A Rabbit Savior Story

A Day in the Life of a Rescue

Rescues all over the world have committed themselves to saving rabbits and they make sacrifices everyday to make that happen. This is the story of one rescuer.

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One Rescuer’s Story

A passionate rescuer will have one goal in mind. To save as many lives as possible, at any cost of which they are capable. It is shocking how many animals around the world are homeless through abandonment, life changing events and irresponsible pet ownership.

My name is Jennifer, and I am owner/operator of Abner’s Crossing Rabbit Rescue & Refuge near Woodstock, Ontario. I have been a passionate animal lover for as long as I can remember. While growing up an only child, I found it exceedingly satisfying to form friendships with animals of all species. Evolving into adulthood, it is my determination that there is no love comparable to the unconditional love from an animal companion.

Many of us can love animals, but some of us need to exceed our mission in the community by becoming an active life savior. Whether that be through education, volunteering, or donating to shelters, rescues and similar organizations, there are countless ways to help animals in need. Several years ago, as a new rabbit owner of my beloved English Lop, Abner, I quickly learned how critical it was to offer what I could in a world full of over-breeding, abandonment, and a general misunderstanding of rabbit ownership. This leads me to my first experience in the rescue community.

In March of 2020, I was introduced to a lady by the name of Lisa, who was owner of Dancing Rabbit Refuge. In her over 20 years of active rescue, Lisa would be faced with a challenge like no other, in the form of a pandemic. With the onset of COVID-19 rapidly spreading across the globe, shutdowns of businesses and medical facilities were increasingly becoming apparent. With the shuttering of veterinary clinics, shelters were at a stand still and the animals within would face a fate that breaks the heart of all animal lovers alike. Euthanasia. It was community chaos as rescues in every direction scrambled to make extra room for at least one more animal in need. This is when I officially became a foster volunteer for Dancing Rabbit Refuge and only a day or so following, my first foster bun was welcomed in my home. As pandemic restrictions brought the world to a crippling spiral, I would continue to foster for Dancing Rabbit Refuge and felt a great sense of reward as each rabbit left my home and into the loving arms of their new adopter, excluding several foster fails that still remain in my home today.

After many years of dedicated service in the rescue community, it was time for Lisa to retire her rescue and focus on quality time with her refuge rabbits, most of whom are special needs and unadoptable. It was suggested by Lisa that I consider filling her spot with a rescue of my own and with her guidance, Abner’s Crossing Rabbit Rescue & Refuge opened its doors in January 2021. My intent was to have available space for a couple of rabbits at any given time who were facing euthanasia however, the pandemic would prove otherwise. As more and more

people were facing lost employment or working remotely, the surge in pet ownership became evident and so did the abandonment. By April of 2021, I was solely caring for over a dozen rabbits in my home and had several residing with foster volunteers. These rabbits came from various Humane Societies and SPCA’s throughout Ontario and Quebec, and the majority of them were at risk of being euthanized as a result of mass overflow.

My first year of rescue ownership has been a journey of continuous learning and brushing up on business organizational skills. My daily routine includes morning and evening rabbit rounds; feeding, watering, cleaning, medicating and a quick check for any sign of obvious injuries or trauma. Regardless of circumstances, rabbit rounds are the most routine daily task with any rescue. In my personal opinion, I spend the majority of my time behind the scenes keeping the rescue operational. While I would rather be interacting with bunnies all day, there are equally important tasks at hand. If I were to write out a detailed to-do list, this is what it would look like:

1. Feed, clean, water, medicate

2. Groom as necessary

3. Quality interaction with the rabbits

4. Assess and perform emergency treatments as necessary

5. Respond to emails, messages; adoption requests, inquiries, surrender requests, etc.

6. Book vet appointments, transport buns to vet appointments

7. Research: medical information, behavioral issues, care, and maintenance

8. Update brochures and forms with new content

9. Circulate rabbits for adoption with photographs, bios and videos

10. Create fundraisers as needed

11. Advertise for volunteers as needed, check in with existing volunteers

12. Post updates and educational articles online

13. Continually stock food, toys, and accessories

14. Prepare adoption and foster packages

15. Schedule interviews, meet and greets with adopters and volunteers

16. Do it all again tomorrow

Rescuers are human, just like anyone else. We often have full-time careers, household responsibilities and families on top of running our rescues. Please consider donating or volunteering for a local rescue to show your appreciation. Thank you to all the supporters in the community.

Volunteer at Your Local Rescue

Rabbit rescues are always in need of volunteers. If you’re drawn to help these wonderful creatures, click the link below find out how you can make a difference by volunteering at a rescue in your area.

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Donate to Local Rescues

Rabbit Savior donates and supports local rescues all over North America. Learn how you can help Rabbit Savior Society reach more owners, provide more services, and help more rescues.

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RESCUERS ARE ANGELS

Tail tucked between your legs,

Confusion in your eyes

I know it’s hard to understand

That someone heard your cries.

When loneliness is all you know

And pain is all you feel

And no one can be trusted

And hunger’s all too real.

That’s the time the Lord sees you

And lets you know He’s there

That’s when He sends His messengers

The hearts that love and care.

Yes, rescuers are angels

You cannot see their wings

They keep them neatly folded

As they do their caring things.

The medicine to make you well,

Good food to make you strong.

And finally to help you learn

That hugs are never wrong.

The perfect place then must be found

The home where you can live

Secure and safe and happy

With joy to get and give.

When you reach your Forever Home,

Your place to feel whole.

The angels smile and off they go

To save another soul.