The last couple of weeks volunteering at the SPCA, I’ve really enjoyed my time with the cats and bunnies. When I go with my friend I usually spend half my time with cats and half with bunnies. When I go alone I pretty much focus just on the bunnies. I am planning on going lots this summer because it’s so close to my house that I can walk or bike while my bf has the car.
There are 6 bunnies living in the shelter right now. One I’ve become very fond of: Rex who is a big, black standard Rex. He reminds me of a giant Stormy, I guess that’s why I like him so much. Last night I played with a bunny named Jack Frost who I’m pretty sure was the guy in the Cadbury commercials. Most of the bunnies are surrendered due to moving (AAAGGGHH! That makes me want to scream!!!Unless your moving so far that you need a long plane ride, that’s not an excuse!!! Pack bunny up and take him with you!!!!)
I find it annoying how all the staff seems so surly. They always seem annoyed that you’re in the way. No one ever smiles or says “Hi”. You’d think they’d be glad we are there helping. There is one guy that is always really friendly but that’s pretty much it. I know that they are busy but I don’t like feeling unwelcome when I’m volunteering to help.
Second, and most upsetting to me, is that they really are not what I would consider rabbit “savyy”. Rabbits are the third largest population of the shelter so shouldn’t someone be educated? I know that they get pellets and unlimited hay but I’ve yet to see greens. Of course, that doesn’t mean that they don’t get any. They seem to get unlimited pellets and a couple of the bunnies are very much overweight. Yesterday I found a bunny nibbling on a piece of apple core with seeds! Of course we all know that seeds are really bad for rabbits; shouldn’t they? I took the apple core away. And another time I found a grape stem in a cage. I had read that grape stems ands seeds were poisonous. Whether that’s true or not I’m not sure, but I know they are not one of the reccommended treat foods. And last but not least, they get shavings. I assume the shelter cannot afford anything else and it’s better than nothing but still I wonder if they are even aware of the whole “bunnies and shavings” thing.
I find this really hard because I am such a passionate rabbit advocate but I find myself too shy to say anything. I’m extremely shy around new people. My plan is just sort of to go as much as possible so the people will get to know me as “the bunny girl” and then I can start asking questions and giving input. I would very much like, in the future, to be the rabbit volunteer that is sort of in charge of all the rabbit stuff.
Sort of a rant I guess, but thanks for listening. I needed to get it out!!!
My buddy, Rex.