(Continued on page 16)

On Losing IvyBy Erin McElhinney

I have tried to write a proper RIP storyabout Ivy Banana for about a year now.Every time I sit down to write, somethingelse beckons me; there are teeth to floss,floors to mop, dishes to do. Anythingseems better than revisiting her painfulend, but now it seems even more painfulto come across the one-year anniversaryof her death without sharing one more

(Continued on page 2)

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o: E

rin M

cElh

inne

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Our masthead features Long Island Rabbit Rescue special-needs bunny, Wednesday. Wednesday has some physical impairments, but is the best kisser in the rescue group.Masthead by guest artist Vanessa Han; photo of Wednesday by Mike Miranda.

RR&R Conference Returns to Westchester

Ivy Banana.

By Natalie L. Reeves

After experimenting last year with twosmaller seminars in midtown Manhattan,Rabbit Rescue & Rehab resumed itsannual rabbit educational conference inWestchester. Crowds returned to NewRochelle to meet other bunny lovers, shopfor goodies for their pets and them selves,learn from area veterinarians and watchdemonstrations of various procedures.

Keynote Talk on HandlingEmergencies

Dr. Gil Stanzione, of Dakota VeterinaryCenter, lectured on the topic of rabbitemergencies, but he was quick to point outthat all of his advice was no substitute forhaving a sick rabbit seen by a veterinarianas soon as possible. When Dr. Stanzionestarted his veterinary practice in 1997,bunnies were generally living to be onlyseven years old, but now he sees manyrabbit patients living to the age of 12,13, 14 and recently 15. To help rabbitslive longer, guardians should know how

to handle emergency situations from thetime the symptoms appear, until thevet’s office opens.

Foreign ObjectsDr. Stanzione sometimes sees rabbits whohave ingested a foreign object, such asstring, tinsel or dental floss. If you findyour rabbit has string coming out of hismouth or anus, never pull it becausethat string will act like a knife. Rememberthat bunnies like to hide under furniture,so be extremely vigilant about medicinebeing dropped under the couch. Humanmedicine can kill a bunny, so if you dropa pill, find it before your bunny does.

Temperature ControlKnowing how to take a rabbit’s tempera -ture is critical. If you don’t know how,ask your vet or a rabbit-rescue volunteerto demonstrate. Use a flexible plasticthermometer and lubricate the tip. Dr.Stanzione warned that temperatureslower than 98 or higher than 105 are

NYCMETRO RABBIT NEWS DECEMBER 2014

Rabbit AdvocatesWin KeyVoteRabbit-rescue volunteers and animal-rightsactivists won a major victory Dec.17 when theNew York City Council passed legislationcalling for stricter pet-store regulations regardingthe sale of animals. The measures, passed by a49-2 vote, include a ban on the sale of rabbitsin city pet stores, effective June 2015.NewYorkCity Council Members Corey Johnson andElizabeth Crowley gathered with othersupporters of the bill, which must be signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 2U�

rabbit eat nothingthan eat a fruity treatwhen in distress.Before giving a bunnywho is not eating anyprescription drugs, Dr. Stanzione said the bunny should bewarmed (if histemperature is below

normal); given a dropper of pediatricsimethicone drops (available with infantgas medications in drug stores – look forthe active ingredient of simethicone)and then given an abdominal massage.

Eye InjuriesBecause bunnies like to hang out in a lotof places where there might be dust anddebris (i.e., under furniture), Dr. Stanzionesaid that eye injuries are fairly commonand that we should notice them when abunny has a runny eye, cloudy corneaor keeps an eye partially or fully closed.Eye injuries can be very painful and abunny needs to be checked out by a vet,but on an emergency basis, flush theaffected eye with lukewarm sterileophthalmic saline. Do not use ointmentsor creams and never use eye medicationthat has been prescribed for another bunny,which can only make things worse.

Torticollis/Wry Neck/Head TiltPrompt diagnosis and treatment arecritical to a good prognosis for a bunnywith wry neck or head tilt, mostcommonly caused by middle ear infections,E. cuniculi, or brain lesions. Until you canget the bunny to the vet, Dr. Stanzioneadvised keeping the bunny warm andquiet and making sure that the bunny isstill able to eat and drink. Most of thesebunnies improve with good nursing care.If the bunny is rolling, place him in asmall, padded carrier to prevent injury.It is essential to protect the “down eye”with ophthalmic lubricant or, if you canmanage this without injuring the eye,you can gently tape the eyelids closedwith paper surgical tape, until you canget the bunny to the vet, so that the eyewon’t be injured.

Broken BonesBroken bones must be stabilized toprevent further injury, so if your bunny

emergencies. If you get home and findyour rabbit not eating, lethargic, oracting strangely, you should:

• Take temperature;•Call your vet and leave a message if it’s after hours;• Safely warm or cool (as described below) your rabbit depending on whether his temperature is low or elevated;• Listen for intestinal sounds (you may want to invest in an inexpensive stethoscope) for about 20 seconds on each side of the bunny’s abdomen; and•Disinfect and stabilize any wounds and keep them clean and dry.

Dr. Stanzione emphasized the importanceof safely normalizing a bunny’s temper -ature. To lower a bunny’s temperature,you may rub isopropyl alcohol or icewater on ears; move air over wet ears(convective cooling); place ice packs onthe rabbit’s abdomen and over hisshoulders; or rub an ice cube on hisforehead or ears, but be careful not tofreeze-burn the bunny’s delicate tissues.

Far more common, according to Dr.Stanzione, is hypothermia in rabbits.Any temperature below 98 is a cause forconcern. Dr. Stanzione suggestedwarming the bunny with warm, cloth-wrapped water bottles or packs; placingwarmers under his abdomen or on ears;or administering warm (103 degreesFahrenheit) subcutaneous fluids. Nevermicrowave a bag of fluids, however. Also,test the temperature of fluid by puttingsome of it into a cup and then measuringthe temperature of the liquid in the cup.Whether the bunny is warm or cold,monitor his temperature regularly whileperforming all of these procedures.

Beware of CarbsWhile many caregivers panic when theyfind their bunny not eating, Dr. Stanzionewarned against giving the rabbit fruit,yogurt drops or other carbohydrates toencourage eating because these foodscan slow down the gastrointestinal tractfurther. Dr. Stanzione would rather a

has a broken bone and your regularrabbit savvy vet’s office is closed, Dr.Stanzione advised that any emergencyclinic should be able to set the bone. Headvised, however, that if the emergencyclinic doesn’t treat many rabbit patients,you should ask about setting the boneunder sedation and not anesthesia, anddon’t forget to ask for pain medication.

Veterinary Panel Q&AOne of the most popular parts of theannual conference is the question-and-answer panel with some of the area’srabbit-savvy veterinarians. This year Dr.Becky Campbell of Symphony VetCenter in New York City, Dr. LaurieHess of Veterinary Center for Birds andExotics in Bedford Hills, Dr. Jeff Roseof Jefferson Animal Hospital in PortJefferson Station, and Dr. Stanzione werekind enough to attend the conferenceand take questions from the audience.

Shopping, Raffles, andFreebiesWhile the conference’s first priority iseducating attendees about ways to helptheir bunnies, there is always much fun tobe had, with many attendees lookingforward to swapping bunny stories andshopping for their rabbits. As always,Sequin Jewelry, which is one of Oprah’sFavorite Things this year, generouslydonated stylish bunny-themed jewelry forsale with all of the proceeds going tobenefit homeless bunnies. Among otherthings, participants were happy to be ableto purchase the straw hats that bunnieslove to tear apart. Small Pet Select andSupreme Petfoods, two conferencespon sors, had booths with displays oftheir hay and pellet offerings, along withfree samples. They also donated to theraffles and gift bags for attendees. Othersthat donated to the gift bags, raffles andsilent auction were: Bunny Bytes, VauteCouture, Cats & Rabbits & More,Organic Hay Co., Sherwood ForestNatural Rabbit Food, Bunny RabbitToy Shop, Alexis Marcou, NancyFurstinger and Larry Eckert.

RR&R Conference (Continued from page 1)

Dr. Gil Stanzione.

Photo: Marylee Matturro

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The Widow Bunny and Her Crazy SidekickBy Elda Pomales

I adopted Trixie as a partner for my littleman Cappuccino, a 10-year-old JerseyWooly, but he died three months later.Trixie and Cappuccino had just beenstarting to bond, and already she was a widow.

Trixie opened up her heart to me andnurtured me after Cappuccino’s death.She would come looking for me, whereaspreviously she ignored me. I saw a sideof Trixie that I had never seen before.Her maternal instincts came out and shegave me the love and support that Ineeded. I have a very loving family but Ilive by myself, and Cappuccino hadbeen my constant companion.

Although it was hard for me to accepthe was gone, Trixie kept me distracted.In comparison to Cappuccino, she was ababy – just two years old – and sheclaimed the house as her own. She raneverywhere and got under every crevice.She was a handful! It was during thistime that Trixie and I really got to knoweach other. When she would see me cryat night she would jump on the couchand sit with me. And it was at thosemoments that I knew she was grieving, too.Eventually, her jumping on the couchbecame an everyday habit, and we startedusing this time to watch TV together,nap and take the occasional selfie.

As much as I loved the bond that weformed so quickly, I knew that I couldn’tleave her as a widow. Five months later,I reached out to Trixie’s former fosterer,Tracy Nuzzo, and asked about matchingTrixie up with another bun. To mysurprise, there was a speed date thatweekend. Everything happened so quickly.I knew I wanted her to have a mate butI didn’t think it would happen this fast.I didn’t want to make it seem as if I wasreplacing beloved Cappuccino. Eventhough I had this internal battle, I knewthat I didn’t want Trixie alone. Thatweekend we went on the speed date andafter many candidates, Trixie finally picked

an 8-month old lionhead by the nameof Malo. He is now known as Scribble.

Scribble was teeny. He was half the sizeof Trixie, and when the rabbit volunteersput him in the pen with her for thespeed date, I thought she was going tocrush him. To my surprise, she didn’t.She was sweet. At the end of the day Ibrought him to his new home. I wasworried at first because Scribble was veryquiet and timid.

I knew I couldn’t put the two bunstogether immediately. Eventually, after afew days, Scribble started warming up tohis new home and I started the bondingprocess. Scribble is a small bunny andTrixie is a larger mini-lop, but he was nopushover. He would stomp his feet atTrixie whenever he needed respect, and shewould comply. The struggle for dominancewent on for a few months and finallyScribble gave in. Scribble was in Trixie’shouse now and Trixie was the Queen!

Once dominance was established, thefun began. Scribble’s true colors cameout, and he blossomed. Scribble races sofast around the house he actually lookslike a blur. He runs in the most random

fashion that if you tried to trace hiscourse it would look like scribble. He iswicked fast.

The relationship between Trixie andScribble is phenomenal. He absolutelycaters to her. When I say cater, I meanhe really CATERS to her. When she liesdown he grooms her from head to toewithout fail. All they do is follow eachother around. I have never seen twobunnies binky as often as these two do.Every day I see them chasing each otherwhile doing binkies in the air. I thoughtTrixie was a handful in the beginning;Scribble is on another level. He is so fullof energy that he tires Trixie out! I lovesitting back and just watching thembecause their personalities mesh so well.Trixie is the sassy bossy pants andScribble is the crazy rambunctious boywho just does whatever Trixie wants.

Cappuccino will always be my little man,the love of my life; but I feel like hispassing was the start of a new chapter forme. I miss my boy every day but it was mylove for him that motivated me to offera home to two other abandoned rabbits.

Photo: Elda Pomales

Scribble and Trixie.

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(Continued on page 5)

National HRS Conference in St. Louis a Huge SuccessBy Natalie L. Reeves

Approximately 200 bunny lovers, two-thirds of whom were House Rabbit Societyeducators, attended the House RabbitSociety Educational Conference hostedby the House Rabbit Society of Missouriin St. Louis in September. Getting tothe conference was no easy feat, withabout 10-15 people waylaid by an incidentinvolving Chicago’s air-traffic control.Nevertheless, people from 27 states, theDistrict of Columbia, two provinces inCanada, and England, met to learn moreabout health, behavioral and husbandryissues affecting rabbits.

The New York metro area was wellrepresented with two veterinarians (Dr.Anthony Pilny of the Center for Avianand Exotic Medicine, and Dr. LauraGeorge of Catnip & Carrots VeterinaryHospital); NYC Chapter Manager MaryCotter; educators Marcie Frishberg andMary Christine Basile; and NYC MetroRabbit volunteers Yumi Nakayama,Natalie Reeves, Jessica Wolfinger andTai Shimizu attending. Jessica and Taitraveled from their new home in Hawaiiso that they could see friends and takeback information to help bunnies intheir new state, where there is currentlyno chapter of the House Rabbit Society.

Twenty lecturers spoke on topics rangingfrom surgery to bonding. Dr. Pilnylectured on dental disease and emphasizedthe degree to which dental issues can beprevented by proper nutrition and anabundance of hay in the diet. MaryCotter, along with Dr. Susan Brown,demonstrated techniques for managingbehavior problems in rabbits. Marylikened working with rabbits to workingwith people with Alzheimer’s: in bothcases, the caregiver needs to adapt to theother person’s (or rabbit’s) reality.

Attendees went home with goodie bagsfilled with items donated by sponsors,such as Stacks from Oxbow, hay samplesfrom Small Pet Select, and HealX fromHarrison’s Bird Foods. Many also boughttoys for their bunnies from the vendors.

Perhaps best of all, participants receivedbinders containing notes from most ofthe presentations.

The House Rabbit Society of Missouri(St. Louis) did an amazing job as host.St. Louis had been chosen due to itscentral location and its experiencesponsoring veterinary conferences. Inaddition, the chapter works closely withthe Humane Society of Missouri, whichhad a large lecture hall and enoughspace for vendors to set up booths. Thesociety offered the use of the space forfree. The collaboration between thegroups has resulted in many rabbits beingsaved through the years. The HumaneSociety of Missouri presented theMissouri House Rabbit Society with its“Humane Hero Award” at the conferencebecause of the chapter’s help with aconfiscation of nearly 200 rabbits. Thelarge-scale rescue involved a lengthy legalbattle during which chapter volunteersworked with Humane Society staff fromtriage through the rabbits’ lengthy stay andthen their eventual placement in homes.

The Missouri chapter, which is staffedentirely by volunteers, had recentlypurchased its own shelter building forbunnies, and many visiting educatorswere able to tour 5,000-square-foot

facility on nearly four acres of land.After raising the funds to purchase thebuilding, volunteers had cleaned it fromtop to bottom, painted the walls, andset up a reception area, education area,store with supplies for members, aboarding room, a main foster room,kitchen, meet & greet area, cleaning andlaundry areas, medical room, exercisearea, and a loft for storage. New Yorkers,including Mary Christine Basile, whoviewed the center, dreamed of beingable to one day have a similar facility fortheir shelter and rescue bunnies.

Organizing the conference wascomplicated and was accomplished withthe concerted efforts of an all-volunteer,behind-the-scenes team, representingchapters across the country: Bill Velasquez(New Mexico), Joy Gioia (Missouri),Nancy Ainsworth (Connecticut), MaryCotter (New York), Debby Widolf(Utah), June Booth (Louisiana), SharonDumas (Arkansas), Laurie Gigous(Arizona) and Margo DeMello (NewMexico). Joy Gioia said that aside fromputting together the conference in lessthan seven months, two major challengeswere faced. One was whittling down thetopics: with all the important issues they

Marcie Frishberg, Natalie Reeves, Dr. Anthony Pilny, Mary Cotter and Mary Christine Basile.

Photo: Natalie L. Reeves

HRS Conference(Continued from page 4)

wanted to include, they would haveneeded a four-day conference to covereverything. The second big hurdle washaving the conference RACE accredited.RACE (Registry of Approved ContinuingEducation) is the continuing educationarm of the American Association ofVeterinary State Boards. The accreditationallowed veterinarians and veterinarytechnicians from any state to receive upto 14 education credits by attending theapproved sessions.

One of the best parts of the conferencewas meeting fellow rabbit lovers. Manyof the attendees had correspondedonline for years but had never met face-to-face. Knowing that we were surroundedby others who had traveled from aroundthe country to learn more about rabbitsmade the weekend special. After all, howoften do people like us get to attend anevent where everyone was checking inwith their bunny-sitters and sharingreports on how good or naughty theirrabbits were being while they were away?

Given the extraordinary success of thisconference, HRS will undoubtedly holdanother one at some point. The SanDiego HRS chapter has volunteered to

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 5U�

Mary Cotter and Marinell Harriman.

Margo DeMello, HRS president.

Abigail Aldridge, local hat designer and rabbitadopter, provided two edible hats that were auctionedoff at the HRS conference in St. Louis, raising $300 forthe House Rabbit Society. Dr. Micah Kohles, the vet inOxbow’s outreach department, came up with the ideafor the hats, and Oxbow supplied edible materials.One of the hats was bought by John Akamatsu, founderof Bunfectionary, which makes hay treats for bunnies.Shown here enjoying the hat is Maddie, a three-leggedrescue, who had been abandoned in the woods andhad her leg torn off by a dog.

Photo: Natalie L. Reeves

Photo: Katie Mosher

Photo: Bunfectionary’s Facebook page

We Are Looking for Loving HomesWritten and compiled by Kirsten Ott

MelissaMelissa is a small to medium-sizedbunny found, along with a number ofother rabbits, in a community garden inthe Bronx. This delicate-looking girl ismostly white, with some light brownmarkings around her ears and her big,beautiful dark eyes. Melissa will look atyou with a mix of skepticism andlonging. She’s likely to open up quicklyin her forever home.

ADOPT US!

be the next conference site, but we don’tknow yet whether that will be two, oreven five, years from now.

JacobJacob is a young, diminutive bunnyfound, along with a number of otherrabbits, in a community garden in theBronx. This cute guy is equal partsfriendly and curious. He has big, shiningdark eyes that seem to take in everythinggoing on around him. Jacob is mostlywhite, with markings in various shadesof brown around his face and ears. Thoughhe’s quite small, he may grow a bit more.

Despite the months of planning, Ms.Gioia said that it was a wonderfulexperience to work with a group ofHRS volunteers to pull off a historicevent. She said, “Most of the people inthis small committee group had nevermet in person, yet emails flew back and forth, conference calls done, ideasexchanged, notes maintained andorganized, various objectives assignedand obtained, and ultimately it resultedin a conference the scope of whichamazed even its organizers. The synergismthat actually developed immediatelywithin this group was simply wonderful.”

Jacob.(Continued on page 6)

(Continued on page 7)

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EdwardEdward is a small bunny found in acommunity garden in the Bronx. Thislittle guy is very sweet. He probablyhasn’t had too much experience withhumans in his young life, so he seemssurprised when you start to pet him…but he loves it! Much of the time you’repetting him, he keeps his dark, shiningeyes wide open, as if astonished by thenovel sensation. Edward is mostly white,with orange-brown markings around hishead and down his spine.

BillieBillie is a brown-and-white Dutch mixwho was found near New York Hospitalin Queens. This girl has a very prettybut rather unusual coat – it looks asthough someone forgot to finishingcoloring in the brown parts, so one earis mostly brown and the other is white.She also has blue eyes, which add to her mysterious beauty. Billie is superaffectionate and hungry for love,practically lunging at your hand torequest more petting. She’ll need a homewhere she can get lots of attention.

TupacTupac is a darling little hotot mix whowas found, along with a number ofother rabbits, in a community garden inthe Bronx. This guy is still quite youngand, as befits his age, eager for play andexploration. He will settle down forpetting, though – he just has to find theright spot first! Tupac has a pristinewhite coat with some brownish-graymarkings – notably a nice mottledpattern on his ears and dark eye “makeup”that makes him look like a miniaturebandit. He also has a very cute round face.

Tiny TimTiny Tim is an itty-bitty young hototmix who was found, along with anumber of other rabbits, in a communitygarden in the Bronx. This little guy iswhite with tri-color markings around

his ears and eyes – the eye “makeup”makes his eyes look extra big inside histiny face. Tiny Tim is a little shy, so hewould do best in a home with experiencedrabbit people. He may still grow a bit inthe next few months.

ArmondArmond is a medium-sized dark agoutiand white Dutch guy who was found inQueens. This boy is a real catch! He’ssuper friendly, hopping right up to greetyou and smushing down for petting. Hesoaks up affection like a sponge, andwill need a lot of attention in his foreverhome. Though he may act a little needy,Armond is no weakling – he has a healthy,strong physique. Armond would makean excellent choice for a first-timebunny owner and would probably alsomake a good partner for another rabbit.

MaxMax is a medium-sized brown and whiteDutch with a gigantic personality. Thissmart, high-energy guy is always looking

ADOPT US!

Looking for Loving Homes(Continued from page 5)

Edward.

Billie.

Tiny Tim.

Tupac.

Armond.

Max.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 7U�

to get out and play; he’ll hop around toget your attention, then he’ll study you,trying to figure out how to get his way.Max is a very confident, determined boy,and is ready for pretty much anything.He will definitely keep his forever peopleon their toes!

CloudCloud is a big beautiful 4 ½-year-oldwhite and brown French Angora male.He’s been living in an outdoor/garagewire-floored cage his entire life and hasreceived very little attention. He also hasan old, healed fracture in his left leg –he gets around fine, but must havecarpeted floors. Cloud was a young girl’s4H show rabbit, and the girl is now ateen who has moved on to other interests.Cloud is incredibly sweet and affectionate.He enjoys being petted and really likesbeing with people. He needs a lovingforever home where he will get the love,time and attention he so craves. Cloudwill need to be brushed every day; hedoesn’t enjoy it all that much, so it’s bestdone while petting his head with yourother hand.

HippoHippo is a 4 ½-year-old medium-sizedmale Holland lop. He’s been living in anoutdoor/garage wire-floored cage hisentire life and has received very littleattention. Hippo was a young girl’s 4Hshow rabbit, and the girl is now a teenwho has moved onto other interests.Hippo is a bit shy and needs someonewho can help socialize him. He’s agorgeous boy and is sure to flourish withsome attention. Hippo has been neuteredand is currently in residence at theCenter for Avian and Exotic Medicinein Manhattan.

ClooneyClooney is an adorable little gray dwarfrabbit who was the center of a five-day-and-night-long rescue alongside the SawMill River Parkway. He was chased

around by teenagers before his rescue, sohe is nervous and shy and needs a quiethome where he can continue to learn totrust humans. Once he feels safe, heloves to explore, run and binky aroundthe room. Clooney is neutered, litter-box trained and living in foster care. Hecan only be adopted out as a partner toanother rabbit who will help him learnto feel comfortable in the human world.

LorettaLoretta is a large orange-and-white lop.This cuddly girl has a big, sturdy bodyand nice, long creamsicle ears. Loretta isa little hesitant when first approached,but warms up quickly and seems to findpetting very comforting. She’s definitelylots of lop to love! Loretta would probablymake a good partner for another bunny.

MorticiaMorticia is a medium-large black lionheadbunny who was found on Third Avenue.This girl is a born entertainer – she’sconstantly showing off! Even when in

ADOPT US!

Looking for Loving Homes(Continued from page 6)

Hippo.

Clooney.

Loretta.

Morticia.

Randolf.

(Continued on page 8)

Cloud.

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He would make a good family bunny, ashe’s guaranteed fun for all ages!

VidaliaVidalia is a medium-sized brown youngfemale who was left behind in anapartment when her owner moved out.This girl’s coat is an unusual nutty,golden brown color. It makes you want topet her, but she’s rather nervous aroundpeople. She’s very curious though – she’llcheck you out, sniff you, and watch youcarefully. Vidalia would do best in anexperienced bunny home with peoplewho can help to socialize her. (Continued on page 9)

her cage, she’s binkying and dashing inand out of her hidey box. Lucky forMorticia, she’s the complete package –she’s also got the looks to make it inHollywood! After expending a tremendousamount of energy, she’ll flop dramaticallyand refresh herself for her next act. This girl will need a big stage for lots of antics in her new home.

RandolfRandolf is a medium-sized love bug whowas found in Queens. This guy alwayshas the welcome mat out! He’s extremelyfriendly, and loves all forms of affection.Cheek rubs, head rubs, kisses – whatever,bring it on! When you close his cagedoor, he tries valiantly to open it againso the loving can continue. Randolf iscreamy white with scattered brownmarkings, including a big “beauty mark”next to his nose. When he’s not socializing,he enjoys “redecorating” his habitat.Randolf would make a good choice for afirst-time bunny owner.

ZucchiniZucchini is a small to medium-sizedfemale who was, shockingly, left behindin an apartment when her owner movedout. This girl probably hasn’t gottenmuch human attention, because she’snervous around people. She’s curious,though – she’ll hide and spy on you,working up the nerve to approach, thencome toward you gingerly and quicklychange her mind. Zucchini would dobest with an experienced bunny owner.Whoever does adopt her will be smittenby her cuteness: she’s a very warm brownand white and has gorgeous big eyes.

AngeloAngelo is a brownish-black lionhead/lopmix who was found in Queens. Thisguy is big, friendly, and fun! Just lookingat him, with his funny whiskers andfloppy ears, will make you smile. Angeloloves affection, and will jam his nosethrough his cage bars to get your attention.

Zucchini.

Midnight.

Desiree.

Vidalia.

ADOPT US!

Looking for Loving Homes(Continued from page 7)

MidnightMidnight is a large black female with avery nice disposition. Even though shewas found on the street, Midnight wasprobably living in a home until fairlyrecently, because she’s pretty comfortablewith humans and seems very well-fed.Actually, she was probably too well-fed,or not properly fed, because she’s a littleon the chunky side. She’ll need a betterdiet in her forever home. Midnight isvery friendly and eager for attention.Her generous dewlap and large staturegive her a rather grand aura. She wouldmake a very good family bunny.

DesireeDesiree is a medium-sized black-and-white Dutch and a real love sponge.This girl’s name suits her, because shepretty much desires love 24/7. Herfriendliness borders on clinginess – she

Angelo.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 9U�

(Continued on page 10)

ADOPT US!

Looking for Loving Homes (Continued from page 8)

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Whiskers in Wonderland Spotlights Rabbit Adoptions

The annual Whiskers in Wonderland holiday adoption event took

place on Saturday, Nov.15, at the Union Square Petco.Volunteers

introduced many of our wonderful rabbits to visitors and discussed

the joys of having a pet bunny. Marcie Frishberg helped in

organizing the event, which featured many rabbits in foster care.

Adoptable cats also were able to meet potential adopters.

Will Leung.

On camera: bunnies with potential adopters.

Conrad and Ross.

Thea Harting.

Photo: Jane O’W

yatt

Photo: Maho Honda

Brownie and admirers.

Photo: Maho Honda

Jane O’Wyatt combs Samantha.

Photo: Maho Honda

Photo: Jane O’W

yatt

adores being petted, and especially lovescheek rubs. Desiree has a pretty bigbody for a Dutch, but her head is still

small and sweet. She would make a goodchoice for a first-time bunny owner.

Photo: Jane O’W

yatt

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 10U�

LOCAL ACTIVITIES

Whiskers in Wonderland(Continued from page 9)

Photo: Jane O’W

yatt

Photo: Maho Honda

Dutchie and Brownie. Benny meeting young rabbit lovers.

Roberto.

Roger and Honeybun.

Marcie Frishberg, Petco district manager Joshua Axelband and Amber Spradlin with interviewer for ‘Urban Animals’ TV program.

Photo: Maho Honda

Photo: Jane O’W

yatt

Photo: Jane O’W

yatt

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 11U�

Maho Honda in bunny costume at opening of newPetco store on Second Avenue.

Cici is in the foreground, but if you look, you will see Conrad and Ross peeping at Cici from their pen nearby.

Photo: Maho Honda

Photos: C

athe RekisLOCAL ACTIVITIES

Volunteers, RabbitsCelebrate Store OpeningRabbit volunteers turned out on Oct. 18 and 19 to markthe opening of the new Turtle Bay Petco store at SecondAvenue and 52nd Street. Cathe Rekis said, “We had a greattime at the opening of the new Petco store at 991 SecondAve. Marcie’s fosters, Conrad and Ross, were the stars ofthe show on Saturday. My foster, Little Tico, was too shyand hid in her carrier.”

On Sunday, Marcie Frishberg brought Conrad and Ross toentertain the crowds again, and Tracy Nuzzo had bunnyCici on hand. Maho Honda wore Marcie’s rabbit costumeand had lots of fun promoting the event in front of the store.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 12U�

MEDIA STARS

One of our NYC Metro Rabbits, Cotton, appears with actress Tavi Gevinson in the most recent issue of Lula, theBritish fashion magazine. We are all so proud of him, and we’re especially happy because he was recently adoptedby Carol St. Hilaire. Cotton is going to have his best holiday ever! Photographer: Danielle Levitt ( #daniellelevitt onsocial media); and creative director: Anne Koch (#annekoch on social media)

Benny, the TV StarBenny the bunny, one of Rabbit Rescue& Rehab’s most photogenic fellows,made his television debut Nov. 12 onNews 4 New York at 7 p.m. He appearedwith RR&R’s Cindy Stutts and withJane Hoffman of the Mayor’s Alliance forNYC’s Animals. Jane was accompaniedby a kitten named Legolas Greenleaf.The four-minute evening TV segmentwas a chance to talk about the Whiskersin Wonderland adoption event thattook place Saturday, Nov. 15, at theUnion Square Petco. To see the TVsegment, go to: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Mayors-Alliance-for-NYCs-Animals-on-Holiday-Adoptions/282501741

In other news, our bunnies appeared ina recent Vogue.com shoot. You can seethe entire “Bunny Hop” video andslideshow at: http://www.vogue.com/5729629/noah-and-daniel-photoghraphs-of-bunnies/

Benny.

Photos: Jane O’W

yatt

Forever Homes Found!Rabbits adopted since the last newsletter include: Moxie, Betty, Efren, Pumpkin,Cocoa, Ripley, Teandra, Elvira, Cici, Corla, Elvira, Arielle, Samantha, Franklin,Madisson, Margot, Diana, Cotton, Chanel, Max, Bun Bun, Roger and Honeybun,Louella and Carmella, Lola, Belinda and Davey, Jerry, Leonard, Conrad and Ross,Alma, Sam, Niobe, Harmony, Gigi, Charlie, Mimi and Adrian.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 13U�

Amber Spradlin writes: Happy Thanksgiving! Adelmo,Thumperino, and I are thankful everyday for the effortsof the RR&R in rescuing Veronica. She just celebratedher 4th adoptaversary. She brightens everyday:)

Rabbit volunteers and others gathered on Sunday, Nov. 23, outside Whole Foods Market on Union Square. Nationwide protests are continuing against the company, which hasbegun selling rabbit meat in some stores. For more information, go to http://rabbit.org/what-you-can-do-about-whole-foods/

Photo: Maho Honda

Sincere thanks to all of ourgenerous hay

donors!

HAY!

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 14U�

By Gabrielle Lawson

“There’s a rabbit under my truck” washow it all began. It was Thanksgivingweekend 2012 and my boyfriend Steveand I were home in southern NewJersey visiting family when I first heardabout the pretty brown bunny that hadbeen hanging out in Steve’s parents’ yardfor three weeks. Clearly no one wasconcerned about finding her, and bythat point I was sure word would havegotten out that someone lost their pet.“If I can catch her, then it’s meant to bethat she comes back to New York withme,” was what I said to Steve thatfreezing November morning we saw herhuddling under the truck. Sure enough,we lured her into a carrier with carrots,and she hopped on the NJ Transit trainback up to New York with me.

Chunk quickly became comfortable inher new surroundings. Instinctively, Igave Chunk her space and allowed herto warm up to me on her own terms. Inno time we became the best of friendsand her sassy little personality began toblossom. After the holidays, I had tostart making arrangements for someoneto care for Chunk while Steve and Iwent to a wedding in Mexico. This waswhen I was referred to Jane O’Wyatt,who became my trusted bunny sitterand “bad cop” in several mani/pedis.

Besides having the best personality, therewas something very regal about MissChunk. It was as if she was doing you thefavor of gracing you with her presence.Oddly enough, I always felt like shereally was doing me the favor, becauseshe came into my life at a time when Iwas feeling very lonely and longing for apet. Chunk also (and not surprisingly)loved to eat! Her favorites includedparsley, cilantro and thyme from herGrandmom’s (my mom’s) garden inNew Jersey. However, bananas were herabsolute favorite. I remember one night

watching a movie with Steve, and in ourkitchen I heard a thud. There was Chunk,chomping on a bunch of bananas in awicker fruit bowl that she knocked off alow shelf on a food cart. From that dayon we had to keep the fruit bowl withthe bananas on top of the microwave,far out of Chunk’s reach.

As I am writing this it is three weeksfrom the date that I lost Chunk and Istill can’t believe how quickly everythinghappened. Steve caught her first binkyon video during the early hours of themorning on Sunday, Oct. 3. By Thursdaythe 9th, Chunk was in such a state ofsevere kidney failure that I knew with anaching in my heart she was not going topull through and that it was time to saygoodbye. After Chunk had passed, her

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Chunk.

Miss Chunk: The Queen of Queens

Photo: Gabrielle Law

son

vet (Dr. Shachar Malka at the HumaneSociety), performed a necropsy to try to determine the cause of death. Thepathology report stated the following:“The presence of myocarditis, inconjunction with evidence of inflam -mation in multiple organs, is suspiciousfor systemic bacterial or viral infection.The exact cause is however not apparent.”It was an answer too vague andemotionless to be associated withChunk, in my opinion.

The one thing I’ll always be thankful foris that I never took Chunk for granted.Although her time with me was tooshort, each day with her was a blessingand she will always live on in my heart.Thank you, Chunk, for letting me beyour handmaiden and loyal friend.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 15U�

Gloria Steinem and Bunito.

Sebastian Butler and Gloria Steinem

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

By MB

NYCACC-Harlem alum Sebastian Butlerpassed away July 5. Beloved husband tothe late Vera Charles and Little Gloria,he was survived by the energetic, youngcompanion of his final years, GloriaSteinem, who taught him to give as wellas receive grooming, and by the two catshe raised, Clytie and Magnolia.

Commander of the living room, controllerof the fridge door, Sebastian also madevarious notable public appearances,impressing all with his handsome grayand white coat and laid-back demeanor.Among his credits are a cameo on the bigscreen blithely ignoring being insulted byElaine Stritch in the recent documentary“Shoot Me,” and numerous visits toBroadway backstages, especially on EasterSundays. He enriched our lives for nineincredible years and we all miss himvery much.

Tragically, joyful, effervescent, altogetherglorious Gloria Steinem, also an NYCACC-Harlem alum, died unexpectedly and bycause unknown on Oct. 17, just twoweeks into having bonded with her dreambun, NYC Metro Rabbit graduate andexpert groomer Bunito Bunnolini. Themarriage was incredibly blissful and it issome comfort that Gloria experiencedsuch happiness even if it was all tooshort. Gloria’s loss has been a tremendousblow to all of us and most particularlyto Bunito, who followed her adoringlyeverywhere and tended to her with greatcare up to her final moments.

Too bereft to be left alone for long, Bunitowent recently to matchmaker CindyStutts and chose a lively silver marten,reminiscent of one of his guardian’s firstbunnies, Little Gloria. Apparently hechose well, as the two bonded in underthree hours – a new record for speedcourtship. Newly christened Bettelein(or Little Betty, in honor of Little Gloriaand of a much missed human also lostthis summer,) this recent addition to thehousehold brings a bumptious personalityall her own but with the best echo possibleof friends gone but never forgotten.

Bunito.

� Gloria Steinem. � Vera, Sebastian and Little Gloria.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 16U�

time her remarkable spirit. Recently, Iwas asked to provide photos of her for aslideshow at the rabbit conferencehonoring those we’ve lost in the past year.When I came across Ivy’s old pictures, I literally gasped.

When she was alive and I was seeing herevery day, she seemed tiny, for sure, butfrail? Never. Ivy Banana wasindomitable and I began to believe wewould set records and conquer herthymoma together. She could be amedical miracle and a lecture I attendedon physical rehabilitation for rabbitsgave me inspiration. We would do swimtherapy, cold laser therapy, whatever ittook. Fueled with the energy of severalbanana slices a day, Ivy was game foranything. Of course, one part of menever forgot how perishable she justmight be (as I mentioned in my Thumppiece in December 2013 (page 5),http://www.rabbitcare.org/ThumpDecember2013.pdf),and I always kept a shoebox lined with asoft pillowcase handy in case I needed a coffin.

On Nov. 27, 2013, she began to weaken.I knew this then but I couldn’t reallyacknowledge it. I finally made anappointment for her to be euthanizedSaturday, Nov. 30. Then, I staged a mini photo session and posed her on the couch. I was going to take a millionpictures of her while I still had thechance. We had bunny dance partiesand cuddle sessions that lasted so longmy other rabbits just glared at us. Welaughed at them, right in their faces! Wewere a nation of two and there was noroom or time for anybun else in ourcountry. Alas, she nibbled on parsley fornourishment but the excitement of all of my plans for us seemed to exhaust her. I allowed her to rest a bit.

The next day, Thanksgiving, I loadedher up in a carrier, brought somebananas and took her to the wonderfulThanksgiving celebration organized byMarcie Frishberg and Larry Marion.Being accommodating hosts and rabbitlovers, they set up a pen in the diningroom, and Ivy was extremely stimulatedwith all the attention, curiosity andaffection thrown her way by all of thedinner guests. I had her only a shorttime, but that Thursday was the bestday I ever shared with her. She diedsuddenly in my arms less than 48 hourslater. Even though I had made anappointment for 2 p.m. that Saturday,little Ivy had her own plans and shepassed away shortly before 9 a.m. Ourshoebox coffin finally had a use. I boxedup her body and brought her to theCenter for Avian and Exotic Medicine. Iremember kissing her as she lay on thecold metal table, just this tiny whitespeck, still a little warm but cooling fast.I remember apologizing profusely to Dr.Alexandra Wilson that it was ridiculousI should be acting like this because I

only had Ivy a couple of months. Iremember going through an entire boxof tissues. Everything else was a blur.

I am grateful that even though IvyBanana died suddenly, I was home withher and holding her when she passed.Even today when I look at pictures ofher, I see her black button eyes lookingback at me. She rests now with mepeacefully, in an impossibly tiny andpractically weightless box that holds herashes. Sometimes, when I really missher, I put it on the couch next to me,where she used to love to sit. I thoughtabout setting her ashes free but then Iremember she was abandoned in CentralPark, scared and alone, and I will alwayskeep her ashes with me so that she isnever scared and alone ever again.

This essay can never be the proper RIPthat sweet Ivy deserves, but I wanted towrite it, to honor her memory.

Ivy (Continued from page 1)

Photo: Erin McElhinney

Ivy.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 17U�

(Continued on page 18)

Illustration: Loryn Brantz

Letters From Adopters

Margaret and Melba

Emmy adopted Margaret and Melba inSeptember, and she sent this letter a fewweeks later.

I adopted Margaret and Melba at theend of September. After initiallyrefusing to come out of their carrier forabout an hour, they settled into theirnew digs and have been as happy as can be!

They love banana, cilantro and red-leaflettuce, often eating food out of eachother’s mouths, Lady and the Trampstyle. (See attached picture! One of the

Lady and the Tramp, bunny style!

Melba.Margaret.

illustrators I work with made Halloweencostume illustrations for staffers’ pets,

Photos: Emily Favilla

Socrates Efren Sickora.

Photo: Jacqueline SickoraSocrates Efren Sickora

Jacqueline Sickora adopted Efren, nowknown as Socrates Efren Sickora, and shesent us this update in early November.

I adopted the amazing and adorableEfren, now named Socrates Efren Sickoraon Oct. 18. When I met him on Oct. 16,I immediately fell in love with Socrates.I was so happy that two days later I wasable to take the little guy home.

I am completely and totally in love withmy baby boy. When we first got to myapartment the poor little guy was stillshaking and frightened, but after aboutan hour or two the lovely Socrates was upand about running around my bedroomlike crazy, then into the kitchen andliving room. Shortly after that he wasready for hide-and-go-seek.

Socrates is now living in a two-level condoabode and is living it up like a king.This little guy was found in FlushingMeadows Park. He is just a great littlebun. He has so much personality that itis amazing. He loves when you pet himon his nose or behind the ears, andwhen you approach him he just puts hishead down to let you pet him. He hasbeen fantastic with everyone that he hasmet. He has run up to each and everyperson waiting for acknowledge ment. Itis just absolutely delightful.

It is really cute to see him jump onto thecouch. At first I wasn’t sure if he was alap bunny, or not especially, since heinitially didn’t approach the couch at all.However, a few days after the adoption,I was sitting on the couch watching amovie when Socrates came running up

to the couch. He jumped up next to meand sat down with me.

Socrates loves running around myapart ment. He is a really good bun. Heknows his limits, which makes it veryeasy for me to keep an eye on him andtrust him to run around the apartment

and you can feel free to use it with hercredit: Loryn Brantz.)

The two run up to the edge of their penin the morning to greet me when I wakeup, running in circles and standing ontheir hind legs to inspect what’s goingon, and I often come home to findthem cuddling like a yin and yang ontheir fleece blanket or grooming eachother’s faces. Although Melba seemed tobe the shyer of the pair at first, she’sactually warmed up to my petting andscratching her ears much faster thanMargaret has (still working on that!).Margaret, however, definitely seems tobe the “alpha” rabbit – their bond isclearly very strong, as I often noticeMelba mimicking Margaret’s behaviorand following her around.

Their antics and curiosity put a smile onmy face every day. Many thanks to theNYC Metro Rabbit staff and volunteersfor being really wonderful and helpfulthroughout the adoption process, andthank you to Margaret and Melba formaking my days brighter!

Emmy F.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 18U�

Letters (Continued from page 17)

Maddy.

Photo: Amanda Solom

on

Cannoli.

Boom Boom and Radar.

Photo: Annie Kravet

Photo: Helen Ruan

(Continued on page 19)

while I am home.

I took a week and a half off from workbefore and after the adoption so that mySocrates would not be left alone so soonafter I adopted him. The first day I hadto return to work was the hardest for me,especially because I did not want to puthim back in the cage and say goodbye.He was happy as a clam in his two-levelcondo abode and I was the one on theverge of tears.

Socrates has gotten used to my dailyroutine and the funny thing is that now,half the time when I am home and lethim out to wander around my apartment,he prefers to stay in his two-level condo.Quite frankly I don’t blame him! I wantto say thank you to Cindy Stutts and toKirsten Ott for all of their help andpatience during the process. Thanks! Ireally appreciate it. Socrates absolutelyloves his forever home.

Sincerely,Jacqueline

stairs and hops right to the front of herpen. She gets so excited to be let out.We recently bought her the colorfulbaby cups, and she loves playing withthem. We hide cilantro and bits ofcarrots under them and she loves touncover what’s inside. We have noticedthat she is starting to recognize hername more and more every day.

As far as Maddy’s routine goes, everymorning I open her pen and sit on herblanket in the middle of the floor, andshe follows me and lies right next to myleg for me to pet her. Then she getssome cilantro while I fill her food bowland change her water. She is in ourfamily room (which she hops around inall day) but in order to get to the roomyou have to take a step down. She hasnow mastered the step and is able to getto the kitchen and the rest of the house!

She is fitting in so well and has trulybecome the perfect pet for our family.We all love her so much, and can’t waitto spend the upcoming holidays withher (reindeer ears for Maddy!).

Amanda Solomon

the rug in the living room. His favoritespots are under the coffee table, where hesometimes brings his greens to munchon, and behind the couch, where heloves to stretch out for a nap.

Our living room is now really the“Cannoli Room,” filled with cardboardtoys, and lots of space for his adorablebinkies. Everyone who meets him fallsin love with him, and we feel so luckythat he is a part of our family!

Warmly, Shira & Annie

Maddy

Maddy was adopted in early October byAmanda Solomon and her parents, Pamand Ed. Amanda sent this letter toMaddy’s foster mom, Tracy Nuzzo.

I just wanted to give you an update onMaddy. She is doing great! She iscompletely adjusted now. Everymorning she hears us come down the

Cannoli

Cannoli was adopted by Annie and Shira,and they sent us this update in late October.

We welcomed Cannoli into our homeabout a month ago. We love him so much!

Cannoli loves exploring his new home,although he has yet to venture beyond

Radar and Boom Boom

Radar and Boom Boom, previously knownas Joey and Jeremy, were adopted at thebeginning of October by Helen and Alan,who sent us this update.

We’ve always wanted rabbits, and westarted our search after we moved to ournew home. We found Radar and BoomBoom (previously named Joey and Jeremy)on Petfinder. With the help of NYCMetro Rabbits volunteer Kirsten Ott wewere able to meet the boys at the home ofNadine Heidlinger, who was fosteringthem. We knew right away after the visit that we wanted them to be part of our family.

A big thank you to Nadine, who tookgreat care of them! Thank you, Marcie

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 19U�

(Continued on page 20)

Letters (Continued from page 18)

Ronan.

Photo: Alexandra Tejada

Lia.

Photo: Lindsay W

eston

Mimi.

Photo: Doral Estevez

Frishberg, for teaching us so muchabout rabbit care during the adoption,and for the demonstrations. When wefirst brought them home they werescared to come out of the carrier, and wealso learned that they were terrified ofthe subway. However, a short time later,they were exploring their new home.They have done some remodeling sincethen (moving/chewing their hidey hutand digging box). They are enjoyingtheir slinky toy and hay balls.

Every morning they hop to the doorwhen we wake up and then again in theevening when we come home. They aresuch adorable buns and have brought usso much joy! It’s fun to watch themgroom each other, take food from eachother’s mouths and play with their toys.They don’t like us grooming them,though, so we have had to take it a stepat a time, brushing their fur little bylittle each day. We were happy when wesuccessfully trimmed their nails, but thebest of all is to see them binky around!

Thank you!

Helen and Alan along with Radar andBoom Boom

Ronan

Alexandra Tejada adopted Ronan in earlyOctober and sent this letter to volunteerCathe Rekis a short time afterward.

I know you guys all loved this little man.He is quite a character indeed. He has

such a strong personality. Thank you somuch for all the care and love that youwere showering him with at Petco.

You can tell that he is a happy and healthybunny. We love each other already somuch. He loves to be kissed and petted.He jumps up on the couches and allover the place. He is very active andloves attention.

We already have a daily routine. Heshakes the pen every morning around 8a.m. and demands to get out. Lol. So Iopen the pen, change everything inthere and give him bowls of greens andpellets. He runs around for an hour andthen, happy and tired, goes to his pen to snooze.

I will keep you posted! Thank you somuch again for this miracle :)

Alex

Lia

Lia, formerly known as Sunshine, wasadopted by Lindsay Weston, who sent usthis letter in October.

I am so grateful to volunteers Amy andCathy, who introduced me to my rabbit Lia(previously named Sunshine) and foranswering all of my questions. Both ofthe volunteers referred me to the HouseRabbit Society website, which has been aninvaluable resource as a new rabbit owner.

Lia is a three-pound, 15-week-old lop-eared mix. She was shy at first but

quickly warmed up in her new home.Lia is so filled with joy and curiosity.

Her most beloved toy so far is a cardboardbox, which she enjoys hopping into andchewing. Her favorite thing to do is tocreate an obstacle course by jumpingover and around all of her favorite toys.She is truly a pleasure to be around.

I’m excited to become more involved inthe NYC Metro Rabbit community.

Warm Regards,Lindsay and Lia

MimiMimi, previously known as Teandra (orLittle T), was adopted in early Novemberby Doral and Max. Doral sent us thisemail about Mimi’s latest adventures.

For a very long time I wanted to care forand give a home to a bunny in need.When I met Little T (Mimi) at the

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 20U�

Letters (Continued from page 19)

Photo: Colleen AF Venable

(Continued on page 21)

Petco at 86th and Lexington, I fell inlove with her.

She sniffed my finger and followed mymovements. I immediately felt theconnection. I wanted to take her rightaway so I filled out the application thesame day. The process took a week or so.While I waited, I read some articles andsaw some videos on how to care for arabbit. I bought everything she neededfor a happy life and a happy home withme. She had no idea that someone outthere was thinking of her and alreadyloved her. When it was time to get her, myboyfriend, Max, and I were very happy.

As we drove home, we decided to callher Mimi because she was so cute andsmall. She didn’t move at all because shefelt a little afraid. I talked to her and putsoft music so she could get distractedand feel safe, instead of having her worriedand wondering what was going on.When we got home, we opened the boxand it took her a just couple of minutesfor her curiosity to start showing. Westarted building the playpen and settingup her vegetables, water and litter box.Since we weren’t on top of her trying toget her out of the box, she understoodthat “I won’t get hurt because they arenot on top of me,” and that was thereaction we wanted from her. It was herchoice to get out the box when she wasready. She felt safe and started gettingup and smelling the litter box. She gotinside very quickly and stood there for awhile. We also got her a hiding place, soshe could hide whenever she felt the needto. She was very shy at the beginningand didn’t come out of the litter boxthat often. A couple of hours later, wecreated a tunnel out of cardboard thatshe loved. She ate only a little bit offood – not too much. We decided togive her a small piece of carrot sincerabbits love them, so she could understandthat we are not here to hurt her. At firstshe didn’t eat it, but we left it overnightwith food and fresh vegetables and sheate everything.

The second day was easier for her. Sheplayed around more with her cardboardtunnel and smelled the place a littlemore. I noticed that she didn’t like tobite on wood. Instead, she likes to biteon cardboard and papers. The secondday she ate her salad normally, but itstill took a while for her to eat it. Shewaited until we were not paying attentionto her and then she would eat it.

The third day she started to smell me,and I started to sit down with her whileshe played around and sniffed my handsand feet. She did the same with Max.She ate normally as soon as we put thefood down, and she was not that afraidof us anymore. She ate from our handsand licked our hands. She licked Maxfirst and then she licked my hands. Iwas so happy when she did that.

I’m glad that she is feeling comfortablewith us, because this is just thebeginning of a wonderful life with her.

Doral Estevez

He really chose me, and at the time Iwas doing research into getting a dog.What I wound up with is the sweetestlittle puppy – who happens to be inbunny form and perfectly litter-trained.

I can’t get over how good and sweet heis! I did a lot of research before I adoptedand built him a little house in my livingroom, and rabbit-proofed the wholeroom, including making protectors formy bottom bookshelves (broken woodendrying rack with chicken wire, Velcro,and a cute little white fence so it looks lesslike a cage for my books and more like acute design element of my living room).

My goal was to have Cocoa/Tuckeventually have full run of the livingroom, but I’d keep a tall dog gate up inthe doorway so he’d be protected fromun-bunny-proofed rooms. In the middleof the night my third evening with himI heard a rustle in my kitchen. It woundup that 24 inches wasn’t a hard thing tojump at all for Monster Tuck, and hehad been sneaking out every night –never messing anything up or evenchewing anything. Just exploring andgenerally being ridiculously happy.

Since that moment I’ve let him roam75% of my apartment, and he’s such agood little boy (Though I give it anotherweek before he learns to work door -knobs like a raptor in “Jurassic Park”).

He runs into my arms when I get homefrom work, and he is already starting tolearn some clicker training tricks likesitting still for treats and spinning in acircle. I couldn’t imagine a morefantastic pet and was so grateful for allthe information and training and helpthe shelter gave me. Thank you all!

Colleen

Tuck

Tuck, formerly known as Cocoa, wasadopted by Colleen AF Venable in October.

I’m calling him Tuck since he loves totuck his head under my hand to get meto pet him, and also he can jump crazyhigh/long distances, kind of like amonster truck.

Tuck.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 21U�

Letters (Continued from page 20)Photo: Julie Spielvogel

MuMu and Coco.

Logan and Arwen.

MuMu and Coco

MuMu, formerly known as Margaret, was adopted in August as a partner forCoco. Julie Spielvogel sent us this updatein November.

In October 2013, my partner and Iadopted our first rabbit, Coco, short forCoconut. Coco is a male dwarf hotot. Heis a house rabbit (no cage!) and is crazyenergetic. He loves people, burrowing inblankets, closets and chewing. From thestart, Coco was our best friend. Healways wanted to climb on us. When we

came in the door from work, he wouldcome running and sit on our feet.

When my office moved me from Queensto Manhattan, I knew that I couldn’tleave Coco alone for so many hourswithout company. We began lookinginto the possibility of adopting a friendfor Coco. I got in contact with MarcieFrishberg, Abigail McCue, and AmyOdum through Animal Care & Controlof Manhattan. They assisted me inarranging a bunny speed date for Cocoin August with three female lionheadrabbits living in Harlem in a litter ofseven. Coco and MuMu (Margaret/Muchachita) had a polarity in dominance,which Amy explained could mean fewerpower struggles. She recommendedMuMu as the lucky lady, and we agreed!

My partner and I brought MuMu homewith us, and followed the procedure for bonding recommended by Marcie,Abigail and Amy. Throughout theprocess, I was touched by the support,encouragement and passion of thesewomen. I feel so lucky to have met them

and to have had the chance to take insome of their vast knowledge of rabbithealth and behavior. I also appreciatedthe advice of Dr. Jennifer Saver fromCatnip & Carrots Veterinary Hospital.Dr. Saver diagnosed Coco with “cow piesyndrome” shortly after MuMu’s adoption,and recommended a change in diet.

Coco and MuMu are now fully bonded,and they are IN LOVE!! They snuggletogether, eat together, bathe togetherand play together. MuMu is shy withhumans, but she is comfortable withCoco. Coco and MuMu have THELIFE. We order them fresh Timothyhay from Kentucky! They sleep on thesofa! They are part of the family. I wouldbe happy to talk to anyone who isconsidering adopting their first orsecond rabbit. My email address isjspielv1@gmail.com and my phonenumber is 914 715 3446. Rabbits areNOT for everyone, but if you thinkthey are for you, there are so many thatneed quality homes.

Julie Spielvogel

Logan and Arwen

Logan and Arwen, previously known asRomeo and Juliet, were adopted by Oliviaand Santiago in early October. They sentthis update a month later.

Romeo and Juliet are doing awesomeand we love them so much. We actuallyrenamed them Logan and Arwen.

As of today, we have had them a monthand it has been such a fun experiencelearning their personalities and bondingwith them. I could not believe that theylove bananas, but they really do! I neverwould have guessed!

I just wanted to say thank you to theRabbit Rescue & Rehab group, forpreparing us to take in these sweetbabies and taking such good care ofthem before we came along. They are

such innocent creatures who deservesafe, loving homes, and your rescuegroup is doing a wonderful job ofmaking that happen!!

Thank you!Olivia and Santiago

Photo: Olivia Musselman

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 22U�

Dexter.

Benny. Bettelein fka Cici.

Ghost.

CELEBRITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Max.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 23U�

CELEBRITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

David, Marta and Moxie. Debbie Harry.

Brock.Armond.

THUMPDECEMBER 2014 24U�

Licensed HRS Representatives

Long Island:Jennifer Saver, DVMLaura George, DVMKristen Miller, DVMCatnip & Carrots Veterinary Hospital2056 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park,NY 11040 • (516) 877-7080

Heidi Hoefer, DVMIsland Exotic Vet Care591 East Jericho Turnpike Huntington Station, NY 11746(631) 424-0300

Jeff Rose, DVMJefferson Animal Hospital606 Patchogue Rd.(Route 112)Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776(631) 473-0415

Manhattan:Becky Campbell, DVMDeborah Levison, DVMSymphony Veterinary Center170 West 96th Street, New York, NY 10025(212) 866-8000

Rabbit-Savvy VeterinariansHere’s our recommended vet list for the NewYork metropolitan area.Please note that manyclinics have multiple veterinarians, and our recommendations are for specific veterinariansin those clinics. If you can’t get an appointment with a recommended vet at one clinic, don’tassume (no matter what you are told by the clinic) that other vets in the same clinic can helpyour rabbit. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the vets on this list,please contact Mary Cotter at (914) 337-6146. When you make an appointment with any of these vets, please tell them you were referred by us.

Katherine Quesenberry, DVMThe Animal Medical Center510 East 62nd St., New York, NY 10065(212) 838-7053, (212) 329-8622

Alexandra Wilson, DVMAnthony Pilny, DVM Cynthia J. Brown, DVMThe Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine568 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10024(212) 501-8750

Shachar Malka, DVMHumane Society of New York306 East 59th St., New York, NY 10022(212) 752-4842

Westchester County:Gil Stanzione, DVMDakota Veterinary Center381Dobbs FerryRoad,White Plains,NY 10607(914) 421-0020

Laurie Hess, DVMVeterinary Center for Birds and Exotics709 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507(914) 864-1414

ADOPTABLE RABBITSThere are lots of adoptable rabbits availablein Manhattan, Long Island and Westchester.

To adopt a rabbit in New York City, contactCindy Stutts at bygolyoly@yahoo.com or callher at 646-319-4766.On Long Island, contactNancy Schreiber at nschreibmd@aol.comor at 516-510-3637 (www.longislandrabbitrescue.org), and in Westchestercontact Mary Cotter at mec@cloud9.net or914-337-6146 (www.rabbitcare.org).

The rabbit volunteers’ email address in NewYork City is nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.

Adoptable NYC Metro rabbits are at Petco’sLexington Avenue (86th-87th) and UnionSquare locations; rabbit volunteers are presentat both stores on Saturday and Sundayafternoons to answer questions. There arefour rabbits living at each of those stores.

In addition, NYC Metro rabbits are at PetlandDiscounts stores on West 117th Street, East86th Street and West 72nd Street.

All donations go directly to caring for our fosterrabbits and are tax-deductible. Please help us helpthem.Mailing address for contributions to RabbitRescue & Rehab: Gabrielle LaManna, 7 CarriageLane,New Fairfield, CT 06812. For contributionsto Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group, please goto www.longislandrabbitrescue.org.

Mary Cotter, president, Rabbit Rescue &Rehab; Chapter Manager, NYC HouseRabbit Society, mec@cloud9.net, (914) 337-6146, rabbitcare.orgNancy Schreiber,HRS Licensed Educator,President, Long Island Rabbit RescueGroup, nschreibmd@aol.com, (516) 510-3637, LongIslandRabbitRescue.org Cindy Stutts, HRS Licensed Educator,Manager NYC Metro Rabbit Program,bygolyoly@yahoo.com, (646) 319-4766,nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.comMary Ann Maier, HRS Licensed Educator,Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group Volunteer,altitude8@yahoo.com,LongIslandRabbitRescue.orgDonna Sheridan, HRS Licensed Educator,Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group Volunteer,hpocus217@yahoo.com,LongIslandRabbitRescue.orgKerstin Aumann, HRS Licensed Educator,NYC/AC&C Volunteer,nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com, nycacc.orgMary Harnett, HRS Licensed Educator,mmharnett@optonline.net, (914) 948-7976Gabrielle LaManna,HRS Licensed Educator,New Fairfield, CT,gabbysbunnies@yahoo.com, (203)746-7548Mary Christine Basile,HRS Educator-in-TrainingJennifer Saver, DVM, HRS Licensed EducatorLaura George, DVM, HRS Licensed EducatorMonica Shepherd,DVM, HRS LicensedEducator

Newsletter of RRR/NYC HRS56 West Pondfield Road #5CBronxville, NY 10708www.rabbitcare.org

Editor: Susan LilloCreative Director: Jane O’WyattMasthead Logo Designer: Mary Ann Maier

Rabbit Rescue & Rehab is a not-for-profit,tax-exempt corporation in New York State.Our purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and findpermanent homes for abandoned, abused andneglected rabbits, and to educate the public on rabbit care through publications, phoneconsultations, home visits and presentations.This newsletter is published by RRR/NYC HRS,which is solely responsible for its content. Weretain the right to edit all submissions, whichbecome the property of the NYC Chapter andcannot be returned.

You can also visit Animal Care & Control ofNYC (AC&C) at 326 East 110th St.,between First and Second avenues.Rabbits for adoption can be found by goingto: http://www.nycacc.org/ and doing anadoption search. Volunteers are there everyweekday evening and on Saturday andSunday afternoons, but it is best to arrangean appointment first.Bunny speed dates can be arranged byappointment only on weekend afternoonseither at Columbus Square or Union Square. Please contact Cindy Stutts atbygolyoly@yahoo.com to makearrangements.Many of our rabbits are living in fosterhomes and you can meet them as well. Youalso can arrange to foster a rabbit until he or she finds a permanent home. ContactMary Cotter at mec@cloud9.net or CindyStutts at nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.For basic information about rabbits as pets, go to www.rabbitcare.org,www.longislandrabbitrescue.org and theHouse Rabbit Society main site,www.rabbit.org.

THUMPDecember 2014