Heartland Bunny Blog

Have You Heard

Heartland supporter and family Bridget at Heart of a Cowgirl whom you can visit here: http://heartofacowgirl.blogspot.com/2012/01/heartland-rabbit-rescue.html is doing a bit of fundraising to benefit the Heartland bunnies. She has signed on as a consultant for http://mystiqueboutiques.com/ and a percentage of the sales will go to the Heartland buns.

A word from Bridget's blog:

"A wonderful company that features jewelry, accessories and body care products. This is where the fundraising comes in... being a consultant allows me the opportunity to host an online "catalog boutique", with a percentage of all sales going directly to benefit the bunnies at Heartland. And this is where you, bunny lovers, come in... shop the Mystique Boutique catalog here, order securely online and have it shipped directly to your doorstep. Simply put "Heartland Rabbit Rescue" in the notes section of the order form and Heartland will get credit for your purchase. The bunnies benefit and so do you -- the products are beautiful and well made."

Bridget's jewelry creations are beautiful and unique....I know because I have several pieces myself. Stop by and shop and stop by her blog too. Don't forget to write Heartland Rabbit Rescue in the notes section when you order!

We thank you again Bridget for always having our precious bunnies in your heart and mind.

Cuddle Time was the best

We buried our precious Gandalf one year ago today. Rather than a sad post, I'd prefer it be about the joys a bunny brings into your life. He was our first and will be the first of many.

Gandalf could always make me smile. Through deaths in the family, a painful broken foot, anything. All it took was his happy little face.

He taught us that even if we didn't see the tiny hole between the baseboards in the kitchen, he did. It was a great hiding spot for a bunny and only after pulling the stove and dishwasher out did he agree to vacate his little hiding place. It was the next day that we discovered that the dishwasher no longer worked and some wires would need to be soldered.

He taught me that getting ready work work wasn't so bad when there was a bunny around. All my dress pants are hemmed for heels and too long when barefoot and applying makeup. But this was excellent for a bunny to play with and tug on to say "pet me please."

He taught us what crepuscular really meant. The day after we welcomed him into our home he was sitting quietly in the little play area we built for him. "Did we break our bunny?" Daniel asked. Nope, he was just waiting for evening to roll around so he could complete a few zooms, hops and binkies around his new living room.

This is the bunny garden we created this past summer. This morning I left a bouquet of cilantro and carrot sticks. A few weeks ago I saw what I thought were leaves blowing in the wind so I looked out the window. Instead of leaves, what had caught my eye was a cottontail.

We are grateful for every moment we had with him in those seven years. Three apartments, my parent's house, our rent house, and finally our home. He always enjoyed the move and wide open rooms after moving out/before moving in were a favorite. A bit of sad at the end is worth the years of joy we had. A bunny is a wonderful thing.

Howard has a trusting spirit..

as you can see in this photo of him relaxing on his back while being held in my arms.

Howard takes a break...

Howard came to Heartland as a result of a call from a caring person at the OKC animal shelter. He had been found in a box that someone had dumped in a parking lot.

He is probably about two years old and appears to have some balance and/or neurological problems. His hopping and sitting is affected to the point that a senior Heartlander has dubbed him "Mr. Wobbles". He sometimes falls over when he is grooming or sitting up but he either catches himself as the fall begins or he bounces right back up. He is one of the most exuberant beings you could ever hope to meet. He is friendly and...as you can see in the pic above...very trusting and relaxed.

This pic lets you see that he is an extremely handsome fellow and since he hasn't been neutered yet...he has an eye for the ladies and gleefully approaches any and all females he can. When he is running free he will pursue them with amazing energy but his balance difficulties make it virtually impossible that he ever can catch any of the girls...but he keeps on trying.

Howard is gloriously handsome...

He is one of the most energetic buns ever out at Heartland, when he is allowed out for some free-range time he is working at digging, chasing women or just visiting every bunny in the vicinity. It is impossible not to smile when you're around him.


Dig, dig, dig...

Heartland and even the whole planet earth is enriched by Howard being here...he is truly a treasure and a joy. Thank you Howard, for being you!

Days of bunny dreams...

Yesterday (October 30, 2011) was one of those days that bring running, digging and binkys to the dreams of the Heartland rabbits. Clear, dry, crisp air and golden sunshine is almost as good as a carrot cocktail for the furred ones.

Alice surveys her domain.

Barney and Brett discuss dirt.

Barney, Frank and the 2 sassy sisters take in the air.

Pippin inspects the tunnel.

Quinn practices his fierce look.

The 'Gang of 4' contemplate escape and evasion.

One of the great treats of volunteering at Heartland is being able to watch the buns having a good time. Days like these are perfect vehicles for seeing happy rabbits. One of the more fun tasks that have to be done on good outside days is being playground referee and supervisor. For instance, the 'Gang of 4' engineered at least 5 or 6 escape tunnels and each was more carefully planned than the last. Lots of exercise for the buns and rounding up the culprits provided a good workout for the supervisor too.

Home Sweet Home...

Back a few months ago Heartland took in a youngster that had been picked up by a local municipal animal control agency. The baby had been mutilated by some human who had apparently taken a pair of scissors and chopped off the ends of her ears.

Mutilated beauty.

She was rather shy at first but has since blossomed into a feisty girl who seems to be enjoying her bunnyhood. She has developed into a phenomenal digger and whenever she gets outside for playtime her energy and persistence at moving dirt is something to behold. She was presented with a small bungalow and after suitable remodeling (she had to ensure there was a backdoor on the thing), she has shown that she loves her cottage.

The baby at home.

She seems to be thriving and is obviously a beautiful being.

One of the more unpleasant things associated with rescuing those in need is the multiple instances where you are required to become aware of the dark side of human animals. Who harmed her or why they harmed her or even how they harmed this youngster will probably never be known. What is known is that somewhere there is a human with a large karmic debt weighing on their spirit.

This kiddos mutilated ears are a living advertisement attesting to the callousness of some of our fellow humans.

Her hopping, jumping, digging self is a living advertisement to the resiliency of little ones everywhere. We're glad she is here and safe and growing...and digging. We humans owe her safety and caring and much much more. Heartland can't bring back what she has lost but can give her a place to grow and thrive...and dig...and if she can find a forever family that would even be that much better.

A Wuschel Has Been Located

Approach with caution.

Have You Seen A Wuschel?

Tango have you seen a Wuschel?

Tango: Yes! I have! That is one of those round chocolate cakes with the cream inside...YUM

No, Tango. That is a Whoopie Pie not a Wuschel

Tango: "Sigh" Those are delicious. can I have one please?

No you cant, those arent good for bunnies.

Tango: "Shoot!" Why did you bring it up then?