Rescue Journal

Home of the Brave

Carol  ·  Dec. 22, 2019

Milly came to us from a youth correctional facility, she was once part of a rehab program but the kids lost interest and she became forgotten, left alone in her outdoor hutch. Milly is elderly and blind, she had a chronic ear infection and she passed each day the same as the day before, alone. One of the corrections officers took pity on her and asked if she could come here and hopefully live a better life.
I was a bit worried about how she would cope in going from quiet isolation to busy shelter life, especially due to her blindness and advanced age.

Initally she had to live in the house, far away from the other rabbits. She needed 2 weeks of complete rabbit isolation to ensure she did not bring the RHD virus to our other bunnies. Those 2 weeks were rough for a socially isolated and blind little bunny. She lived in an isolation cage in the back cat room because we honestly did not have a single space to put her that would have been better. And while the cats did not bug her, she knew they were there because she could hear and smell them. Every night I could hear her alarm thumping as she detected a cat or two passing by. I felt so bad for her, trapped in a cage in an unknown place, surrounded by animals that she could not see. It felt like it was a really unkind and uncaring thing to do to her. However it was time limited and eventually the 2 weeks were up and she could join our rabbit crew.
I was worried about this too, how would a blind elderly rabbit feel surround by other rabbits that she couldn't see? Our rabbit staff person Roane was great. She slowly intro'd Milly in with Dumbledor and Snape, our 2 elderly dwarf bunnies.

At first Milly hung out in small spaces, tucked away where she felt safe. But now I frequently see her out in the middle of the room, snacking and hanging out with her little friends, sharing a snuggle or two.
I am humbled by this old and blind rabbit who patiently lived in isolation and has had the courage to step up and put herself forward to engage in life again.
When you think of animals that represent courage and bravery, probably a little broken bunny is not the first animal to come to mind. And yet Milly has shown incredible courage in meeting some really difficult challenges in life.
Welcome to SAINTS Milly, you are the perfect addition to this Home of the Brave.

Comments

Willie C

Oh, little bunny - you are so brave, you touch my heart. I Have become sicker and more disabled these last several years. I am recovering and trying hard to walk again - you give me courage sweet bunny. I am so glad bunny that you are living a good life now!
Bless you, SAINTS, for taking in the bunny!!