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House Rabbit Society Richmond, CA | |||||||||||||||||
| Adoption & Education Center | ||||||||||||||||||
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 Update: October 19, 2004
Eileen has been adopted! She is now bonded with a bunny boy and has her forever home.
Update: August 15, 2004 Eileen
Eileen is a gentle girl. She is a patient sweetheart who thrills whenever she hears her name. Eileen loves to run up and down the driveway as fast as she can. She is a curious and intelligent explorer. Eileen will rest in your arms as long as your arms will permit. Her appetite for love, as well as for salads, is voracious. Eileen's coat is soft and clean, and her head tilts a little less everyday. Eileen has come far. Eileen came from hell.
Eileen was rescued from the Bruno Street property by Christine Morrissey on May 11, 2004, less than 24 hours before Hayward Animal Control and House Rabbit Society volunteers raided the property. Christine saved two other rabbits that night as well (http://www.rabbit.org/rabbit-center/hayward_rescue/hayward_rabbits_Janet-Lance.html).
Eileen was taken to a foster home. For the first time in her life, Eileen was touched and held by loving hands. For the first time in her life, Eileen was taken to a veterinarian for a physical examination. For the first time in her life, Eileen was safe. For the first time in her life, Eileen was loved. Eileen's spay surgery was not scheduled early enough and Eileen gave birth to five babies in early June. The babies were all born healthy and beautiful.
Two weeks later, Eileen and her babies arrived at Karen Courtemanche's home. Finally, all of the rescued Hayward rabbits were united in a single location, a home, a sanctuary, a stark contrast from where they originated.
When the rabbit lived on Bruno Street, they knew nothing but fear and hunger and misery. They were fed bread for which, all of their war-torn ears are evidence, they had to fight for. They watched the young and the weak be killed and dragged away by raccoons. Eileen and the other 28 precious rescued rabbits lived in filth, surrounded by rotting corpses in mounds of feces. Insects swarmed and algae slimed the water bowls. The Bruno Street residents watched as rabbits starved and suffered and died from wounds, infections, and disease, and they didn't give a damn.
Eileen's little body was weary. We beleive her to be about 2 years old. From her overall condition it was determined that Eileen had probably given birth many times before. She suffered a severe deep-ear infection, causing her head to dramatically tilt. She had serious balance problems and would panic when either being picked up or placed down. Her ears are shredded and scarred, and some bits are missing. Eileen tested positive for e.Cunniculi. A week after arriving at Karen's home, an urgent call came in from a local shelter. An infant, orphaned bunny was in need of a mother - fast. Eileen became a foster mom to this little baby and now had six babies to feed. Eileen did not like being a mother and the babies wore her ragged. She was crazed with anxiety and remained extremely thin, no matter how much she ate. For Eileen's sake, the babies were removed as soon as they were weaned. Eileen's transformation began immediately. Eileen relaxed. Over the course of the past six weeks, Eileen's once-exhausted body began to put on weight. Her thin and brittle fur has grown into a soft, healthy coat. She now has the dexterity to keep herself clean.
Eileen loves to hear her name and, if you are one on one with her, she will come to you when you say her name. She loves to run outdoors. (Interestingly, when Eileen runs outdoors, she holds her head high, showing no sign of head tilt.) Eileen pretends to be aloof but in reality, adores affection.
A few weeks ago, Eileen's ear infection became angry and there was discussion about possibly amputating the ear. Aggressive antibiotic treatment has improved the infection but has not yet arrested it. With Eileen's ever-increasing strenght and stamina, we have every reason to believe she will beat this infection. Eileen has proven to be a strong and resilient girl. Because Eileen has been apart from the main group for so long, and because of her physical issues, Eileen lives separate from the other rabbits. Her new place is Karen's kitchen, a focal point of the everyday goings on. Barney, the dog, and Opie, the head housebun, keep her company. Eileen is a curious bun and enjoys the activity around her. Eileen is waiting for a forever home. Eileen wants someone who will dote on her, and hold her often, and regularly fill her plate with fresh greens. Eileen wants someone to touch her ears with tenderness and let her sleep in their arms for hours. Eileen wants someone to tell her she is beautiful. Eileen needs someone to run to when they call out, "Eileen!"
Thank you all for your support. Eileen has been adopted.
For more information, contact: Karen Courtemanche |
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