The Story Of Zazzle. A Bunny With A Little Pink Cast
It all started with a quick trip for a carton of milk. That’s what brought Tony Glaspie to the Publix shopping center early that Friday morning. Although it began as a mundane errand, it turned into anything but after he spotted a small white bunny limping along the sidewalk. Tony, being a compassionate man, took it upon himself to help the rabbit who seemed undoubtedly out of place and in need of care.
It didn’t take much effort for him to catch the little bunny, perhaps she knew she was being rescued. Tony put his newfound friend in his truck and the two drove off to his home. Once there, he took to his computer and searched for help. That’s when he learned of the GHRS and brought the discarded bunny to us. It took no time for Edie, one of our experienced Chapter Managers, to recognize the rabbit was in need of medical attention. The GHRS immediately agreed to take the bunny in under their care.
The next stop was the Windward Animal Hospital to evaluate her condition. There, Dr Colby examined the little rabbit and found she was suffering from a broken leg, a severe injury with not one but several breaks to the bone. Dr Colby patched up the little bun and fitted her with a pretty pink cast. She was then taken back to our Rabbit Center to heal, so that in time she would be ready for adoption and a caring forever home.
One by one, the shelter volunteers fell head over heels for this little girl. A young bun, less than a year old, she immediately took to her new surroundings and was thrilled with the company of her adoring fans. Everyone soon recognized what a special little bun she was. Hopping around, anxious to meet all those who came to visit, her cast and her condition didn’t seem to phase her. Noting her charming personality, spark and pizzaz, she was given the name Zazzle. A name with as much sparkle and zip as the tiny bun herself!
To say Zazzle is absolutely precious is an understatement. Not only is she as sweet as can be, she is a beauty of a rabbit. Compact and round with a pure white Rex coat that is so soft and fluffy she’s like a puff of cloud. It seems the volunteers enjoy petting her just about as much as she enjoys getting pet!
Zazzle spent the next two weeks getting some much needed food, rest and attention. But that wasn’t the end to Zazzle’s rescue story. In fact, it was really just the beginning. To the surprise of everyone at the Center, one Saturday morning, about 2 weeks after being rescued out on the street, Zazzle gave birth to 5 tinsy little white buns! That’s right, Zazzle became a mommy.
We cant help but think about how very fortunate she was to have limped her way to that Publix parking lot. And how very fortunate she caught the eye of Tony, a sympathetic passerby. It is painful to think of what her fate would have been had she not been picked up that day. Wounded, unable to run from danger and pregnant with a litter of buns, Zazzle wouldn’t have lasted much longer outside on the streets. And had she survived long enough to give birth, her small babies would have met a terrible end.
It is unimaginable to think that someone, who once had Zazzle in their care, would put this small, defenseless and pregnant bun out into the wild, but Sadly, it is all too common. In fact, the shelter is currently caring for other rabbit family who were left behind when their owners moved on to a new house without them. Abandoned was a mommy bun, a daddy bun, 2 babies only a month or so old and a brand new litter of 9. Fortunately, there are people like Tony. People who feel concern, people who take the time to do the right thing. People who involve themselves with caring for these animals after others made the decision not to.
Zazzle and her babies are doing remarkable well. Momma’s leg is healing and her babies all seem healthy and have big appetites. Though they are a pleasure to watch and an exciting addition to the Center, caring for the family is no small task. As with every rabbit rescued by the GHRS, each member of this family will undergo surgery to be spayed or neutered. In addition, Zazzle’s injured leg will require several additional vet visits and is sure to accumulate a hefty bill.
The babies will require care for several months since they will need to stay with their mother til it’s determined that the time for a healthy separation has come. Since the shelter can only house so many buns at a time and since the babies won’t be ready for adoption for several months yet, they will be placed in foster homes while given the opportunity to become socialized and mature. Then, once they are old enough to safely face surgery, each baby will be spayed or neutered and given time to recuperate from the procedure. Only then will they be ready to be placed up for adoption through our Rabbit Center.
The care of Zazzle and her litter will be quite an undertaking for our organization and volunteers but one that will be quite rewarding. Stories such as Zazzle’s are the reason we do what we do. Caring for these beautiful animals who have seen such cruelty and survived against all odds is an honor. Through Zazzle’s story of heartache and preservation, we hope to inspire people to get involved in animal recuse as well as educate the public about the services our shelter provides and the realities of rescue work.
*photos of Zazzle by Ed Christensen of Memories By the C’s
We will be sharing updates on Zazzle and her babies here on our website and welcome you to join our Facebook community where you can find up to date news and photos of Zazzle and our other rescue buns!
