Loving Homes Needed for Old Bunnies
Update Jan 2004 - All now homed!
We were recently contacted by an ex-breeder who gave up showing and breeding 2 years ago, they needed to get rid of 10 elderly rabbits.At the time we only had room for 6 so we said we would take those, and the remaining 4 as soon as possible.
They arrived at Bobtails and as we took them out of the carry boxes we were horrified at their condition. They were mainly Himalayan Rexes, with a couple of Dutch’s thrown in, they had obviously been kept in appalling conditions for quite some time, apart from curling twisted and overgrown claws, dirty matted fur and bottoms (have you ever seen a Rex with matted fur?) we found one, we named Alfie with a huge testicular tumour, which meant he could not walk or sit properly, others had abscesses and sore hocks etc; We of course immediately said we would take the remaining 4, but by the time we were allowed to collect them, one had sadly died.
One little chap, a small, very handsome ginger and white Dutch we named Seamus, had an abscess on the side of his face and rotting twisted teeth, both incisors and molars. He was even thinner than the others, with a hopeless expression on his little face. Seamus was 9 years old, and as I held him in my arms looking at this little scrap, the breeder told me how he had won a wall full of rosettes and trophies in his day. Obviously more care was taken in dusting and polishing these awards than taking care of these poor creatures. We gave him pain relief and made him comfortable, he ate like there was no tomorrow even though it was difficult for him.
He started to show a little spark of life and would push his nose into your hand then put his head down for a stroke. He was a very special, brave, wonderful little rabbit, and we just wanted to give him a few months of space and love. But despite all our efforts things had gone too far and we had to let him go under anaesthetic on the advice of David More, our vet. We felt we had let him down as we could not save him, but in fact it was of course the breeders who had accepted the glory of showing Seamus, but let him down so cruelly when he, like the others, needed help.
Well, enough of our moaning, what we need now is help.
Would anyone of you kind folk consider adopting one of these gentle rabbits, all over 7 years old.
They are all a bit wobbly on their feet due to years of being confined in small hutches, they are also very shy of humans, but not aggressive. Apart from “Horrible Helga” who is a man/woman eater!!!
They are all now doing well, fully vaccinated and strangely enough have good teeth. But they are old!
If you cannot adopt one of these bunnies but live in our local area and feel able to offer them love, attention and space, maybe you could foster one for us. We cover veterinary expenses, but you would have to be close enough to take them to our vet in Sutton, Surrey should it be necessary.
Bobtails' Address:
Jim and Delia Cordell,
44, Arundel Avenue
East Ewell
Surrey
KT17 2RG
Tel: 020 8393 2016
Mobile: 07980 608973
Email: Bobtailsrescue@aol.com
Web: www.bobtailsrescue.org.uk
Rupert
Rupert is 8 years old and he is a Himalayan Rex. He has had, like the other rabbits rescued from this breeder a miserable exsistance, without even basic care and attention, when he arrived he was unable to even walk or hop properly! Rupert has now improved in health, has a good temperament, but is very shy of humans, he needs a quiet home with someone who will let him take his time to learn to be a rabbit again.
Good News: Rupert has found a home.
Helga
Helga is a female Himalayan Rex, 7 years old, very nervous and can be aggressive (nickname 'Horrible Helga') but with her past treatment no one can blame her for her mistrust. Helga deserves kindness and care in her remaining years, with an understanding owner who will not demand too much from her.
Douglas
Douglas, another geriatric Himalayan Rex, 7 or 8 years old, male. Gentle rabbit with a kind temperament, but again very nervous, he flinches at a raised hand!
Good News: Rupert is moving to Ebony Eyes Retirement Home, where he will be spoilt for the rest of his life.
Alfie
Alfie, guess what a Himalayan Rex, male 8 years old, he is neutered as when he arrived at Bobtails he had a huge testicular tumour, which prevented him from sitting or walking properly. This has been removed and Alfie is now fit and well.
Good News: Alfie is moving to Ebony Eyes Retirement Home, where he will be spoilt for the rest of his life.
Rum
Rum is a vey handsome neutered male, black and white Dutch, born in 1995, he is a very sweet, friendly little chap. Rum is a healthy rabbit, active, curious and very loving.
Lizzie
Lizzie is a female agouti and white Dutch, she is now spayed and was born in 1996. She is gentle and friendly and now enjoys life in her own quiet way, she is an ex breeding doe who we feel sure would love a companion to snuggle up to in her last few years.
Rex
Rex is yet another elderly Himalayan about 7 or 8 years old, he was unable to walk or hop when he arrived and is still a little wobbly, mainly due to living for years in cramped conditions with little or no exercise. Rex is to be honest an odd looking bunny, he looks like a T-Rex, hence the name!
Good News: Rex is moving to Ebony Eyes Retirement Home, where he will be spoilt for the rest of his life.
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