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Braving the Shelter

The shelter in my town, like many others in the country, is at rabbit capacity.  Rabbits have been surrendered lately in higher numbers.  Easter was a few months ago, and the novelty of the Easter gift has worn off.  People are moving, kids are getting ready for college, and no one wants to take care of the family rabbit.  Good Samaritans are bringing in rabbits that they found in their yards and neighborhoods that others have set free, mistakenly thinking that this is less cruel than taking them to the shelter.  Animal shelters can be scary places for rabbits, with new sights and sounds, dogs barking, and strangers coming to look at them.  It is scary for many people, too.  Some people are afraid to go there and volunteer, saying that they “just can’t stand it”.  Maybe they think their hearts are too tender, or they can’t make a difference, or they will end up bringing all the rabbits home.  The bottom-line though, is that those rabbits need you.  They need someone who speaks rabbit.  They need someone who understands what their diet should be and who knows that they need to exercise.  They need someone to talk to the visitors and explain that a three-year-old should not be the primary rabbit caregiver.  There are lots of ways to help.  Maybe you could bring some toys or fresh bunny veggies.  Maybe you have a morning or evening to play with the bunnies.  Maybe you can make handouts for the shelter to give to rabbit adopters.  You are needed.  Even if you think you can’t do it, give it a try.  You might surprise yourself.