On October 11th, 2024, our shelter pet and Resident Blogger, Bunny, crossed the rainbow bridge. Bunny was surrendered to our care in December of 2010 at only a few months old. She was deaf and had canine compulsive disorder (CCD), which is similar to human obsessive compulsive disorder. She required a strict routine in order to manage her CCD. Bunny stayed in our care for 5 years and in 2016, HSWM decided to officially adopt her! She was originally going to be put down because of her CCD, but we worked hard to care for her and give her the life she deserved. 

Bunny loved going on her daily walks, getting into fights with snakes and swimming in the lake. She loved our staff, trainers, and volunteers, and we all loved her right back! Being 14 years old, Bunny's well being began to decline and we ultimately knew this was going to happen. Bunny is a special girl. She had a lot of people in her life that have loved her over the years. The last week of her life we spoiled her with car rides in the truck (her favorite!) and on October 11th, she went on her final walk and everyone got the chance to say their goodbyes.

Bunny's legacy will forever be kept alive at HSWM. We've decided to rename Bunny's Blog to Bunny's Buds, where her shelter animal friends will take on the role of Resident Blogger! 

We piled our photos and videos of Bunny to make a tribute video for her. Bunny may be gone, but she is forever in our hearts. 

Some of our staff and volunteers have written words for Bunny, filled with memories and final goodbyes. 

Nathan Taylor:
​said he really enjoyed the time he got to spend with her. He was thrilled when he reached that point where he was trusted enough to be able to work with her. He said he was walking her around the pond, and she caught sight of a snake. He said she caught it and had done her kill shake before he hardly knew what was going on.

Emily Morgan:
​All my favorite things about Bunny. When she would come into your office to say ‘hi’ and magically ended up with her head in the trash. The way she traumatized animal care by shredding any poor critter dumb enough to cross her path while she was on a walk. Snakes were her favorite. Deaf, but you couldn’t help but talk to her. She was always such a good listener. How important it was that you stick to her schedule because she was “special”. The joy she got from being a menace, and the laughs she would get from us when she came in covered in pond water and mud. The spinning in the back of her kennel because you didn’t close her guillotine fast enough. The look in her eye when a new kennel tech took her out for the first time, wondering how many holes she could get away with digging. Deaf, but somehow always knew when you were coming around the corner with her evening meal, or when a car started in the parking lot.

Hilary Brown:
​What a special soul she is and loved by SO many of us! I will always remember her fierce spirit on the trail and her love for getting in the POND. She always put a smile in my face when working at HSWM.

​Love and miss you, good friend. Sending you a big hug. 💙🐾

Theresa Nolan:
​Bunny,

I had a great time playing and working with you on "trainer's night." But it was so much more. I so needed what you shared with me during those times together. Thank you for instructing me on how to be a better trainer and human. You shared that humans talk way too much, so you educated me on finessing human body language to speak dog! You taught me more about shaping than any book, video, or seminar I ever explored. I think I should call shaping -Bunny steps instead of baby steps!

Do you remember at the end of training night we would be in the training room and I would give you a massage?

Muscles softening, eyes half open and sometimes a roll to the side. I too relaxed leaving my crazy day behind! That was a wonderful experience to share with you!

Because of all you shared with me I am a better trainer, partner to my dogs and a better human. Thank you.

Bunny, you will continue to walk with me for the rest of my life.

​Love you little sister.
​Theresa 

Loren Knipp:
​I've never met another dog quite like Bunny, I don't think anyone has or ever will. There's something about her that's just so special, let alone her endless quirks. Her stubbornness, sassiness, fondness of terrorizing new staff, or her swampiness. The list would truly be endless. In addition to crazy, she is such a kind, gentle and sweet soul. I'm so grateful for and will never forget her chin kisses and cuddle breaks along the trails, they'll be so incredibly missed. Despite not being able to hear us, I think she knows just how much she's adored (and may or may not use it to her advantage). She may not have always been easy, but she is exceptionally easy to love. 

Namiko:
​Bunny broke the mold when she came to us. I talked to the person who supposedly rescued her and tried to find a way to work with her. I got the help from the best behaviorist to come up with a session routine. She had a lot of people on her side and worked with her religiously. We all learned so much from her and I can’t thank Bunny enough for sharing so much of her life with us. We owe her so much and are so fortunate to have been a part of her life.

Jessica Borgeld:
Back when I first started, Bunny was always my favorite part of the day. She always gave other people trouble with critters on trails (Bunny the Snake Bounty Hunter) but she never gave me the trouble that other people experienced. Bunny and I came across a Gartner snake one day, and as it slithered past us, we both made eye contact, I shook my head, and we continued to walk peacefully. Stopping at the one spot on the pond and watching her look at the fish was a fun ride too- especially when she would jump right in.

I also found it very entertaining when Bunny would haze the new kennel staff members. There were quite a few people who would come through, quite hesitant to take Bunny out due to the behavior she would show in the kennel. That was just Bunny though. So not going to lie, one of my favorite parts of Bunny was watching her haze them and making them jump back. It's just part of her process to show that she is actually the kennel manager. She's just a little sassy sometimes.

Her daily inspections of our office were another highlight of my day as well. Somehow, she would always end up with her head in the trash bin- but that's part of the inspection, ya know?
​Bunny walked around with the confidence that no other dog had. She owns this building and she knows it. I am incredibly grateful to have spent the last 5 years being in the presence of Ms. Buns. She taught me that life is worth living, you just have to figure out what works best for you.

​Love you forever, Buns ❤️

Emma Longworth:
I remember one morning after a blizzard, I took bunny on her morning walk (because bad weather never stopped her) and was knee deep in snow and she was nose deep. We made it around the pond trail and there was a huge snowbank between us and the parking lot so we decided to try and go around it. We started walking and quickly I was in thigh deep snow and bunny is fully plowing her own path at this point, so we decided to go over the snowbank. We both start climbing but bunny was struggling a bit so i was helping her up with her harness. She got to the top before I did and got so excited that she made it she decided to run down the other side and in the process pulled me to my hands and knees. I started screaming BUNNY!!! But we all know she can’t hear! So as she’s running, she’s pulling me and I’m struggling to get on my feet. Long story short, we both made it back inside safely, and Bunny was very proud of herself! I miss that spunky girl. She always kept me on my toes. I know she be plowing through all the snow in her next life too.

​Love you forever sweet girl 💛

Rabbits are known for their playful personalities, fluffy appearance, unique behaviors, and gentle nature. They are social animals that make wonderful companions. However, the joy of having a rabbit comes with the responsibility of providing the proper care. Ensuring their well-being should be the owner's utmost priority. Understanding their specific needs is crucial for creating a happy, healthy environment!

Caring for a rabbit properly requires commitment and knowledge, but it is a rewarding experience and a fun learning opportunity. Whether you're a new rabbit owner or looking to improve your care routine, this guide will cover essential aspects of rabbit care. 

Rabbits may come off as mysterious, that’s because they are prey animals, meaning their instincts are geared toward caution and self-preservation. This can make them more timid and wary in unfamiliar situations and surroundings. Unlike dogs and cats, which often seek out human interaction and affection, rabbits may need time to feel safe and comfortable in their environment. Every rabbit is unique, so take the time to learn what makes your bunny feel safe and secure. Here are some helpful tips on how to get to know your new friend and build a healthy relationship!

​Rabbits are naturally curious and social animals, but towering can be intimidating.  One of the best ways to foster a connection with your rabbit is to literally get on their level. Sit or lie down on the floor in a relaxed manner. 

Shhhh... those big ears are great at conveying sound!. Using a soft, soothing voice when interacting with your rabbit can help them feel more at ease and build trust.

​: If you are quiet and patient, they will naturally come over to inspect you. Try not to pet them right away, as they may see it as a threat.  

​Your rabbit will appreciate small pieces of carrots or apple as a snack. Feeding their food piece by piece is a fun bonding opportunity, as it helps build a foundation of trust.

Rabbits are ground-dwelling animals, and generally don’t like being held. Most rabbits like physical affection. Try petting their ears, cheeks, and the bridge of their nose, ensuring their comfort and building a stronger bond between you.

An untrained rabbit can get into a lot of mischief, so they should be kept in an enclosure while you’re not home to supervise and at night when you sleep. Having an exercise pen instead of a cage is recommended, as they usually provide far more space than a cage and can be made larger or smaller as needed.

The bigger the better! A rabbit’s home should be at least 4-6 times the size of your bunny when they are fully stretched out. Here is a general guideline for 1-2 rabbits who have an enclosure:
⦁ Enclosure space: at least 8 square feet
⦁ Exercise space: at least 24 square feet
⦁ Exercise time: able to run and play at least 5 hours per day

​Rabbits who are learning to use the litterbox need to have limited running space while they learn where their litterbox is and what it is for. More space can be provided as your bunny shows they know where to “go.” The more room your rabbit has to run around in, the more their personality will come out.  

​A proper diet is crucial for your rabbit's health and well-being. Rabbits have unique nutritional needs that require attention from the owner. Here’s a guide to ensuring your adult rabbit (1-5 years) gets the right nutrition for their health.

​Rabbits need unlimited amounts of hay! It is the most important thing they eat. Hay keeps their GI system moving properly and helps prevent blockages. 

​Minimum 2 cups chopped vegetables per 6 lbs. of body weight per day. Rabbits should get a minimum of three different types of leafy green vegetables daily.

​1/4 to 1/2 cup pellets per 6 lbs. of body weight per day.

​Look for hay-based treats and only be given to your rabbit sparingly.

For more information on rabbits, check out these information pages