At one time I felt that one person couldn't make much of a difference. Well, that is not the case anymore. All of us count and we CAN make a difference not only in a group, but also as an individual.

I live in Wausau, Wisconsin and have been an HRS Educator in Training for the last year. I have been a slave to rabbits since we got Applejack, our first rabbit 10 years ago. Through the years I have done rescues and taken in special needs rabbits. Yes, I've got quite a crew here.

My husband John has been a big help and very supportive with the HRS in our area. We have been very active with the Humane Society of Marathon County and helping the staff with the rabbits. Last fall the Humane Society membership replaced the old board of directors with a new board. It was several months of long hard work. In the end, John was elected president of the new board. Now the challenge is just beginning.

Since then we have worked hard to make changes that affect the welfare of the rabbits, not only at the shelter, but in the community as well. One of the changes made was that the spay/neuter policy would be in effect for the rabbits as it is for the cats and dogs. John and I felt this wasn't enough, although it was a start. Next we found a vet, that with training, would be willing to do the spay/neuters on the shelter rabbits at no charge. An out of town exotics vet I know volunteered to come and show the local vet the procedure. These vets have made a difference.

We have been successful at adopting out rabbits. I foster the rabbits before and after surgery to cut down on stress. I do home visits for the shelter to make sure the rabbit has a good home and then make follow-up calls. I also foster any shelter rabbit that has special needs, is injured, or has a behavioral problem. I then work with these bunnies to get them to the point where they can be adopted. I know I make a difference.

We spend time with the rabbits at the shelter. We help cut their nails, sex them, exercise them, and make sure they have hay. I found a person to donate as much hay as the shelter needs for the rabbits. We also got a local company to donate wood fuel pellets for the litter boxes. We have even donated new cages to replace the old worn out ones. We taught the staff proper handling techniques and basic nutrition. I know I make a difference.

I go to schools and preschools to do humane education work. I believe it starts with children. They need to be aware of the needs animals have and the treatment animals deserve. I take some of my adopted shelter bunnies that have sad stories with happy endings and share these with the kids. I know I make a difference.

I give HRS pamphlets to area vets and shelters as handouts. I do get calls from people with questions that have received this information. I also did a TV segment last year before Easter on the rabbit and Easter issue. I had calls and e-mails in support of this. One local pet shop refused to sell rabbits at Easter; they put stuffed animals out instead. I know I make a difference.

So, you see, Wausau is alive and hopping with the HRS. With a little effort, we can all make a difference. Won't you help make a difference?

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