Our Hostess With the Mostest
At House Rabbit Network, we are incredibly lucky to have dedicated volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of rabbits and their humans. This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on a volunteer who delivers warmth, compassion, and community spirit in everything she does – Lisa W. If you’ve ever attended an HRN event and been welcomed into our space, chances are you’ve met Lisa. As our proudly-proclaimed Hostess With the Mostest, Lisa is a constant, comforting presence at House Rabbit Network – and the bunnies know it too.
Lisa first got involved with HRN in 2017 after seeing a post about the Annual Summer Bunny Hop on Facebook. Not knowing a single person, she decided to attend. What started as a simple decision to check out a bunny event turned into a long-term commitment to a cause she now holds dear. Lisa recalls Deb enthusiastically encouraging her to get started with volunteering, and after a few trainings, she began doing shifts at our Billerica shelter. When the shelter moved to Westford, Lisa came with it – continuing her regular shifts and expanding her role within the organization.
Since then, Lisa has become a jack-of-all-trades at HRN. In addition to her recurring shelter shifts, she lends her talents to the Spa Day Team, Baby Bunny Snuggle Team, and Vaccination Clinics. She fosters bunnies when she can, takes volunteer shifts caring for the shelter bunnies, and frequently stops by just to say hi to the buns and spread some love. Her consistent, caring presence is a comfort to new volunteers, staff, and most importantly, to the rabbits in our care.
Lisa is incredibly reliable – intelligent, deliberate, skillful, and always willing to lend a hand wherever we need. Her thoughtful approach and dedication make her an invaluable member of the team. There is quite literally no one like Lisa – she can do it all!
Lisa’s journey with rabbits began before HRN, though. In 2013, she adopted her first bunny, Sputnik, from the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, where she was already volunteering with dogs. When the shelter needed more small animal volunteers, Lisa started working with bunnies and guinea pigs – and immediately fell in love. Petting bunnies became her source of calm. Sputnik, who was once a shy, nervous bun cowering in a noisy shelter, blossomed in her home. He became her affectionate companion for over 9 years, and even served as her furry alarm clock, jumping up on her bed when it was time for breakfast.
Following Sputnik’s passing, Lisa adopted Matilda from HRN. During our Capital Campaign to raise funds to open up our new clinic facilities, Lisa earned the honor of naming a room. She lovingly named her space Matilda’s Quarantine Quarters (MQQ) in sweet Matilda’s honor and she decorates it with care. Since then, she has opened her home and heart to Gala, MacIntosh, and most recently, Timpani. All her rabbits live free roam and share their home peacefully with her dog, Nari, adopted in 2020.
Lisa’s love for rabbits shapes the way she volunteers. She understands their need for patience, peace, and the chance to feel safe and loved – because she’s seen the transformation that happens when they receive just that.
When Lisa isn’t volunteering, she finds joy in nature. Whether it’s walking Nari, spending time at the beach, sailing, or kayaking – being near the water is her happy place. She also enjoys traveling, exploring new places, or simply staying in and enjoying a good movie.
When asked about her favorite part of volunteering with HRN, Lisa answered without hesitation: “ALL THE CUTE BUNNIES!” And when it comes to advice for new or prospective volunteers, Lisa reminds us: “There are so many ways you can get involved!”
Over the years, Lisa has had countless meaningful moments with the bunnies and humans of HRN. She continues to learn, grow, and share her energy with everyone she meets. We know that Lisa is a rock in our community. She regularly cares for our shelter bunnies with dedication and love. She always welcomes folks into our events with warmth and enthusiasm. She collaborates seamlessly with fellow volunteers and lovingly tends to her personal and foster bunnies alike.
Lisa, thank you for being the light you are. Your kindness, dependability, and bunny whisperer energy make you an irreplaceable part of the HRN family.