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RESCUE PROFILE Gainesville Rabbit Rescue By Jessica M. Torrence Kathy Finelli knew nothing about rabbits, but like all animal rescue volunteers, she has a love of animals. So when she found a baby rabbit in her yard, scared and alone, she knew it would not become a part of the statistic that puts these pets in third place for most euthanized animal at animal shelters across the nation. She brought him into her home. And just like the rest of us who have at one time been in her position, her next thought was, “What now” Little did she know that moment was the beginning of an eight year journey that led to her becoming Executive Director of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue. About Gainesville Rabbit Rescue Gainesville Rabbit Rescue (GRR) is an adoptionguarantee, non-profit, 501(c)3 animal rescue group, founded by two University of Florida rabbit-loving students. GRR is still the only organization in Gainesville that caters to this type of companion animal. With no paid staff, they rely heavily on volunteer assistance and foster homes for their 125 adoptable rabbits, with dedicated rabbit homes reaching as far north as Valdosta, GA, and as far south as Daytona. They also depend on the generosity of donations, since they keep their adoption fees extremely affordable; just $55. In an effort to find these furry friends a permanent home, GRR volunteers show off their loving, companion pets at PetSmart on Archer Road on the first and third Sunday each month, and at other area locations. In addition to the adoption events, Kathy Finelli and her volunteers are known for making appearances at libraries, festivals, and schools to educate the public about rabbit care. GRR is also working on a project to raise money for the appropriately named IHOP, Improved Habitat Overhaul Project, to make the rabbit area at their facility near Williston livable for summer. GRR is willing to purchase the goods; they just need the donated time and expertise of a civil engineer, licensed electrician, and A/C specialist. All donations are tax-deductible. Adopt - Don’t Buy During the Easter season rabbit adoptions from GRR increase, and with each adoption comes the free gift of education, knowledge, and patience of caring rabbit rescue volunteers. Also at Easter, GRR and other rabbit rescue groups help educate the public about the pitfalls of purchasing rabbits for children during this holiday. Parents may give in to the pressure of their child’s, “I want a bunny,” and purchase from a pet store a tiny, adorable creature with a little cottontail and a twitchy nose. Pet store rabbits are sold as young as three weeks old, barely old enough to be away from mom, much less spayed/ neutered or litter-trained; all of the qualities we would want in a happy, healthy pet. A rabbit reaches sexual maturity at three months of age. Often, after the kids get bored and summer activities take the place of an Easter gift sitting in a cage, the now-grown rabbit is surrendered to a shelter. Or worse, parents resort to releasing this domesticated creature into parks and woods, where the rabbit usually becomes prey. It is reported that 80% of rabbits sold at Easter live less than Kathy Finelli and Candy Man, a recently rescued rabbit one year. However, with proper care, domesticated rabbits can live 7 to 12 years. Changing Perceptions Rabbits are classified as both pets and livestock, so they are farmed, experimented on, eaten, and made into lucky charms. The fur industry still makes use of rabbit fur, killing up to 40 rabbits for one coat. Rabbits are also used for training hunting dogs, and for rehabilitation of large predators. These atrocities against domestic rabbits still occur because our culture has yet to elevate these equally worthy companions to the same level as dogs and cats. Gainesville Rabbit Rescue seeks to change these perceptions and to raise awareness about the joy of knowing rabbits as pets. With a low adoption fee that encourages people to adopt, not shop, and with help from dedicated volunteers and supporters, they are able to save the lives of approximately 175 rabbits per year. Domestic rabbits from GRR are spayed or neutered before they go to their new homes. Simply put by Kathy Finelli, “The key to a healthy, happy rabbit is spaying and neutering.” GRR loves their rabbits, takes the placement of rabbits very seriously, and is dedicated to finding the right home for each rabbit. The success of Gainesville Rabbit Rescue’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and adopt out rabbits to loving homes, as well as to educate current and potential rabbit caretakers, depends on the support of caring individuals. For more information or to donate, please visit www.gainesvillerabbitrescue.org or call 352-528-5591. PAGE 20 • CRITTER MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011
Helping Hands Pet Rescue 14260 West Newberry Road Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 281-4358 • E-mail: helpinghandspetrescue@gmail.com • www.hhrescue.org SASHA is a 6-7-year old, female Husky who is fine with other dogs. Only available to Husky experienced home. DONALD is a 10-year old male Pomeranian who is very sweet. He is special needs since he is blind, but Donald is very well-adjusted. JELLYBEAN is a 4-5-year old, female Greyhound who is a beautiful, sweet girl. Good with dogs her size, she is happy, very outgoing and loves kids. PRECIOUS is a 12-year old, female Rat Terrier. She is good with dogs and cats and just wants to be on your lap all the time. Can you give this girl a great retirement home Williston Animal Group a non profit corporation PO Box 752 · Williston, FL 32696 352-528-9888 · www.willistonanimalgroup.com The Arredondo Dressage Society presents the 2nd annual Horses Helping Horses Benefit for the Horse Protection Association of Florida CLINIC and USED TACK SALE Sunday April 17 8 am – 4 pm Canterbury Equestrian Showplace Newberry, FL For more information or to donate horse-related goods and services for our silent auction and raffle please see ADS at: www.arredondodressage.org DALLAS is a 10-mo. old, neutered male, Williston Special mixed breed. He is black and tan, weighs 35 lbs. and is current on his shots and de-wormed. Dallas is very sweet and loves to play with other dogs. He is patiently seeking his forever home. Maybe it will be with you ... Membership: $15 Individual / $25 Family Mission Statement: To protect and find homes for stray cats and dogs and to encourage the spaying and neutering of all dogs and cats not used for breeding purposes in the Williston area. WAG a Happy Tale! CRITTER MAGAZINE • APRIL 2011 • PAGE 21
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