Bristol County Rabbit Rescue

 Member's Brag Page

This page allows members to post pictures,stories, and information about their bunnies (and other pets) and share it with others. If you would like to post a story, pic,or info, please email your posting to: bristolcountyrabbitrescue@yahoo.com

A special thank you goes out to the 79+ members who support the rescue efforts of Bristol County Rabbit Rescue, without you none of this would be possible.

Welcoming our new addition!

Posted by: Crystal

 I am proud to announce that my husband and I have adopted a new family member! Meet Mia, a spunky sweet pit bull female with lots of love to give! Jason and I have been considering adopting another dog for quite some time now, durring our time as doggie foster parents, and have finaly done so! Rubin and Mia get along wonderfuly, we could not have asked for a better companion! I would like to thank Brave Heart Pit Bull Rescue for allowing us our Mia, and for all the hard work they do!

Look at that beautiful face!

Rubin and Mia, our babies!

 

To the Bristol County Rabbit Rescue Members,

  As you probably already know, on Septemeber 15th I was involved in an automobile accident.My vehicle was hit on the driver's side door (I was driving) by a motorist traveling at 47 miles per hour, the woman who had hit me ran a stop sign then made impact with my automobile.  I was rushed to the hospital and underwent many tests. After several hours of tests and questionings, A tall thin doctor came into the room and shut the divider shades. She told me I was going to die. The doctor explained that my aeorta (the artery to the heart) was bleeding into my chest, I required emergency surgery, and even then the outcome didn't look good. I sat with my mother and made a will. 
   I was flown to Brigham and Women's hospital in Boston. I was terrified. I didn't want to die. People in their 20's can't die can they?  I was forced to face my mortality. As I lay there helpless, I thought about all the actions of my life...all I had done and all I had wanted to do.I had run out of time to do anything.......

This horrible experience has taught me a few good things. Things I want to pass on to you, even if you think this is silly: please read it, you never know when it might prove useful.

~ Life is fragile, one simple choice can impact everything. Think before you act.

~Tell people you love them. You never know when will be your last chance to do so.

~Surround yourself with positive energy. Carry a cheerful attitude and you will feel cheerful.

~Live everyday to the fullest. Really. Do it.

~Don't focus too much on material belongings. Money is not everything.

 (When The doctor told me I was going to die I could have offered her one million dollars to let me live,but it wouldn't have changed the fact that I was going to die,now would it?)

~Be nice to other people (and animals). We all have feelings and deserve to be respected

~Try not to focus on negative feelings.Something you are furious about now may seem silly later.

~Work is a part of life. Work is not life.

~Pray, there is something bigger than ourselves out there. Find it, beleive it and live through it.

~Always, I repeat, Always Wear your seatbelt!

  Luckily I am still here, alive and well (well, maybe in a little pain, but grateful to be alive). I have done alot of thinking and have decided to live life to the fullest and make some great changes along the way.

 I just want to thank each and every one of you for all the great things you do for OUR program everyday. We are all part of a family, a big bunny saving,cruelty fighting, awareness raising family! We Rock!

Love to all of you,

Crystal

"It is not until you have had tragedy that you can walk away in triumph"

 

The Original "Back-Yard Bunnies"

:Some of the rabbits that started Bristol County Rabbit Rescue

Submitted by Crystal, Founder

 

Me and my dog Cameo in 2000 ( i found this pic with the others!)

I am posting some pictures and info on some of the first rabbits I ever rescued and Adopted out. I have posted a date near each picture for your refference.

 

Playdoe- 1999

This is the only picture I still have of Playdoe. she is the sweet "puppy-dog" like Himalayan that sarted my rabbit rescue efforts. A friend had found her and given her to me,she was extremley malnourished and dehydrated. It became my mission to nurse her back to health. Playdoe would follow me around the yard like a dog and even come when called, there is video footage to prove this : )

 

After only a few days of being in my care, Playdoe gave birth to four healthy babies.

This is a very unfocused picture of Playdoe's babies:Tumba,Klotzy,Felix and Sammy ( sammy is the only albino one)

 

Sammy,Klotzy,Felix, and Tumba were the first "official adoptions"

 

This is Jade, a male bunny I took in and cared for in 1999, Jade participated in novice rabbit shows and won me many prizes of hay and bunny food.

 

 

My father and I later constructed this bunny condo hutch in 2000 to allow the rabbits some extra room

 

This handome boy is Simon, the sweetest bunny you'd ever meet. Simon was rescued in 2000

 

This Female Sable is Cinnamon, a shy but gentle girl. Rescued in 2000

 

This Californian is Aradia, She was surrendered along with Simon. Araidia gave birth to a litter of  five babies, just two weeks after being surrendered in 2000

 

Crack, a female Netherland Dwarf, was surrendered while pregnant in 2000

 

This adorable mini lop is Raven, she was surrendered in 2000

Some pictures of Raven and Crack together

All pictured bunnies were succesfully placed in loving  homes.

Other Animals I have fostered and rehomed....now i just stick with rabbits...in case you are wondering : ) 

                                            Hamsters........

   ....   Mice.....

....Chinchillas....

....Gerbils....

........Turtles...........

.........Iguanas........

.......Birds..........

...........And Brando the pig

 

 

Sweet Pea and Mr.Whiskers

Foster Provider,Noel, adopted these two adorable bunnies from Bristol County Rabbit Rescue when they were just baby buns. They are very spoiled and loved by their new family.

A picture of them with their litter-mates,  they were just 3 weeks old when this picture was taken! Boy have they grown!!!!

 

Bella

Bella is one of the most curious buns you'll ever meet. i have been fostering him for a few months now, and he never fails to surprise me! Bella is actually a male, but he is just so beautiful, people are surprised to learn his true gender! Bella is available for adoption, to learn more about our great available bunnies,including Bella, click here.

unfortunatly i cannot adopt him myself, beleive me I would if I could. I would love to see Bella go to a wonderful home where he will be spoiled all day with love and kisses!

If you would like to learn more about this great bunny, email Shellie: bristolcountyshelliev@yahoo.com

thanks for reading my "brag about Bella"

Shellie

 

My Happy Trio

We wanted to foster another bunny,but it just didn't seem possible. We already had been fostering a pair who resided in a large three story custom cage in our kitchen. They,themselves, were taking up most of our free space. Adding another cage just wasn't happening,  atleast according to my husband. Then we took in Rachel, a large black bun who had been rescued as a stray. I don't know what compeled me to agree to take her, there was just something in her eyes. I needed to give this bunny a chance within my care.

We took in Rachel, she resided in her own cage in our "guest room". She enjoyed playing with our other buns in a neutral play "pen"and actually got along with them very well. So we decided to introduce Rachel to Baby Blue and Pongo as a trio, hopeing they would form a bond and live together peacefully.... it didn't go exactly as planned, at first!  The initial introduction went well, until Rachel stepped foot into "their cage". Baby Blue became upset and chased Rachel away. Typical "alpha" female behavior. Baby Blue had always been a bit of a boss, even durring her introduction to Pongo. Like all "tough" bunnies, Baby blue has a soft spot, so we decided to just wait for her to show it to Rachel!

After a few weeks of slow introduction Rachel was welcomed with open arms by both Pongo and Baby Blue.

They now live together (peacefully, just as we had hoped) and i love them dearly.

 

Baby Blue, she is always tipping over her "hide box" and laying in it!

                                          

Rachel, the newest member in this happy trio.

Pono and Baby Blue, the two original members of this bonded clan.

Racel and Pongo watching their foster mother look ridiculous as she lays on the floor trying to snap a few candid photos.

Scooter "The Survivor Bunny" progress and updates

 

As you all probably know, Scooter has not had the easiest of a life. He struggled with a severe case of head tilt and battled an inner ear infection for a grand total of nine months before being allowed a clean bill of health.  On June 14th 2007 Scooter was rushed to the emergency vet because of a blockage. He had not been eating for atleast an hour, even when tempted with a piece of parsley. His Adoptive mother became very worried and rushed him to the veterinarian. Scooter was diagnosed with an intestinal blockage. On June 15th 2007 Scooter underwent surgery to remove the blockage. He is doing well, considering. We are expecting a full recovery.

Luna and Leandra's babies take part in their very first Pet Therapy session

   On Saturday June 29th the unadopted members of Luna and Leandra's litters took part in their very first Pet Therapy session. I am more than happy to report the event went exceptionally well. Their true colors shined as they mingled with and amused their on lookers with various antics, such as: grooming each other, running and jumping, and even giving "bunny kisses". It is amazing how intelligent these babies are, they are just chock full of potential!

Odin hops into the living room to join the rest of the group!

Julius explores the area....


..Then stops to "reflect"


Fifty enjoying his free time during the session.

Julius and Misty have become close friends!

Misty shows Julius how to "look your best"

Misty gives a kiss.

Rocket Apollo

                                    
Judy, of Attleboro Ma, has been a long time member of Bristol County Rabbit Rescue. It wasn't until recently though, that she decided to actually adopt a fostered animal. In March of 2007 Judy adopted Apollo, the first organization fostered feline. Apollo has been nothing but a blessing to his new mother and brother Gray, a male Siamese mix adult. Judy nick names him "Rocket Apollo" due to his very high energy levels and amusing antics.
" He just zooms up and down the hall and up the stairs, you just think he's going to take off in flight sometimes!... Then all of a sudden it's like his fuel runs out and he just plops on the sofa and sleeps! He is by far the sweetest kitten anyone could ask for, the love and joy he brings ...just cannot be described with words." comments Judy. When asked why she finally decided to adopt a program animal, after five years of member ship, Judy says this: " I always loved everything about the rabbits, they are so sweet and all so special. I just was unable to adopt a bunny myself, due to my 14 year old Siamese. Gray just doesn't agree with the rabbits, he likes them, but not enough for us to all live peacefully like it should be. When I heard Crystal, the group founder,was taking in a few cats and kittens form a large breeder surrender, I had to inquire. I met Apollo and fell in love. We allowed he and Gray to meet and socialize a few times before taking him home, it was a perfect match! History was made!"
So are there any more adoptions in Judy's future?: " I would love to add another cat to our happy home. Just not right now, I especialy adore Mr.Miagi, one of Crystal's foster cats.. I think I'll just stick to planning fund raisers for now." Judy currently serves as the group's Fund raiser manager, or as she likes to call it the " fund raiser extrodinare", Judy's efforts and talents are greatly appreciated by all.

Fly Free, Snickers

You lived your life alone and scared, not knowing what was to come.

No shelter from the rain and wind, you trembled in the dark.

One day it seemed that things had changed, they brought you into the light.

Your hope again was battered with a painful dog bite.

No food to nourish no water to hydrate, you lay there half lifeless.

They had given you no care for your wounds, and didn't care what happened.

Then came your savior, you knew a change was to come.

A dedicated group of people, who would not give up.

They held you in their warm arms, you were no longer alone.

You began to get stronger and could soon eat on your own.

Your wounds had all now healed, but still you had no trust.

How could you trust these people, when it was people who had hurt you so much.

Time went on and things got better, soon you saw the truth.

Although the people before were cruel, these people were here to help.

You open your heart and opened your eyes, you were quite a character.

But you could not live with us forever, a new home was at matter.

You waited all eternity for someone to love and care for you, and that day finally seemed to have arrived.

A woman named Jamie Quell took you home, we were all surprised.

Our little survivor had found a home, with love he so deserved.

But then one day came the horrid news, we all became unnerved.

It broke our hearts and shattered our souls to see you the way you were returned.

Beaten and battered, you had  again been abused.

We took you swiftly to receive the care you needed, but that was not enough.

After much attempt and much struggle, you had to leave us.

We miss you Snickers, we always will, you were such a fighter.

But from one hand you could not escape, was that of a human's anger.

Now you fly free, over the bridge, a place where all hope soars.

Blessed may you be untill we meet again.

   Snickers, sadly, fell victim to abuse and neglect at the hands of uncaring humans. Bristol County Rabbit Rescue volunteers are doing everything within their power to resolve this issue and prevent furthur abuse towards animals. Thousands of animals suffer from abuse every day within the United States, and those are only the ones we know about. It is estimated that 2.9 million small animals die each year due to malnutrition, inproper hygeine, abuse ,and neglect, all of which are  preventable conditions, should their owners have provided them with proper care.

     What became of Snickers is truley a horrifying, disgusting story, however,We must take what we have learned from Snicker's tragic tale, we must learn to strive harder to end animal abuse.

       It was not Snicker's choice to be abused. He was purchased on an impulse by a young woman, as a gift for her children. He was locked away in a hutch outside with no visitors or attention from his owners for days on end. The children began feeding him less and less. The mother of the children saw him laying listless within his hutch one day and finally realized he wasn't being properly cared for. So she took Snickers inside. He was so malnourished and weak that he could not stand up. He lived in the house for a gran total of two days before being literally thrown to the families dog. Snicker received several deep wounds to the rear end of his body, yet did not receive veterinary care and was left to die. After a neighbor convinced the woman that Snickers really needed medical attantion, he was surrendered to Bristol County Rabbit Rescue. He immediatly received medical care and began a long road to recovery. Volunteers labeled the spunky little bun as being a comedian. He had such an appreciation for life that he would go out of his way to put a smile on his care taker's faces.

       After months of rehabilitation and socialization, Snickers was ready to find a new home. Everyone was thrilled when a woman named Jamie wished to adopt Snickers. Her application, interview, and in-home-interview went wonderfully. Jamie was married with one son and no other pets, Snickers was to be the families cherished only pet.

        Several days after taking Snickers home, Jamie showed up on C.Sylvia's doorstep. She had Snicker's is a box. The little bunny had literally looked as if he had just been through a bloody war battle. Jamie stated that her dag had bitten Snickers in the face three days ago. Jamie had obtained a dog, against contract, and had not provided Snickers with medical care. Sadly after receiving veterinary care Snickers condition declined, his suffering was humanley ended.

    Please treat your (and all) animals kindly. For we hold their lives in our hands. We are their only hope for a bright future.

 

As told by Allissa Mueller

Dukerson and Rubin

*Although this story is not about rabbits, it must be told : )

Submitted by Crystal

        In October of 2005 Misfortune Found us. One October morning ,while returning home from working overnight, I waited for my "son" to greet me at the door. When Duke didn't show face I headed to the bedroom. Duke had always greeted me at the door, so naturally I was a little concerned when he hadn't yet arose to greet me. I opened the bedroom door to find my husband curled in a warm caccon of blankets, Duke was asleep at the foot of the bed. "Hey buddy!" I called to him. Duke lifted his head, stood up, and fell off the bed. Overtired, and a little surprised myself, I giggled at Duke's antic. Turns out he wasn't trying to make me laugh at all,he was hurt. When Duke stood back up I saw blood. He was bleeding from his eyes, nose, and mouth. I ran over to him to assist any way I could. Duke then bit me, he lunged at my stomache and in sank his teeth. He then turned around and hopped back on the bed. My husband already awoken with confusion. I reached over the bed and dragged him to the door, we both exited the room slamming the door behind us. We could hear Duke growling and scratching the other side of the door, seemingly desperate to get to us. After several minutes silence fell upon the house. Scared for Duke's safety, I opened the door to check on Duke. Again he lunged at me and bit me in the stomache. I did the only thing I could, I called 911. The emergency operator forwarded my call to Animal Control. Within 15 minutes a familiar face showed up at my door, an animal control officer I had worked with on several occasions in the past. .The officer manager to wrangle Duke and place him in a large crate, He and my Husband carried the crate to the Animal Control Van. As Duke was sent to the Shelter's veterinarian, I was driven to the Emergency room for bite wound treatment.

       After several hours in the ER the doctor came to the conclusion that stitched were required, after being "sewn back up" I was sent home. I could not keep Duke off my mind, I had never prayed so hard in my life. I begged and pleaded with the angels to allow my baby a safe recovery. My husband then drove me to the Animal Control Office where Duke was being kept until I returned for him. When I arrived at the shelter I ran to the cage where Duke was being kept. His condition had not changed. He was still viciously trying to attack anything that moved, including the spectators on the other side of the kennel. The Animal Control Officer came over to me, "We need to talk....in my office". I followed him into the office, tears swelling in my eyes.... it was bad...it knew it.  "Well, Duke is not doing good, he had a severe brain anurisum...... The vet actually wanted to put him down, but decided to wait for your consent" he then handed me the record of the veterinarian's findings. I looked them over thoroughly, still not processing the information fully. After an eternity of silence I heard the grim words "Please sign this consent form.....He needs to be put out of his misery, he's in pain..... he's not the same Duke anymore....". Reluctantly I signed my consent form and went to visit Duke for one last time. In the fifteen minutes I had been gone Duke had managed to chew most of the skin on his paws off. I burst into tears, he was hurting himself, he was not the same Duke I knew and loved.  Duke was laid to rest on October 1st 2005.

        Duke was seven years old when he passed on. He was a much loved and very spoiled companion.He enjoyed swimming at my Uncle's house on the lake, running three miles a day, and "helping his daddy with yard work". Duke's full name was Dukerson  Brown, though he had many nick-names such as: Zambooni, Monster,and Earl (as in duke of earl).Duke loved other dogs, allowing his family to rescue and take in many fosters. He was the mascott for "Pit Bull Pit Stop",a small nonprofit rescue group for pit bulls which I was managing at the time. He loved us and we loved him...Blessed be my Dukerson.

            I  was miserable, I didn't go to work for nearly two weeks, I just couldn't I had not energy, the only energy I did have was wasted on wallowing. On October 15th, my husband convinced my to finally get out of bed. "Duke loved you , he really did. He wasn't Duke when he bit you, he was sick, the real Duke would never have hurt you and you know it!" He was right. Duke was gone and there was nothin I could do to change that.. Instead of wasteing all my energy on being negative, I decided to focus it on somethin productive, I was going back to the shelter to volunteer! Instead of going to our town's shelter I decided to go somewhere new, somewhere out of town that held no memories of me and Duke visiting. The shelter we ended up at was in Mansfeild. When we arrived the shelter was closed, however we were able to view the dogs from the outside portions of their kennels. My husband and I walked around the entire building tosing treats in to the dogs. My heart stopped, there in the third cage from the front was a dog I needed. I don't know what it was about him, his eyes stared into mine and I broke down. "We haveto help that dog, he needs us." The shelter would not open untill 6:30 and it was only 3:30. My husband wanted to leave and come back to the shelter later, when it was open. "no!" I told him, "I am not going anywhere, i'll wait here until the shelter opens". I won the argument and we ended up staying. At 6:30 when the shelter opened, I waited anxiously at the door. After talking to the shelter staff I learned the dog's name was Bear, he was a young male pitbull. I applied to adopt Bear and left praying the shelter staff would call me back for a second interview. Several days passed and I had still yet to hear from the shelter staff. Then when all seemed lost, The phone rang. It was the adoption counselor from the shelter, wanting to know if I was still interested in adopting Bear. "Yes, i am definatly still interested in adopting Bear, would you like an in-home interview?" I semi-desperatly asked the woman on the phone. A few days later I went to pick up Bear and take him home. On my way to the shelter I became lost on a street called Rubin Street. Therefor Bear was renamed Rubin. Rubin has been a wonderful addition  Surprisingly he loves other dogs, adores cats and is a gentle giant with children, he even takes part in a pet therapy program.

        Rubin does have a few minor set backs, he has a leaky gut and allergic detmatitus, both very costloy conditions. His medications are very expensive. When I first discovered Rubin's bowel issues I took him to the vet right away. My routine vet contacted the shelter we obtained him from and asked for copies of all Rubin's records. When the vet received the records he pointed out a remarkable fact. Rubin had entered the shelter on October 1st 2005, the day of Duke's death, and was to be euthanised on October 15th, the day we applied to adopt him.

           I can't help but wonder if the old saying " Everything happens for a reason" is true. Though it breaks my heart to remind myself of Duke's death, I just haveto wonder if Duke passed on to save Rubin?

Duke:

Rubin:

 

 

Rubin's Wish

     I sat there on the sofa, that one rainy blustery Sunday afternoon. Rubin sat beside me waiting for an adventure. "No adventures today" I thought. Then I had an idea, which came to me mostly out of boredome. 

                 Hmmmm..... I had always heard of people connecting with their dogs through speach and mind,maybe Rubin could talk to me too?  I decided to give it a try. I closed my eyes real tight and sent the messege to Rubin " Rubin, If you could have one wish, what would it be?" It was a question I had often wondered since we first brought Rubin home. Rubin turned to me and stared deeply...this is what he said  ....................

 

 

                                           Fight Cruelty....

               

                                        ...Not Pit Bulls