We See White Rabbits

We just have a thing for white rabbits. Lots of people don't, but then they don't know what they're missing: the super-sweet nature, the snowy whiteness, the quintessential bunny. White rabbits bring so much to mind: Alice in Wonderland, Jefferson Airplane ("One pill makes you larger, one pill makes you small...."), and, of course, the classic movie Harvey, starring Jimmy Stewart and the six-foot, three-and-a-half-inch pooka Harvey.

So we're particularly happy to thank Laura Lanford and Thomas Rammer, who run moviesontheroof.com. They run a small private movie festival in the Printer's Row neighborhood of Chicago. At each screening, they offer a themed beer and highlight a themed charity.

This summer they chose Red Door as their charity when they screened Henry Koster's Harvey, paired with Pooka Pale Ale.

By the way, a pooka is a benign but mischievous creature from Celtic mythology who is especially fond of social outcasts (like Elwood P. Dowd, the Jimmy Stewart character).Hmm, sounds like many rabbits we have met--although none of them anywhere near six feet tall (except in their own minds!).

We thank them so much and so does Bella Swan, one of the many white rabbits we've rescued and adopted out. Maybe next year, moviesontheroof.com will consider a showing of Watership Down?

Every Bunny Needs Somebunny (Sometimes)

Love (or at least friendship) was in the air at Red Door on a recent Wednesday evening, with a possible record of 4 sets of simultaneous sessions of "Bunny Speed Dating"!

Rabbits are social animals, and are often happiest with a companion.  While many can successfully bond with their people or other pets, in most cases they do best with a companion of their own kind.

However, anyone who has lived with rabbits knows that nobody can sulk like an annoyed rabbit, so it is usually suggested that rabbits be allowed to help pick out their own companions.  Each rabbit is an individual, but usually the easiest bondings are spayed female with neutered male.  Male/male bondings can work, and the most difficult is female/female.

Many people come to Red Door looking for a companion for their own rabbit.  First they meet with an experienced volunteer to talk about their rabbit's personality and habits - this is important in helping us match them with a likely friend.  Then it's time for Date Night!

Marilyn

Marilyn recently came to Red Door after 10 years as a school bunny.  This dignified seniorbun had a chance to meet Valentino, and they seemed "pretty chill".  We're all hoping that this works out, as she deserves a quiet retirement with a good friend after all she has been through.

Swatch

 

Rolex

   Swatch and Rolex are two of Blossom's babies born at Red Door last year.  They were adopted together but recently have decided that they hate each other.  After a brief break, we tried to introduce them again, but they seem seriously set against each other now.  Swatch had a brief meeting with Winslet (see below) last week, and Rolex was introduced to several girls this week, but everyone seems too stressed out right now for any real bonding. We'll give everyone a nice long break and try again later.

Capri and Frances

Visiting Ex Frances was there to meet Capri, who is one of this year's Easter class.  There was "a lot of circling" but not in a threatening way, and shared some lettuce.  They are going to have their second date this coming Wednesday.




Red Door alumn Winslet was on her third date with Irving.  All continued to go well, with only a few tiny scuffles that were quickly defused.  He has now gone home to foster with her in hopes that everything works out on her home turf.

Irving and Winslet at home

  If you are interested in getting a companion for your rabbit, there is lots of great information online that can be helpful.  In particular, BinkyBunny has quite a few "bonding journals" on their forums, which can give you a realistic idea of the process.  Or just call or e-mail us - we'd be happy to play matchmaker for you!

Another Hoppy Ending - Panda/Lola

Panda - November 2008

Little Panda was born at Red Door, and adopted by a pre-teen girl and her family.  We thought she was in a happy forever home, but poor Panda had a long way to go before finding her Hoppy Ending.

Red Door was contacted by the girl, who wanted to bring Panda back because she was "going away to college".  A little checking on Facebook revealed the truth - that the girl wanted a kitten and needed to "get rid of" Panda!

Still, a Red Door rabbit is a Red Door rabbit for life, so we offered to take her back.  We received an e-mail from the girl saying that her little brother was going to take over Panda's care. 

Over the next several months, our volunteers received several emails from the brother claiming that Panda was "aggressive" and looking for advice as to how to "tame her".  They pleaded with the boy to just bring her back, but received no response.  Apparently he went off to summer camp, and Panda sat alone in a cage for months, un-socialized and lonely, receiving food and water but starved for companionship.

Panda - February 2012

When the family was finally convinced to relinquish her, she was skittish, unhealthy, and very unhappy. She found the shelter environment very stressful, and was absolutely miserable.  Luckily, we have many angels at Red Door, and one of them is Patti.  She took Panda home with her and gave her loving care, rooms to stretch her legs,  and a quiet space to heal.  After several months, Panda was coming out of her shell and ready for another chance at a forever home.

Jessica had grown up with a Hotot, and loves pets with "lots of personality".  (Some would say "attitude"). When she and her husband decided to adopt a rabbit, fond memories of her childhood companion drew her to Panda.  Now renamed Lola, she shares her home with two feline siblings.  Pixie is the younger cat, nearly the same age as Lola, and the two have become best friends.  Marley, the older cat, seems content to observe and merely seems grateful that Pixie has somebunny to pester instead of him!

Lola and Pixie - Best Friends

 Pixie has taught Lola how to go down the stairs, and she has made the largely-empty basement into her own private bunny-gymnasium where she can run, jump, and lounge in cool comfort.  She has taken over one of the many cat-trees as her daytime napping place, and "redecorated" the doorway for easier and more convenient access.  And woe betide anyone who dares to set a glass down on "her" side table - she will come running to defend her other favorite lounging space

Aaah - that's the spot!

 
Lola would never have found her Hoppy Ending without the tireless work and dedication of our many Red Door volunteers. But there is always more that needs doing.  Cleaning volunteers don't have the most glamorous-sounds jobs, but they are essential to keeping our residents healthy and happy.  Foster-parents take animals into their home for more one-on-one time, a quiet vacation away from the shelter, or just to free up a shelter space for another animal needing rescue.  Donations of money and pet food help keep our Pet Food Pantry running and provide a way to help people on fixed or limited incomes keep their beloved animal companions.  Volunteers staff our events, do community outreach, follow-up on reports of stray or abandoned animals, or just help with the phones and the paperwork.  For ways that you can help see our Volunteer Needs page or just give us a call.

 

The Class of 2012 - Top Ten

In the weeks since Easter, we've had TEN abandoned Easter Bunnies come through our doors.

Dewey has the distinction of being Red Door's first "Easter Bunny" of 2012.  He's been neutered, but then picked up a respiratory infection.  He's doing just fine, and should be healthy enough for adoption very soon.




Little Roo came in and then was adopted so quickly that we didn't even get a good photo of her! 

Rabberto loves everyone, and you're next!   He loves to be petted, and is happy to show his delight by flopping and tooth-purring.   This cheerful caramel-colored boy was recently featured at The Daily Bunny.

Check out Chestnut's classic Dutch markings of white t-shirt and dark pants!  This little boy is very inquisitive and likes to give bunny kisses.

This tiny Rex girl is Capri.  She ran right up to the bars looking for someone to play with!  She came in with a big oil stain on her back, probably from hiding under a car.  But she's all clean now, and will be spayed as soon as she is big enough.

It is REALLY hard to get a good photo of this tiny black and grey puffball!  This is Licorice, and he was found hiding in a parking lot.  Sadly, rescue came too late for his bunny-friend who was found deceased nearby.  Licorice is now over his case of coccidia and due to be neutered soon.

Maple was running loose near the Forest Preserve in Skokie.  She needs a bit of time to get healthy before she's ready to be adopted, but she's in good hands now!  She has a lovely little white kissing-spot on her chest..

Blackbeard arrived in a laundry basket, brought in by a good samaritan who found him in a Portage Park neighborhood.  He's a Rex with deep black velvet fur, and he loves to be petted.

And speaking of pettins!  This blissed-out bunny boy is Irving, another Rex boy.  He is white with brown markings and was found abandoned in the park.


All of these boys and girls should be ready for adoption soon.  We also have many other rabbits who are ready for immediate adoption. Contact us to make an appointment for an introduction!

Respect The Rabbit - Easter Amnesty Program

It's no secret to anyone who reads this blog that Easter can be a difficult time for rabbit rescue groups.  Every year we see rabbits who are purchased as impulse gifts for the holiday, and then neglected or discarded when the novelty wears off.  New rabbit owners are often ill-informed about proper rabbit care and the need for spaying or neutering.  The lucky ones are turned into Red Door or other rescue organizations, but too many are dumped in the wild under the mistaken impression that they will survive.

That's why we are excited about this year's new 'Respect The Rabbit' campaign!

   Through press releases, radio spots, and posters we are working to spread our message about rabbit education!

No Greg, that's not what we meant ...

"We want the public to become more familiar with rabbits and educate them on proper care" says Rabbit Adoption Coordinator Toni Greetis.  "Most people think of rabbits as low maintenance starter pets who only live for a couple of years. Red Door wants rabbits to have the same level respect that is given to dogs and cats. the more people know about rabbits, the less likely they are to make impulse purchases."

Stores participating in the Amnesty program agree not to sell any rabbits between April 1st and April 15th, and to display our poster in their store. 


The Amnesty simply prevents people from buying a rabbit on impulse just because it looks cute cuddly and fluffy. But the Amnesty also works to raise awareness of rabbit welfare issues. It is an idea opportunity for retailers to openly demonstrate how they take their animal care responsibilities seriously - and are both able and willing to put animal welfare before commercial profit. The Amnesty is also a great way of engaging customers, forging long-term relationships with customers and the local community through positive action...From the retailers perspective, acustomer who gives the rabbit up after a few weeks or months is only a very small and short-term financial benefit. A customer who is truly committed to the long-term care of their rabbit can be a great customer for 10 years or more!

  (from the program intro packet)

Over a dozen pet stores were approached, and we are pleased to announce that  The Animal Store  and Wilmette Pet Center have teamed up with us as part of this new campaign.  Each store will be featured in an upcoming blog entry, and we encourage you to choose them for your pet supply needs and to let them know how much you appreciate their taking part in this campaign. 

Girl Power!

In many ways, the rabbit world runs on Girl Power.  Domestic rabbits were originally bred from the European wild rabbits, which have a matriarchal social structure. In some breeds, the female is usually larger than the male. But no matter what the breed, there are a lot of girlbuns whose personalities are out of all proportion to their physical size.  A perfect example of this is Dora, who is currently living in a Red Door foster home.

I'm not quite sure about you yet...

Isadora was found outside in the spring of 2009. The person who found her was able to foster her for a short while until we had space available. She came to Red Door in April of 2009. She was adopted in June of 2009, only to be returned in June of 2011 when her mom moved to Louisiana.

Dora was not very happy to be back at the shelter, and she became increasingly irritable, so she was fostered by our own Toni.  Toni woke up one day to find a huge puddle of blood in Dora's pen. After a visit to Animal 911, it became apparent that Dora had a severe urinary tract infection and had passed a stone overnight. Poor baby must have been in pain for a while, and that's certainly enough to make a girl pretty cranky!

And what do YOU want?

Dora recovered from her UTI, but was still pretty fiesty when penned, so we sent her to be fostered with Victoria Velinski in September of 2011.  Victoria took to calling her Go-Go, after the character in Kill Bill, because of her aggression.   Female buns, particularly those from less-than-ideal backgrounds, can be VERY cage-protective.

Spring in the garden!

With some stability and patience in her living environment, she has made loads of progress.  She is still very opinionated, usually announcing her arrival in a room with an emphatic THUMP!  But she is also quite social with the animals she shares her foster home with - she likes to play tag with her kitty friends and even gets along well with their large Bernese Mountain Dog!  She can run hot-and-cold as far as other rabbits are concerned, but perhaps she just hasn't met the right guy yet.

Queen of the Castle

Of course, a woman needs her own space.  Dora is still picky about how her cage is arranged, but as long as you open it and let her leave on her own first,  you can clean it without being molested.  Just remember that once you're done, she is going to want some time to move and chin everything back to exactly the way she wants it.  Can you really blame her?  Would you want your living room rearranged every few days?

She will tolerate being picked up, as long as her butt is properly supported, and will even give bunny-kisses!  She is also quite the mountain-goat, once surprising Victoria from the top of the piano.

This confident bungirl is going to need someone who understands that at the age of 4 she has her own ideas about things and wants to be able to do things her own way.  She demands respect, but with her around life will certainly never be boring!

Dora is available for adoption.

.

Leap(ing) Year!

We had a great month of adoptions in the month of February.
Here are some of the cats and bunnies who found their forever homes in February:

 

Venetia

Venetia was found in some pretty rough shape. She had were patches of fur missing from her back, scabs all over her body, a small hard nodule just beneath her skin on her shoulder (later found to be a BB pellet), and a damaged left eye.  Now she sleeps in her new momma's bed and greets their 5 year-old with headbutts every morning!

Popeye

Highway

Popeye made a love connection on Valentines Day with a family who originally came in looking for a rabbit!  This charmer managed to change their minds.  (Hint hint - he gets along GREAT with bunnies....)



Little Highway was just a baby when he was found dumped on Dempster Street in Skokie, with a bad case of coccidia.  With time, loving care, and proper treatment he recovered, got his neuter, and now has a home of his own.

Swatch

Rolex

Swatch and Rolex have been Red Door buns from birth!  (Their mother Blossom was pregnant when she was rescued)   They have great homes now, but their brother Poke Chop will be ready for adoption soon.

Mr. Peppermint got to spend some quality time with Toni before finding his forever home.  Now this cuddly big boy is named Louie and he loves to tooth-purr for his new people.




Sir Paul was adopted by a single mom, and is really enjoying having the space to run and binky!  He's still a bit shy of his new people, but they are being patient with him and he should settle in just fine.

Congratulations to our latest Red Door Alumni!

We've got our love to keep us warm!

As Valentine's Day approaches, we thought we'd take the time to share the story of one of Red Door's most devoted couples, Alice and Jasper.

This Californian brother and sister pair are often shy with people, but are absolutely devoted to each other.  They were rescued together, when one of them fell down a basement window well and the other refused to leave their side.  While they look very much alike, they have very distinct personalities.
 
Alice is definitely "large and in charge", and is likely to be the first to investigate new places or people.    Jasper is a bit of a doofy boy, who loves his food but definitely loves his sister.  Alice is also slightly larger, and her markings are slightly lighter and more grey than her brother's.  Like all siblings, they squabble and fuss sometimes, especially at mealtimes - we all know that the kale is always greener in the other bunny's mouth!  But at the end of the day, it's clearly a case of "you and me against the world".

Californians get their lovely white color and size from their New Zealand White ancestors, their deep soft coats from a dash of Chinchilla rabbit, and their colored "points" from their Himalayan cousins.  This color pattern, called acromelanism, is also found in Siamese and Himalayan cats.  These markings change over time in response to temperature conditions.

In one of their recent foster homes, Jasper and Alice spent most of their time in the kitchen, which was the warmest room of the house.  The color change from day to day was very subtle, but it was not until they went through their next shed that the dramatic color change was visible.

A few short weeks later, POOF!

Alice and Jasper are currently in a foster home, where their mom says that they have returned to their former dark-eared state. 

Won't you consider giving this devoted pair a forever home, and their own Hoppily Ever After?

Remembering Smitty -- an Exceptional Rabbit

Many volunteers & visitors to the shelter remember Smitty, a small black-&-white Dutch bunny. He was an exceptional bunny with more personality than most humans. But he had some neurological problems--nothing that impeded his quality of life--but the future was uncertain. So he was always passed over for adoption.

Then Laura met him. And she adopted him, so Smitty was able to live his life in a warm, loving home where his special qualities were appreciated.

Laura writes:
"I just want to express how much Smitty meant to me. He was my introduction to life with a bunny, and I took such joy in daily things like watching him hop freely around the apartment with his cute little rump in the air. He was very happy with us, and he often spent time under the bed with his favorite cat, Nina. I think he felt something in her that he enjoyed because she was a cat that had survived a car accident and extensive injuries. I know he was happy because he would often come into the living room while I watched tv and he would do binkies across the rug so I could see him. For the short time I had him he found his way into my heart."

A few days ago Smitty had a seizure and died in Laura's arms. We thank Laura for loving Smitty and our thoughts are with her.

Welcome to the Year of the Rabbit

It's official--2011 is the Year of the Rabbit: Happpy Chinese New Year to everyone! According to the Chinese zodiac, rabbits are gracious, kind, elegant, artistic, compassionate, and make excellent friends.

If you're looking for a new, excellent friend, please adopt a rabbit from Red Door. And stayed tuned for a whole year of wonderful rabbit-centric events.

Miss Pickles Finds Love

Valentine's Day came early for Miss Pickles. And not a moment too soon! For years, she lived outside in a hutch with little interaction with people and all too much exposure to the elements. Then Red Door volunteer Jill was able to rescue her. But even at Jill's house, Miss Pickles was very prickley! She didn't want love, she didn't even want anyone to look at her. Go away! was her constant state of mind.

Another Red Door volunteer, Pellet, took Miss Pickles home and spend time with her, sitting in her space with her, even though Miss Pickles made it clear that Pellet was not welcome. But slowly she began to come around.

Then she came back to the shelter and within two weeks, she met her dream family. They loved her and Miss Pickles loves them back. It's a real happy ending for a very deserving bunny.

Honey Do List

Honey has made out her own Honey Do List:

*Do support Red Door's rabbit rescue efforts! (After all, they rescued me and, even though they put me on a diet to lose weight, I'm very grateful.)

*Do bring my allowance to the Gimme Shelter! event this Sunday, June 13th. There is a fabulous raffle and tickets are only $1.00 each. Plus, maybe I can convince the people in the dog massage tent that I'm just a little puppy.

*Do be my naturally charming self to every adopter who comes to meet me. Because I know there are lots of rabbits who need rescuing and as soon as I leave for a happy forever home, some new bunny will be saved.

http://www.reddoorshelter.org/

All You Need is Love, say Lennon & McCartney--but a salad never hurt

Lennon and McCartney, a bonded pair of rabbits at Red Door, know that all you need is love. But some timothy hay and a fresh green salad never hurts, either!

This amazing team is hoping (and hopping) that people will support Red Door's Gimme Shelter! celebration on June 13th. They don't even care if you sign up with the cat team or the dog team instead of the rabbit team. All the money raised goes to help all the animals at the shelter. www.reddoorshelter.org

And they can't wait to hear how the humans like Harrington's Key Lime Sandwich cookies, donated by Sweet Attila's, made by a Red Door bunny adopter and named after the ever-sweet RD rabbit Harrington. www.sweetattilas.com

Rabbits Helping Community Gardens

Like all the Red Door rabbits, Aries is working hard for the Humboldt Park Community Garden. The shelter bunnies have been donating their hay boxes--after a hard day's workout as a litterbox--to the gardeners.

Aries, who was left in a plastic container at the door, is a happy, helpful rabbit ready for adoption. If you're not ready to adopt, please consider making a donation to Red Door's 10th Anniversary Celebration Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals.

You can find information and a secured donation page at reddoorshelter.org