Our masthead bunny, Miriam, was part of a large, difficult rescue case in Ronkonkoma in May 2018. She is a sweet and sassy girl with convertible ears – sometimes up, sometimes down and sometimesstraight out to the side! Miriam is available for adoption through Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group. She has megacolon and her adopter will have to be willing to pay close attention to her diet,

litter-box situation and behavior to make sure she stays happy and healthy. Masthead illustration: Mary Ann Maier. Photo: Katie Scarr.

We’re excited to share an update aboutTalulah, the rabbit who came to RabbitRescue & Rehab in need of surgery for alarge ear base abscess. Since our lastissue of Thump, Talulah has had surgeryand made a fantastic recovery.

We had first attempted to reduce thesize of the abscess with antibiotics inpreparation for surgery, and though itwas initially successful, several weeksinto treatment the abscess suddenlystarted getting worse. Even in the fewshort days between Talulah’s final pre-surgery exam and the surgery day itself,the abscess became noticeably larger andshe started to refuse food from the painand discomfort. We scheduled surgeryfor the soonest day possible.

(Continued on page 3)(Continued on page 2)

(Continued on page 2)

Talulah’s Amazing Recovery

Talulah’s surgery involved an ear canalablation and bulla osteotomy. Antibiotic

NYC METRO RABBIT NEWSJUNE/JULY2020

RHDV2 Outbreak In the U.S.:An Update on theDeadly DiseaseRabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus(RHDV) is a highly infectious, fataldisease that affects rabbits, caused byseveral calicivirus strains. In March of2020, RHD2 was confirmed at aveterinary hospital in New York City.Three rabbits in Washington state testedpositive in January. The ongoingoutbreak in the southwestern U.S. nowhas cases reported in Utah, California,Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado,Arizona and Texas in both domestic andwild rabbits.

The USDA has created an interactive mapon all cases that can be viewed at this link:https://usda-aphis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=37791da88ef04cd08404a5794aaf0be3

The new strain, RHDV2, is the first ofthe rabbit hemorrhagic disease virusstrains to affect both domestic andNorth American wild rabbit and harespecies. RHDV has an extremely highdeath rate and a very short incubationperiod. As many as 70% to 100% of

Skye’s five babies celebrated their firstbirthday on May 28.

The babies were born to Skye shortly aftershe was rescued by a passerby who spottedher in Central Park. Rabbit Rescue & Rehabtook in the family, had them all seen by avet, and moved them into a foster home.

The babies have grown into beautifulrabbits, all with lovable personalities.

Blue and Purple bonded and now livehappily as a brother-sister pair, withBlue very attentive to Purple’s needs,

Talulah, fully healed with fur already grown back in.

Photo: Rabbit Rescue & Rehab

A Tale AboutThe UnbondingAnd Rebonding Of Two LionheadsPages 5-6

Long IslandBunny IsRescued on Mother’s DayPage 9

LongtimeLocal RabbitVolunteer DiesOf CoronavirusPages 12 -13

Babies Mark Their First Birthday

impregnated beads were implantedduring surgery and she is also receiving anew oral antibiotic and pain medicationwhile she heals.

Hardly a couple hours after surgery wascomplete, Talulah was awake, movingaround, and ready to eat on her ownfaster than anyone could believe! Thesurgery went extremely well, and soonshe was on her way back to her fosterhome to rest and recover. She came rightout of the carrier with her characteristicconfidence – even while still a littlesleepy from her whole ordeal – and beganto eat hay almost immediately. It wassuch an amazing and encouraging sight!

Talulah has shown incredible improve -ment in her overall comfort. Her appetite

Talulah (Continued frompage1)

Babies (Continued frompage 1)

Blue and Purple.

has returned tenfold, and she has newenergy and enthusiasm for toys and

grooming her constantly and alwaysletting her have pellets first.

Pink is still as sweet as ever and takes hisdaily naps draped over his foster parents’feet and legs – he turned out to look themost like mom Skye.

Orange is still an unstoppable ball of energy;running huge laps around the house isan important part of his daily routine!

We’re very happy to say that Green hascontinued to show improvement fromthe issue that caused her to stand up andfall backwards as a baby, and she remainsalways happy and playful.

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 2

Photos: A

lex McIe

Pink.

Orange.

Green.

playtime activities. She is now comfortablewith hands near her face and head,which she had become very nervousabout as the abscess, and therefore thepain around that area, worsened. Nowshe enjoys long sessions of cheek andhead rubs from her foster parents as partof her daily routine. Talulah is certainlyfeeling tremendous relief from thediscomfort she was feeling beforesurgery and is well on her way to a fullrecovery. She soon will be ready to findher forever home.

We are filled with gratitude to everyonewho donated towards Talulah’s surgeryand sent such lovely messages and wellwishes for her. Thank you so much to ourwonderful supporters for your kindnessand for thinking of Talulah and helpingto support her ongoing care.

Talulah on the day she came home from surgery, stillsleepy but already moving around and eating.

Photo: Rabbit Rescue & Rehab

Meanwhile, mom Skye has been enjoyingsome much deserved baby-free time andlots of love and one-on-one attentionfrom her foster family.

RHDV2 (Continued from page 1)

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 3

rabbits exposed to the virus will diewithin 48 hours to 10 days after exposure.Rabbits who survive are carriers and caninfect other rabbits for at least 42 daysor longer as they continue to shed thevirus. There is no known cure for RDHV.

RHDV causes lesions in internal organs and tissues, resulting in bleeding.RHDV kills quickly and with very little warning, and some rabbits may die without showing any symptoms.

Symptoms Include:

• Appetite loss

• Lethargy

• High fever

• Spasms

• Bleeding from nose, mouth or rectum

• Difficulty breathing

• Sudden death

RHDV is extremely hardy and easilyspread through direct contact with aninfected rabbit, the urine or feces of an infected rabbit, and contact withinanimate objects contaminated by thevirus. It can survive on the bodies andfur of both live and deceased animals, as well as in food, water, and on othercontaminated materials, includinghands, clothing and shoes.

Other animals including insects, catsand dogs, birds, rodents and wild predators,though not susceptible to the diseasethemselves, are known to act as hosts orfomites and spread the virus.

RHDV is resistant to extreme temperatures,including freezing, and is known tosurvive on materials shipped to otherparts of the country and the world.RHDV remains viable on surfaces andin the environment for long periods of

time: 105 days at room temperature,and 225 days at 39 degrees Fahrenheit.It can resist temperatures of 122 degreesFahrenheit for an hour.

As the outbreak has grown, the availabilityof a vaccine has become an importanttopic of discussion. An RHDV2 vaccinehasn’t been previously available in theU.S., though it has been in countrieswhere the disease is endemic. Veterinariansare now working to import Europeanvaccines to the areas that have beenaffected by the outbreak, though onlycertain RHDV2 vaccines are eligible forimport to the U.S. There is thoroughand important information aboutvaccine availability, effectiveness, andmanufacture on the House RabbitSociety website at rabbit.org/rhdv/.Particularly if you are in an area affectedby the Southwest outbreak – but even ifyou are not – we encourage visitingrabbit.org/rhdv/ and familiarizingyourself with the information compiledthere about RDHV2 vaccines.

There is also information available atrabbit.org/rhdv/ on what actions federaland state governments have been taking;we recommend watching that space fornew information and developments as well.

Most importantly, remember thatpreventative biosecurity measures areessential to protecting rabbits during an outbreak.

• As always, keep house rabbits indoorsand do not take rabbits out into publicspaces for any reason other than essentialtrips (to the vet). Never take your rabbitto socialize with other rabbits or to“play” outdoors.

• Wash your hands thoroughly uponentering your home.

• Remove shoes before entering yourhome. To disinfect shoes, put them intoa foot bath for at least 10 minutes with

one of the recommended disinfectants(see list at rabbitcare.org). Sprayingthem is insufficient; they must remainin contact with active (wet) disinfectantfor the full 10 minutes.

• Change clothes upon returning home,particularly from areas where you mayhave come into contact with rabbits, orwith other people who have rabbits.

• Disinfect objects and surfaces (again, check list at rabbitcare.org forrecommended disinfectants).

• Avoid purchasing hay or other foodsfarmed in areas that have been affectedby RHDV, and check the websites ofcompanies you order hay from to learnwhat measures they are taking toprevent against spread of RHDV2.

• Prevent flies and other insects fromentering your home with window anddoor screens, and eliminate any thatenter your home.

If you know you have come into contactwith other rabbits or been around otherpeople who have rabbits (you are ashelter volunteer, etc.), take extreme care to wash shoes and clothes twicethoroughly with hot water, wash handsthoroughly, and disinfect any objects orsurfaces that were exposed to areas withother rabbits. If you know that you willbe entering an environment with otherrabbits, consider additional precautionssuch as shoe covers and gloves.

Any sudden or suspicious death should beimmediately reported to a veterinarianas a possible case of RHDV. This isespecially important in the event ofmultiple deaths in close proximity andwithin a short period of time. Do notbury the body or remove the rabbitfrom the home; wait for instructionsabout proper handling procedures.

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 4

By Megan Hilands

A little over four years ago, I adopted abonded pair of two Lionhead sisters Inamed Simba and Nala. I had just lostmy bunny Baby to kidney disease, andwhile I was still grieving I was very muchmissing everything about having a bunnyin my day-to-day life.

After I brought them home, Simba andNala settled into their new space veryquickly. I was enamored by the way mynew pair cuddled and played with eachother. They really seemed to love me aswell as each other. Then about a yearago we entered what my fiancé Nickand I half-jokingly refer to as the “darktimes” – when, you guessed it, Simbaand Nala decided to break their bond.

Conceptually I was aware that rabbitscould “unbond,” but our bunnies?They’d been together practically sincebirth. They cuddled each other constantly.What could go wrong?

Settings for a Perfect StormIn hindsight, a few different factorslikely contributed to Simba and Nala’s

they too might be going somewhere, orpick up on my stress, since packing givesme a bit of anxiety.

The Storm,or ‘Bunny Tornado’Bunnies, like any couple, will sometimeshave little tiffs where they chase eachother around the room. Initially whenSimba and Nala started their big fight Ithought it was the same thing. But thistime, they did not relent. I thought Iwould give them a treat to calm themdown, but Simba just grunted at Nalaand tried to steal her treat. Then Simbastarted to act like she was stalking Nala.I noticed Nala was hiding under a pieceof furniture while Simba was thumpingand trying to find her.

At first I was in denial and thought theyjust needed a little space. Unfortunately,Simba found Nala and started chasing herreally aggressively, leading to grunts andthe feared bunny tornado (where bunniesrun in circles chasing each other suchthat it appears injury is imminent). It’s atthis point that experts recommend youseparate the rabbits to avoid injury and/orpermanent damage to the relationship.

The FalloutThat night I used my spare X-pen andlitter box to create a temporary bunnyspace, and then bought additional suppliesthe next morning so that both girlscould have more room. I put the secondpen about six inches from the first sothe bunnies could see each other butcouldn’t reach to bite. The new set-upconsumed a lot of our living space. I’llconfess I had some anxiety the bunnieswould be unbonded permanently, andthe rest of our lives in this apartmentwould be spent navigating X-pens.

As we were leaving in a few days for avacation at this point, I thought itwould be best to keep the bunniesseparate and start the rebonding processwhen we were back home. I workedfrom home for the remaining few days

fallout, or “trial separation” as a fewonline forums I found like to call it.Right before the “dark times” there werea couple of changes that could have ledto more stress for Simba and Nala. FirstI switched out their litter box for aslightly bigger and deeper one, figuringwhen we went away for vacation thefollowing week they would have plentyof hay between the sitter’s visits.

Then, there was an annual vet appointment,where I recall having to sit longer thanusual in the waiting room with severalother humans and animals. (I thinkthere might have been an emergencyvisit and do not blame the vet at all! Ionly mention it because the situationlikely caused Simba and Nala to bemore stressed at the vet than usual.)

Shortly after we came home, Nick and Ilet in a sitter to show them the bunnies’routine, and then started packing toleave for our vacation in a few days.Simba and Nala always seem to get a bitanxious when I pack for a trip, whichunluckily for them I do quite a bit forwork. Either they see the bags and think

On Unbonding and Rebonding: A Tale of Two Lionheads

(Continued on page 6)

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 5

Nala and Simba.

Photo: Megan Hilands

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 5

A Day in the Life of Our Rabbit WoofleAs interpreted by Ciaran (aka “Loud One”)And Cricket Cooley (“Food Lady”)

5 a.m.: Chewing time. I love to hide in theLoud One’s dollhouse and chew the frontdoor. This makes her mad, but she isn’tawake, so we are all good. Then I switchto my chewy toy. I love that one. TheLoud One, asleep above me, groans loudly.

7 a.m.: Ah! They finally figured out whento change my litter box. Once a day,folks. It’s not hard. Hay is fine and all,but I could do with some parsley as asnack. I think it would be best to wakethe Loud One up. I know! Chewing.My box is the loudest, so here we go.

7:10 a.m.: Yea!!!!!!!!! She is awake! Shetries to climb out of her tower bed (Iwonder what chewables are up there),and I am so excited I try to circle herfeet before she even gets down. Oh no.She is trying with the love again. Whydo the Big Ones always like to put theirmouths on me? A good pet or chinscratch is always preferable. It’s all aboutgrooming, people. Not kisses. Ugh.

8:11 a.m.: The door to the other roomopens! Life is good!! The Food Ladyseems awake, too. Binkies!! Morebinkies! It is time for my rounds.

8:12 a.m.: Rounds went well today. Ichinned the usual shoe (mine), the tunnel

Photo: Megan Hilands

Simba and Nala.

(Continued on page 7)

before vacation so I could monitor them.Both bunnies seemed content enough intheir separate pens. I swapped theirliving areas and litter boxes every day sothey didn’t get territorial about the spacesand stayed used to each other’s scent.

The Relationship RebuildWhile traveling I read quite a bit aboutbonding (and rebonding) bunnies fromthe House Rabbit Society website andvarious bunny blogs. Some bunny parentshad reported luck with “stress” bondingbut I felt really uncomfortable with the idea (It’s also not recommended byexperts.). So, we started at bunnybonding basics – the speed date.

We took a separate X-pen to a neutralspace and put both bunnies inside, bothNick and I nervous about their reactions.Nala clearly remembered Simba hadchased her, and she thumped severaltimes the first time they were in thesame space. I sat between the bunnies incase I needed to break up any fights. Atfirst, both bunnies would approach mebut not each other. I thought they wereacting very much like my sister and Imight have when we had a fight growing

Unbonding, Rebonding(Continued from page 5)

up. Some behaviors transcend species, I suppose.

For the next few weeks, speed dates wereour nightly routine. Both bunnies wouldsit in the same pen with me for about 15 minutes unless they started some -thing akin to a bunny tornado, in whichcase we’d separate them immediately.Fortunately, such an event was rare.Gradually they became more comfortablewith each other. The speed dates graduallybecame longer, and Simba and Nalawere starting to groom each other again.The thumps and grunts decreased dayby day.

The Bonding RenewalAfter nearly a month of rebonding, Simbaand Nala had several successful hours-long dates. We started to give them freerrein in their apartment again, but wewere still nervous about a completereintroduction.

Finally, after both bunnies started to go freely into each other’s litter boxeswithout issue, we decided it was time.The first full day back together was aSaturday so we could monitor them forthe next 48 hours. Fortunately (luckily?)there were no further tiffs and Simbaand Nala were reunited.

Happily Ever After (At Least for Now)Since the “dark times,” Simba and Nalahave – thankfully – stayed bonded. I willadmit I was a bit frustrated with howlong the rebonding took (six weeks intotal) considering the bunnies weretogether for years before without previousissues. Not speaking “bunny” I can onlyspeculate they had some crazy fallingout the night after the vet, and it took along time for them to forgive and forget.

I sincerely hope that was the last fightthe bunnies will have, and in the futureI am certainly going to be a little morecareful about managing the bunnies’stress. At least Nick and I have theconfidence and experience withrebonding in case the need ever arises.

Woofle.

Photo: Cornelia Cooley

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 6

Woofle(Continued from page 6)

(mine), music stand (mine), couch (mine),cozy chair (mine), cardboard duplex(mine), and leaped up to the couch andassumed the I Am Ready for BreakfastPosition. Sometimes it takes them awhile to see this. People, I am ready! Iam a good boy! Good boys like parsley.

8:14 a.m.: The Food Lady is taking hertime today, doing endless things withwater and machines and the food box.

8:15 a.m.: Finally! The colander istraveling to my mat by the window. Shedoesn’t seem to appreciate how quickly Igot there, running through her legs. Gota slight lift by one of her feet, but we areall good. I got a head pat out of it. I deignto lick her to let her know all is forgiven.

8:15 a.m.: Chew! Chew chew. ParsleyAND romaine. I think binkies.

8:20 a.m.: Stretch, yawn. Time for anap. I assume my spot under the cozychair. They have a hard time getting tome with their kisses. Ugh.

9 a.m.: PELLET HOUR!! PELLETHOUR!!!!!! IT IS PELLET HOUR!!!WHERE WILL THE PELLETS BE?HOW MANY PELLETS WILL IGET? WILL THEY ALL BE ATONCE? WILL THEY BE SCATTEREDTHROUGHOUT THE DAY? Todaythe pellets are on the back of the LoudOne. Sometimes they put them in mymaze, or in the shoe. I don’t like that,because my nose gets stuck. CRUNCHCRUNCH. Yawn, stretch, flop. Timefor my longer nap.

11:03 a.m.: NOOOO!!!! I have beenrudely awakened by the Loud One.

11:04 a.m.: The Loud One is making aweird noise. Shhhhh child, sleep time.Oh yes! A pellet! Oh look it’s inside myhuge lockable cage. They don’t knowhow much they spoil me. Heh. Oh no!Why is the door shutting?! No! Comeback! I’ll lick!!! At least I have my pelletto comfort me. Wait. It’s gone! Now I’mstuck with Lamby. Ugh. When I try tolick her, she doesn’t even try to lickback! Rude!

2 p.m.: I think something is wrong withthese people! They never sleep!

2:30 p.m.: The Food Lady had the nerveto scoop me up when I chewed on thechest. That is what wood is FOR. Shedid give me a stick, though, my favoritekind. I grab it and hop away. Sticks arenot for sharing.3 p.m.: NOOOOO! The THING!THE GREEN THING THEY BRUSHME WITH! I bow to their pressure. At least I get a pellet or two out of it. Ishould hold out for carrots.

3:20 p.m.: Ha! They left the Green Thingon the floor. Unattended. Unprotected.Punishment time! I neatly chew my wayaround two circles of the sticky-outiethings. So satisfying. This Thing shallnot rise again. The only grooming myfur needs can be more easily accomplishedby ME, people. That is what my tongueis for. The Loud One starts yelling, youguessed it, loudly. She seems upset. Sheand the Food Lady talk all loud and fastand now the bigger one is talking intosomething in her hand. Now, they arestaring at me. For a really long time.

3:20 p.m.: My tummy hurts. I’d bestretreat into the dollhouse.4 p.m.: OK, better. I wake up; they arestill staring at me. They put some romainedown, and OH IS THAT APPLE???Yep, that’s better. I think I….Oh, hay!I feel like… BINKY BINKY BINKY5:30 p.m.: They may be loud andannoying, but I do love them. The Loud One pets my ears. Licks for her.Lots of cooing noises.

6 p.m.: My shoe has moved. That is notcool. Now I have to re-chin it. I thinkthey need to understand who is incharge here. I know – up on the couch!Ah, relief. Who needs a litter box?6:01 p.m.: I am in disgrace again. Backto the other room.7:30 p.m.: Yay they let me out!!!!!! TheLoud One looks sorry. She is sayingsomething. I think it’s either bring outthe pellets or hello my little dude! Ithink we all know which one I hope itis! Ooh! Wait! They put the food matdown! FOOD MAT!!!! FOOD MAT!!!!My baby! I circle it, and circle it andcircle it! They find a corner of the matwhere I am not and put down my parsleyand… and… CILANTROOOOOO!!!!!I would binky, but… FOOD! Let’s justdrag this cilantro over here! I know I’mnot supposed to, but… FOOD!! Whocares about the rules if there is food inthe question. Or answer! I like food.8 p.m.: I retreat to my litter box. Sincewhen is there this much hay? Does itreally matter? I mean I’ve been mowingdown my pile today. It could have some -thing to do with that mysterious bag onthe window sill… I am a happy bunny!8:45 p.m.: Another pellet, (orpelleeeeeeeeeeeeet as I like to call it) hasappeared! It is going into the smallerroom! I know not to follow but it’s apelleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!!! Oh no, I’m stuckin here again… Don’t they get thatnighttime is for fun? I chew on my hay.I try and nose my way out of the doorand I don’t succeed. Sigh. I’ll have towait till morning for fun.

Photo: Cornelia Cooley

Woofle.

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 7

LONG ISLAND NEWS

Krystin Koerner grooms Muffin, using the glove method.

Photos: Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group

Cinnabun gets cheek rubs after a pedicure.

‘Oh, You Spicy Bun!’By Krystin Koerner

In the last Thump issue, April Overholserwrote about a rescue case of 18 rabbitstogether in a hutch and how they werecared for by a team of Long Islandvolunteers. I was one of the volunteerswho helped with the care of the rabbits(the total grew to 28 after two rabbitshad babies). These rabbits came from ahorrible situation, and for the most partalmost all of them responded incrediblywell to human interaction.

On my first day, I walked into the roomwe had for them and it was overwhelming.We had to make lots of changes to giveeach rabbit some space, make room forsupplies and still leave an area for rabbitsto exercise while we cleaned cages. Ilooked to my right, and the first rabbit Imet was named Muffin. I went over andtried to greet her, and well, it was notwell received. She bit me. Then I metCinnabun and she grunted and boxed atthe cage door. I joked and said, “Thesetwo have something extra spicy.” Theywere given the nickname “the spice girls.”

The first month, Muffin and Cinnabundid not want to be touched. We usedspecial gloves to move each girl out ofher space to a pen for exercise time. These“spice girls” would honk, lounge, attackand bite when a volunteer tried to moveanything in their space or attempted totouch them.

This really upset me because I just wantedto give them the attention they deserved.These two buns generated a lot of anxietyand caution because of their extra “spice.”Eventually we were able to rearrange thecages and found them a spot where thetwo girls did not have to be picked up.By just placing the X-pen in front of theopen door of each cage, they came outon their own. They were actually veryhappy buns when they were out forexercise. Muffin would binky like crazyand catch some serious airtime, andCinnabun was a queen at zoomies.

Once they were spayed, we began to seethat they were becoming less aggressive.I observed less of a problem when youopened their cage doors, and knew it wastime to build upon their socializationskills. This was not easy because both ofthem had bitten me.

I would come in before the Brookhavenshelter was open, so the dogs were not as loud and there were fewer visitors. Iplayed acoustic ’90s music for the rabbits.

As a future educator, I have an understandingof how an environment can affect learningand emotions. I would spend over 30minutes with each of the rabbits. In thebeginning, all I would do was just sitthere and allow one of the “spice girls” tointeract with me. If they sniffed, nudgedor interacted with me in any way, Iwould stay still. By staying still, I allowedthem to see that they were in control.After a while, they began climbing overme. When they started to do this, Iintroduced greens like parsley and cilantro.I would place the greens on my lap orlegs and let them come to me. Observingtheir behavior, I started holding thegreens in my hands. Now they had tocome even closer to me to grab the greens.

Other volunteers began to join in withthe socialization when I was not thereand saw the improvements in theirbehavior, saying, “Oh, the spice girls arenot as spicy.” One of the volunteers wasactually able to hold each girl in her lapand groom them. Eventually, I was ableto pet them, and even place Muffin inmy lap for pets. Amid the coronaviruscrisis, all of the rescued rabbits had toleave the shelter because no volunteerswere able to visit and help. Both Cinnabunand Muffin have been taken into thecare of Long Island Rabbit Rescue Groupand their names have been changed.

To some volunteers, the term “spicy bun”had a negative meaning. But I calledthem the spice girls because of the namesthey originally were given – baked treatswith lots of flavor. Once other volunteersbegan to work with the girls, they under -stood the spiciness. These two bunshave had lots of improvement and theirsocial skills have improved.

My personal opinion, not just aboutthese two rabbits but all rabbits, is thatrescued animals have been through anexperience that has had a major impact

(Continued on page 9)

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 8

LONG ISLAND NEWS

Spicy Bun(Continued from page 8)

on them. As humans, we also haveexperiences that change us personally. Inever place blame on a rabbit for havinga “spicy nature,” but instead I try todevelop an understanding of the behavior.With any rabbit, we need to create abond. Some rabbits are extremely social,and some just want to do their own thing,and you know what? That is perfectlyokay! That does not mean that they are

not adoptable; it just means that theyneed a home that fits each personality.These two rabbits, in particular, woulddo better in a home with no children orother pets. In a quiet space you can fully appreciate their personalities. I amincredibly proud of the socializationimprovement in these spicy girls, andbelieve it’s okay to have that extra sass!

These “spicy buns” have taught me alesson during the time they were at theshelter. Every rabbit has quirks. Some

are sweet, some are shy and timid, andsome have that spice! It is the volunteeror a rabbit parent that can make thedifference. If you put in the time to allowrabbits to adjust to what it is like beingaround people who want to show themlove, they will embrace it. You can’t be“spicy” yourself and get frustrated withthem. Remember that before they metyou, someone gave up on them. Openyour heart and open your mind to theexperience and embrace the spice!

By Alyssa Eisenberg

In early May, my mom told me thatthere was a bunny spotted at SunkenMeadow State Park in Suffolk County,but that there were no details available.She said that we might have to go helpwith the rescue if we heard more about it.

Fast forward to Mother’s Day, when mymom, Christine Roche, told me thatsome of the volunteers at Long IslandRabbit Rescue Group were going to goto the park to see if they could spot thebunny. I said that I wanted to go helpbecause the first rescue I did, for a rabbitnamed Paisley, had gone so well.

My mom and I gathered a pen and abanana for the bunny, and then we wereon our way. Once we got to the park we

saw some of the volunteers on the sideof the road and we asked them for anupdate about the mysterious rabbit.They said that they saw the bunny butthat it had disappeared into the bushesand trees.

Denise Bertolotti of LIRRG had told usthat we had received permission to lookfor the rabbit. Other volunteers whotook part in the rescue were Katie Kane,Matt Moran, Mary Harms and RichDuMola. We hiked into an area ofprickly, leafy bushes and finally got aglimpse of the bunny. We tried toenclose it with the help of a few X-pens.

The rabbit kept escaping because thebranches and underbrush made itimpossible for us to get the pens securelyaround her. After we made a few tries

and received many cuts and bruises, wefound her lying down in an open area.We quickly surrounded her with thepens. My mom was able to grab thebunny and put her into a carrier.

We left the thorny bushes and trees andreturned to the open area alongside theparkway. Once Denise arrived, she toldus that one of the park managers hadarranged for a foster home prior to therescue.

I was really grateful to have taken partin another successful rescue effort. Thevolunteers all worked together to helpthis little white bunny and get her safelyout of the woods. Her foster mom hasnamed her Hopper!

THUMP JUNE/JULY 2020 9

Mother’s Day Rescue

Rescued bunny with her foster parent, Nikki.Volunteers Alyssa Eisenberg and Katie Kane. In the carrier.

Photos: Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group

(Continued on page 11)

ADOPTIONS

We Are Looking for Loving Homes:These Rabbits Are in Foster Care

Ashton.

Carmela.

Ernie. Ernie.

AshtonHe is a medium-sized dark chocolateRex who is as soft as he is fabulous!Ashton is a super-friendly, young boy

who loves attention. He is an easygoing,inquisitive extrovert. Ashton has beenenjoying living in a bunny-friendly home.He has been moderately active, but wehave much more to learn about him. Ifinterested in potentially adopting pleaseemail nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.

CarmelaCarmela is a young medium-sized Rexrabbit. Her beautiful coat is mostlywhite with tan and black spots. She is a

sweet rabbit who loves to have her softnose petted. She also likes to explore herhouse, but her favorite thing is to relaxwith a nice soft blanket. Carmela is shyand would likely do best in an adult-only home. She would also likely makea good partner for another rabbit. Shehas been spayed and is in foster care. Formore information and/or to arrange ameeting with Carmela, please emailnyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.

ErnieErnie is a handsome, medium-sizedyoung bunny who was in bad shapeupon being rescued, apparently becausehe was left outdoors. We got him the vetcare and TLC he needed, and now he islooking for a forever home. Ernie has agreat appetite for pellets and greens, butstill will not eat any hay, so about everythree months he must have his molarspurs filed down by a rabbit-savvy vet.This is a relatively quick procedure, andhe has always started eating immediately

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ADOPTIONS

Rabbits in Foster Care(Continued from page10)

afterward. Ernie is an active and curiousrabbit, but still very shy and not muchinterested in humans (other than whenyou offer food, of course!), so we thinkhe would be best off as a partner rabbit.He has been neutered and has very goodlitter-box skills. If interested in fosteringor adopting this resilient, hunky bunny,please email nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.

Li’l BritchesLi’l Britches is a big personality in asmall package. This brown femaleLionhead is feisty, friendly and neverafraid to tell you if she doesn’t likesomething. She has thick furry cheeksand loves deep cheek rubs and pets. Shehad a bout of head tilt when she wasyoung and has some residual balanceissues. She may plop to one side whilegrooming but the main concern is whenshe stands just on her hind legs to reach

up. If she goes too far straight up, shewill freeze and fall backwards, so heradopter must be extremely careful notto have her stand up on her back legs

for treats or to reach things in herhabitat. Her entire habitat and exercisearea must be covered with carpet andsoft surfaces to help her balance. Ifinterested in adopting this beauty, pleaseemail nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.

Marshmallow and CarmineMarshmallow and Carmine are a perfectpair of bonded rabbits looking for theloving forever home that they deserve.Marshmallow is a white and brownfemale English Spot mix and Carmine isa white and brown male Dutch andLionhead mix. This sweet and spunkypair of buns hope to find humans whowill love them as much as they love eachother. They would do best in a homewith lots of attention and time toexercise. They are both fixed and litter-box trained. If interested in adoptingMarshmallow and Carmine, pleasecontact nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.

Marshmallow and Carmine.

Li’l Britches.

Loraine with foster bunnies Gilderoy and Remus in 2014.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Loraine Kopf, a Longtime Rabbit Rescuer and Fosterer, Dies of CoronavirusLoraine Kopf died April 21 at the age of77 of coronavirus.

Loraine was an early volunteer withRabbit Rescue & Rehab. She took partin adoption activities all overManhattan, and loved sharing storiesabout her own rabbits. Loraine kept intouch with many of our adopters,answering questions and checking onhow the rabbits were adjusting.

In August 2010, Natalie Reeves wrote astory for Thump about Loraine’svolunteer work with the AnimalMedical Center Pet Outreach Program.Loraine made monthly visits to Coler-Goldwater Hospital on RooseveltIsland, and she brought along three ofher four rabbits to teach patients aboutrabbit breeds and to answer questions.At the time, she had a Hotot mix,

Abbie; an Angora bunny, Stuart, and aRex bunny, Ariel. Loraine’s fourthrabbit, Lavender, didn’t take part in theprogram because she liked to nip.

Loraine would save Stuart’s discardedfur to spin. A few months after his deathin late 2011, she wrote: “I first saw Stuart,

an English Angora, four years ago at theManhattan shelter. I was going to fosterhim, but he was adopted before I coulddo so. When he was returned, I simplyhad to bring him home. It was meant tobe. Because I spin, I collected his hairwhen I groomed him three times a week.He liked to be groomed, and he wouldsit patiently on my lap, not moving,until I finished.”

Loraine volunteered for years at theManhattan shelter, and her reports werefilled with joy. Each rabbit was a distinctindividual to her. Here is part of hershelter report from early April 2007:

“Today was exciting at the shelter. WhenI arrived, Melissa told me that a bunwas loose in the room, since the peoplewho cleaned the room couldn’t get itback in its cage. And who was it? Bartley,of course! But he was good and didn’teven try to bite me when I returned himto his cage…And then surprise of allsurprises...The last bun to have his cagecleaned was Thaddeus, and I took himout, noticing that his belly was unusuallyfat. After putting him into the puppypen to clean out his cage, I noticed aload of lop hair piled in the cage, and allthe paper shredded up. I tried to pullthe entire mess forward to the front ofthe cage, and suddenly felt something

(Continued on page 13)

Photo: Natalie Reeves

Lavender, Abbie and Ariel.

Photo: Jane O’W

yatt

Stuart.

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some brown paper on the front of thecage, so they will have privacy and notbe disturbed. I pulled out only the smallpieces of brown paper that I could reachand didn’t disturb the nest. So whoeveris there tomorrow, please make sure theyhave greens (I came in the car and couldnot park anywhere near a store!), andcheck to see that the babies are OK.

Here is one of Loraine’s emails fromMay 2008:

“Last night Natalie Reeves and I wereinvited to see Goldie and Queenie(Mocha’s long-haired girls) at theiradoptive parents’ apartment. Theylooked absolutely gorgeous, larger thanwhen they left me and fatter withwonderfully groomed coats! Natalietook lots of photos, and once I receivethem, I’ll forward them to everyone.

We’re still seriously thinking about afamily reunion with at least their onebrother, Robin, and their parents,Mocha and Thaddeus. P.S. Whoeverthinks that buns forget their fosterparents would be mistaken. Both girlsjumped in my lap and sniffed me upand down, probably remembering notonly my scent, but that of my 3 buns!Plus there was the interesting scent ofAnnabell, my new dog, which seemedto fascinate them.”

Loraine lived on the Upper West Sideand was a Manhattan resident for manyyears. She spoke fluent French andGerman. In recent years, Loraine was inpoor health, but she continued to fosterrabbits and to speak out on their behalf.Her passion and love inspired all of us.

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Loraine (Continued from page 12)

move. Well, Thaddeus is really Thelmaand had given birth to at least seventeeny naked buns!!! All were carefullycovered with the hair she had torn outof her fur, so I could tell see exactly howmany there were. But since Thelma wasstill pretty round, I can imagine that bytomorrow there might even more! Icalled up Jennifer Saver. She told me tojust leave the babies in the cage withtheir mother and not move them. Sheinstructed me to put up a sign tellingeveryone not to touch them, but only tomake sure that they have lots of newhay, pellets, and water. Melissa printedout a large orange sign which we clippedto the clipboard on Thelma’s cage, andMarla (who is off from school) put up

Love and Loss During the PandemicBy Amanda Puitiza

This pandemic has affected the entireworld in so many different ways. Peoplehave experienced unexpected tragediesand heartache almost daily. Our companionanimals have been our “light in darkplaces.” So when I unexpectedly lost myboy Jack, it was a dark moment in adark situation. Having my Athena totake care of and to get her through herloss was actually the best coping strategyI could find.

With the limited options available at themoment, it has been like a miracle tobond Athena to a new boy called Martin.It was enlightening to see that out oftragedy can come new joy. Soon afterthey fully bonded, Athena was binkyingin the mornings again. Her new relation -ship is different but equally good. Andwe have worked on rehabilitating Martin,who may have suffered abuse and traumain his past.

I wasn’t ready for a new rabbit. It is stillpainful to think about not seeing Jackever again. I am glad Athena wasn’t

alone long and that she is happy again.Mourning is difficult and personal foreveryone, and I couldn’t say exactly howAthena went about it. But we had each

other throughout the good times andsadness. We will always have Jack in our hearts.

Athena and Martin.

Photo: Amanda Puitiza

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Lilith.

Letters From AdoptersMartinMartin, formerly known as Hopsy, wasadopted by Gillinda James in December.He is enjoying life with his tiny partner,Theodosia (fka Greenpoint).

Hopsy’s name is Martin now and we hada long road of potty training, bondingand getting him to trust all of us. Wealso needed to work on him not freakingout over food and making sure we weren’tunder/overfeeding him. We had someissues with aggression and lashing out ashe was getting settled in and he wasfiguring out that we were not there tohurt him and that his territory is alsoour territory.

I’m happy to say that he’s doing well andhas integrated very nicely into our home.We’ve gotten Theodosia and Martin torespect each other’s food, which hasgreatly improved mealtimes. They bothhad a wellness checkup in February andthe vet was happy with how they weredoing. Martin’s food excitement is apersonality trait and not a dietary problem.

LilithLileanne Ortiz adopted Lilith, formerlyknown as Noir, in February. Here is herwonderful update.

Lilith is the best thing to have happenedto me, especially because I adopted herbefore the quarantine situation.

She has lifted my spirits a lot; since Ilost my dog I was looking for that bondthat I had with my previous pet and Iwas so surprised by her personality.

She is a little dog in a rabbit body! She isso active and so nurturing. She loves tocome over at night and make herself aplace under my blankets to sleep. Shefollows me all over the place and likes tobe included in anything that’s happening.

I am so lucky that I was able to find herand take her home. She is truly specialto me and from the bottom of my heart

I would like to thank you guys forrescuing her. That’s my little baby!

Lileanne Ortiz

Photo: Lileanne Ortiz

Photo: Gillianda JamesTheodosia is not the most affectionate

of rabbits and very much enjoys herspace, which was a challenge becauseMartin was having none of that. Now, Ithink she’s gotten used to his snugglesand will even groom his eyes when theyget runny or his face when he has some -thing stuck to it. She’s a bit of a neatfreak and he is very messy, so it’s beenquite the change in the house. I haveput a number of obstacles around mybed so that Martin can’t get up therebecause he’s only recently potty trainedand he likes to bring hay up there orchew the bed frame. But he and Theodosiaget around the obstacles every night,and I wake up to him staring right at me,and Theodosia lying in my hair mostlikely. I guess it’s time to give up on that.

I think the best way to describe Martinis overwhelming excitement. When Ichange the water in his bowl in themorning and before bed, he runs andgulps like he’s never had water before.When it’s eating time, he acts as if he’snever eaten in his life. When I walk

through the door, it’s as if I’ve been gonefor six months. When he sees Theodosiaagain after I separate them to clip theirnails, it’s as if his long-lost lover hasreturned from war. He just has a lot ofemotions and is not afraid to show them.

Best,Gillinda

Theodosia and Martin.

PennyAmy Liao sent another great update aboutPenny, formerly known as Lola, who wasadopted in early January.

Although the world around us seems tobe falling apart, things at home havebeen pretty great!

Penny is doing very well, and I havebeen able to spend a lot more time withher because I am working from homefull-time.

She recently completed her seasonalmolting. For about three weeks, I wasbasically swimming in her fur.

Penny has put on a little weight! I amvery excited about this because she wasunderweight when we first got her sixmonths ago.

Love,Amy

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Kiki. Remington.

Sherlock.

CELEBRITIES IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Bunbun. Rosie.Star.

Licensed HRS Educators

Manhattan:Deborah Levison, DVMSymphony Veterinary Center170 West 96th Street, New York, NY 10025(212) 866-8000

Katherine Quesenberry, DVMThe Animal Medical Center510 East 62nd St., New York, NY 10065(212) 838-7053, (212) 329-8622

Alexandra Wilson, DVMThe Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine568 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10024(212) 501-8750

Westchester County:Gil Stanzione, DVMDakota Veterinary Center381 Dobbs Ferry Road,White Plains,NY 10607 (914) 421-0020

Laurie Hess, DVMVeterinary Center for Birds and Exotics709 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, NY 10507(914) 864-1414

Rabbit-Savvy VeterinariansHere’s our recommended vet list for the NewYork metropolitan area.Please note that manyclinics have multiple veterinarians, and our recommendations are for specific veterinariansin those clinics. If you can’t get an appointment with a recommended vet at one clinic, don’tassume (no matter what you are told by the clinic) that other vets in the same clinic can helpyour rabbit. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the vets on this list,please contact Mary Cotter at (914) 337-6146. When you make an appointment with any of these vets, please tell them you were referred by us.

Long Island:Jennifer Saver, DVMLaura George, DVMCatnip & Carrots Veterinary Hospital2056 Jericho TurnpikeNew Hyde Park, NY 11040(516) 877-7080

Heidi Hoefer, DVMIsland Exotic Vet Care591 East Jericho Turnpike Huntington Station, NY 11746(631) 424-0300

Jeff Rose, DVMJefferson Animal Hospital606 Patchogue Rd.(Route 112)Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776(631) 473-0415

Shachar Malka, DVMLong Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic333 Great Neck RoadGreat Neck, NY 11021 (516) 482-1101

Adoptable RabbitsThere are lots of adoptable rabbits availablein Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester andLong Island.

To adopt a rabbit in New York City or West -chester, contact nyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.On Long Island, contact Nancy Schreiber atnschreibmd@gmail.com or at 516-510-3637(www.longislandrabbitrescue.org).

If interested in volunteering or fostering for Rabbit Rescue & Rehab, please emailnyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com.

Adoptable Rabbit Rescue & Rehab rabbitsare at Petco’s Union Square location. Rabbitvolunteers are present at these stores onSaturday and Sunday afternoons to answerquestions.

You can also visit Manhattan Animal CareCenter at 326 East 110th St., between Firstand Second avenues, and the Brooklyn AnimalCare Center at 2336 Linden Boulevard.

Rabbits for adoption in Manhattan andBrooklyn can be found by going to:

All donations go directly to caring for ourfoster rabbits and are tax-deductible. Pleasehelp us help them by sending contributions to:Rabbit Rescue & Rehab/NYC Metro Rabbit,333 Mamaroneck Ave, #363, White Plains, NY10605 or rabbitcare.org/donate. To contribute to Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group, please go towww.longislandrabbitrescue.org.

NYC/Westchester: M.C. Basile, Chapter Manager,NYC House Rabbit Society

MaryCotter, Founder, Rabbit Rescue & Rehab,Adviser to Thump, mec@cloud9.net, (914) 337-6146

Jeanine Callace, Rofoyo.pippin@verizon.net

Alex McIe, alexlmcie@gmail.com

Marcie Frishberg

Gabrielle LaManna, New Fairfield, CT,gabbysbunnies@yahoo.com, (203) 746-7548

Cindy Stutts, bygolyoly@yahoo.com, (646) 319-4766

Monica Shepherd, DVM

Long Island:Nancy Schreiber, President, Long IslandRabbit Rescue Group,nschreibmd@gmail.com, (516) 510-3637,LongIslandRabbitRescue.org

Mary Ann Maier, Long Island RabbitRescue Group Volunteer,altitude8@yahoo.com,LongIslandRabbitRescue.org

Donna Sheridan, Long Island Rabbit RescueGroup Volunteer, hpocus217@yahoo.com,LongIslandRabbitRescue.org

Jennifer Saver, DVM

Laura George, DVM

Newsletter of RRR/NYC HRSrabbitcare.org

Editor: Susan LilloCreative Director: Jane O’WyattMasthead Logo Designer: Mary Ann Maier

Rabbit Rescue & Rehab is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation in New York State. Ourpurpose is to rescue, rehabilitate and findpermanent homes for abandoned, abused andneglected rabbits, and to educate the public on rabbit care through publications, phoneconsultations, home visits and presentations.This newsletter is published by RRR/NYC HRS,which is solely responsible for its content. Weretain the right to edit all submissions, whichbecome the property of the NYC Chapter and cannot be returned.

http://www.nycacc.org/ and doing anadoption search (for ACC inquiries aboutadoption/bunny dates, email adopt@nycacc.org).Volunteers are there every weekday eveningand on Saturday and Sunday afternoons,but it is best to arrange an appointment first.

Bunny speed dates can be arranged byappointment only on weekend afternoons at Union Square. Please contactnyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com to makearrangements.

Many of our rabbits are living in fosterhomes and you can meet them as well. Youalso can arrange to foster a rabbit until he or she finds a permanent home. Contactnyc.metro.rabbits@gmail.com

For basic information about rabbits as pets, go to rabbitcare.org,www.longislandrabbitrescue.org and the House Rabbit Society main site,www.rabbit.org.

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