Snugs

Todays original post was going to be about the news from last week, which most of you will know from our social media pages, regarding Caroline stepping down from her position at the Rescue, with an update of where we are at.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to write it as I spent last night at the emergency vets and then this morning back at our regular vets with poor Anouska who is having stasis issues, cause unknown. So this is why there was no post this morning and in the meantime we also had the notes back from two of the bunnies we lost last week, so today instead I would like to remember our dear friend Snugs.

Based on my photos of him, I would guess Snugs came into the Rescue around January 2012. I think I am right in saying that his owner signed him over because of his aggression. At the Rescue you could see it in his behaviour and a hint of it always remained, but to be honest, around experienced volunteers it was never an issue. It did mean he wasn't a good candidate for rehoming though as we could see that in the wrong environment he could easily have reverted to his old ways.

To help keep him calm, as soon as he had settled in we introduced him to Skittle. She was another bunny with a strong personality so they were aways a lively pair. They enjoyed their time together, but sadly Skittle passed away later that year.

By the time my fostered Ghibli babies came back to the Rescue, it was clear that beautiful Arrietty had a particular knack for being great friends with humans and bunnies alike. Looking for the right partner for the now single but somewhat strong-minded Snugs, she quickly became a prime candidate. They hit it off and became great companions.

Snugs developed recurring jawbone abscesses, ear abscesses and other problems, but he was always a fighter - however bad he looked after each surgery, he never really lost that personality of his. This along with his daily interactions with the volunteers for his medicines and care made him one of the most prominent characters at the Rescue and of course much loved. Sadly though, after more surgeries than I can remember, the battle against osteomyelitis was no longer being won and on Friday 15th April 2016 we finally had to say goodbye.

You were a special boy and a real character. Binky free, Snugs.

Nose Rays

After Halloween

"So I can't have a WHOLE carrot because carrots to bunnies are like sweets to humans and should only be given occasionally in small amounts?"

"Well last night was halloween and I know for a FACT that you had a SACK of sweets! Fair's fair, sack-o-carrots-gimme!!!!!!"

Snatch

"Ooo, I love these mobile salad bars!  Not only is the food tasty..."

[snatch]

"...but if you're quick enough, the portion sizes are tremendous!"

Return of the Ghiblis

I was at the Rescue yesterday. My day started with helping Robin to fill his trailer with wet and very heavy bags of bunny waste. Not surprising then that last night, exhausted, I fell asleep on the sofa and so didn't post anything here on the blog.

So apologies for leaving you bunny-free for a day, but here is yesterdays pic of the foster bunnies enjoying their first day back at the Rescue!

"Oh, THIS is where you were bringing us? You should have said, we wouldn't have complained so much in the car. For a start it smells much better than your house."

Bendy Sticks

There was an article in Rabbiting On some time ago about a poor bunny who jumped into his cage clipping his leg on the way in and breaking it. Even before this, Caroline and I had talked about how we don't really like the plastic cages as bases for house bunnies because of this jumping up and through to get in, which apart from anything else bunnies will struggle with when they get older. Often they will even try to use the wire door like a ladder to climb up, which makes me feel uneasy at the thought of what could happen to toes if they slip.

I myself have a 150cm cage that I use to contain baby bunnies when I foster them for the Rescue. As they get older and I start letting them out for playtime more and more I am faced with this same problem. Here is one simple solution - bendy sticks!

Available from most pet shops and easy to hook over the entrance, they cover up the wire and provide proper purchase for little fluffy feets. And based on the speed bunnies have been flying in and out of their cage this week, I'm pretty sure this configuration has met with little fluffy approval.

Taking the Top Spot

I miss little Tombo. I do always make a point of spending time with him at the Rescue of course, but it's not the same as having him running around the house.

Meanwhile at home, one of his sisters has taken over the job of being first to pounce on me for the chance of snacks. And when the girls are out playing and I'm stuffed headfirst into their cage trying to clean it and feel little paws and teeth being applied to my ankles to get my attention, I always know exactly who it is. Sweet but mischievous little Arrietty.

"Friendly? No, you misunderstand. Hungry."

Disruption Disapproval

"I don't care if bunnies in dust pans makes them harder to scoop with, we do NOT approve of being evicted while you clean!"

... But No Photo

"Well if you're gonna get grumpy when we try to help with your cage-cleaning game, why should we take part in your photo-taking game?"

All Meals Included

When staying at a guest house where food is included in the price, it is always worth arriving early in the dining area to beat the mealtime rush. As well as ensuring you get the best picks from what's available, it means you can secure a seat as close to the buffet as possible. Like, really close.

And don't worry if you receive glaring looks from other diners - they are probably just jealous that you got there ahead of them!

"The food here is not bad, but it does taste somewhat of feet."