INTERVIEWS:
We occasionally talk with people that work in animal rescue. Maybe their stories will inspire you to take action for the animals!
New interview: Lynn Hummer, Founder of Pregnant Mare Rescue (2/24/08)
New interview: Beverly Sebastian, Founder of Second Chance at Life (2/24/08)
Older interviews:
Laura Beck of Rocket Dog Rescue (3/25/07)
Abigail Christman, Board Member of Operation Scooby (12/30/06)
How did Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary come to be?
“Eleven years ago my husband, Mark, and I founded Pighoppers, a sanctuary for rabbits and pigs (primarily potbelly), because we recognized that these were two pet animals that were being overlooked by humane societies and other shelters. The potbelly pig craze eventually died down and we began getting more and more requests to take in abandoned and neglected rabbits. So in 2003 we placed our remaining pigs in a pig sanctuary in KY and changed our name to Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary. We have rescued hundreds of rabbits since, and more come to us every week.”
How did you personally get involved in rabbit rescue?
“I got my first pet 'house' rabbit when I was in graduate school in 1990. I quickly fell in love with this amazing, intelligent, peaceful animal, and had four house rabbits at the time we started the sanctuary.”
What is a typical day for you and/or a volunteer like at the sanctuary?
“Every day of the week, the rabbits are fed and all the cages and pens are cleaned in the morning. Well, this chore begins in the morning and ends in the afternoon, as it takes at least 4 hours to complete. On weekends, our morning staff person arrives by 9 or 10am and generally does not leave before 4pm. In the evening this is all repeated again, since of course the rabbits need to be fed dinner as well. We give our rabbits a healthful diet of fresh, leafy green vegetables, timothy hay, and rabbit feed. Every day there are numerous emails and phone calls for me to respond to, and lots and lots of paperwork, which I really don't like because it takes me away from my furry friends. But it is all essential to rescuing as many rabbits as we possibly can. For instance, our newsletter, which is mailed to about 1200 supporters nationwide, is our primary means of raising funds to run the sanctuary. In the first couple years of running the sanctuary I often worked 14 or more hours a day, every day, always on a volunteer (unpaid) basis, of course. Nowadays I have two children to care for, and luckily, volunteers and staff to help run Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary.”
What is the best thing that the average person can do in the interest of rabbits?
“Understand that rabbits are not content being kept in a cage, and are very social animals. They are not ideal pets for children, as they generally do not like to be held. They need daily interaction with humans and/or another rabbit and should not be relegated to a backyard hutch. Rabbits need at least 3-4 hours of exercise everyday. They have a lifespan up to 10 or more years. Don't buy on impulse! Do your research -- www.rabbit.org is an excellent place -- and if you decide a pet rabbit is right for you, adopt, don't buy from a pet store or breeder. You will be saving a life.”
What are common misconceptions about rabbits?
“Many people still think of rabbits as animals that seem to be happy living in a cage, such as hamsters. The analogy I like to make is, 'You wouldn't keep a cat in a cage; well, a rabbit requires as much exercise.' Rabbits can be litter trained, spayed or neutered to eliminate problem behaviors (just like cats and dogs), and when they are allowed to explore and interact with you, their complicated and comical personalities will blossom.”
Do you have any advice for anyone who has thought about volunteering in animal rescue but hasn't taken that first step yet?
“Pick up the phone or send that email! All animal rescues are in desperate need of more volunteers, and most of the time, no experience is necessary. People interested in helping at Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary are shown how to handle rabbits, and new volunteers who want hands-on work are most often assigned to 'socialize.' This means snuggling with the bunnies, grooming them, and generally making them feel good so they learn that humans can be their friends. The sad fact is that many of the rabbits who come to us have had negative interactions with people, and they need patience and tender loving care to open up and share their personalities with us. Every volunteer is important, and the more we have, the more rabbits we can save.” -- Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary --
photos courtesy of Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary