Hamish House Rabbit Rescue Alliance

22/08/2024

Let's speak up so they can't deny our concerns!

18/08/2024

Reuse-recycle-save a life!

To all our bra wearing friends!
When you discard one you no longer use please remove the eye closures from the fasteners for us! We use them to mend our turtle shells!
They can be sent to -
Carolina Waterfowl Rescue. P.O. Box 1484. Indian Trail, NC 28079.
Wildthunder Wildlife & Animal Rehabilitation & Sanctuary. 2584 Henley Ave. Independence, Iowa 50644. Thank you!!

18/08/2024

15/08/2024

There’s a rabbit dumping crisis, and it's worse than you think. Our rescue currently has 99 bunnies in our program - 56 of them were dumped, discarded like they were nothing more than trash.

That’s nearly 57% of our bunnies, left to fend for themselves after their owners decided they were no longer wanted.

Our team is inundated with over 200 surrender and dumping requests each week, many involving bunnies already loose outside or being threatened with abandonment.

People don’t realize that domestic rabbits are not equipped to survive in the wild. They aren’t the same species as cottontails, so letting them go is essentially signing their death sentence.

Rabbits are the third most popular pet in the U.S., right behind cats and dogs, yet they have fewer protections than almost any other common pet. They’re less regulated than dogs, cats, chickens, guinea pigs, even hamsters.

Anyone can buy a rabbit just about anywhere - at farm stores, from breeders, even outside of a Walmart. No questions asked. No regulations enforced. Anyone can breed, anyone can buy.

The result? A flood of abandoned bunnies that no one can keep up with, not even the volunteer rescues designed to help. The demand on rabbit rescues is staggering, and we are struggling to manage the overwhelming need. It’s impossible.

We exist because there's a crisis that most people aren't even aware of. In fact, most people don’t even know we exist or why we exist.

So if you can help share the word about our team, we’d really appreciate it. It’s an all hands on deck situation.

Foster application: https://forms.gle/A7qNC1jZveVZpSy28

Transporter application: https://forms.gle/7G5iktYZUDoNqptg9

Rescue team application: https://forms.gle/FHfu8So6ioHpp1s56

09/07/2024

Join us at the Downtown SLC Farmers Market today, July 6, and on Saturday, July 20, August 24, September 14, and October 5. We'll be located on the west side, next to the tennis courts along 4th West. Come learn more about rabbit care and what we do and see examples of proper rabbit supplies!

04/07/2024

We have not taken this rabbit bonding class yet, but were interested!

Classes for All HRS offers free online classes about rabbit care and more. Whether you are looking to adopt your first rabbit or if you need extra support, we have the class for you. Online classes make learning about rabbit care easy and convenient. Pet Loss Support Grieving the loss of a beloved p...

03/07/2024

WARNING - POTENTIALLY TRIGGERING POST

Oh the tears,

I want to share a heartfelt update about Gus-Gus. Recently, we took him to Colorado State University Animal Hospital for what we hoped would be a routine visit and neuter. After finding out he had spinal stenosis in addition to his chronic ear infections that would require multiple surgeries with ongoing treatment and subsequent pain from both, due to a gut feeling we chose to hold off on his neuter. Despite all of his pain and challenges, he remained a sweet, resilient, and fun-spirited little man! If he was in, we were in. Plans were forming to bring him back for CT and surgical planning.

He was devouring his food like a champ and after being given pain medication, had a joyful and carefree day running around the farm where we were staying. It was the most room he'd ever seen in his entire life, and it was the first time we ever saw him do a binki! He was sniffing and chinning everything in sight and clearly enjoying every moment! We sat back, filled with joy, marveling at his happiness.

In the evening, after a day filled with running and exploring, Gus-Gus was extra snuggly. We shared a nap together, and when I tried to gently move him back to his carrier, he insisted on staying close with a very polite "toothing". It was during those quiet moments that he passed away in my arms. It was so unexpected, and I was not prepared. We've had a system for going on 9 months, so even now every 12 hours I'm prepared to go interact with him, and he's not there. No meds, no cares, no brushing, cleaning, no ointment, my happy-go-lucky derpy man isn't there and I have to keep re-remembering.

Gus-Gus was more than just a rescue or a pet; he was a part of this family, a fighter who wanted to live and demonstrated true resilience and love. Despite his health struggles, he found moments of joy and comfort with us, especially on his last day.

Since December, we've lost 4 buns, 2 during surgery, 1 we had to choose euthanasia, and now one in my arms. Not sure if it's cumulative, but this loss seems to cut extra deep. Perhaps it's just because we knew him the longest, or perhaps it's because we hadn't had the chance to complete all the surgeries he needed to find his health.

Thank you all for your support during this emotional time. Gus-Gus the derpy-derp will be deeply missed, and we will never forget him. Please also understand if we do not respond, just need some time to digest.

Love & Light everyone,
HHRRA

03/07/2024

Excellent ideas!

Fireworks can trigger anxiety and stress responses in rabbits resulting in them running away, behaving aggressively, refusing to eat and even dying. This holiday please remember:

1-) To keep your rabbits safely INDOORS, preferably with a radio or TV turned on to soften jarring noises.

2-) Please provide your rabbits with extra hay to allow them to burrow and increase their feelings of comfort and security.

3-) Please make sure your rabbits have a hiding box so they can hide as needed.

4-) Close all windows and draw the curtains. If you cannot draw the curtains please partly cover your rabbits’ cage, hutch or playpen with blankets. This will limit your rabbits’ exposure to bright flashes and thundering booms.

5-) Try to feed your rabbits before the fireworks start so they will have a full stomach and feel more relaxed.

6-) After fireworks do the treat test. If they reject the treat they may have an emergency with GI stasis.

Unfortunately your neighbors do not care about your rabbits when they set the fireworks. 💔😞

Your rabbit’s safety depends on you.

29/06/2024

Be a "crazy" person. 😍
Open your heart and home to a homeless bunny. ❤🐰❤
🐰 ❤ Follow us on IG too 👇
https://www.instagram.com/cutebunnehrabbits/

28/06/2024

Arlo & Orla - these Hamish House residents have successfully bonded! And they're both so much calmer and RELAXED NOW!

They made this process look so easy once we started....but months of planning & pre-work went into it.

They lived next door to one another in appx 5 ft x 8 foot pens for months. Initially... they wanted to fight through the bars so plastic panel barriers were placed. Once they calmed.... we swapped their pens so they were in the other's "home".

Eventually..and slowly the barriers were removed.. then the pens pushed closer together.... until they could touch!

We knew they were ready once they were running to the same corners for comfort and sharing snuggles through the wires and mirroring most of their behaviors.

Watching bunny love is akin to watching a romance develop w some comedy interspersed! Loving the love! So rewarding!

28/06/2024

Medical foster found! 🐢
This is Tank. He is a Sulcata tortoise around 55 pounds. He lives up to his name and is looking for a medical foster near the Layton area. He was taken into the shelter as a stray and had injuries to his arms. He is currently being treated for those injuries at our vet in Layton. We are looking for somebody who is willing to either keep him in a shed or garage with some outside time everyday and inside at night, or if need be last resort can be just outside. The reason for this is to prevent flies from getting onto his wounds. We can also tackle this in other ways.
If anyone can help or know someone who may be interested, please let us know. Tortoises can be great escape artists so the proper fencing is a must. Please reach out to us at 435-915-6632.

What his medical foster looks like:

Recheck with vet every 2 weeks, shot of antibiotics in arm every other day (we will teach you how), fresh food and water daily, possibly supervised outside time. Thank you!

28/06/2024

We have also encountered folks who are offended by our request to fill out our form, the request to give back to the rescue by contributing less than 10% of our real world cost for our rescued rabbits and situations listed below. The goal is to set YOU & our buns up for success. We're excited you're excited! If it's not a fickle thing... IT WILL LAST!

And... sorry.. not sorry.... we wont "just sell you a bunny". That's not how this works.

This is taxing work, financially devastating, AND a surprising number of "rocks" are thrown along the way.... which is an experience!

Occasionally we’ll get a potential adopter who doesn’t agree with our policy of no same day adoptions and decides to purchase from a store.

We figure it’s because some people don’t like rules, so they go to where there are none.

Our team requires an application, a free virtual education course, a meet n greet, and a setup confirmation prior to bringing bunnies home. It can be a fast process - that’s up to you. Basically as quick as you can take the course and get set up.

This ensures that all buns get the best possible placements with people who are now bunny knowledgeable and are less likely to be returned to our program. During the course, people occasionally realize a bun isn’t for them and hop out.

If you want to get a head start on adopting (or just want to learn more about bunnies) you can sign up for our free virtual course here: https://forms.gle/rNTYqNijXz9Qc65i8

25/06/2024

Orley is home! Chinning everything, and sampling his favorite foods. His tummy seems to still be topsy turvy..... but he is clearly feeling much better over all!

As if that wasn't exciting enough Orla & Arlo are loving their bonding time together! It took a few months of neighboring to get here, and they are ready!

24/06/2024

**UPDATE***
6/24/24 - ORLEY is being released from the hospital today!
He's still needing meds, syringe feeds & possibly some sub-q fluids, nothing we can't manage! Overwhelmed with joy! _______________________________________________________________________
Feeling cautiously optimistic today! Our resilient rescue Orley, has been through a rollercoaster battling what seemed like GI stasis. It started with him not eating or stooling & halting his usual habits. With meds, critical care & sub-q fluids, he started to bounce back, rinse, repeat, then a setback with clear/pink diarrhea (presumed GI bleed).

While I've been sidelined with the plague (of all times!), it's fortunate I was home to notice these changes and get him help. Huge shoutout to our rescue & vet friends whose advice, has been invaluable.

Orley is now in hospital, and I've visited daily. He's feeling a bit better today as he keeps pulling out his IV, & nibbled on some familiar items, then curled up with his favorite bed—reminiscent of Dobby and his sock - the first thing I ever gave him!

It's these small victories that give us hope amidst a range of possibilities. It feels terrible leaving him each time, but I can do so knowing that very special & kind humans are caring for him, keeping him clean & watching him closely - important - as he was promised to never be another discarded, unfeeling, afterthought again.

Thank you to the humans who've been messaging, advising, & checking in. Your kindness means the world! Here's to brighter days ahead for sweet, sweet Orley!

He was grinding his teeth in an unusual way.
I guess it's hard to know if it's nausea, belly ache or happy to see his familiar human.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qZRPAscb1fE

The first nibbles!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G-vGR6gTzs

He climbed under the blanket....I just assisted d/t the IV.

04/06/2024

The Heartache of a young Goodbye
**Trigger Warning**

In a quiet corner of SLC, a small bunny fought a silent battle against a cruel twist of bowel. At just 8 weeks old, he faced cecal torsion, a rare & painful diagnosis that stole his chance at a long life.

As his caregiver, the weight of the decision to euthanize him was unbearable. But amidst the pain, solace was found in the knowledge that his short life had been filled only with love and care. Unlike his own parents & so many others, he never knew hunger, neglect, or the harshness of the elements.

His brief life serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and opening our hearts and homes to those in need, ensuring that every creature, no matter how small, finds the love and security they deserve.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. Even small contributions—whether it's a dollar a day or a dollar a week—become significant when more of us participate. Consider donating to your local rescues, who tirelessly work to address the needs of precious creatures. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Now, I leave behind the echoes of today's anguish and my singed feels. I'll dry my tears and draw strength from the unwavering resilience of those who confront far greater trials, enduring them time & again. Tomorrow's challenges can wait—tonight, I'll find solace in the certainty that our actions, though difficult, brought an end to the suffering of our little companion for all the right reasons. We made a difference. It was hard. Rinse and repeat. Now, I am off to snuggle bunnies to fill up my cup. I bid you an early goodnight.

22/05/2024

**Compassionate Crew: Proposition for a Rescuer's Compact**

The wild world of animal rescue, is akin to riding an emotional rollercoaster. From tears to cheers, every day is a wild ride. But let's be real, it's not all sunshine & binkis!

Props to legends like Dolly's Dream Home Rabbit Rescue
MAR Animal Rescue, True Hearts for Healing Paws Rescue, and Wasatch Wanderers Animal Rescue, amongst innumerable others. Their stories prepare us for the rollercoaster of animal suffering. It's a demanding job, juggling the weight of saving lives with one hand and pleading for assistance with the other - all while maintaining a smile. It's a vulnerable undertaking, but one we embrace wholeheartedly.

Turning away animals daily, witnessing them on the streets, knowing there's nowhere to shelter them, is a heart-wrenching reality in the world of rescue. You stand by, powerless, as their fate hangs in the balance. Even more disheartening is facing "potential adopters" whose intentions don't align with the well-being of house rabbits—those who see them as breeding machines or mere outdoor fixtures and become aggressive. It's a constant struggle against forces that threaten the safety and sanctity of these gentle creatures, leaving rescuers feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by the limitations of our efforts. It's never enough, we feel like we're never ENOUGH.

But you know what validates this wild ride? It's that indescribable warmth that fills you when you comfort a trembling critter, easing them into serenity with a gentle embrace, or send them home with a loving family who will make them the center of their world. And what about the camaraderie among fellow rescuers? It's like finding your tribe in the midst of chaos. They're not just colleagues; I'm finding they're "my peeps" who truly understand the ups and downs of this journey, fellow squishy hearts who comprehend on a profound level!

It's in these moments, we find our mojo. Our why.
Me? I never knew my innards could care so much until joining this circus. And damn, it's been worth every chaotic second.

Ever wonder if there's a support group for those of us knee-deep in fur & feels? Sure, pet owners have their grief circles, but what about the animal saviors?

What if we could together create a safe all inclusive space for the humans in rescue work such as:
"Animal Allies Alliance: Empowering Rescuers Across Species"

To my fellow animal warriors, you rock. Thanks for keeping the fur flying and the tails wagging. And when things get ruff, remember, we're a pack. Together, we'll keep fighting for the voiceless and furry, scaly, & feathered. That's how WE hop!

Send a message to learn more

20/05/2024

Meet Gus-Gus, the derpiest bun ever! Despite his health issues, he's still a total sweetheart. If you're up for some twice-daily meds and a whole lot of laughter, Gus-Gus needs a medical foster. (But he's agreeable and only takes a couple minutes morning and night).

Gus-Gus is likely facing a difficult ear surgery coming up and we hope to pair that with his neuter. This guy has been patiently waiting to get better.

He's a total riot and will bring tons of joy to your life!

20/05/2024

Arlo - a bun that may be happier as a solo bun or with just the right bond. LOVES to snuggle. He is fully vetted and not yet a year old.

20/05/2024

AVAILABLE BUNS for foster or foster to adopt!

20/05/2024

Looking for a dynamic duo to bring joy and laughter into your life? Look no further than these two brothers! Their playful antics and love for each other are sure to brighten up your day, and with their neuters, vaccines, and microchips all taken care of, you can focus on giving them all the love and attention they deserve! Reach out to us or MAR Animal Rescue.

19/05/2024

Greetings, fellow bun aficionados!

Are you ready for some bunny business? We're in dire need of some towering XPens, standing tall at 36" or higher. It's like we're building the bunny version of the Tower of Babel over here!
If you've been keeping tabs on us, you might have noticed our humble abode, Hamish House Rabbit Rescue, buzzing with activity lately. We've got foster buns, rescue buns, and not one, but two sets of kits itching for their own space. It's like a rabbit version of "The Hunger Games" but with more carrots and fewer tributes. .......Ok NO tributes. ; ).

So, if you've got some extra space in your bunny sanctuary or feel like your home could use a bit more hop, skip, and jump, we'd love for you to join our merry band of bunny fosters. Heck, we're even considering loft beds just to carve out a little room for ourselves!
And hey, if you've got any supplies lying around that didn't quite fit the bill for your own furry friends, we'd be over the moon to take them off your hands. Every little bit helps in the land of bunnies.
Thanks a bunch for considering and for being a part of our local bun-tastic community! Together, we'll keep those binkies bouncing and those noses twitching! 🐰

Send a message to learn more

19/05/2024

Say hello to Esme, the pint-sized rabbit with a personality so sweet, it'll melt your heart into a puddle of adoration!

Esme's journey has been nothing short of a bunny blockbuster. From the rough outdoors to the cozy indoors, this 2lb bun bounced her way into our hearts. Sure, she might have a couple of toes that took a detour on the cute path, but hey, who needs perfect toes when you've got a personality as charming as hers?

After a crash course in "Humans Are Friends, and don't think I"m Food," Esme has embraced the cuddly life with open paws. She's put her days of wire bars behind her and is now on a mission to find her paw-fect forever family.

Are you the hooman with the patience of a saint and a love for sweet, tiny-eared friends? Esme might just be your match made in bunny heaven! She's already mastered the art of the litter box and is eagerly awaiting her next snuggle session. Plus, she's had the snip-snip and is gearing up for her microchipping and vaccines – talk about a responsible bun!

So, if you're ready to add a dash of hop to your life and witness the magic of Esme's happy dance firsthand, hop on over and meet your new furry bestie. Because when it comes to love, Esme's ready to bunny-hop her way straight into your heart! 🥕️
Foster To Adopt

19/05/2024

Meet Sabine! This helicopter eared bun is ready to hop his way into your heart! This former meat farm resident is now a certified snuggle bug, so get ready for bunny cuddles galore! He's been neutered, microchiped, and vaccinated! He's great with his litterbox and takes meds when asked. : ) Ready for adoption through MAR Animal Rescue .

19/05/2024

Padmas kits - ready for foster to adopt any day now! 3 harlequins & 2 yummy chocolates! All of them snuggle

19/05/2024

Maeves kits - should be ready for their foster to adopt homes in a few weeks. They love to be snuggled up and all seem to be competing for best binki style - even mom gets going during "take over the kitchen" play time.

18/05/2024

Padma and her kits have no problem kissing and snuggling Maeve's kits. They're all such snuggle loves.

16/05/2024

Registering as a non-profit..... & all I can think of...

A great pun from the Marx Brothers' Night at the Opera!

13/05/2024

𝙋𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚

To the person(s) who dumped their ducklings this weekend this is for you:

You purchased a domestic “pet” baby animal, who relied on you and then you took them and abandoned them at a park. They don’t have parents to look after them, adult feathers to keep them warm or the food you (hopefully) fed them everyday. They have nothing.

Did you know on average abandoned domestic ducklings only live a couple hours after abandonment? Predation from other animals, or other ducks during this extremely hormonal mating season time of year kill them, not to mention the weather.
It’s snowing today. They should be dead. But because a good samaritan chose to educate themself and realized these babies needed help they were saved.

Not only is what you did extremely cruel but it’s VERY illegal.

If you aren’t the person who abandoned these babies but care, please consider sharing this post to help educate others, and if you want consider making a donation to our rescue and the work we do. Thank you!

Visit our website to learn all about us and the work we do at www.wasatchwanderers.org

Also big thank you to the collaborative efforts made by multiple people and rescues to get these babies to safety in time.

11/05/2024

Padma's kits are approaching 8 weeks old - old enough to go to their next homes, but momma is still feeding them! Between now & the next 3 weeks she'll probably cease.

Lots of play time - so difficult to capture! They're always moving unless they're puddles being pet!

Maeve's kits are nearing 6 weeks old & competing for best binki style! (They seem to be the only ones I capture).

https://youtu.be/ZyHWPNvH63I?si=SP9CSrvYkwP_RT-H

https://youtu.be/ZU4UtgiUX9k?si=c173y1KqdwgJPwcP

https://youtu.be/dWerPsyrmO0?si=fDhGqdjphEpapJTx

https://youtu.be/dd5kNdwoidw?si=-4k_edgifYLlA4y3

https://youtu.be/y42TxVIkVvs?si=5t9OBdVNSDfuYsFd

07/05/2024

Happy hoppers!