North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary

News From The “WARREN”

We Are Rabbit Rescue Education Network
Volume 7 Issue 1 Spring 2002

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Sanctuary is in danger of losing its lease. For the past 7 years we have rented the home in Richardson that houses the rabbits. It appears that the owner will want to sell this year. With this in mind we are looking at several ideas. Purchasing the present premises, purchasing another home and relocating, or renting at a new location.

The NTRS board of directors would like to re-establish the sanctuary on sanctuary owned property. With this in mind we have several things that could happen.

Operation Kindness was first housed in a rental property, a family who had once adopted from them decided they wanted to help by donating a building. Operation Kindness is in a new facility in Carrolton thanks to the generosity of their donor. It’s not impossible that that could happen to NTRS. It makes a great tax write off for the right individual.

We can also look for another property to purchase in the general area of North Dallas – Richardson or Plano, or we could purchase the property we are located in now. Obviously this will take financial aid. We are asking our friends to come forward if you have a property that you would like to donate or if you would like to help in some way. Financial help with a deposit on a home is necessary. We will be writing for grants but this will take time.

If you have any ideas to suggest please contact Barbara at 972-234-8281.

There are other ways you can help. In spite of a number of large white rabbits being fostered/adopted at Christmas we still need even more homes. We need your help, as bunny people, to take a rabbit (or pair) that a first time adopter will pass over. If there is any way that you could find a space in your home for one of the unadoptable single rabbits or pairs, please let us know. These rabbits do not need to be your primary pets. They simply need care and a little exercise each day. In return, we will provide cages, hay, and any medical expenses you incur.

WHY IS OUR CENSUS SO HIGH?

In a word: PETCO.

In order to get attention from cruelty investigators about the sick rabbits at Petco stores, we had to purchase 11 rabbits at $35 each. (Plus two badly bitten and mite infested Guinea pigs). The resulting veterinary bills are approximately $1200 at this time and may still increase because of continued medication of 8 of the 11 rabbits.

Because of this action on our part the Cruelty Division of the SPCA launched an investigation. While Petco is still selling rabbits there is now a nationwide effort by other organizations including the National House Rabbit Society to bring pressure on Petco to stop the sale of rabbits once and for all. To learn how you can help in this boycott please go to the NTRS web site at www.ntrs.org. We have photos from our protests, and photos of some of the rabbits purchased/rescued from Petco. Please see the sad little photo of Domino who died in spite of all our vet could do. He was so tiny – compared to a pair of reading glasses. Also available are our reports to the SPCA cruelty division and phone numbers, faxes, e-mail addresses and a sample letter that you can write to tell Petco that you will boycott them until they stop selling rabbits. Obviously this number of new rabbits rescued in a three-week period has once again strained our resources.

We try to save rabbits from death. In order to continue to rescue rabbits from the shelters that euthanize in 3 days, we need to have cages available and space for them. PLEASE OPEN YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR HOME FOR AN UNWANTED BUNNY.See profiles on page 8 under “Wanted:Homes for Buns”.

PETCO VIOLATES CORPORATE POLICY BY SELLING RABBITS

New documentation proves rabbits being sold are sick, underage, improperly cared for.

PETCO’s Companion Animal Reference Manual, P & P #I-18-04, November 1994, Revision O, page 1 of 3, Item II-B states: “PETCO does not sell dogs, cats, or rabbits because of the serious overpopulation of these animals.”

We discovered PETCO was selling rabbits in November 2000. PETCO has refused to adequately respond to numerous inquires about why they are selling rabbits when tens of thousands are killed each year in shelters.

PETCO VP of Operations Razia Richter confirms in a February 25, 2002 letter to NTRS President Barbara Yule that PETCO ‘will not discontinue the sale of rabbits.’ Ms. Richter states PETCO’s decision to stop the sale of rabbits in 1994 was ‘appropriate at the time that it was made.’ Unfortunately, Ms. Richter does not elaborate on why the sale of rabbits is now appropriate. PETCO routinely invites individuals to do in store rabbit adoptions, thus admitting a problem with unwanted rabbits in the area.

Please tell PETCO to stop condemning shelter rabbits to death. Ask PETCO to support shelters and stop selling rabbits!

NTRS has challenged PETCO to conduct a survey of everyone who has purchased a rabbit from PETCO. PETCO asks each purchaser to fill out a form with their name, address and phone number. This is a simple way to find out how many rabbits died after purchase, how many were given up, how many were returned to PETCO, and how many were kept as pets.

PETCO has not answered this challenge! Undoubtedly fearful the results will prove PETCO has indeed been irresponsible in their decision to sell rabbits.

SIGN THE PETITION ABOUT PETCO VIOLATING THEIR OWN CORPORATE POLICY REGARDING THE SALE OF RABBITS AT:

WWW.PETITIONPETITION.COM

SEARCH KEY WORD: PETCO

CLIP AND KEEP

PETCO CONTACTS

All Phone Extensions can be reached at this toll free number: 888.583.6044

PETCO Corporate Offices

9125 Rehco Road San Diego, CA 92121

Brian Devine, President and CEO

briand@petco.com X3046

Don Cowan, Communications

donc@petco.com X2086

Barb Emery, Communications

barbe@petco.com X2028

Region 4 Offices

850 South Jupiter #100 Garland, TX 75042

Razia Richter, VP Operations

raziar@petco.com X3071

Nettie Pedro, Companion Animal Coordinator

nettiep@petco.com X4088

Terri Gunn, Marketing

Become a part of the PETNO Neighborhood Watch Team

Is there a PETCO in your area? Do you have time to visit once a week or once a month? You can help make a difference in the lives of all animals PETCO sells. As a Watcher, you will record observations and violations at the PETCO store of your choosing. These reports will be forwarded to your Watch Commander, who will send them to PETCO Corporate and Regional Offices for corrective action. Contact NTRS VP Janet Livingston for details:ntrsjanet@yahoo.com or write 195 Currie Road, Rhome, TX 76078.

NTRS MISSION STATEMENT

 NTRS is dedicated to the rescue of abused and abandoned rabbits and their subsequent adoption into loving homes after being spayed/neutered, and to the education of the public in the proper care and training of domestic rabbits as indoor companion animals.

North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary is the First Rabbit Sanctuary in Texas to be recognized as an Accredited Member of the Association of Sanctuaries

The North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary, North Texas’ only 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the domestic rabbit, has been accepted as an accredited member of the Association of Sanctuaries (TAOS)! Please visit the TAOS web site at www.taosanctuaries.org. NTRS is in very good company, with Black Beauty Ranch and The Fund for Animals as TAOS members! NTRS is just the second rabbit sanctuary to be accepted by TAOS.

TAOS Executive Director Craig Brestrup visited NTRS on October 23, 2001. Some quotes from his November 12, 2001 letter welcoming NTRS to TAOS are as follows:

“…the North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary meets or exceeds the standards” set by TAOS for “quality of care provided the animals and organizational functions.”

“The sanctuary….is well maintained and designed for the rabbits’ comfort and health.”

“Additionally, (NTRS) has active adoption and education programs aimed at preventing rabbit abuse and neglect as well as ensuring good homes for them.”

Craig states NTRS sends a “…consistent message of respect for the animals’ lives and of humans’ responsibility for the animals they have chosen to bring into their homes.”

The only concern he noted, one that NTRS has already recognized, is the need for a free standing shelter facility. This issue has been discussed at previous NTRS board meetings. One of our primary goals in 2002 grant research is to identify foundations which offer funding for buildings. Acceptance into TAOS is a major step for NTRS, and will offer an excellent reference when we apply for grants.

Craig acknowledged what we at NTRS already know, that our board members and volunteers are “highly committed to what (they) are doing”. This, he said, is “clear from the Sanctuary’s longevity and the quality of its services.”

NTRS is an all volunteer organization. We would not be where we are today without the dedication, enthusiasm and generosity of these amazing individuals. Over the years, so many have contributed to the success of NTRS. It isn’t possible to recognize each and every one here, but we can certainly say NTRS is more than one person or a board of directors. NTRS started as a dream and has developed into a reality thanks to those who believed.

Now is an exciting time to be a part of the NTRS team. Each of us discovers something about ourselves in the process of giving, for the joy of making a difference in the life of an animal. You can become part of the NTRS story by becoming one of our valued volunteers.

The Indoor Bunny

by Loretta Pantenburg, DVM

Summertree Animal & Bird Clinic

I know rabbit owners often think that their rabbits would love to be able to play outside, but is that what your bunny really wants? And, more importantly, is that what is best for your bunny? As a veterinarian, I see the sad side of what happens when pet rabbits are allowed outside. I see the rabbits with heat stress that die because their owners did not realize that rabbits do not tolerate temperatures over 80 degrees for long. Rabbits that are kept inside in the cool air conditioning, then put outside to “play” in temperatures they are not accustomed to, often get heat stress, or worse, heat stroke. The few rabbits that survive heatstroke must be monitored for days afterwards for signs of kidney failure.

Sometimes when rabbits are let outside the neighborhood dog or cat gets in the yard, resulting in injuries or heat stress from being chased, or bite wounds from the dog or cat. Anything that frightens a rabbit (ie: dog, cat, loud noises, etc.) can result in the bunny kicking and hurting, or even possibly breaking, its back.

What other problems do we see when rabbits are kept outside? Rabbits are very good at escaping from very small gaps in a fence and they almost never survive to return home. External parasites are a big problem, especially in Texas and other warm states. The most common parasites we see are fleas and mites. These can lead to skin irritation and, in severe cases, significant blood loss or anemia. Fleas are a host for tapeworms.

We also see fly larvae (Cuterebra) and tapeworm infestation. This begins as eggs or larvae in the soil which then migrates through the skin to cause local abscesses and infection. In severe cases, brain or neurological damage may occur. Treatment often requires surgery or prolonged antibiotic therapy. Fly bites may carry pox virus, which can cause lesions that occlude the rabbits sight or breathing and make them vulnerable to infection. Shope’s fibroma is a tumor caused by a virus, carried by vectors (like flies), that is seen in rabbits.

By far the most common, and worst, thing we see is the bunny that comes in with maggots in its skin. This is usually around the rectal area, secondary to urine or feces getting on the fur, and flies laying eggs on the area. The result is usually a very sick rabbit with severe skin wounds and infection. Treatment usually involves anesthetizing the rabbit, removing the maggots, cleaning and debriding the wounds, treating with antibiotics, and LOTS of follow-up care by both the owner and the veterinarian.

So what do I, as a veterinarian, recommend? Try setting up a play area inside your house. Include a variety of play toys, items to chew on, and ideally a companion rabbit. Provide a rabbit-safe environment, free from the worries of heat stress, injury, trauma, and parasites, and your bunny won’t miss the outside. He will also enjoy a longer, healthier, happier life.


HOW SICK IS MY RABBIT

By Barbara Yule

There are many joys in rescuing rabbits and placing them in good homes, but there are also difficult duties for me at the Sanctuary. One of the most difficult is hearing from a rabbit owner whose rabbit died and hearing the words “He didn’t eat for two days, and then I got worried.”

I get many calls from well-meaning rabbit owners who just have not grasped the urgency of rabbit illness. “ I came in from work at 6 and my rabbit can’t hop. Something is wrong with his back legs. Do you think he can wait until the morning to go to the vet?” Or Friday evening, “My rabbit seems lethargic and didn’t eat when I gave him his greens. Should I take him to the vet Monday?” There is an old saying “He who hesitates is lost.” This always applies to rabbits.

Here is a good analogy. If your child suddenly could not move, would you hesitate to call the doctor or go to the emergency room.

If your child did not eat all day and was lethargic, would you take him to the doctor. More to the point, if your child was 2 months old and would not eat, would you seek medical help. Think of rabbits as infants: fragile and in need of quick action.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS. RABBITS ARE ANIMALS OF PREY. THEY DO NOT SHOW SIGNS OF ILLNESS QUICKLY BECAUSE THAT MAKES THEM VUNERABLE TO PREDATORS. BY THE TIME YOUR RABBIT SHOWS SIGNS OF ILLNESS, HE IS VERY SICK. RUN, DON’T WALK, TO THE VETERINARIAN.

A sick rabbit cannot wait through the weekend for medical treatment. The NTRS phone has the number of an emergency veterinarian for nights and weekends.

Note the following:

 Rabbits have a routine. Changes in routine can be early signs of illness, especially changes in eating, pooping, and playing.

 If you think your rabbit is sick, he probably is. If he has stopped eating, pooping, is lethargic, you have an emergency. If it is normal business hours, state clearly to the vet that you believe you have an emergency. Vets who treat exotics should respond to this. If not, find another vet.

 Rabbit/exotic vets should respond by phone 24 hours a day.

 Very few emergency animal hospitals know how to treat, or even euthanize, rabbits. Consult the NTRS vet list; if you do not have it, call 972-234-8281. We give the numbers on our line.

PROMPT ACTION CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN WHETHER YOUR RABBIT SURVIVES. IF YOUR RABBIT HAS SUSTAINED A FATAL INJURY, PROMPT ACTION IS NEEDED TO AVOID NEEDLESS SUFFERING.

NTRS WISH LIST and how you can help!

• Portable metal storage building.

• Mini Van, station wagon, or similar vehicle to make transporting rabbits and suppliers easier. Must have air conditioning!

• Foster families or those willing to sponsor a Sanctuary rabbit.

• A free standing facility to provide a permanent location for NTRS.

• Digital scales for weighing rabbits. Royal Electronic Scales, $139.00, weighs up to 40 pounds, available from Vanecek (www.bunnyrabbit.com), e-mail bunnies@bunnyrabbit.com or call 830.885.4834.

• Cash.

• Donate your vehicle to Charity Motors and choose NTRS to receive the proceeds.

• Shop at iGive.com. Famous name retailers offer on line shopping and donate a percentage of the sales to your selected charity.

Special Thanks to our protesters!

These are some of the dedicated folks who came out to protest Dallas area PETCO stores. Apologies in advance if you name is not listed! We relied on memory, and cannot guarantee everyone who participated is listed.

Lynda Maczynski, Janice White and her children,

Jennifer Hamilton, Susan Juarez and her children, Derick Baily, Barbara Yule, Cathy Kelly and her Mom, Janet Livingston, K. O. Olds, Kathy Lisowski, Susan Krueger, Amey Becker, Debbie Laible, John Warner, Linda Hollar.


Special Thanks to our media contacts!

Linda Hollar, Sr. Editor and Publisher of the Harder Beat Magazine for featuring the PETCO Protesters in the February 2002 issue. The Harder Beat has a wide circulation and can be picked up at over 225 outlets across Texas, Louisiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Colorado, and is also distributed to numerous record labels.

Nancy Egan, Editor of City and Country Pets Magazine for their note in the February 2002 issue, which mentions the hundreds of rabbits whose lives could have been saved if PETCO would send their customers who want rabbits to a shelter to adopt. City and Country Pets can be found at area shelters, libraries, and vet’s offices; and is read by over 100,000 pet lovers every month.

House Rabbit Society (HRS) President and Executive Director Margo DeMello, Ph.D. has issued a letter to PETCO on behalf of HRS stating: “…at (the HRS) January, 2002, meeting, the Board of Directors of the national House Rabbit Society voted unanimously to adopt the following policy: The national House Rabbit Society will not participate in any PETCO programs, or accept any money from the PETCO Foundation, until PETCO stops selling rabbits at all its locations across the country.” In this letter, PETCO is reminded that HRS is “America’s largest national rabbit rescue organization (with 8,000+ members, and chapters or licensed representatives in most states).” This letter may be viewed at http://www.rabbit.org/opinion.petco.html.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for the PETCO Action Alert on their website www.peta-online.org.

Kroger and Tom Thumb Charity Cards

NTRS receives donations from Tom Thumb and Kroger whenever shoppers present their membership card. Tom Thumb shoppers, please ask the cashier to enter account number: 6876 to have 1% of your purchase donated to NTRS. If you need a Kroger card, please send a Self Addresed Stamped Envelope to:

 Janet Livingston

195 Currie Road

 Rhome, TX 76078.


NTRS Membership Application

___Associate Member $15.00

___Supporting Member $30.00

___Sustaining Member $50.00

___Corporate Sponsor $______

Address: __________________________________
City, State, Zip: ____________________________
Phone: ____________________________________
E-Mail: ___________________________________

Send To: North Texas Rabbit Sanctuary

c/o Cathy Kelly, Treasurer

9301 Moss Farm Lane Dallas, TX 75243

What’s your E-Mail Addy?

If you have not been receiving e-mail notifications about NTRS events, then we need your e-mail address! Please send your e-mail address to Janet Livingston, NTRS Newsletter Editor at: ntrsjanet@yahoo.com.


ONE SPOILED RABBIT

Phil and Elaine Wallace admit to putting their mattress on the floor, so Mitzy Bunny can sleep with them! Phil says their ‘baby’ loves to snuggle and sleeps on Daddy’s chest. Mitzy Bunny is quite affectionate, giving sweet bunny kisses to Mum and Dad. Phil says nothing beats coming home to a Mitzy Buns; and he’s 100% right! Spending time with your rabbit is a great way to unwind, especially after a stressful day at work and fighting traffic to get home! If you have a bunny tale to share, please e-mail ntrsjanet@yahoo.com or mail to Janet Livingston, 195 Currie Road, Rhome, TX 76078.


Home at Last

Destiny’s Story

by Janet Livingston

Back in July 2000, NTRS was called in to help the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) with a cruelty case which resulted in the release of 26 Flemish and Checkered Giant rabbits to HSNT. Many of you many recall reading about this in our newsletter. This story is about a large white Flemish girl, the last of the Giants to find a home.

She went to Austin in August 2000, and stayed with her adoptive family until March 2001. She began to exhibit aggressive behavior, and her family came to the conclusion the rabbit was unhappy and might be better off somewhere else. NTRS agreed to take the big girl back and try to find her another home. While many people were enchanted with the Giant rabbits, plain white rabbits with pink eyes, often regardless of size, and just more difficult to place. Age can also be a factor, and this girl wasn’t a cuddly baby, but an adult of perhaps 2 years. This poor girl was also missing half of one ear, which gave her a rather lopsided and less that perfect appearance.

I had just gone through two terribly traumatic experiences, having had to choose euthanasia for two of my rabbits in less than three months. After months of dealing with chronic illness, I was ready to reacquaint myself with my other two rabbits, who had been woefully neglected due to the intensive care the sick ones had required. I felt I was at a place where two healthy rabbits in my life were quite enough.

However, after hearing about the Flemish girl, and how she was being given up a second time, I started to feel a faint tug at the proverbial heart strings. The odds were already stacked against her, and behavioral problems would make finding a home for her even more difficult. I knew she was going to need some extra care and attention to give her the best chance of being adopted. After discussing the matter with my husband, I offered to foster the big girl and help her overcome her aggressive tendencies.

I think my husband and I both knew the truth, this rabbit wasn’t going to be a foster at all, but a third addition to our household. I was linked to this Flemish girl the first day she came to HSNT, when they called NTRS to help with the rescue. I remember the big rabbit with a missing ear and a missing toe as we moved each rabbit from carrier to kennel. The days that followed, I remember the other rabbits going on to their new homes, and this big white girl huddled in her kennel until she was the only one left at the shelter. After investing in a steel Great Dane kennel to serve as the new rabbit’s cage, there was nothing left but to admit we now had a new family member!

A few days of meditating revealed our new girl’s name as Destiny. It didn’t take long for Destiny to start giving tentative kisses in return for gentle petting. However, she still reacted with caution whenever we approached her cage, and it took a several weeks to establish good litter box habits.

It has now been one year since fate brought us together. At 15 pounds, Destiny is larger than life and the most expressive of our three girls. She is relentless in reminding us when we’re late with a scheduled treat. Her evenings are spent with us in the living room. While I sit on the floor, Destiny snuggles next to me; curled into the shape of a comma or stretched out with hind legs extended straight out, ears relaxed on her back, eyes closed and her chin on the floor. She can send 15 pounds of flesh and fur flying through the air in wild and wiggly bunny binkies, great leaps of joy! I wave my arms in the air, and leap about the living room. Destiny and I trade a few binkies before she settles back down for more snuggling. I scratch along her spine and she vigorously licks my arm.

So, why did Destiny’s family in Austin say she was aggressive? We’ve seen Destiny really can be aggressive, if you’re doing something to annoy her. She’s annoyed when we change the litter box and the newspapers in her cage. She’ll snort and may thump a defiant hind foot. My husband recently discovered Destiny will also bite if her warning snorts and lunges are ignored. Understanding animal behavior can improve the quality of life for all family members. Undesirable behavior may just be a reaction to what your pet considers undesirable behavior from you!

Destiny may be just another big white rabbit with pink eyes, but she has the personality far beyond what one might expect. Like so many of the larger breeds, she is intelligent and loves attention. If you can open your heart and home to another rabbit, please consider one of the larger rabbits at NTRS.

NTRS Officers and Directors for 2002

Barbara Yule, President

Janet Livingston, Vice President/Secretary

Cathy Kelly, Treasurer

Amey Becker, Director and HRS Educator

DeLinda Harris, Director

NTRS Honorary Directors

K. O. Olds, Susan Krueger, John Warner

Debbie Liable, Karen Peterman



ADOPTIONS!!!!!!!

Christmas – March 20

Lilly Lop to William Higley

Baby 2 & 3 to Jessica Hogue

Baby 1 to Cheyenne Arriaga

Dutchess ot Julie Abell

Brightly to Kevin Scoggins

Luci & Ricki to Shari Usnick

2 Petco rescued Guinea Pig to Kim Spain

Jack(Bugsy) to Heidi Krohn

Peter & Petunia to JoAnn Tsang & Derick Bailey

Smudge to Mindi Wilson

Snowflake to Susan Franc

The bunnies are clapping their ears for all who found loving homes. Thank you!! Thank you! Thank you. Let us hear your stories with your new family members!!!

ONE HOP BUNNY SHOPPE

NTRS now stocks the following item for sale.

These items will be sold at the Sanctuary, all are bunny tested and of the best quality.

Give your bunny a treat and try (along with the Timothy hay), the Mixed Gourmet hay and the Alfalfa Hay. If you have a rabbit on a no-pellet diet, the combination of these hays will be wonderful and give him much of necessary nutritional needs. Even finicky eaters love the different types of hay.

Resting boards are wonderful for the bunny to sit on and easy to clean.

Zoom Grooms are a must for molting rabbits and they love the attention.

Items will be on sale during the weekends. If you wish you could leave an order on the phone and we can have it ready for you when you come.

Please support our advertisers!

Advertising for one year in the NTRS Newsletter

Livingston’s Studio and Gallery

106 North Trinity Decatur, TX 76234

940-627-1888

Heirloom Quality

Photographic Art

Memories for Generations

Hours:

Tuesday – Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Member of the

Professional Photographers of America

David Livingston, Owner and Photographer

Lori’s Loving Pet Sitting

Lori Thames

2968 Warm Springs

Richardson, Texas 75082

972.234.3033

www.lorislovingpetsitting.com

WANTED: HOMES FOR BUNS

Beverly: A Californian, with black ears and nose. Very big on social protocol. Allows all volunteers to pet her/clean her cage IF they pet her as soon as her door is opened. If they are rude enough to ignore her and just reach in her cage, she will nip to teach them manners. Absolutely a great gal who loves attention and being petted. Wants a nice family to own.


Jeremy: A big, gentle white NZ with fluffy hair and laid-back demeanor. He hasn’t been neutered yet and is already a good litter box user!! Smart, quiet guy who would love a kind family.


And his neighbor, Mr Smudge between the Ears. Mr. Smudge between is personable, social, and loves being petted. Would love a home with room to exercise and lots of attention.

Sugar and Sugar are a white pair of Floridians who are young, tame, and personable. They showed up in a kind lady’s back yard. She couldn’t keep them. They want a family to play with! Gentle, social, and fund.

These are but a few of our bigger buns who really need a home with “rabbit people”.

Come visit them. You will fall in love.

Back to Newsletters