In The Spotlight: HRN’s Sponsorship Program
House Rabbit Network’s mission is to better the lives of house rabbits through fostering, adoption, and education. We also promote volunteer opportunities to involve the community at large. One way HRN encourages broad-based volunteer efforts is through its Sponsorship Program.
In our network of foster homes, HRN cares for several rabbits who have incurred extra expenses due to special surgeries or complex medical conditions. Such expenses can be difficult to shoulder; therefore HRN implemented the Sponsorship Program to help defray these particular veterinary expenses. For some rabbits we are looking to raise a sum of money to pay for outstanding vet bills. For others, who require ongoing care, HRN is looking for assistance with the cost of monthly expenses.
For some people, sponsorship is the ideal volunteer opportunity, as they can directly affect the quality of life for an individual rabbit. Sponsorship is flexible: people can choose to sponsor a rabbit in full or in part. Sponsors also have the option to give on a basis that suits them – a one-time donation, monthly contributions, or even quarterly submissions. All donations are tax deductible. Sponsorship is a wonderful way to work closely with HRN to further our mission.
For each of the rabbits on the website who are eligible for sponsorship, HRN provides a synopsis of the individual, their medical situation, and a financial goal based on their expenses. Potential sponsors can review the rabbits and select the individual they wish to help. Some rabbits have more than one sponsor, which is fine as some really need that extra support! Sponsors will receive regular updates about their chosen rabbit and will have their name appear on the HRN website with their bun. Sponsors may of course opt to remain anonymous if they prefer.
To personalize the HRN Sponsorship Program, we are delighted to spotlight a lucky bunny recipient, Bunner, and one of his special sponsors, Amelia Cook. (Bunner is also sponsored by Sarah Whitney through her bunnysitting activities. Thanks to you too, Sarah!) Bunner suffered from a serious stomach blockage that required surgery, lots of medication, and a stay at Angell Memorial in Boston. Fortunately, Bunner came through like a trooper and is now healthy and was recently adopted! His medical bills came to over $1,500, and therefore Bunner has benefited by having more than one sponsor.
Recently I spoke with 16-year-old Amelia Cook to find out more about her and the reason she became an HRN Sponsor.
Christine Bennett: So my first question is – Do you have rabbits yourself?
AC: Yes, I do. I have a bonded pair Mopsy and Maggie. I adopted Mopsy from the MSPCA in Jamaica Plain. He is a gray angora dwarf. We just celebrated his fourth birthday; the shelter knew his exact birthday from his previous owners. Maggie is silver grey and white; she was born at the ARL Boston shelter and is just over six months old.
CB: What spurred your interest in having house rabbits?
AC: I attended a boarding school that had a farm. I took care of the rabbit there, as well as the sheep and goats. That was my first experience with rabbits. When I got home, I really wanted my own rabbit, and to keep it indoors. I began to volunteer at the MSPCA in JP last fall. I clean cages, walk the dogs, and do whatever they need. It was there that I saw Mopsy and had to adopt him. Then I wanted a girlfriend for him, so I adopted Maggie from ARL.
CB: How did you hear about House Rabbit Network and our Sponsorship Program?
AC: I wanted to learn more about caring for house rabbits, so I found HRN on the web. While checking through the site I saw the sponsorship page and read about Bunner.
CB: What compelled you to be a sponsor?
AC: I believe animals should be treated equally and with respect; they are not just pets. They know a lot and we should give them more credit. I picked Bunner because he had gone through a lot and deserved the help. I started with $10, then did some bunnysitting and sent in another $70. I’ll be sending in some more in the fall.
CB: It’s so great to have you as an HRN Sponsor, and to know you’re an active volunteer bettering animal welfare – in many ways. Thank you!
AC: Thank you. I’m glad to be Bunner’s sponsor. I encouraged one friend to adopt her own rabbit and another friend to become a volunteer.
by Christine Bennett