I don't know where to start

I haven't blogged in forever or it seems that way. So many things have happened lately I don't know where to begin. It's been a long summer. I usually enjoy summer but I really haven't this year. My flowers are neglected and the beds are full of grass. I feel a bit ashamed of how I have let them go. I have some work ahead of me this fall. 

First let's meet Sadie. She is Corky's gal. You already met Corkscrew on the last post. Well the little monkey butt just would not calm down so I decided a girl might help. It took a bit of time but he finally settled on Sadie. She is a very sweet Foozle bunny (Foozle=Lionhead) They are quite a pair, those two. An endearing little couple. Sadie is no longer shy and loves a good head rub. She is a very good girl to tolerate Corky's antics. It is damn near impossible to get a picture of them together. I put Corky in the chair and then went to get Sadie. Corky was long gone when I came back.

Sadie

Below is a photo of my little Gemma. She came to me by way of Indiana. Many of you are already familiar with the breeder who was taken down by authorities in Indiana. 400 rabbits he had. It was a mess. Whether you support breeding or not (I do not) you can't possibly take good care of 400 rabbits all by yourself. It can't be done. I won't go into the details of their living conditions. Gemma was just a baby with babies when she was rescued. She had a UTI, Coccidia and sore hocks. One of the bunny groups I belong to asked if all of us could help. I agreed to take 1 bunny. A hard case or a special needs kid. I did not choose but asked the director of the IHS to send me a kiddo that needed some understanding and a good home. She sent Gemma Junebug along. There was another bun in the running but in the end they didn't feel like she was ready for that trip. 

2 wonderful youngsters drove from California to Indiana in an air conditioned cargo van to transport the buns. I met them in a parking lot in Oklahoma City and they handed Gemma off to me. It was a long trip but all the bunnies made it safely across country to homes and rescues. This was a huge effort by many people and lots bunnies still need homes. I hope they all find good and safe places.

Gemma has settled down a lot. She is pretty defensive about her food and does not like certain sounds or movements. She is a feisty little girl that likes to explore but every little noise sends her running back to the safety of her house. I have told her she will always be safe with me. Perhaps one day she can accept that. She is a Rex bunny so naturally she thinks she is queen. Darla would beg to differ.

Monday was the first anniversary of my mom's death. It has been a hard year. I adopted Sam and Jack right after mom died because they were her special little Heartland bunnies. They were just shy of being here 1 year and Jack died suddenly. He had been experiencing some issues but really seemed to be doing great since his vet visit. I will never know exactly what happened. Jack was unique and I will miss him so much. I know Sammicakes will too. They were best pals. This will always be my favorite photo of them.

Buddies forever. Sampson and Jack

I really am ready for summer to be done and for fall to begin. I hope this will be a better year. I hope. I hope. I hope.

Jack's original people thought he was a girl. His name was Hope which turned into Jack Hope....we dropped the Hope a long time ago. It's weird how things come full circle.

Hope


Hope is a new bunny at Heartland. She was found a few weeks ago in a cemetery. She was emaciated with deep puncture wounds around her pelvic area. This poor little angel was on her last legs when a lady spotted her and scooped her up. She was handed off to our director late on a Sunday night. Her wounds were filled with maggots and she was in bad shape. Her back leg is broken in two places. She was too fragile to put under for surgery. Her chances were poor at best and that leg looked like it would have to be amputated. Because she had survived so much, we wanted to give her a chance. We asked our Heartland Facebook followers to send her prayers and good vibes and healing thoughts, whatever they had. Well they did and some sent donations for her vet bills too.

I am happy to tell you that Hope is doing great. She has gained weight, her infection is gone and her wounds have closed up. Her leg is knitting. If it heals properly she will not need an amputation. All signs are pointing that way now. She must be kept quiet for another week. That is hard to do because she is so young and full of energy. Her spirit is bright and she is a sweet girl that loves humans. Go figure.

I hope you all are doing well and hanging in there.

Monday Mantra

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune
Without the words,
and never stops at all.

Emily Dickinson