Talk me down?

[katiep]

Ok, so my husband and I volunteered with a local rabbit rescue for the last few years.  In that time we fostered quite a few rabbits and helped on a few rescue missions.  One in particular we rushed out to help with this situation, here is the link to the story(page 3) : http://www.ohare.org/images/harelines/v12n2.pdf  We fostered two rabbits in really short notice, one we named Flo and the other Esther (actually the one i’m holding in the picture in the article, i’m on the left).  We had them for about 6 months or so until there was room that the main fosters house.  Flo was a VERY shy but very sweet girl who we ended up keeping and bonding with Benny.  However we returned Esther as she had a bad attitude and would ONLY let my husband touch or take care of her as she lunged, bit, and scratched me.  We were told that she would be worked with until she was ready and then placed for adoption.  Well, on the site her picture was taken down for adoption so I assumed she got a home.  I recently contacted the foster and ws told she is unadoptable.  When I told my husband this he was heartbroken as they really did hit it off…..so here I am…contemplating bringing her to live with us as a suprise.  I have no idea where we would keep her as our room is just about full….but doesn’t every bunny deserve someone who loves them and someone to love in return?  We “talked” about it a little and I could see it in his eyes he was thinking about where we could squeeze her in and I told him that she would be solely his responsibility as its hard to bond with an animal who seems to dislike you…very much!  So here I am with 7 bunnies and a dog contemplating just one more…. really for my husband’s happiness and her well being also.  Yes she is being taken care of, fed, cleaned, watered, sheleter, but I’m not sure how much interaction each bunny gets as she does have a lot with a full time job. 

So tell me everyone…am I going crazy?  Should I just leave her well enough alone, let her live out her days being taken care of well but not loved as my husband would love her?  Or should I bring her home and make three people happy, my husband, esther, and the foster?  Maybe even give it round two and see if she might accept me as ok?  Opinions please!!!!!

[jerseygirl]

Hard call Katie! When I’d only read the title (not your post)  ”talk me down”,  I thought “oh Katie, it’s too much!”. Only because you seems so overwhelmed recently. Of course, that is just an impression from the time following your house move and new pet! Only you and your hubby can really assess if it is too much or not. I suggest you let it “brew” a bit and see if she is playing on your husbands mind as much. I don’t think getting her as a surprise is wise (just my opinion). If you take Esther in it should be a well thought joint decision for you both.

What about seeing her? (though this could ramp up the temptation to take her home!) What if she doesn’t respond to either of you like she did previously? I think you guys have time to really think over this before you make a decision – if she’s been deemed unadoptable. As you know, bringing in another pet will effect all the ones you have so take some time over this. Wishing you much luck with this! I know she’d receive great care in your home if it works out.

[Beka27]

What are your rabbit groups like… pairs, trios? Would it be possible to incorporate her into a pair or trio? It’s not much more work if they are in together. The issue comes up when you’re trying to take care of several different living quarters.

[Sarita]

Well, that is alot of rabbits that you have and adding one more unless she will be bonded with another is more work. You have to stop eventually and just think about the ones you have and take care of them. The rabbits in your care should come first. You just really cannot save them all.

[jerseygirl]

Katie, does your local HRS branch offer bonding assistance? If they do, you may be able to have some of yours bonded into pairs and take Esther to live a single. OR try bond her with one of yours though it sounds like this might be difficult(???) Why has she been deemed unadoptable?

[katiep]

Thank you everyone for the advice! I will talk to my husband about it. Jersey, great idea about bonding one of our existing and esther! I know the fosterer in the area would definatly help us find a possible bond if there is a chance for one. I never thought of it! She has hosted a few bunny dates in the past when I just had Rupert. He was not receptive. Anyways, thanks everyone for talking me down, its not like she’s going anywhere, we got time. I guess she is unadoptable because she treats others like she treated me…lunges, bites, scratches, grunts, just generally not the type of bunny people are eager to adopt. She would definately need a special person to take her, not take her anger/fear personally and take their time to gain her trust or just be ready for an unsocial bunny. We shall see what happens, will keep everyone posted whatever we decide.

[jerseygirl]

Jersey, great idea about bonding one of our existing and esther!

Actually, that was Beka’s suggestion. ;o)

That’s great though that you have someone who may be able to assist if the time comes. Takes the pressure off somewhat.

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