r right-hand per format and is now received by about al that can go in the Petco progr son –Lisa Fr ks bunny New York City to a t am, organizing esolone irso ac rabb apartment,” sa raining new vol and in Ma irte vnocleunteer ys Cindy unteers and seei nhattan whoc oisn fe t po ng reac t tenti that hable 1,700 rabbit lovers. a al ad l at y opters are isa.fresolon age 7 W pr e@ P ’ operly co gmail.co O un m seled . e .

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wh ar o ier But ery ye t n Ma its ev o of Thump. y An rabb h ar o aby g an P By M o decided t purchase b ces of havin -worker wh t their chan t. ce had a co he’d only ow can hur eir new pe I on e told me s kn ship with th Back issues of Thump, as well as NYC rabbit. Sh y ble relation get a pet g a new bab enjoya he humane table buyin doption is t eel comfor g. “Don’t now that a dopted Metro Rabbit News, are at rabbitcare.org f an adoptin We all k saves the a it rather th from a . Adoption lso rabb ’ll only buy hing to do adoption a she said, “I old her t ourse. But (click on Newsletters). worry,” ” When I t it’s life, of c bits ble breeder. ow rabb of other rab y reputa d, “I kn he lives ion being ver he replie ps save t d, adopt ome after adopt, s t, hel ce. Thir d a new h etter to t a perfec elter spa s Bam foun it’s b ut I wan ng for sh able live Bam st, N.Y. – Susan Lillo, editor adopt, b waiti he miser in Elmhur lly should one.” ibute to t rescued I rea nt a ‘new’ esn’t contr page 4) unny. I wa do ontinued on healthy b e New (C . Here in th ’s not alone sell And she shops that THUMP OCTOBER 2 014 here are pet 24 York area, t 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 , president, Rabbit Rescue & clinics have multiple veterinarians, and our recommendations are for specific veterinarians Rehab; Chapter Manager, NYC House in those clinics. If you can’t get an appointment with a recommended vet at one clinic, don’t Rabbit Society, mec@cloud 9.net, assume (no matter what you are told by the clinic) that other vets in the same clinic can help (914) 33 7-6146, rabbitcare.org your rabbit. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the vets on this list, Nancy Schreiber, HRS Licensed Educator, please contact Mary Cotter at (914) 337-6146. When you make an appointment with any President, Long Island Rabbit Rescue of these vets, please tell them you were referred by us. Group, [email protected], (516) 510- 3637, LongIslandRabbitRescue.org Long Island: Katherine Quesenberry, DVM Cindy Stutts , HRS Licensed Educator, Jennifer Saver, DVM The Animal Medical Center Manager NYC Metro Rabbit Program, Laura George, DVM 510 East 62nd St., New York, NY 10065 [email protected], (646) 319-4766, Kristen Miller, DVM (212) 838-7053, (212) 329-8622 [email protected] Catnip & Carrots Veterinary Hospital Alexandra Wilson, DVM Mary Ann Maier , HRS Licensed Educator, 2056 Jericho Turnpike , New Hyd e Park , Anthony Pilny, DVM Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group Volunteer, NY 11 040 • (516) 877-7080 Cynthia J. Brown, DVM [email protected], LongIslandRabbitRescue.org Heidi Hoefer, DVM The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine 568 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10024 Donna Sheridan , HRS Licensed Educator, Island Exotic Vet Care Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group Volunteer, (212) 501-8750 591 East Jericho Turnpike [email protected], Huntington Station, NY 11746 Shachar Malka, DVM LongIslandRabbitRescue.org (631) 424-0300 Humane Society of New York Kerstin Aumann , HRS Licensed Educator, Jeff Rose, DVM 306 East 59th St., New York, NY 10022 NYC/AC&C Volunteer, Jefferson Animal Hospital (212) 752-4842 [email protected], nycacc.org Mary Harnett , HRS Licensed Educator, 606 Patchogue Rd.(Route 112) Westchester County: Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 [email protected], (914) 948-7976 (631) 473-0415 Gil Stanzione, DVM Gabrielle LaManna, HRS Licensed Educator, Dakota Veterinary Center New Fairfield, CT, Manhattan: 381 Dobbs Ferr y Road, White Plains, NY 106 07 [email protected], (203) 746-7548 Becky Campbell, DVM (914) 421-0020 Mary Christine Basile, HRS Educator-in- Deborah Levison, DVM Laurie Hess, DVM Training Symphony Veterinary Center Veterinary Center for Birds and Exotics Jennifer Saver , DVM, HRS Licensed Educator 170 West 96th Street, New York, NY 10025 709 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507 Laura George , DVM, HRS Licensed Educator (212) 866-8000 (914) 864-1414 Monica Shepherd, DVM, HRS Licensed Educator ADOPTABLE RABBITS You can also visit Animal Care & Control of THUMP October 2014 There are lots of adoptable rabbits available NYC (AC&C) at 326 East 110th St., Newsletter of RRR/NYC HRS 56 West Pondfield Road #5C in Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester. between First and Second avenues. Rabbits for adoption can be found by going Bronxville, NY 10708 www.rabbitcare.org To adopt a rabbit in New York City , contact to: http://www.nycacc.org/ and doing an Cindy Stutts at bygolyoly @yahoo.com or call adoption search. Volunteers are there every Editor: Susan Lillo he r at 646-319-4766. On Lon g Island , contact weekday evening and on Saturday and Creative Director: Jane O’Wyatt Nancy Schreiber at nschreibmd @aol.com Sunday afternoons, but it is best to arrange Masthead Logo Designer: Mary Ann Maier or at 516-510-3637 ( www.longisland an appointment first. Rabbit Rescue & Rehab is a not-for-profit, rabbitrescue.org ), and in Westchester Bunny speed dates can be arranged by tax-exempt corporation in New York State. contact Mary Cotter at mec @cloud9.net or appointment only on weekend afternoons Our purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and find 914-337-6146 ( www.rabbitcare.org ). either at Columbus Square or Union permanent homes for abandoned, abused and Square. Please contact Cindy Stutts at neglected rabbits, and to educate the public The rabbit volunteers’ email address in New [email protected] to make on rabbit care through publications, phone arrangements. consultations, home visits and presentations. York City is [email protected] . This newsletter is published by RRR/NYC HRS, Many of our rabbits are living in foster which is solely responsible for its content. We Adoptable NYC Metro rabbits are at Petco’s homes and you can meet them as well. You retain the right to edit all submissions, which Lexington Avenue (86th-8 7th) and Union also can arrange to foster a rabbit until he become the property of the NYC Chapter and Square locations; rabbit volunteers are present or she finds a permanent home. Contact cannot be returned. Mary Cotter at mec@cloud 9.net or Cindy at both stores on Saturday and Sunday All donations go directly to caring for our foster Stutts at [email protected]. afternoons to answer questions. There are rabbits and are tax-deductible. Please help us help four rabbits living at each of those stores. For basic information about rabbits as them. Mailing address for contributions to Rabbit pets, go to www.rabbitcare.org , Rescue & Rehab: Gabrielle LaManna, 7 Carriage In addition, NYC Metro rabbits are at Petland www.longislandrabbitrescue.org and the Lane, New Fairfield, CT 06812. For contributions Discounts stores on West 117th Street, East House Rabbit Society main site, to Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group, please go 86th Street and West 72nd Street. www.rabbit.org . to www.longislandrabbitrescue.org.

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