July 1, 2008
Looking After Each Other
I've been in a bit of a funk lately, feeling that too much of our recent chapter news has been largely negative. So tonight I would like to tell a story that demonstrates the lengths our members will go to help each other and our beloved lagomorphs.
The star of my story is Quincy, beloved partner to Lucy and cherished member of the Cook family. A very spry and happy 10-year-old, he has suffered with an unrelenting series of problems in both eyes, which has left him almost completely blind. The loss of his eyesight doesn't appear to bother him, and his otherwise good health made surgery a viable option to finally end all the eye problems. So after much consideration the decision was made to remove both eyes.
Not surprisingly, Terri spent a nervous day waiting by the phone for news. Ellen Eder sent her a link to a Flickr site that documented another rabbit's recovery from eye removal. For many of us, one of the most difficult aspects of major surgery is not knowing what to expect. Terri found the site to be very informative and appreciated Ellen's sending her the link.
The surgery started late, I believe sometime around noon. Dr. Borders did the surgery and Dr. Herrli handled the anesthesia. They were the dynamic dual who removed my Molly's leg so I have a tremendous amount of confidence in them.
The surgery itself went well. However, Quincy tends to be slow to come out of anesthesia and he did so this time as well. Of greater concern, though, was the bleeding and erratic blood pressure. The severed blood vessels were slow to clot and a blood transfusion was required. Thankfully, another CHRS volunteer was there to help. Karen Winstead's Jenny was the donor. We owe Karen and Jenny a tremendous debt of gratitude.
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Dr. Borders and Dr. Herrli, the bleeding stopped, his blood pressure stabilized, and Quincy was released to spend the night at an emergency vet clinic "just in case." Terri and Jeremy took him over this evening. I just got a report from Terri that Quincy is eating Critical Care and lettuce, so things continue to progress.
I once described CHRS as a small but mighty group of people. We're not so small anymore but we are still mighty, doing our best to look after each other and "our" rabbits. Because today, Quincy belonged to us all.
Thank you to everyone who was there when Quincy needed you.
10:30 update from Terri: "His temperature is up and his red blood cells are up to 29% (pre-surgery was 30%). He is eating lettuce and hay. And we have POOP!!!"
Posted by Sue at 6:07 PM
June 1, 2008
Double Your Pleasure!
CHRS received a $1,000.00 donation this week. As if that's not enough, the company the donor works for matches employee donations, which means another $1,000.00!
Of course, not everyone can afford to make such a large donation. However, many companies have a donation matching program, which means that even a modest donation can quickly add up.
Something to think about!
Posted by Sue at 11:51 AM
May 18, 2008
Garage Sale Donation
Carrie Hall, a member and adopter from Oxford, Ohio, held a garage sale and textbook drive. The result? A donation to CHRS of $635.87!
Mega kudos and a big thank you to Carrie!!!
Posted by Sue at 6:56 AM
May 4, 2008
A Special Thanks to Our Fosterers
This is a particularly interesting time for me concerning all things CHRS. I am involved in preparations for our celebratory spring picnic, which means that I have CHRS on my mind a good deal of the time.
Yesterday was yet another day of preparation for the picnic. More importantly, Rupert, Terri and Jeremy Cook's foster rabbit, met Umlaut, a darling Lionhead from Cleveland. Umlaut recently lost her friend and Rupert appears to be an ideal candidate for her new friend.
I didn't stick around for the bonding but apparently things look promising and Rupert is now in Cleveland. This got me to thinking about the expectations we have for our fosterers.
Terri and Jeremy have been fostering for years. Interesting historical fact: they were the first HRS fosterers in Columbus after Karalee and Chuck and before CHRS even existed. They have given sanctuary to a number of rabbits through the years and have unselfishly wished them well in their new homes.
We expect our fosterers to provide the same love and care to our fosters that they give to their own rabbits. Yet we also expect them to relinquish these rabbits to someone else in the hope that these beloved foster rabbits will finally have a forever home.
We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Terri, Jeremy, and our other fosterers!
Posted by Sue at 2:26 PM
April 13, 2008
Thanks, Busy Bunny!
In support of our Make Mine Chocolate! campaign, Busy Bunny generously donated 10% of their retail proceeds accumulated during the week just after Easter. The result was $693.56.
Not only do they make wonderful products for our rabbits, they also generously support our campaign.
Thanks, Busy Bunny!
Posted by Sue at 2:40 PM
March 9, 2008
Rabbit Hunters Extraordinaire!
Long overdue kudos to Karalee and Wendy Marschner for their extraordinary efforts in corraling rabbits who have been dumped outside. Our beloved Lucy, mother of the seven babies, came to us safely because of Karalee and Wendy.
Just last week, this dynamic duo made another extraordinary catch. Last Monday, after scrambling in the muddy ground under a boat located in a stranger's back yard, they were able to rescue Blackberry. Serious diplomatic skills were required to convince the former "owner" of Lucy and Blackberry to let Blackberry be rescued.
It appears that at least four rabbits had been released from their hutches almost a year ago. One of the rabbits was hit by a car. The whereabouts of the fourth one is unknown.
But Lucy and Blackberry are safe. Two tremendous rescue efforts. Major kudos to our favorite rabbit hunters!
Posted by Sue at 2:41 PM