Sanctuaries
Some of the rabbits we rescue come to us with known medical or behavioral issues. Some of them can recover from their medical issues and many behavioral issues are really just expressions of fear which can be overcome with patience and understanding. If not adoptable, they will have a home with us as Sanctuary Bunnies for the rest of their lives. Despite their disabilities our Sanctuary Bunnies have a good quality of life; they have other bunnies as neighbors and many human friends. We keep them front and center with lots of attention, and well, maybe just a few extra toys and treats than the other rabbits.
Let us introduce you to these special rabbits:
Sawyer
Sawyer came to Safe Haven Rabbit Rescue after spending time as a Stow-A-Way. His mother and several other rabbits were abandoned in a nearby neighborhood and I received a call requesting help catching them.
His birth along with 3 other siblings was quite the surprise to the couple who had taken in the mother when they arrived at 10 pm on July 1, 2022.
Sawyer was diagnosed with glaucoma in the left eye at just 9 weeks old. We were able to save the eye, but unfortunately, he had already lost the vision. The right eye was diagnosed with glaucoma a few weeks later.
With treatment started early, we hope to save the vision in that eye. It is hard to tell how much vision remains, but Sawyer is one courageous bunny! He has no trouble zipping up and down the hallways. He loves tearing up cardboard and grass mats.
Sawyer continues to receive eye drops 3 times a day which he is not exactly happy about, but are necessary to control the eye pressure. He also requires frequent vet checks to be sure we can keep that pressure stabilized.
Sawyer would love if you would choose him to sponsor!
Ginger & Rocky
Adopted!
Ginger and Rocky are a mother and son pair of Netherland Dwarf rabbits who became too much for their owner to care for as family responsibilities grew.
Netherland Dwarf rabbits, when bred, can be born with various genetic disorders. So called “peanuts” are too small at birth to survive; “hippos” are malformed and do not live; and “faders” fail to eat solid food and last only a few weeks.
“Max Factor” is a recessive defect named after "Max," a Netherland Dwarf buck known to sire kits with this defect. Max Factor babies are born with bent and deformed hind legs and their eyes are often open at birth, as though their eyelids were nonfunctional. They may also have other defects of varying severity.
Rocky is a Max Factor rabbit. His mom, Ginger, was born with significant, painful malformations of her spine. In both cases, the result of overbreeding.
It sounds terribly sad. But life is good for Rocky and Ginger because they have tremendous will, fortitude and good attitudes.
Rocky’s back legs are folded up and not used for hopping. But he sure can scoot around his house and indoor area. He gets to his food and water with no problem and pulls himself up on the haybox (created using a dish drainer and a cut out box) for a good munch of his favorite mix of timothy and oat hay. He is active, playful and loves his mom.
Ginger’s spine curls like an “s” just beyond the neck instead of being flat. It also rotates to one side making it difficult to jump or hop very quickly. She manages by moving a bit slower and sitting on comfortable piles of hay, warm blankets or towels. She is constantly grooming Rocky and the two of them sit together quite happily throughout the day and night. Ginger has a warm and sweet personality and is happy for a pet and content being picked up.
Sam
Ping
"Adopted"
Sam was originally taken in by Safe Haven in Sept. 2013. He had been taken out of a shelter by a fellow rescuer who knew what his fate would be had he remained there. Sam was only a year old, but had a very badly injured right eye. He surely had no future if left there.
Sam did well at Safe Haven. After a full ophthalmic exam, it was determined that the injury most likely was the result of previous trauma and did not have any appreciable vision. The doctor indicated that the eye was not painful and did not recommend removal. Thankfully, his left eye was normal and his vision was good.
Sam was a happy go lucky guy and was quickly adopted in early 2014. Sadly though, 6 yrs. later (July 2019) after having developed head-tilt, Sam was returned to us because his parents were re-locating to California. It was quite the adjustment for Sam.
As Sam got older, he needed the security a small space with bumper guards on the sides gave him. He still is eating well on his own and seems happy and relaxed even though he needs a little help getting back on his feet several times a day. He shows now signs of giving up so neither are we.
Danny
Danny
Danny was suffering from multiple bite wounds at just 6 months of age when rescued in 2008. He was in a home that kept multiple litters together. All the siblings were fighting, and Danny was was among those injured. Luckily, all his wounds healed well.
He was adopted in 2009, but returned shortly after. Danny was introduced to Biggles in 2010 and the two quickly became a loving bonded pair. Since Biggles developed heart disease, the two remained as bonded sanctuary buns until she passed away suddenly in 2015.
Danny turned 15 on April 24, 2023. Yes, he is slower these days, but he still is eating well and on his own. He still goes for acupuncture treatments which he absolutely loves. He relaxes on the table and just enjoys the feeling.
Andy
This little cutie pie came to Safe Haven in 2014 with his Momma. Andy and his Momma were dumped late at night in someone's driveway. His Momma was caught early the next morning, but poor Andy was so terrified he ran off into the woods. It took a full week before he could be caught. Can you imagine a tiny baby on his own for a week? It is a wonder he survived.
Andy was traumatized from the experience. For years, Andy was always hiding and would panic when picked up. The note on his vet chart says "flight risk". But he is over all of that now.
Andy has frequent bouts of intestinal issues and requires very close observation and quick action. His daily routine includes daily sub-q fluids and motility drugs three times a day as well a pain meds. He also appreciates daily massages to help keep his gut moving.
Ashley
Ashley was born in a second "surprise" litter on July 7, 2015. Another case of a family getting two bunnies and not having them altered.
Ashley has experienced issues with bladder sludge since young. As she got older, the condition continued even with treatment. We removed her from the adoptables group for that reason. Since her condition has only improved slightly, we felt it best that she remain in our care.
Ashley needs sub-q fluids ever other day as well as four medications twice a day. She also needs a vet visit every few months to have her bladder expressed as she just cannot clear it on her own. She will need on-going vet care and lots of encouragement for exercise each day.
Your sponsorship will help us pay for her on-going care.
Forever in our hearts
Rest in Peace sweet Ursula
Ursula joined the Bunny Angels
Nov. 14, 2022
Rest in Peace sweet Hope.
Coming soon