|
The Carrot Chronicle is brought to you by the North West Rabbit Welfare Project, who kindy let it feature on Rabbit Rehome. If you have any queries regarding the newsletter, appeals or rabbits in it please contact them directly not Rabbit Rehome.
Issue # 10, December 2003. Dear Friends, Can you believe Christmas has come around so soon? This year is looking set to smash all previous records with rabbit rehomings, which of course means that we have been able to help even more bunnies in need than ever before. This past month has been such a busy one, not just with our animal work but also with the Xmas Fair, Amazing Animals Awards and the Staff and Volunteers Xmas Party. I can tell you I’m ready for a rest but also raring to go with all the events we have lined up for next year – but more about that in the next issue of CC. For now let us wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and we hope you enjoy the latest news in CC. As always we welcome contributions to Carrot Chronicle so please send anything in via carrot.chronicle@btopenworld.com or to the sanctuary. Best wishes to you all as always, Susie ox.
We certainly do have some good news to share! We have rehomed 6 bunnies since the last issue of CC, which is just fantastic. Let’s tell you who has gone where: 2 of Gingers babes were the first lucky ladies to find a new home. Nutmeg & Paprika were ever so fortunate to find a home with one of the nurses from our exotics vets. They are settling in well and doing just fine. Their new mum is very happy with the new members of the family. Zippy, gorgeous and handsome Zippy who was found as a stray around a block of high rise flats in Stockport – truly stole the heart of volunteer Clare. Zippy is ever so lucky as he has become a house bun with 4 other fluffy bunjies - oddly enough in a high rise flat! Mary’s reluctance to bond with a dutch gentleman by the name of Frosty was Martha’s good fortune! After just two sessions things were progressing so well that Martha went off to live with her new beau and mum. Both of them are dutch bunnies – Frosty is black and white (though the black bits have lovely flecks of beige) and Martha is fawn and white – my goodness they made a stunning couple and their mum has promised photos will follow. 
Gretel (pictured right) has gone too! From an alleged “aggressive rabbit” to a loving bunjie with the children of the family and her new boyfriend Ginger – it just shows what a difference tlc and a spay can make. It always makes us smile when people say “I’ve got a vicious rabbit” because 9 times out of 10 they are such loving furballs once in our care! And finally... Harry monster has a new home!!!! We can’t tell you how pleased we are as he is such a wonderful bunny boy with such a fabulous personality. Not only is he a house bunjie but he has girlfriend too, and to top it off the family are besotted by him. Apparently he loves to snuggle on someone’s lap each night for hours of fussing and love! The family weren’t the least put off by his front incisor removal and chopping up his veg and they are just so enchanted by him – yippee! ReservesWe have plenty of reserves too, so it looks like we are really going to end the year on a high! All four of Mary’s babies have reserves on them and should be moving out shortly. They are going as two separate pairs to two different families. Although we would have loved to have seen them go altogether, it was unlikely we’d ever be so lucky. They have been with us since their birth in June, and we are delighted with the new homes they have lined up. The boys are starting to irritate one another so they will go as boy/girl pairs. 
Tufty has a reserve too and bonding will begin shortly with a dutch gentleman who visited us way back at the Rabbit Care Day. His name is Ozzy – you can see him getting the once over on the right! We will of course let you know how things get along. After weeks of desperately wanting to keep Flower I have finally got my own way! Yes, Susie here has managed to con(vince) her husband into letting her keep Flower. The bonding between Flower and the other four residents has begun – but that horrible Badger rabbit is being predictably horrible! Finally, bonding has begun between the gorgeous Netto and her equally gorgeous new guy – Stevie. The first session went so well between the two of then that we are certain it won’t be long until Netto is on her way. Her new mum Emily has chosen the name of Molly for her, and we think it suits her perfectly.
New Arrivals in NovemberCarlos is a beautiful little black up-eared bunny that was found as a stray by one of our dog volunteers. He is quite timid and seems a little overwhelmed by everything, but the good news is he is finally starting to settle down and relax. Sadly, because he is a black up-eared bun he is likely to be with us some time, just like Nocturn in the Bunny Barn, but at least it will give him the opportunity to learn to trust humans. The other furball to come along this month is Coffee – if only she could talk as she would have such an incredible tale to tell. What we do know is this – a couple were in a local park one day and witnessed a car pull up and started to release a number of rabbits. The couple tried to catch the poor buns but only managed to get their hands on Coffee. They went straight to the RSPCA and the local Inspector brought her along to us. Alas none of the other bunnies were subsequently caught. Whatever ordeal Coffee has been through has made her very frightened and on her guard. She does strike out when you go near her but who can blame her? Let’s hope we can make life better for her. Aren’t some people horrible. Movers and JumpersFor the time being Ginger has gone into foster care with Gilly. For a while her eyes have been persistently running, and although not in need of a dental, an x-ray revealed that her tooth roots are reacting and growing upwards into the jaw. There is hope though that they will settle down, but she needs to feel happy and settled with a consistent diet, so Gilly is having the pleasure of caring for her at home. Appeals and IdeasBOOK FAIR
|
 |
 |
 |
| £1.50 | £5.00 | £3.00 |
 |
 |
 |
| £3.50 | £2.50 | £1.50 |
I have always enjoyed crafts and thought it would be a nice idea to make myself some bunny things for my home and some gifts and cards for my bunny friends. That is when I came up with the idea for my new venture Bunny Creations.
I have just launched my new catalogue which is a collection of cards, gifts, home wares, stationery, jewellery and other bits n’ bobs all with a bunny theme.
Many items are hand made by myself and many others are all the way from the USA, making them exclusive to Bunny Creations! My favourite is the hand carved stone bunny pendant (pictured above).It comes in several colours and the detail is just beautiful! They also look great on key rings and tied to bags and purses. At only £5 it’s very affordable as are most of my items. There’s something for everyone whether buying a special gift or just treating yourself.
I am hoping to launch my new web site www.bunnycreations.co.uk in early 2004, which will feature an even bigger collection of bunny items! I am working on them as we speak. In the future I hope to incorporate my own bunnies into my designs. After all they deserve to be stars they are my inspiration! So I hope you will all please keep a look out for that! If you would like a copy of my free catalogue or to be notified when the website is ready please email me at: bunnycreations@ntlworld.com or write to: Bunny Creations, 17 Huddleston Road, Grimsby, N.E.Lincs, DN32 8HG.
My first and very special bunny Blossom
As a result of very many white, black and brown bunnies being overlooked by visitors to sanctuaries Rabbit Rehome have set up an appeals page. The intro is below, but take a further look at some of the lovelies that keep being overlooked – many of our furry guys are featured.
http://www.rabbitrehome.org.uk/appeals/appeal_colour.asp
I have a dream...
I have a dream that our rabbits will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their fur but by the content of their character.
You can find representatives of every rabbit breed and colour in sanctuaries around the UK. But some are more likely to be offered homes than others.
"We struggle to rehome white albinos and all black bunnies... The last white albino took nearly a year to rehome! And we have several more albino and black furry guys." - Rabbit Project, Greater Manchester
White rabbits with red eyes are often referred to as Albino, white rabbits can also have brown or blue eyes!
Agouti is often referred to as brown, but it is actually different shades of brown/black/grey, the roots of the fur often being grey and the tips brown.
(Blizzard is pictured right)
Note: Martin Luther King Jr originally delivered the speech 'I have a Dream'. The actual line being "I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
SPECIAL FEATURE
Society for Abandoned Animals
Amazing Animals Awards 2003
NOMINATIONS FOR DOGS
PETRA was found tied up in a park having stones thrown at her. Soon after her admission
she gave birth to a beautiful litter of puppies and was the most devoted mother despite being no
spring chicken. A few weeks after the birth she became seriously ill and it was touch and go for
a while. Thankfully she pulled through, and went on to shed 14 kilos of excess weight, and best of
all she found a new home.
What was said:
“She had that twinkle in her eye which said ‘there’s life in the old girl yet’.”
KAINE was with us for nearly 3 years. In the early days he exhibited destructive behaviour, then
he suffered severe dietary problems and it looked for a while like we would loose him. Kaine also
had to have his tail and toe amputated and he nearly died after swallowing a ball. He triumphantly
overcame all these problems and found a fabulous new home.
What was said:
“It is Kaine’s philosophy that makes him worthy of this award: No matter what life throws at you – come up smiling.”
MUTTLEY was admitted nearly 3 years ago after his owners no longer had time for him, leaving him
alone 18 hours a day. This had a profound effect on Muttley and he has proven difficult to rehome.
He has however taken a shine to one of the volunteers and has a great deal of love still to give.
What was said:
He still has that sparkle in his eyes and has not lost the ability to love – he still has a zest for life.”
SCAMP was found as a stray and had to have a leg amputated soon after admission. He made a
remarkably rapid recovery, considerably aided by spending his days in Helena’s office getting
lots of TLC. He was a very brave and loving dog who soon found a new home.
What was said:
“A plucky little dog...who is still firing on all four cylinders and has become the ‘boss’ of the household.”
TED was admitted over a year ago. He was a stray that had been in an R.T.A. and kindly brought
in by one of our volunteers. His front leg was damaged by the accident and he has never gained
full use of it. He is a very gentle and loving dog and we are all baffled as to why he hasn’t
yet found a new home.
What you said:
“Ted is adorable and affable character who overcomes all difficulties. When he tilts his head to
one side it would take a heart of stone not to feel a warm glow of affection.”
MAJOR (left) has been with us one year. He is 5 years old and a quite a nervy dog. He is loving
and has a lot to give.
What was said:
“Major needs someone kind to give him a chance of a loving home so he can prove himself.”
SOPHIE was very quiet, withdrawn and underweight upon admission. She was found to be full-term but
her litter of puppies were all dead. Following a spay and lots of TLC she made a full recovery and
became quite a formidable character. She finally found a wonderful new home after several months in our care.
What was said:
“Sophie is a flufty princess who found herself a home with a lovely couple.”
NOMINATIONS FOR CATS
TITCH was brought in with her mum when she was just one week old. Both came in with cat flu from
an unpleasant home. When Titch was 8 weeks old her mother was diagnosed with inoperable throat cancer.
Titch became an orphan. Titch wasn’t without problems herself. She has a growth deficiency and a
shortened back leg, which may need extensive surgery in later life, as well as a sensitive digestive system.
What you said:
“She is a little angel with a wonderful and cheeky personality … and has a great zest for life.”
GUMP has been with us since September. He was found as a stray with one ear already missing. He later
had to have his right ear removed due to skin cancer. He seems to have taken this all in his stride
and is such a wonderful character and seems so at ease at the sanctuary and enjoys prowling around the place.
What you said:
“Gumpy has a fantastic personality and is just so loving. Even though he will take a nip at you from
time to time, he gets away with it because he’s just letting you know what’s what!”
WILLY was found as a stray in Salford with one of his eyes shrivelled up and hanging out of its socket.
Upon admission he had this eye removed and soon became affectionately known as “One-Eyed Willy”. It
was later discovered that Willy had liver, kidney and dietary problems. Willy has fortunately found a new home.
What you said?
“He is gentle and sweet despite having an eye removed, catheter, tablets, unappetising diet…!”
“He’s found a lovely home and is going to be spoilt rotten – which he thoroughly deserves.”
TESS was admitted to Jones’ vets with a broken leg, deemed to be the result of an R.T.A..
On closer examination it was more likely that she had been abused – swung around by the tail, hit against a
wall. Her front leg was broken, her tail had broken away from the spine, which in turn resulted in damage to
her bladder. Sadly Tess had to be put to sleep.
What you said:
“Tess was a brave little soul and still had faith in humans even after her terrible ordeal. Seeking
attention and wanting loving during her few days in a foster home.”
NOMINATIONS FOR RABBITS
SCOOT was brought into us unannounced by a heavily pregnant lady. He was just 4 months old and had been
born with a birth defect. His rear left leg was useless and couldn’t bare any weight. The little man
had to undergo amputation and weeks of physiotherapy. Sadly his life expectancy isn’t long as he has other
health complications too but he has found a loving home in North Wales with Ebony Eyes Bunny Retirement Home.
What you said about him:
“[He] brought so much warmth and love to those he came into contact with him.”
“He is one of the spunkiest and loving rabbits I have ever had the pleasure to foster.”
SUNSHINE was found as a stray with horrendous diarrhoea and syphilis. The smell from her filled the office.
Once recovered she underwent a spay, where the worst case of uterine cancer the vet had ever seen was
discovered. Sunshine nearly died on the operating table but she pulled through. After several months she
began showing signs of pain in her rear end and she was diagnosed with spondulosis of the spine. She was
sadly put to sleep in August.
What you said about her:
“Sunshine was so unbelievably loving. She was always desperate to get up on to your lap for a cuddle and
truly did bring sunshine into your life.”
“She was a very soft loving rabbit...I hope she is now having a great time in bunny heaven, living a very
healthy, happy life.”
KEEGAN in his previous home witnessed the trauma of seeing his mate taken and eaten by foxes. He was a
lonely, neglected, smelly, urine stained bunny that was very nervous. During his time at the sanctuary he
began to trust humans and gradually blossomed into a big bundle of fluffy-naughtiness that loved a fuss.
What you said about him:
“He is such a star! He is still nervous...but when he thinks I am not looking he bobs up and down and runs
around the place. He still has a terrible habit of nipping!”
WINKY had been kept by a breeder, in a cage with many other unneutered bucks. He had suffered severe trauma
to his right eye. It was so badly infected and covered in puss that you couldn’t even see he had an eyeball.
With treatment the infection subsided to reveal an opaque white, significantly misshapen eyeball. Winky was
extremely nervous but has gradually learned to trust humans and thankfully his eye is almost fully recovered.
What you said about him:
“He has made a wonderful recovery and is beginning to trust again.”
And the winners are...
In the Most Amazing Dog category...
Kaine was the winner. What is so amazing about his story is that not only did he pull through severe illness and live to tell the tale but that we never thought he would find a home. He is truly biggest doggy success story of the year.
In the Most Amazing Cat category...
Gump was the winner. No one knows what his story was as he was found a stray, but to take his skin cancer and subsequent ear amputations in his stride you can’t help but admire him. Gump also has his signature ‘cross eyes’, which just seems to add even more appeal to him, along with his wicked sense of humour. We really love Gump, and he is still looking for a new home.
In the Most Amazing Animals category...
Scoot was the winner. The judges struggled greatly to decided winners for the cats and dogs and it was no less easy with the rabbits, but the thing that was so amazing about Scoot is that he just shouldn’t have survived in the womb. Despite his dreadful state of health, enduring leg amputation and upheavals to new homes, this little man has been nothing but good-natured and loving throughout his life. We are all so delighted he is being cared for by Jay and John at Ebony Eyes, but we miss him deeply and think of him all the time.
Kaine and Scoot will shortly be receiving a special gift and certificate commemorating their amazing achievements. Gump has received his present and his certificate is pinned up next to his pen.
Perfume and Aftershave
Tis that time of year when we are all going Christmas shopping desperately trying to think of something to buy Auntie Mable, and wanting to get your mother-in-law something other than slippers (or is that just me!). Perfume and aftershave is often an easy present to give to someone but before you do please think about who manufactures it and where it comes from.
The ‘Compassionate Shopping Guide’ available from www.naturewatch.org is a great reference guide to all things animal friendly and unfriendly. All your top brand perfumes and aftershaves such as Boss, Joop, Eden, CK One, Polo, Sunflowers to name but a few are tested on animals.
Still not convinced not to purchase – this is what Naturewatch have to say in their ‘Compassionate Shopping Guide’:
Animal Substances Used as Fixatives in Perfumes/Aftershaves
‘ In most expensive perfumes animal substances are often used to prevent evaporation of the fragrance and to make the scent last longer. The four principal animal perfumes used are: musk, civet, ambergris and castor.
Musk is a secretion from the gland of a male deer. When killed the musk bags are removed and dried and now the deer is in great danger of becoming extinct through over-hunting.
Civet is a secretion from the civet cat. When the cats are captured they are kept in poor condition and tormented to increase the amount of secretion they produce.
Ambergris comes from the diseased stomachs of sperm whales and is found floating on the sea.
Castor is a secretion obtained from beaver genital glands. The beavers are usually trapped and then killed.’
If that wasn’t enough to turn you off expensive perfume/aftershave the product is also then tested on animals such as beautiful fluffy bunnies. Please think twice before giving perfume and aftershave this Christmas – an animal has been tortured in the process of production.
Update on Foxy by Louise Goddard
Myself and my fiancé Richard adopted Foxy in April 2003, as a much needed companion for our 8 month old black lop Rocky. I say much needed, as we hoped another bunny in the house would calm the little mischievous one down!
After falling for Foxy at the Sanctuary Open Day, we set off for our first bonding session at the sanctuary with Rocky. Susie warned us these sessions could go one way or another, but luckily for us the two of them hit it off, Rocky being a little hump crazy, but even so Foxy seemed to warm to him so we bought her straight back home with us.
The first week was a little hard going. Rocky was still raging with hormones after being neutered nearly 2 months earlier, we couldn’t put the two of them together for long without separating them and we were getting worried he’d never calm down.
Numerous bonding sessions followed each night when we got in from work. We’d take it in turns letting one out to venture near the other’s hutch. About two weeks after bringing Foxy home we finally got the breakthrough we’d been waiting for. After letting Foxy out of her hutch and with Richard and I standing on guard, we let Rocky trot across the room to her, and breathed a sigh of relief when mutual grooming started and then not long after the two of them snuggled up next to each other and lay down. Now they’re pretty much inseparable!
Foxy’s still a little unsure of myself and Richard at times, we don’t have a clue what the poor thing has been through as she was found as a stray. But, we’ve finally had our breakthrough within the past month.
We recently found out that she’s had some problems with her molars, which we think she’s been in pain with for some time. She’s had these seen to by the vet and within that time her personality has changed so much. She’s always enjoyed her cuddles, but recently she’s started to come to us rather than the other way around.
She’s started venturing around the house on her own accord, out of the blue she wandered into the
living room and parked herself in front of the TV for an hour or so. Richard and I looked at each
other in shock! And whenever someone walks past her hutch she sticks her head out for attention
and a nose rub!
Its taking time but her lovely inquisitive character is starting to shine through.
More updates on our furry friends
HARRIET, HARVEY & HUEY!
HARRIET, HARVEY & HUEY!
These furry lovelies live with volunteers Beth and Matthew, here’s the latest -
Harvey's dental problems have seem to have gone for the moment (touch wood). Harriet is in rude health as usual. Hughie or Huffy as he's affectionately known has settled in really well. He's eating brilliantly and has become quite stocky. The main reason that we call him Huffy is that he gets in a right huff when he gets put in the cage for his turn and thumps his foot without fail!
Unfortunately there is no sign that him and Princess Harriet will bond successfully. She spent the first few weeks trying to bite him through the cage and she now ignores him most of the time but I'm sure they are good company for each other really. Harvey is enjoying his time in the dining/living room and has now got his own chair where he sleeps.
Huey looking gorgeous!
Princess Harriet – fluffy koala bear!
KEEGAN by Heather Wallace
Keegan is doing well, cheeky as ever. Got a box for his hutch, for the first 2 days he just threw it to the other end of his hutch. Then, instead of sitting inside of it he falls asleep on top of it. It’s funny as he looks so squashed. Nutty Manchunian bunster! I also got him a new dumbbell toy, he loves to do his exercises with that, so funny looking.
I have managed to hold him for at least 10 seconds with out him nipping me!
(Pictures taken in October)
Sparty and his girlfriend Bunster
Sparty (pictured right) had to battle through ill health during his time with us. Thanks to Gilly’s excellent foster care he made a full recovery and found lurve with Bunster in 2001.
Although Sparty suffers from black-lop syndrome, their mum Jacky loves them very much.
Take a look at these pictures.
We love coriander! Big raspberry!
