Benji

Benji has been in foster care for 2 years, and is eagerly waiting for his forever home! He originally came from a shelter in Quebec after his time ran out and he has soaked up every minute of his second chance, loving pats, snuggles, and of course, yummy food!

He has perfect litter habits and gets very excited when it’s time for his greens,  pellets, and fresh hay top up. He LOVES his hay! Some of his favourite greens include dill, parsley, radicchio and cilantro. 

Though timid at first, Benji is the most gentle and sweet bun. Benji loves to be snuggled (with four paws on the ground, please and thank you), and tooth purrs when given head massages. His favourite activities are digging through a foraging box of Timothy hay to find treats and botanicals, exploring his new tunnels, nibbling on balsa wood chew toys and snoozing under the bed. 

In the mornings and at night Benji likes to hang out with his fosters in bed, nudging them for pats and doing binkies and zoomies to wake them up for his breakfast. 

Benji’s forever home will need to ensure that he has a dedicated space where he feels safe to eat, poop and snooze (he has a blanket fort in his foster home) and gets ample quiet time to adjust to his new surroundings. Benji’s fosters think that his ideal home would be a quiet space with a confident, affectionate lady bunny friend waiting for him.  

Tulle

From the very moment he arrived into foster care, Tulle has been the most friendly and gentle bunny who will greet you with nose boops, a kiss on the arm or cheek, and then will show you how fast he can zoom around the room in excitement!

Tulle came to Rabbit Rescue in August 2021 from a local shelter that reached out for help placing him in a foster environment as he wasn’t happy in the shelter – and we certainly understand why. Tulle loves to be around his people and does best when he has room to stretch his legs. He was born in the spring of 2021 and is neutered and vaccinated.

At the moment he doesn’t like head pats – he will sometimes give you a hard stare as if to say “that’s inappropriate!” but he accepts a human’s boop back at him. He is a great companion to hang out with – whether it’s watching TV, reading a book, or being entertained by him! Who doesn’t want 24/7 bunn-o-vision featuring Tulle!

To Tulle, humans make great jungle gyms. He likes to crawl under his foster mom’s knees when she sits down on the floor. He will then race through tunnels, turn corners, and when he’s tired he will flop on his side for a nap. He likes his time out and will often find a new spot near the wall for a snooze. He will also sniff his humans lots – he’s curious if they have a tasty snack and likes to double check in case they forgot to share. After all, snacks are for sharing! It’s the Tulle motto. He is a big fan of most greens, and will climb you like a ladder to get to them faster!

Tulle is a pretty brave bunny, though he sometimes gives a nervous look to the vacuum if it gets too close to his pellets. He once confided in his foster mom that he is the only vacuum she’ll ever need, and will gladly eat any stray pellets off the floor. He’s thinking of turning it into a career – door to door bun vacuum services. He is 100% certain there is a market. If you need a bunny to do a pellet on the floor inspection, Tulle is your bun!

Like most rabbits he is not a fan of being picked up, so grooming should be done with all four paws on the floor. Strange or distant noises outside the window can startle him, but don’t you worry, Tulle will warn everyone with a loud thump or two, until the coast is clear. He protects his humans and his favourite toys!

He likes to chew slippers and he does have a taste for delicious baseboards, so bunproofing is needed. However he does listen to his foster mom when she tells him “no” – he’s a clever boy!

If you’re looking for a buppy (bun-puppy), Tulle might just be the bun for you! He races to the door in the morning excited for pellets, which he likes to forage for in his treat board. He’s always happy and eager to see his people.

He’s funny, adorable and sweet, and eager to find his forever home. Don’t make him wait any longer, apply to adopt this wonderful bun!

Click here to see more photos of Tulle!

Shadow and Birdie

Shadow (black) and Birdie (brown and white) are a lovely 9 year old bonded pair that were surrendered to a local shelter through no fault of their own. They are a friendly, well adjusted to roaming-life couple. Shadow was ready to play with his new foster family the minute he came out of his crate after leaving the shelter, Birdie was not far behind. They explored each room they had access to their first night as well. Overnight they are in an enclosure but during the day they free roam. In the morning when their foster mom comes to open it Shadow zooms out right away while Birdie is more interested in breakfast. 

If you’ve ever wanted a dog and a rabbit, Shadow is the perfect two-in-one combination for you! Shadow is a rabbit with a very dog-like personality. He is not afraid of new people and will love and show off to everyone who is holding a treat. Shadow gets very excited when he knows someone is going towards his area and will run up to greet you. He will follow you around when you’re nearby and will also come when called. He is not afraid of slippery surfaces (like wood floors) and will explore every space available to him. He is playful and loves attacking the dog beds and pillows in his home. He also loves running through and hiding in the curtains. Shadow does not mind being held (i.e. when it’s time for grooming) and will stay happily as long as there are treats. He might be 9 years old, but you won’t be able to tell. He’s a young at heart bun who loves doing binkies when he’s happy!

Birdie the light blue eyed beauty is the more timid one and usually follows Shadow’s lead in new places or when meeting new people. She sits beside/behind her partner when nervous or feeling shy. She does love a good full body pat or nose rub and responds to her name. She also likes having a cardboard box in her area to hide in. Surprisingly, Birdie is quite a vocal bunny! When displeased, she makes the cutest, tiniest grunts and whimpers when scared or upset and will sometimes run away wagging her tail. You’ll never have to guess what she is thinking! Noise cancelling headphones are recommended if you work from home next to Birdie, otherwise you’ll be distracted by all the cute little snores during her naptime. Although Birdie is more shy than Shadow, she also loves to play! She will also come out to greet you as far as the edge of the carpet and does so by standing in the most elegant way.

Both rabbits love treats and are capable of learning many tricks. So far, they know how to stand, spin, and hop onto your lap (or place their paws on your lap) for treats! They also love to chase from spot to spot for treats. Shadow will jump over items and onto different areas – he has the potential to excel in obstacle courses. Both bunns only drink from a bowl and enjoy a wide variety of greens and veg, especially parsley and dill. Birdie is the pickier eater of the two and only will need some time to try new treats. They eat pellets in the morning and evening. There was a medium size dog in their previous foster home and neither rabbit seemed alarmed when the dog was in the room and they even approached her for sniffs and greetings, so they would likely do well in a home with calm, friendly animals.

Shadow and Birdie are looking for a home to spend their golden years! If that’s you, apply to make them part of your forever family.

Click here to see more photos of Shadow & Birdie!

Piper

After 3 years in foster care, Piper is more than ready to find her forever home!

Piper was found outside as a stray and caught by wonderful volunteers. She loves being a house bunny. In fact, she did a series of elegant little binkies within minutes of being indoors. 

Piper doesn’t sit around! She is very playful, curious, smart, creative, loves stacking cups, her treat board puzzle, her treat ball with pellets, and even some cat toys!

Piper is obsessed with food. Sometimes she will race around the room and do binkies when she hears the sink running. She knows when it’s salad time! Next, she jumps up onto her hidey house to see what delicious greens are on the menu. She loves most greens especially cilantro and parsley. She will then give you a very serious stare as if to say “ahem, dinner is bit late but I’m being polite!”

Piper eats LOADS of hay and has perfect litter habits. She loves long apple branches – she’s smart and knows bunnies need safe things to look after their teeth! She creative and has even carved a willow stick into a heart!

Piper is a medium to big bunny – about 8 lbs. She soft and cuddly when she trusts you. She’s super active and does amazing popcorns and adorable zoomies. She likes a nose rub and ear massage. She does not like being brushed or nail trims, so she gets a treat after and doesn’t take long to forgive you. 

She likes to look out the window in the evening, sitting on a chair. In the afternoon she will snooze under it on the tile floor, pretending to sleep but really waiting for sounds of the treat jar. 

She sometimes likes to tunnel and get lost under a blanket. She’s always looking for something fun to do. 

Piper is into a bit of Feng Shui – she has moved her water bowl to the south wall and likes to make adjustments to her hidey house and hay box when necessary! 

When her foster mum comes home, Piper races around and then gets on her hind legs so her foster mom can blow her a kiss and then she does a happy adorable twirl. She knows it’s time for a few yummy pellets! 

Are you ready for action, cuddles and excitement? Then Piper is your gal! She is a funny, pretty and happy bunny. Anyone who adopts her is really lucky to share in her adorable antics and sweetness!

Click here to see more photos of Piper!

Kate Davies – Adoptions and Foster Coordinator

Kate has always cared for environmental issues and animals, especially rabbits, and has been vegan most of her life. Kate has a BSc in Biology and is finishing a MEnvSc in Conservation and Biodiversity.

She began volunteering for Rabbit Rescue by helping to rescue dumped buns, then at Bunfest. She was excited to join Rabbit Rescue as a Adoptions and Foster Coordinator in 2020. She also fundraises for Rabbit Rescue by selling her artwork and doing custom pet portraits.

Kate currently lives with two rescue rabbits, big affectionate buns named Yoshikaze and Rumsey. Rumsey was adopted from Rabbit Rescue in 2019 and was one of the 103 rabbits saved in 2016 from a horrible back yard meat operation. Rumsey is now thriving in her forever home.

Kate can be reached at kate@rabbitrescue.ca

Christina Bub – Online Store Manager

Christina grew up with animals and has always been passionate about creating enriching environments for everything she’s cared for, from fish to dogs.

She has always been interested in bunnies and in 2002 she brought home her first bunny Cody, a white angora cross. Christina found out about Rabbit Rescue in 2009 when looking to adopt her next bunny and fell head over heels for Bean who she adopted in 2010. Since then she has supported Rabbit Rescue, volunteered at Bunfest, helped with the occasional round-up, and fostered a number of RRs tinier rescues; gerbils and hamsters. Christina is currently owned by her bunny Graham, who she adopted from Rabbit Rescue in 2019.

She is excited to have a new way to help out the Rescue – and help more
bunnies – by managing the online store.

Christina can be reached at store@rabbitrescue.ca

Brittany Hamilton – Adoptions and Foster Manager

Brittany became actively involved in rabbits and animal welfare in 2007, when Trixie (pictured below) came into her life sick and needing veterinary care. She quickly realized the lack of information and protections surrounding rabbits as pets. From that point forward, she began to take in injured and chronically ill rabbits, nursing them back to health with the help of an amazing vet, and offering them a place to stay with her. Throughout the years, she has shared her home with many animals in need, including rabbits (of course!), cats, dogs, chinchillas, hamsters, mice… the list goes on!

In October 2018, after volunteering with Rabbit Rescue for a few years, she was offered the position of Adoptions and Foster Manager. She gladly accepted, thrilled to be able to assist more rabbits in need.

Brittany currently lives with her bunnies Peach, Jeff, & TicTac who have taken over her home and her Instagram account! Peach was adopted from Rabbit Rescue in December 2018, and is a constant reminder of the amazing work Rabbit Rescue does to save bunnies every day!

Brittany can be reached at brittany@rabbitrescue.ca

Vegas Bunnies, Part II

IMG_2220-TaliOn April 17th, Rabbit Rescue received our second round of Las Vegas bunnies.  Working closely with rescue, Erin from “Rusty and Furriends” in Las Vegas, and Jodi and Rodney, our stellar drivers, we were able to successfully transport TWENTY rabbits.  We donated space & all travel costs for 5 rabbits that we delivered to rescues in the USA and 15 came to us.  Erin worked tirelessly to prepare the rabbits for this long transport. From fecal testing, health checks and certificates, to emergency packs, toys, treats and water bottles!  A number of truly wonderful and selfless people opened up their homes across the USA to welcome these 20 buns into their homes for overnights.  Its no small feat to set up housing and look after that many bunnies! This trip could not have been done without them. HUGE thanks to our amazing foster homes, who greeted these bunnies with open arms once in our care. A number of these bunnies had forever homes lined up for them, and they were adopted upon arrival.  We still have a number of these adorable bunnies up for adoption, including a few from “round one”.  Please visit the adoption page to find the right bunny for you!   Thank you to everyone who donated to the GoFund me travel fund that helped us raise full travel fees in less than 24 hours!

Most of the bunnies that we received from Vegas are from the “dumping grounds” and their situation was critical. However a few of the rabbits we got were living in shelters for up to SEVEN years!  We are so grateful for the shelter staff for taking such good care for them for so long. We were honoured to spring them from the shelter.

Talmadge is one of the bunnies that came to us from Vegas, although she almost didn’t make the trip!  The day before transport was leaving, she got badly injured by another bunny. She had emergency surgery but had to stay overnight at the vets. Transport was supposed to leave the next morning at 5am, but we were able to delay it, so that Talmadge could get vet clearance to come too! The vet approved her as safe to travel to Canada, and off she went with the other 19 bunnies. Our drivers took superb care of her and ensured her health and well being. She had been living at a shelter for the last FIVE years. After the first year, she lost her bunny mate and has been on her own for the last 4 years. So, it was so important that she did not get left behind, as her new life was waiting to begin.

Cambridge rabbit rescue gears up for unwanted Easter bunnies

Screen Shot 2017-04-20 at 9.41.21 PM

A local rabbit rescue service anticipates a surge of unwanted bunnies now that Easter has come and gone.

The cute, cuddly creatures are often an impulse purchase as an Easter gift for children, but Haviva Porter-Lush at Rabbit Rescue Inc. wishes people would buy stuffed or chocolate bunnies instead.

“Without fail, every year in the three to four months after Easter we get calls from parents whose children have lost interest in the rabbit,” she said.

Read the full story here.

More rabbits found abandoned in days after Easter

BenjaminCTV

Rabbit rescue organizations are preparing for an influx of surrendered and stray bunnies as Easter weekend comes to an end.

The executive director of Rabbit Rescue Inc. in Cambridge, Ont., said oftentimes, parents who buy the animals for their kids don’t understand what they’re getting into.

“They’re really similar to cats and dogs, not like hamsters and gerbils,” Haviva Porter-Lush said. They can’t be kept in a small cage, for instance. Porter-Lush recommends keeping them in a pen or a dedicated room to themselves.

Full news story here.

Easter not so happy for rabbits raised for meat in Canada

Screen Shot 2017-04-20 at 9.46.39 PM

Haviva Lush, executive director of Rabbit Rescue Incorporated, a southern Ontario-based charity, has seen what happens without any protections in place for rabbits. She’s rescued meat rabbits that were missing limbs, covered in abscesses “with pretty much every disease a rabbit could get.”

“Reality is,” says Lush, “rabbits suffer more than most animals, not only due to no codes of practice, but because they do not need to be rendered unconscious before they are strung up for slaughter.”

Read the full story here.