I began my association with the Fox Valley Humane Association (FVHA) in Appleton a few years ago upon adopting Tibbar, a jittery, gray dwarf mix. I was delighted to adopt Tibbar, but the care he received while at the shelter and the adoption process for rabbits deeply troubled me. While at the shelter, he lived in a small, messy, dog crate in a high traffic area without a litterbox, toys, hay, appropriate pellets, veggies or time for exercise. His adoption involved filling out an application designed for cats and dogs, a waiting period of about l5 minutes, and an adoption fee of $5. Furthermore, at that time, the shelter staff offered no information about the care of rabbits or the need to spay and neuter them.

Fortunately, my willingness to volunteer my time, supplies, and medical attention was welcomed. I approached volunteering as a way of establishing my reliability and credibility, in hopes to gradually influence the care and adoption process of the rabbits. I began by visiting the shelter rabbits once or twice weekly. I would also clean their cages on scheduled days. I brought veggies, toys, a hay supply. I also socialized them, rabbit style. While hopping around on the floor with the buns, I attracted the attention of some staff members, who became curious. They began asking questions about rabbit personalities and general care. This is when the care of the shelter rabbits started to improve.

We decided to designate a separate room for rabbits, away from the cats and dogs. Most of the buns now live in very large dog crates. Each rabbit has a litter pan, toys, hay, water, pellets, and a blanket. The staff no longer feeds the seed mixes and "junk food" that pop up via donations. If any rabbit needs veterinary care, I handle it, either by myself (I’m a veterinary technician) or through the clinic that I work for. As of 1996, the adoption fee for rabbits was raised to $10, and a waiting period of at least a couple of days is required. The staff gives my HRS handouts to adoptees and asks probing questions about how the rabbit will be cared for. My name and number are provided for further information.

I am lucky in many respects. After the staff at FVHA had an introduction to the world of house rabbits without someone telling them what they should do, positive changes occurred gradually and were supported by the majority. I hope that other bunny lovers will become advocates for our voiceless friends at every shelter in Wisconsin. Getting involved need not be complicated. It could be as simple as visiting the rabbits weekly to play and offer veggies. This will brighten the often gloomy day of a rabbit on adoption row.

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