Sweet Sugar crossed over the Rainbow Bridge not long after his surgery and injury. Needless to say, his family is gutted. Over the course of working with Sugar’s transition, I’ve become rather close with Sugar’s momma. Turns out, we have a ton of things in common beyond our bunny love.
This past Wednesday, I received an email about a domestic rabbit in great danger. I have to leave out some big details to protect the innocent here. But, in short, this rabbit was left to fend for him/herself in the road of a residential neighborhood for the last month or more. A neighbor was told that the rabbit had “turned wild” and is “smart enough to stay out of traffic.”
Late Thursday night, the rabbit was brought to safety by a concerned (and brave) neighbor. But now the scramble began on my part—who can foster this rabbit?!?! I turned to our private Facebook group for adopters, volunteers and supporters of our cause on Friday morning. I posted a brief version of this little one’s story and the only picture I had of him/her. Just a few minutes after posting, I received a text message from Sugar’s mom, asking if she and Sugar’s dad could help by fostering this new rescue. Compelled by all of the love and support they experienced in their time of need, they wanted to give back in the biggest way possible.
I sprang into action, full-on Metatron mode. Finder brought the bunny to me (and a $50 donation… some people are just downright beautiful) as I readied a dose of Revolution, rugs, hay, and other supplies. I loaded the bunny into my carrier and buckled him/her in, as he/she was digging up the blankets in the carrier, meant to keep the ride comfortable. He/she settled down soon, as I told him/her all about his/her new destination and how he/she would never be in danger again. Ever.
I arrived and Sugar’s mom had everything ready for her foster baby. We popped him/her out of the carrier, administered the dose of Revolution (didn’t see one flea or anything on him/her!) and you can tell by my pronoun usage throughout this story that I wasn’t able to determine gender—bunny was just too stressed! We will find out on Wednesday when Sugar’s mom takes foster bunny for a checkup. Bunny has the markings of a Dutch rabbit and the coloring of a harlequin; fittingly, Sugar’s mom named him/her Harley.
Harley took to devouring hay, salad and pellets almost immediately. I wish we got video of how he/she jumped all four paws into the water bowl in his/her crate. Harley seems healthy thus far, amazing considering what this rabbit has been through. Harley is definitely happy. I was lucky enough to witness Harley’s first bunny-flop in his/her foster home—the ultimate sign of feeling safe and loved.
Sugar’s family: we could not have saved Harley without you. You are truly special people.