House Rabbit Network

October 20, 2002 Meeting Minutes

A meeting of the House Rabbit Network was held on Sunday, October 20, 2002, at the home of Luanne and Paul Gagliano in Boxford.

Members In Attendance:

Suzanne Trayhan Luanne Gagliano

Cherryl Reinhardt Linda Massey

Carol Youngclaus Diane Mayer

Kathie Duffy Jen Walsh

Bruce Fuller David Youngclaus

Invited Guests in Attendance:

Sarah Sezun Matthew DiCologero

Carol Venn Kathy and Michael Pearlman

Lee Loring

Discussion:

Suzanne Trayhan, President, called the meeting to order and opened discussion on the following agenda subjects.

1. Status

a. Suzanne reported that there have been 99 adoptions to date; we are well on the way to her hoped-for 100 adoptions in 2002. Subtle(?) pressure was exerted on Jen who is considering adopting a friend for Sweet Pea.

b. There are currently 59 rabbits in the HRN system.

c. There are 8 foster homes, including Everett. In actuality, there are 6 ongoing foster homes, as there are two homes who will keep their fosters, but once they have been placed, will not take any more.

2. Financial Report

Teresa Tomari, Treasurer, was unable to attend meeting. She sent the books and Profit and Loss Statements for review. Suzanne circulated the reports, and briefly summarized the contents. She noted that HRN is basically breaking even.

3. Advertising

There was a discussion that HRN needs to focus on advertising in Central Massachusetts to help further adoptions in this area. In addition, advertising might help HRN get more foster homes.

4. Everett

There was a brief discussion of the Everett adoption center located in PetsMart. Helena is the volunteer coordinator and is trying to get HRN volunteers to come to the store to exercise and socialize the rabbits three days a week. The store donates all the supplies for the rabbits, and it provides added exposure for rabbits in the HRN system. In addition, it shows the general public that rabbits can have litterboxes and will play with toys. It was noted that the adoption process is the same for Everett rabbits as it is for rabbits in foster homes. Those interested need to call the HOTLINE and go through the adoption interview with Carol or Kathie. An appointment is then made for them to go to the Everett store to meet the rabbit.

5. Fundraising

A discussion of fundraising was held. HRN is selling calendars highlighting its foster rabbits. They are being sold for $12. Carol suggested that pictures of HRN foster rabbits (or those who have been adopted from HRN) be taken in the spring and summer. She would prefer receiving hard copies of the pictures. This would allow next year’s format to be a picture on the top of the page, the calendar on the bottom of the page.

Cherryl and her sister made beautiful Christmas ornaments again this year, which are being sold for $5.

Diane mentioned that there are gift shops in Concord and Acton (“Hand Designs”) that sell craft items. She is going to see if HRN may be able to display some of the ornaments or wooden rabbits there.

Sara brought up the idea of having a (vegetarian) Rabbit-Friendly Luncheon/Awards Presentation. It was thought this could be held in the spring, perhaps in a senior citizens center. We could have a raffle or auction, try to get a keynote speaker, and perhaps a DJ, or some other entertainment. Sara, Luanne, and Kathie are going to get together to further discuss this, and come up with some firm plans.

Having a yard sale was discussed. Luanne volunteered to have it at her house. She then volunteered Kathie to help.

6. Shelters

Suzanne stated that, although it is a strain, we are keeping up with the shelters’ requests for help. We are currently assisting the MSPCA (Boston and Methuen) and ARL (Boston, Salem, and Pembroke).

7. Newsletter

Suzanne stated that the newsletter should be complete within the next two weeks. She encouraged each volunteer to formally join as a member. This would entitle them to a hard copy of the newsletter, as well as increasing membership. We currently have 30 paid memberships.

Suzanne asked if anyone was interested in writing an article for the winter newsletter. Luanne would like to write an article on gas; Kathy Smith is writing one on litterbox training. Sara would be able to edit and proofread the newsletter.

8. Bunnysitting

Jen Walsh is the coordinator for bunnysitting. This made $1,400 for HRN this year, to date.

9. Media Coverage

It was discussed that media coverage is good exposure for HRN. Local papers are often times needing stories and want to interview people who live or work in the area. They are usually looking for rabbit stories 2-3 weeks before Easter. Sara suggested contacting foreign language newspapers – but this was dismissed after some discussion. There are some foreign countries that consider rabbit a good food source, so it was decided not to do this.

10. Education

Cherryl is the coordinator of educational events. Suzanne has donated a second black bag for table setups. One will be kept at Cherryl’s house; the other, between the educators north of Boston.

Cherryl discussed a new program she is starting. It began with a phone call from a teacher who has a classroom rabbit. The class is interested in watching a “virtual rabbit.” This rabbit will be an actual HRN foster rabbit. Through this program, they would understand the rescue process, socialization and training, and then placing the rabbit in a new home. The class will be able to see the rabbit on-line. If the foster home is nearby, they could get a weekly update of the rabbit’s progress. Luanne expressed interest in doing this type of program in her area, as well.

Bruce suggested videotaping rabbits for education/adoption events. We could show rabbits doing interesting activities that would illustrate that they are really good pets. Or show them as part of a family. Or in a litterbox. Or doing something really unusual. Cherryl said that she would donate a TV/VCR for this purpose.

HRN will continue to participate in adoption days/educational events at pet stores. It was recommended that two people do one event. It was suggested that a flyer be displayed at the store a few days ahead of the event. A suggestion was made to offer rabbit nail clipping for $5.

11. Website

The website continues to be maintained by Suzanne and Linda. We are getting a good number of hits and are often told that we offer a great deal of information on our site. The members’ list is back on the volunteer section.

12. HOTLINE

The HOTLINE continues to be manned by Kathie (weekdays) and Carol (weekends). All adoptions must go through the HOTLINE and be interviewed by Kathie and Carol. If neither is available, Suzanne is the back-up for adoption interviews.

13. Out-of-State Volunteers

We have several out-of-state volunteers, including Kathy Smith and Mallory Mohring. Kathy helps with many educational topics. Mallory is updating the Pets-911 and Petfinder sites.

14. General HRN Policies

It was discussed that adoptions through HRN are confidential. Our data base is confidential. Anything in the Members Section is confidential. It is good public relations not to discuss these matters.

HRN is to receive adoption donations of $60 for a single rabbit and $100 for a pair of rabbits. This applies to everyone, HRN members, as well as the general public.

Voting procedures may be changed in the near future. There may be a minimum requirement of volunteer time that would allow a member to vote. For example, this might be 25 hours per year – or about 2 hours per month.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:20 p.m.