Bristol County Rabbit Rescue
Saving Lives,One Bunny At A Time"
Sadly, Scooter passed away the night of Wednesday October,10th 2007. He will be greatly missed as he was a courageous and much loved friend. "May the path to heaven be pathed with parsley, just for you Scooter" Though Scooter is no longer with us, his story of strenght and love must live on.
Scooter the Survivor Bunny
The true story of a remarkable rabbit surrendered to Bristol County Rabbit Rescue
As described by Shellie Ventra-volunteer Foster Provider
Now let me tell you the story of Scooter, a sweet male Holland lop bunny.
Scooter was surrendered to Bristol County Rabbit Rescue when his owner noticed his "broken neck" was not getting better. According to his previous owner, "Scooter had somehow broken his neck and it was not healing properly". Upon surrender his owner had stated "I've had him for two years, he lives outback in a hutch. The kids just don't feed him any more. Then about a week and a half ago he broke his neck some how...I figured it would heal up, but its getting worse. His head is completely flopped over... he hasn't eaten in a few days and can't close his right eye...I can't afford treatment, I was hoping you could just help me kill him to end his suffering…He seems to be in a lot of pain lately." His Owner had made no efforts to seek medical care, or to reduce Scooter's suffering.
Scooter was surrendered to Bristol County Rabbit Rescue when his owner noticed his "broken neck" was not getting better. According to his previous owner, "Scooter had somehow broken his neck and it was not healing properly". Upon surrender his owner had stated "I've had him for two years, he lives outback in a hutch. The kids just don't feed him any more. Then about a week and a half ago he broke his neck some how...I figured it would heal up, but its getting worse. His head is completely flopped over... he hasn't eaten in a few days and can't close his right eye...I can't afford treatment, I was hoping you could just help me kill him to end his suffering…He seems to be in a lot of pain lately." His Owner had made no efforts to seek medical care, or to reduce Scooter's suffering.
Of course the program took the bunny in and rushed him to a veterinarian. Scooter's neck was not broken. The diagnosis was "Head Tilt", caused by a severe inner ear infection. His head was completely flopped over to the right. He was unable to stand correctly, eat properly, drink adequately, or lay comfortably. Scooter was suffering with a severe ailment and had been suffering with it for at least two weeks, according to the woman who had surrendered him.(The Vet predicted he had suffered with an ear infection for at least 3 months!) There was good news within this grim diagnosis. There was a chance-although slight, that Scooter may recover to a degree. The veterinarian predicted he may never have an erect neck again, but would be able to cope with his condition. He would need a lot of love and special care.
Bristol County Rabbit Rescue volunteers all pitched in and allowed the vet to treat Scooter. The bills piled up, but money wasn't what was important anymore-Scooter's survival was. 9 long months of antibiotic therapies, physical therapy and acupuncture treatments soon passed. Scooter's neck was still hanging to the right. It seemed as if he would never have normal posture again. On April 1st 2007 Scooter held his head up for the first time in almost a year! He has held his head high since!
The inner ear infection-which caused the tilt-has cleared completely. He is now able to hop, lay, stand, eat, and drink without assistance of any kind. Scooter is still under the watchful eye of his foster Parents and Veterinarian.
The inner ear infection-which caused the tilt-has cleared completely. He is now able to hop, lay, stand, eat, and drink without assistance of any kind. Scooter is still under the watchful eye of his foster Parents and Veterinarian.
Bristol County Rabbit Rescue founder, Crystal, has adopted Scooter!
It is so important that pet rabbits be kept indoors and receive needed medical care! 67% of rabbit owners admit to never bringing their rabbit to a vet, even in an emergency.
Rescue Groups work hard everyday to save the lives of pet rabbits! Become a voice for the animals! Show your support by adopting a great bunny rather then purchasing one form a pet shop, educate others on proper rabbit care, donate your time or talents to a Rescue group. And most importantly Love and Care for your Pets, for they have feelings and needs just like us.
Rescue Groups work hard everyday to save the lives of pet rabbits! Become a voice for the animals! Show your support by adopting a great bunny rather then purchasing one form a pet shop, educate others on proper rabbit care, donate your time or talents to a Rescue group. And most importantly Love and Care for your Pets, for they have feelings and needs just like us.
Bristol County Rabbit Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill rescue group serving the Bristol and Plymouth Counties of Massachusetts
Scooter now, after treatment. He is the most spoiled rabbit in the world!