Help Juicebox Get the Vet Care He Desperately Needs and Deserves

Three weeks ago, my husband and I came across a post on Nextdoor—a neighbor was looking to rehome their 6-year-old dwarf Hotot bunny. We decided to welcome him into our family, and in that short time, we’ve discovered just how much he’s been through.

Juicebox was in severe GI stasis, malnourished, and underweight. He had never seen a vet and wasn’t neutered; his previous owners didn’t even know his gender, referring to him as “she.” The most heartbreaking discovery was his teeth—they were so severely misaligned that it was a wonder he could eat at all. The sight brought me to tears.

We immediately took him to our vet, who has been a tremendous help in improving his health. We’ve been working on his nutrition and providing him with round-the-clock care. Juicebox is on five medications, including three for pain related to his teeth and arthritis. He won’t eat hay, only Critical Care and senior pellet food, and he even wears booties due to pododermatitis. His care will be lifelong, and his next urgent need is a molar trim, estimated to cost between $2,500 and $3,000.

In just three weeks, we’ve spent over $2,000 on Juicebox’s care. We’re retired with three kids in college and elderly parents we assist as much as we can, so this unexpected expense is something we simply can’t afford right now. We reached out to the family who had Juicebox for the first six years of his life, hoping for some support or concern, but instead, we were met with accusations that the vet was ripping us off.

This situation has come on so quickly, and we’re struggling to keep up. We’re overwhelmed by his care but are fully committed to giving Juicebox the chance at a happy, healthy life that he deserves. Unlike many who request help, Juicebox is not a lifelong family member—he’s only been with us for less than a month. But our desire to do right by him is unwavering.

We never imagined we would need to ask for financial help, but for Juicebox, we’re here, humbly requesting your support.