Brandee's Blog

Another Bunny Gets a Home!!

2011-01-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

Ok, not even sure what his name is, you'll have to fill us in Ali! A Rex that recently came in from the New Haven area was adopted today! So quick I didn't even get to know him! Rags is going to be started on some super powered glucocimine (sp?) shots next week - we have never tried them before - to see if we can't get somewhere with him. Brandee

Mandy gets adopted!!

2011-01-27T22:24:00.003-05:00

Ok, Mandy got adopted today! YAY! She is a little black and white lion-head that came in from Mandy at Cottontail Rabbit Rescue. See Linda, there is a reason you are home sick! Just kidding! Just had to mention - I think I posted when I gave birth to my son in October that the nurse in the room during delivery is the sister - in -law to a woman that helps to run 3 bunnies rabbit rescue... small world! So Katie, my 2 year old, just started preschool on Wed. Her teacher Miss. Jen called me to let me know how my friends daughter was doing (long story) and said "I just remember where I know you from! You are Brandee with Hop-A-Long Hollow, right?" She also works for Linda Howard who owns Linda's Doggie Salon here in Stratford. We have done several rescues with Linda. Soooo Funny! Just glad I feel I'm starting to get back into the swing of things a bit! We have feet, not inches, of snow, and it's a beautiful week. Be careful to all! Brandee :o)

Linda Sick, Rags not well...

2011-01-24T15:36:00.005-05:00

Well, Linda was sent home from the airport by her husband and crawled into bed for 3 days. She's still not 100% but will hopefully still be joining him in Florida by weeks end. Feel better oh great bunny lady! I'm currently bonding Kia and Marly back together, she had her eye removed and is doing great! Rags, one of my most favorite buns to ever come into the Hollow, is going down hill so fast. He has horrible Arthritis that just hit so hard that it looks like he has a splayed back leg now. We are certain he won't be with us much longer. We also have Oliver and Rosie too that are just off, so they are under careful watch.

It's amazing how all of the volunteers have once again pulled together to make sure the Hollow is covered again - I personally want to thank everyone! THANK YOU! I will be going away at the end of Feb. and have Ali and Kristine doing shots for me, so want to say thanks to them too! THANKS! Will try to get some pictures the next time I'm down. All bondings going pretty well so far! Brandee

P.S. Just wanted to say Thanks to one of my Awesome Friends Mindy Coman for her and fiance' Rob providing us with SO MANY PAPERS!!! And on a continuous basis, and Flyer Free! Thanks guys!!

Linda away??? 3 Bondings!

2011-01-20T14:21:00.003-05:00

Believe it or not, Linda is going away! Ok, working vacation, but she's actually getting on a plane! I'm wondering if she will ever come back! Went to clean today - we are going to try to have Marley and Kia put back together. They have been separated in cages next to each other due to Kia's eye removal. I did 3 bondings last week, Dixie and Woodstock, 2 black female rabbits adopted at separate times from the Westport Humane Society, and Winter (who just lost bond-mate Licorice) with Lucky. Just exciting as all seems well so far and 3 bunnies got homes last week! Skylar, our severe head-tilt bunny, is more than likely being adopted - maybe even today - by a family that called actually looking to take in a special needs bunny! YAY! Hopefully that goes well! Brandee

Bondings and such... Goodbye Licorice...

2011-01-10T07:49:00.004-05:00

Well, I have started back with bondings and cleaning 2 days at the Hollow. Right now I have Ali's infamous Dixie - the Flemish beauty (my favorite breed) as her bond mate Jellybean passed a couple of weeks ago. Not going so well, so going to swap for a new bunny today. A woman from Wspt. adopted from the Humane Society last year, and they fell in love with another bunny yesterday, both girls, and they will be getting dropped for a bond attempt later today. Don't have the best of luck with same sex bonds, but the younger is 4 months and spayed, so perhaps her hormones haven't kicked in yet. All is crazy here, lack of sleep, etc... Down at the Hollow, even crazier! Thank goodness for the come back of a couple of volunteers (thanks Greer!) and the adoptions and bondings we have going on. One thing strange is the amount of eye removals we are having - yes - eye removals! A woman brought her sick bunny in last month that's eye actually burst (ewwww!) and was removed. Feather had an eye issue upon coming in and had hers removed. Kya's just got removed last week because of an abscess in the eye ball (so wild looking) and now it looks as though Athena's may be coming out as well. When it rains, it pours. South Wilton is getting lots of rabbit experience from us! Linda got a call from South Wilton the other day that Licorice had passed away. Her bond mate Winter will be coming in soon for a new bond mate. Well, I'm actually packing up the kids to go down and clean, let my daughter Katie play with Linda's grandson Logan (who is going to be a big brother in July!!) so maybe some more news later! Don't forget to check our website at www.hopalonghollow.org for updates on adoptable bunnies and other small animals! Brandee :o)

Good Bye Jelly Bean and Mr. Magoo...

2010-12-30T13:37:00.002-05:00

Ali - a Blog contributor, went home yesterday to find her bunny Jelly-Bean, bonded to Flemish Dixie, had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. So sorry to hear Ali. Mr. Magoo's owners also called to let us know he had passed away. Snow White, Magoo's bond-mate, is visiting the Hollow this week, so we got to say Hi. She is the sister to my rabbit Cinderella and Ali's bunny Flash. They all turned 4 years old yesterday. Their parents, Steve and Shayla, are still, after 4 years, looking for a home.

Linda is very sick, and having Asthma on top of it has been really hard. I cleaned today and Tuesday at the Hollow, kids in tow! Due to the weather and illness there has been quite a few volunteer cancellations that couldn't be at a worse time for Linda health wise. She will keep on chugging though, she always pulls through. The Christmas Eve volunteer party was very nice, according to Linda! I never made it down this year, I had family up from Georgia. I don't know what else to report right now other than a few sick rabbits, such as Licorice who is bonded to Winter and a few others that have been adopted out. Plenty of Bunnies for adoption - visit us on the web at www.hopalonghollow.org! Happy Holidays! Brandee

Good Bye Cadbury...

2010-12-21T16:08:00.005-05:00

Well, we lost Cadbury, a beautiful NZW that had been staying at the Hollow for some time now. He came in from the Catskill Game farm a few years back. We have so much going on down at the Hollow right now, I will have to interview Linda to get a good update. We have a beautiful calendar on sale for the Holidays that was made by one of our volunteers who is no longer able to help with our group, nice guy, will be missed terribly! We have our Christmas letter that has gone out as a fundraiser. Linda is hosting a party for the volunteers this year, which is usually a party for all to attend, but it's been a very long year all around so we are keeping it short and sweet. Linda's daughter is expecting her second child, and my second just turned two months yesterday. Linda has been up to her ears in sick or injured rabbits and trying to help others with theirs. Feather had her eye removed, there is a new head-tilt bunny, a whole new slew of medicine rabbits... Well, just wanted to say hello and wish everyone a happy holiday season and to say Good bye to Cadbury. Such a feisty little guy! We will be getting settled and hopefully get going on our Easter fundraisers shortly after the beginning of the year. Anyone that is able to volunteer that lives in the area, we would love to have a comedic person to wear the bunny suit for photos this year! Have a very Merry Christmas! Brandee

An Adopted Bunny Update

2010-09-30T08:11:00.004-05:00

We got this email update yesterday from a woman who adopted one of our bunnies a few years ago. It was such a nice email, and such a wonderful story, that we had to share it with our readers. This is why we keep doing what we do. Have a bunderful day!

Three-ish years ago, I adopted Porkchop - the grey bunny in the photo, I didn't rename him - from Hop-A-Long. Shortly after his adoption he bonded with the white angora in the photo (she was from Sweet Binks shelter, also in RI)- we named her Applesauce (of course!). Applesauce was much older than Choppie, and recently passed. Porkchop is currently bonding with a new bunny (ChouChou), another angora (he picked her; apparently he has specific tastes!) and is doing really well. On a side note, ChouChou is from the Canadian "Great Rabbit Rescue" - I read on your blog you have a couple of those bunnies as well. Porkchop and his mate are free range. He and ChouChou have their own room and when my husband and I are around they are allowed to roam the 1st floor, but they usually stick to their own space. Porkchop has been such a great addition to our family. He is full of personality and he's been a perfect "bunny diplomat" for friends and family who didn't know much about house rabbits. He is really laid back and deals well with my crazy dog (always supervised, of course) and my nieces and nephews all love hanging out on the floor with him. Our vet says he's one of the coolest and healthiest bunnies she's ever seen.

I've had rabbits for a number of years and when I adopted Porkchop, I was not in the market for a new pet. I had a lop-eared bunny named Pickles who had passed and my husband and I were just settling into our first house. I was actually looking for a place to donate Pickles' food and toys, figuring I'd take a break from pets in general. But then I saw Porkchop's picture on Petfinder and immediately felt a connection. My husband thought I was crazy, but I drove the 2 hours down to Hop-Along, knowing in my heart that I was going to fall in love with Porkchop. As I predicted, we connected immediately and I brought him home that day. I can't really describe the bond we share. He's not the most affectionate or snuggly bunny I've ever had, but every time I see him, I smile and I just know that he belongs with me. My husband and I joke that if we were ever to separate, we'd have to go to court over the dog and the cat, but there's never any question that Choppie is all mine. I've loved all my rabbits, but there's just something really special about Porkchop.

So, thank you for all the hard work you and your volunteers do. I know the work can be heartbreaking and it's sometimes hard to feel optimistic. But know that there are many of us out there who have found a fuzzy soul-mate because of what you do. And I am so very grateful to you and you shelter for helping me to find mine.

Mary

Up to our Ears in Rabbits!

2010-09-17T14:49:00.006-05:00

Ahhhh, where to begin... I am now 8 1/2 months pregnant and feel I have almost deserted Linda as far as things go. I haven't, I still get down to the Hollow at least twice a week to do shots, do our food runs, am starting to work on getting a database in order with Jim's help, and actually signed up to clean every Wednesday this month (works great, my 2 year old plays with her grandson Logan!). It's getting harder to bend over and get into those bottom cages! A lot is going on at the Hollow, bunnies are everywhere! We have had a couple of visits with the House Rabbit Society this month, Linda has had quite a few bunnies boarding. Her cat Hilda, one of the diabetics that came in through the Humane Society, went into a diabetic shock this week and Linda spent a lot of time nursing her back.

So many bunnies are looking for homes right now. I'm going to post some pictures, and call it a day. I have so much to write that has happened the past couple of months, but my brains are scrambled right now and all I can think about is how many more rabbit folders need to be made to be filed...

July Update... A/C... Westlund Auto Body

2010-07-30T14:53:00.003-05:00

It's been such a hot summer already! The Hollow raised over $3,000 and got an installed Central Air unit for all the buns! They now have A/C and Heat without the plugs and worries! I have to say, Linda and I are a little jealous, as neither of us has central! Many thanks to Linda's husband Harvey once again for helping out - he helped cut the cost by helping with some of the installation! KUDOS HARVEY! We have had 4 successful bondings this week and are working on 2 more right now. We are so crazy with so many rabbit dump calls coming in. I went to visit my parent's for 2 weeks in the beginning of July, the day after I came home I had 3 baby bunnies dropped, one which passed from coccidia, and 2 chinchilla's come in. There are phone calls every day and we just don't have the space available, not to mention it's a very slow time of the year for adoptions. So much has happened the past two months, I can't even think about it enough to put it in here. I am now 7 months pregnant and having a harder time bending over to play/care for what I have here right now, which is basically Hollow overflow, Katie is 2 now and keeps me very busy!

We currently have 2 pairs of male chinchilla's and a trio that are up for adoption. If anyone has any interest in fostering or adopting, please give me a text or call at 203-767-1150. I am on a roll doing bondings right now, so if anyone is looking for a friend for their rabbit, again, please contact me, and soon! I won't be doing bondings come mid-September - I'm due in October, so I'm doing all I can now!

Welp, don't know what else to write at the moment other than Easter, Bob, the little dwarf cancer bunny "Buddy" and Friday got adopted and Westlund Auto Body's owner texted me and is willing to let us, and even help us, to trap the bunnies on their property now so we can get them into a safe place and out of the heat and elements. We just have to figure things out, we are so maxed! Thank you to everyone who has been helping with volunteer work and donations!

WE ARE STILL COLLECTING TAG SALE ITEMS!

Thanks! Brandee :o)

Sad News

2010-05-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

This is perhaps the saddest day I can remember at the Hollow. We lost two beloved Himalayan bunnies today. Blossom and Gracie have both crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Blossom who has been in our care for about 8 months had developed a hock sore which grew to an internal abscess which ate away the joint of the leg. We took x-rays today and confirmed just how bad the situation was. The only answer was an amputation which I would have done in an instant except that both of her front legs were badly compromised by the horrible injuries she came in with. Her remaining leg in the rear was getting a hock sore similar to what happened to the abscessed rear leg. Blossom would not have had any mobility and probably would have lived with a considerable degree of pain. Gracie, the sweet little bunny who came to us with two horrible hock sores on her rear legs had been gradually improving and we had hopes that soon one leg could shed the heavy bandages she had to wear and with an amputation on the remaining back leg she could have had a happy life as a tripod bunny. Suddenly just before noon today Gracie developed the worst head tilt I have ever seen. It was instantaneous and she flipped and flipped as though she was having convulsions. It took a very heavy dose of valium to keep her still enough to be examined. The most likely cause seems to be an abscess of the brain, After having worked so hard for many many months I choose euthanasia for both of them. You all need to know this choice was made out of love - not from money considerations or lack of caring. Both of these gentle rabbits have become like best friends to me and losing them breaks my heart. Treating both bunnies would have been difficult, painful to them and most important of all probably would not have had a good outcome. I choose to put both painlessly to sleep rather than put them through more that they had already been through. I have lived with and loved dearly both Blossom and Gracie and while I do believe they had many good days living here - I don't think it would have been fair to let either or both live with no quality of life. I was with them both as they were put to sleep and I can say it was peaceful and they felt loved, safe and felt no fear. I think that is all any of us can ask for ourselves or our pets. Both crossed to the bridge and left behind some very sad friends, doctors and technicians who had all cared very deeply about them.A special thanks to those who made their time here happy and pleasant. To all of you who gently cleaned around them in their cages as they "helped" and gave them safe run time. To the techs at South Wilton who changed their bandages over and over and over again, all with gentleness and compassion. To the Doctors Fahy and Hammond who did their best to heal them and kept them comfortable while they tried. To those who supported their care financially and to my family who tolerated all the time I spent with these two special creatures. Blossom and Gracie have joined all our other friends on the bridge free of their pain and illness.Linda

Diabetic cats and sick bunnies

2010-04-10T12:11:00.003-05:00

Well, we endeavored to help out 2 diabetic cats a couple of weeks ago, which we raised well over $1,000 to do (we have now got it covered) and Linda is deep into it and going strong. See, we don't do cats, we are basically a small animal shelter, so all this through us for a loop and became a lot more complicated than anticipated. There are 2 female cats, Snowball (11) and Hilda (14) who has no teeth. Both are just as sweet as can be and were destined for euthanasia if something wasn't done. We have a home for one, definitely, and are hoping our call in from Mass will lead to a permanent home for the other. We are willing to supply the first 3 months of needles and insulin, than they become their new owners responsibility. Linda has a major house full of rabbits right now, quite a few on meds every day including Blossom and Gracie, both with wrapped legs from bone infections, and poor Blossom is wearing a collar now since she's been trying to chew her own leg off. Things with Joy have been touch and go as to whether her leg will be amputated or not and it looks like it's going to come off this week. She has internal abscesses in her leg that will affect her life if not taken care of and it seems to be going beyond the realm of being fixed with antibiotics (Baytril, Zith and Pen G have all been or are still being used). Pieper Bunny had her spay this week and when they removed her uterus, I'm am so not kidding when I say that the cancer in it was the size of another dwarf rabbit. It had to weigh in about 3-4 lbs. It's on my counter, seriously, I'll see if I can blog a picture for educational purposes on WHY YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR RABBITS ALTERED!!!

I am still waiting to hear from BPT AC on whether they have trapped anymore of the rabbits running loose outside on their property (and Westlund Auto Body's), I don't want anymore rabbits here (I'm almost out of my first trimester now - again) but am set up to take them in.

We have a male chin that just came in, sweet as can be named Tango, and a female that may be coming in this week as well. We also still have Blackie and Jackie up for adoption. Again, I'll see what I can do to get some pictures uploaded!

Working on a triple bonding with Alison's Flash, Kali and Sam this week! Triple bonds are hard, but it seems to be going well. I will keep them for at least another week to make sure all is well, and will be doing a bonding with 2 of Mandy's (Cottontail Rabbit Rescue) bunnies this coming week too! One is a three legged flemish I have been dying to meet since she got her!

Ok, I'm sure there is more but I can't think of it now! Have a nice weekend! Brandee

Updates - It's been a while!

2010-04-05T21:17:00.004-05:00

I have a combination of good news and sad news. I'll start with the sad news so we can get it out of the way. Our little Angora/Dwarf mix, Blue, passed away just before Easter. After battling chronic upper respiratory infections, and being on oxygen and slipping into stasis, her little body finally gave out. She leaves behind her new husbun, Rags, who was previously widowed when his bunny wife, Cinni passed away in February.

On the positive side, Brandee and Mindy were able to catch a beautiful caramel colored, female Rex at the Bridgeport Animal Control facility the other day.

Someone dumped several rabbits at the facility overnight, they've already dug a multi-tunnel burrow underground, and started multiplying. We've caught one so far and we'll keep trying!

We also took in a small black female lionhead from the Humane Society last Thursday. She promptly gave birth to 6 babies on Friday night (March 26)! Two of the babies didn't make it, but Ella Mae and her 4 tiny babies are now safely in foster care!

Thanks for reading! TTFN! Ta Ta For Now!

New Bunnies

2010-04-02T13:37:00.001-05:00

Today started off like this... I woke to find one of the baby bunnies we currently have (mom is a visiting black lion head and had 6 babies last Sunday) cold and dying, and it sucks knowing there is nothing to do to help it, mom and mother nature know best... Linda called with the news that Blue passed away in her oxygen tent last night... Ok, sad, sucks... I went to meet a woman today at Bridgeport Animal Control to try and help trap and home domestic rabbits that got dumped there. Above are some pictures of "Friday" who was caught today (Good Friday) by Mindy Coman. Mindy actually shimmied into a pipe to catch this little girl, coming out herself with metal burns on her arms. Friday has a gash over her eye that has started to abscess, which can kill a rabbit by poisoning it's blood stream, and she's also got a scar on her ear, fur missing off her upper eye and ears, and a wound on her back. She has ear mites as well. I took her to the vet, had her weighed and than gave her revolution for fleas and mites, and started her on Pen G shots for the abscess. We will then have her spayed and adopt her out to an indoor free-range home. We also dug out a burrow in the search for older babies, but the only nest we found was one of 6-7 babies that looked like they probably drowned in all the rain we just had, there were no other signs of injury other than very bloated little bodies. 2 rabbits have already been found dead hit by cars on the street.

and some more sad news....

2010-02-22T22:03:00.002-05:00

A day after losing Fuzzbutt, Hop-Along Hollow has also lost our longtime resident Cinnamon. She was one of the first bunnies to come into the shelter when we first started out, and due to an illness which caused seizures, she was rendered basically unadoptable. She had been bonded to a large while male New Zealand named Rags.

We will miss both Fuzzy and Cinni very much!

Sad News

2010-02-20T13:56:00.004-05:00

Sad to report that Mr. Fuzz (more commonly known as Fuzzbutt) passed away at South Wilton Vet Group last night.

Having come to us about a year and 1/2 ago, Fuzzbutt had suffered some kind of injury prior to arrival, rendering his back legs useless. He was not able to urinate on his own or do much moving around without the help of a cart. He had undergone bladder flushing yesterday and the vets were thrilled with the results as a large clump of sludge that had formed an obstruction in the urethra was found and they were able to remove it. The vet was very pleased with the procedure and everything seemed to go very well but it was too much for Fuzzy's body to handle.

We'll miss you, Fuzzbutt! Run free at the Bridge (without the help of a butt-cart!)

Adoptions! YAY!!!

2010-02-14T15:41:00.004-05:00

We have had an INCREDIBLE last few days, here at Hop-Along Hollow!

All of these bunnies were adopted:
Chester the mini lop (who just came in a couple of days ago):

Briar & Pachino:

Button (no picture)

Crystal (no picture)

Spot:

Dutch Pumpkin:

Hooray for adoptions!!

Lacie (one the 8 black bunnies who came in over the summer and then developed head-tilt), Spanky (Lacie's brother), Cinderella, and her parents Shayla & Steve, have all gone into foster care!

Chopsticks too!!

2010-01-24T20:56:00.002-05:00

We also got in Chopsticks last week, a spotted female that somehow had her ears cut off. She's doing well now, but needs a home!

Help for Gracie...

2010-01-24T10:15:00.004-05:00

So much has happened this past month. Our Hollow party was postponed from Christmas time to Jan 10th due to snow, Linda's uncle passed away two days before Christmas, and she, Chelsea and baby Logan are in Fla. now cleaning out his home. Linda is very sick this week and I'm sure exhausted. We have quite a few things going on right now, most importantly, Gracie. Gracie was brought to us by North Haven Animal Control, they dropped her directly at South Wilton Vet, she had such horrible sore hocks that they split open and bled out, her bones in her feet were exposed and she has bone infections in both legs. Best case scenario ,we get her on heavy duty antibiotics, the infection somewhat cures, she continues going on for a couple of years, than we have the option of double leg-amputation, and depending on how far up the infection has gone, euthanization. We are looking for help once again to save a bunnies life, to give her a last happy moment in a good home, not just knowing hard life on the street than dying. Any contributions can be made directly to South Wilton Vet on Danbury Road in Wilton, CT, or through www.hopalonghollow.org. Thanks! Brandee

A note from Linda, our President...

2009-12-13T13:17:00.000-05:00

To let you know............
A note from Linda, our President...

Salty our big Gray Giant Chinchilla Breed Bunny died last night though we tried hard to save her. A necropsy done today showed that Salty died of bowel impaction and renal failure brought on by a bizarre complication of her spay back on November 5th. She developed adhesions that encircled both the bowl and one ureter shutting both off which put her into renal failure and obstructed her bowel. It was a very odd complication that could in no way have been predicted or prevented. The only way to save her would have been surgery some time ago before the symptoms appeared. So nature took it's course as hard as we tried to prevent that from happening. Thanks to Dr Fahy of South Wilton for doing a no charge necropsy to help us all learn what happened. Salty had been bonded last week so she leaves behind a very sad little black bunny who we will be rebonding as soon as possible.

Linda at the Hop A Long Hollow 203-247-4661

Salty passes.

2009-12-12T12:34:00.003-05:00

Salty passed away during the night. She leaves behind new bond mate Marle. A necropsy will be done to find out what happened.
We have a Petco picture day fundraiser thingie today. Hope the Holidays can bring us in some good fundraising. Linda has 14 rabbits on medications right now, all needing frequent vet visits. She is in overload. Brandee

Salty goes to the vet...

2009-12-10T17:49:00.003-05:00

Ok, Blue, we don't know what's up with her, but she seems to be doing better. After finally getting Katie to go to sleep today, I went down to clean the rabbits and Salty (large gray chinchilla rabbit that came down from Cottontail Rabbit Rescue) was grinding her teeth like mad. I thought I was home for the day (You know how that goes Linda) but I had to get her to the vet. If you pet a rabbit and they start grinding their teeth, that is called tooth purring, they are enjoying be pet. If you walk in on a rabbit grinding it's teeth, usually it means it's in pain. So, from Stratford down to South Wilton I went. They did blood work and an X-Ray. We don't know where we will be getting the money from for this one, and we are awaiting the results. She was spayed November 5th, so it's a little late for lesions I believe, and she is newly bonded to Marle. The Doc feels a knot in her uterine area, so maybe an infection from the surgery? Puppy and Lovey got adopted, I have a GP here for a Christmas present for someone, and I'm getting down in my cages. I have 4 cages of rabbits left (one cage is mine) and 4 cages of chinchilla's still looking for homes. Brandee

OK, just got an update. She's in major stasis, tho she is still eating, blood values were poor, and may be kidney stones. Linda is going to try to pull her through, but with the lack of funding for surgery, we may have to put her down. If it's kidney stones, they gotta come out. I'm so upset for Salty, and am very happy Linda got her some heavy duty pain meds....

Blue goes to the vet

2009-11-17T14:29:00.002-05:00

Well, Blue had to be rushed down the vet today because she started breathing funny. Linda started her on Zith 3 days ago, but even her beautiful fur looks bad today. We are thinking she may need to spend the night on oxygen. We have two of the HS bunnies also going to South Wilton tomorrow, one is having surgery, I wish I had taken a picture of the tumor on one of the legs. Linda and I are undecided on whether it's a massive tumor or a massive abscess. I'm so tired today but at least Katie seems to be feeling better, I think her teeth are finally busting through. Yawn... More later...

Lots going on...

2009-11-16T13:59:00.002-05:00

Well, it's been a while, so for those of you who don't know, we lost our son 18 weeks into the pregnancy. It was a bummer, but we are moving on. Lumar, Ali's boyfriend, lost his mother 2 days ago. Harvey's brother has been in the hospital in a coma for over a week. It's been nuts. Now let's get to the rabbits. I just took in one 2 weeks ago, the cutest lion-head that was running loose in the Grasmere area of FFLD, his name is Drew and will be neutered and up for adoption soon, I'll post a couple of pics when I can. We took in a couple of others with health issues, and there are two at the HS that we are helping with, one looks like possible testicular cancer again. I took in a black bunny from animal control in ffld today, he looks like Michele Chellemi's bunny Jet, he's black and beautiful. I'll have to think of a name for him later. Again, another neuter. We had a bunny come in from North Haven that was all messed up, broken bones, jaw, dislocated shoulder, respiratory, and Linda did her miracle work with Dr. Fahey once again, and she, Blossom, is doing really well. Katie is running under my feet, so I'm going to bail for a few and see if I can't get back onto blogging more soon, like about how my garage now looks like a thrift shop! We are still taking tag-sale donations, and will take them all year round. Brandee

Argh! Long week...

2009-09-08T14:20:00.003-05:00

I don't even know where to start. Last Thursday is just a blur, I know it involved a kitten call and the Trumbull rabbits, I just know it was rabbit filled and we spent a good portion of the day in the car. Friday morning I got up, borrowed a trap from Feral Care, set two traps in someones yard in Stratford to trap two rabbits running loose (there was a third but a car took that one out), ran a bunny to South Wilton Vet that had come in from Trumbull with scabs, missing fur, and major front teeth malocclusion, went to Linda's to pick up a baby bunny I'm watching, and then took the bunny with Katie (my 14 month old) and I too my OBGYN apt. at 10:45 in Fairfield. They weren't even awed that I showed up in the office with a rabbit. They know what I do. Saturday we had another Tag-Sale, we made it little over $300, and have another one next Saturday, and two in October. We are hoping to buy an incubator that has a front sliding door on it, they hold the heat well, and they cost about $500. It's a necessity for when we get in baby bunnies. I lost 5 this month. It sucks. Our money this past tag sale went to two vet bills incurred on the same day. One for a rat that has been passing blood in the urine, another for a 6 week old baby bunny that had to have Bot-Fly larvae (cutebra) removed from it surgically. We spend it as fast as it comes in, there is so much going on right now. We are in need of donations for our upcoming tag-sales. Please contact Brandee for item donation at 203-767-1150.

Sad News..

2009-08-13T16:43:00.000-05:00

From Linda:

With great sadness I wanted to let you all know that tonight we lost our little Addie. Addie was a tiny little bun with a very big heart who came from the Easton Barn rescue back in February 2009. She arrived covered with frostbite. It took many months but she healed - though she did lose one of her hind legs. Addie lived in Brandee's kitchen for the first 3 months and then moved in with Linda for an additional two months. She visited Dr Fahy weekly and had far more than her share of dressing changes, drugs and treatments. She tolerated it all and never once tried to bite anyone no matter how much pain we caused her. Brandee was sure she would never make it through that first horrible night and we expected her to die each day for the first full month. Each morning she was still with us was a miracle. Slowly she healed and one daysomething very special happened. Addie was adopted! Brandee and I both cried to see her go off on her own with one of our trusted volunteers, Melissa. It was like Addie had come full circle and found herself a wonderful new life. Little Addie spent two very happy months with her new family who adored her. For the first time in her life she knew comfort and happiness. She spent each evening cuddled up and being petted and loved. She was no longer cold or hungry or in pain. She had her dressing changed on the remaining hind leg each week and each time we all rejoiced that she was on her way and so close to final recovery. Yesterday Addie ate and acted completely normal. This morning Addie didn't seem right. She wouldn't eat. Anyone who knew Addie knew nothing gave her more joy than food. Something was very, very wrong. Addie was rushed to South Wilton where they attempted to save her but she passed away tonight. No one knows why but stasis was certainly a part of it. Addie was never strong enough for spay surgery and I suspect she may had had ovarian cancer. Purely a guess on my part. She leaves behind all of us who loved her. She was our TV star, a Hollow mascot, an inspiration and our friend. She was a part of our lives and she will be very much missed. Our condolences and our warmest wishes to Addie's family.

Exhaustion Hits the Hollow...

2009-08-12T17:58:00.003-05:00

Things have been nuts. This morning Linda and I went to Norwalk and caught two bunnies by the highway, we have named them Basil and Nellie. Nellie (white one) screamed when I caught her, it was heart wrenching. They are here together, have a spay and neuter set for the 25th, and are terrified half to death, especially Nellie. They are settled in nicely, but after running loose for over a month, I'm sure it's been a very big day for them both.

My cat Mitose died two weeks ago, Timmy who was bonded to Munchie, died last week, and now we have Addie (little 1 1/2 pound that came in from Easton nut) at South Wilton, rushed down today not looking good. Things happen in 3's for us, and we hope Addie will pull through fine. She's already on borrowed time, I thought for sure she would die on Feb. 3rd when she was dropped off in horrible shape. Since she has made a full recovery after leg amputation and has found her palace home with her human servants. We are praying for her full recovery once again. Linda has had many pet sitting jobs come through, and we have had volunteers canceling, which seems to happen more in the summer - but really stinks because that is when Linda's asthma is at its worst. We are having a tag-sale at 306 Lordship Road in Stratford this weekend, and several others coming up through-out September and October. I just can't write enough about all the stuff we have had going on, I can't keep up, and I know Linda has had it 50 million times worse. We are looking for more donations all the time, and more reliable volunteers. Please contact us if you can help!
Brandee

Nothing to say but OY!!

2009-07-29T15:24:00.002-05:00

So the past week and a half has been nothing short of draining. Emotionally, physicially, and mentally.

I found out that my company got bought out everyone will be getting laid off. They told us we have more than 1 year but less than 3. Hopefully the job market will be better by then!

We received a call from Trumbull Animal Control about a week and a half ago. A family in Trumbull had 17 rabbits and several other creatures in the home that were not being cared for. Apparently, when TAC went into the house, there were dead rabbits in cages with live ones, and so many bags of trash in the garage that it was packed full to capacity. Not sure if they ever actually went through the trash but the last I heard, they were sure they find more dead animal bodies if they did. TAC seized the animals and is now pressing charges for animal abuse. This is the same family who TAC seized 16 rabbits from a couple of years ago. 3 of them became HALH residents (Biscuit, Ringo, and Milo). The family decided not to relinquish the animals this time so TAC actually has to press charges in order to (hopefully) obtain custody.

I took in Sam & Dean to foster for a little while so that Linda could open up a cage for any bunnies that may come in as a result of the above situation. Sam and Dean came in to us earlier this year. They had been left in an outdoor hutch when the owners sold the home. I have no idea how long they were out there for before the new owner found them. I remember they were really skinny when they came in, but Sam (who is much smaller than his big brother Dean) is very VERY scared. He charges and grunts at any thing that moves (except for Dean), but if I sit on the floor he will come and stand on me and just be generally nosey. I'm determined to get him adoptable! Dean on the other hand is a bit timid but much more outgoing than Sam. At least Dean lets you pet him!

So last Saturday the 25th, was the HALH Garden Party. There were not as many people there are there have been in the past, but I think it was more manageable for Linda and Harvey! Overall, I feel that it went well and the food (courtesy of Harvey) was wonderful, as usual!

On Sunday, I dropped off my two Flemish Giants to Brandee so that she could attempt to bond them. They have been living in separate x-pens next to each other for well over a month but they were still bickering and boxing each other so I figured I would have Brandee give it a try. 26lbs of rabbit is a lot to handle to begin with, but add in the fact that everyone in her house is sick and it was chaos. So I went and picked up my beasties last night and we will try again in a few weeks when things are less hectic!

Anyone able to donate designer clothing/handbags (no knock off’s), 33 or 39 gallon BLACK trash bags, or newspapers, please contact Linda or Brandee! We can always used Petco gift cards and grocery store gift cards as well to buy supplies and greens!

Thanks everyone!

Wow... Long Time No Blog!!

2009-06-25T21:51:00.002-05:00

Hey, well, here was my day... I woke up with my 11 month old, soon to be a year (WOW HAS IT FLOWN BY!), and noticed that the garbage had been broken into by Raccoons... It was all over the driveway, so I called my good friend Madison Letizia (age 10) and she came over to play with Katie so I could clean up my driveway and put the dishes away, get a couple of bunnies together to swap with our main location in Norwalk, Madison rode down to Norwalk with us and watched "Brats" in the backseat with Katie. THANK YOU MADISON! We stopped at Dutchess and got breakfast. I went and did the shots and was sad to be in such a rush to leave Linda to set up and rearrange the cages to accommodate the bunnies I brought down. Things change so much with a baby, and now that she's walking, I can't just put her in the stroller and expect her to watch me help clean, she screams for being confined! Linda will be joining in on knowing what that is all about as her Grandson Logan is now 2 months old and will be strolling around in just a few months as well. Next I dragged Maddie and Katie to the dump with me, then we dropped Maddie off at home to visit with her Uncle Jason. Katie finally fell asleep for her 8:30 nap at 11:00, and I continued to weed the garden and do dump runs. I had to stop the traffic next to Sikorsky Memorial Airport to help a turtle cross the road... Another dump run, and then I did the unthinkable. I went to Dutchess again. I got a burger and pulled over next to the Ramada Inn on Lordship Blvd. to eat my burger and there was a baby Seagull walking through the parking lot crying. I called Wildlife in Crisis to ask their advice, went about my business, then went back by. The baby had climbed the back stairs at the Ramada and was laying there crying. A guy came out and said that it had been there the past day, so I gathered it up, brought it home and fed it, then Jim to the rescue! He not only took Cakester the Guinea Pig down to the Humane Society for me, but also drove the Seagull (a "Laughing Gull") down to WIC in Weston. I then went to drop off Peanut (bunny) to her new home. I cleaned some of the cages downstairs, then went to the graduation party of Nick Romeo who I have nannied for for over 8 1/2 years. We came home, Katie and I watched Mama Mia (again) and then I went down to clean cages. It's been a long day. My cat Toby, a stray we took in a couple of years ago, is missing. I'm afraid when we unload the garage for our Hollow Tag Sale this weekend, I might find him injured or worse. He doesn't come up to people, so it's touch and go with what's wrong with him. My cat Mitose peed on a couple of Katie's things this week, so Linda Howard at Linda's Doggie Salon in Stratford (SHE ROCKS!!) gave us a cat cage, which my husband cut new shelves for, and now we have to lock Mitose up at night. It sucks, but I can't deal with cat pee smell. We have many rats, Degu's, chinchilla's and bunnies up for adoption and foster. HELP!

If you are cleaning for us, THANK YOU! If you can help keep the litter boxes cleaned out, awesome, since summer is here the urine build up in litter boxes will cause more humidity, so please help us keep them really wiped out, also keep the doors closed at both locations, we don't want the possibility of fly strike hitting us. We are in need of 33 and 39 gallon black garbage bags, and if you see papers out on your neighborhoods recycling days, please think of picking them up for us and bringing them by, the less Linda has to do going out collecting, the more she can concentrate on keeping her home, seriously, her biggest business is designer fashions and collectibles on EBAY. Help where you can if you can... It takes a lot to run a household, and even more when you add a shelter on to it! Any fundraising ideas you are willing to follow through with is a huge bonus with us too! We take volunteers needing to fulfill community service hours, and those looking to rack up bonus credits for college... Have a great weekend! Brandee
203-767-1150

Chin Adoption, GP's and Rats for adoption, Bunny bondings...

2009-04-12T22:17:00.006-05:00

One of the white chins dropped off here last month, Ichabod (now Miiko) found a new home with the Baker family. He is going to be spoiled rotten! They did lots of research, got a cage from http://www.martinscages.com/ (0ne of my favorite sites for cages) and Emily, his primary owner, is a well spoken and very intuitive child. Also, the parents know they are fully responsible, what a breath of fresh air! Our other white chin, now named Cotton, seems to be doing awesome with Christines Button and Larrie, and I guess she'll get herself an "Easter Chin" when she gets home from visiting nephew Rylen in VA. Christine is also fostering Van-Gogh the Degu, and he is so in love with her! I'm bonding Jesse (who was our Jackson Brown) to Vanilla, and it seems to be going well, and we also had a couple of bunnies dropped off last week from Sonya, a Belgiam Hare named Elmer, and a bunny that looks like she might have been some kind of dutch mix named Lilly. They really beat each other up, so I didnt' think the bonding would work from the start, and trying them here didn't help the situation either. They just don't like each other. I bonded Lilly with the Harlequin Bugs from Mandy's rescue that we had just bonded to Jessica's Bunny Chloe that passed this week from a heart disorder, (and we are so very sorry for Chloe's passing, especially me since she was staying with me and I had to rush her to the vet, and Jess and David were on their honeymoon, I just can't not feel somewhat responsible...) Lilly and Bugs are totally grooming each other and seem to be in love. Elmer the Belgium, he doesn't like any of our girls we have right now. We'll see what the family says when they get back in touch with me again... I don't know if I mentioned we got in 4 five week old brown baby bunnies from Mandy, and a pregnant mom (Breyer) that gave birth last week to another 4. She is so scrawny, but trying to do her best to keep herself and her babies happy and healthy. 2 look like Hot-Tot's and 2 look like maybe dwarf albino's, we'll see when their eyes completely open. The bun at Linda's may give birth as well, and there are several others looking for permanent or foster homes. We have a wonderful woman, who I think wishes to remain anonymous, that is going to pay for the spays and neuters on the other rabbits left, and hopefully we can find foster homes for them. We have had a very busy couple of weeks, and though we love what we do, it can be a bit frustrating at times, and tiring... Good Night, Brandee

Addie update, more babies...

2009-04-03T22:03:00.005-05:00

Addie went to the doctor again yesterday, they think the leg they want to amputate may still have a chance to regenerate (or fall off) and have never seen anything like her (like so many other buns we bring in) so while the other foot is getting better, starting to grow more hair, we are going to wait another month to see what happens with the foot - she's cool though - on antibiotics still, so she's great (DON'T KEEP YOUR BUNNIES OUTSIDE! FROSTBITE SUCKS! Then again so does flystrike, maggots eating your rabbit from the outside in, which happens in the summer). Mandy at Cottontail Rabbit Rescue was given a situation to deal with where this guy, if I'm getting the story straight, is a trapper. He had 15 bunnies that he was going to shoot before he went away for a month and a neighbor said he'd help place the rabbits, so we took a couple and a litter of 4 babies that are 4 1/2 weeks old, but had to be taken from their mom as she just had another litter. They are doing well, and a female I took in here just had a litter while I was at work tonight, looks like 4, but I didn't mess with the litter too much. I'll give the mom a couple of days, she's so exhausted this evening and I want her to be comfortable here.
We have had several bondings going on. Our bun Duke just got bonded to Jim's bunny Chloe, and I'm trying Jess's bunny Chloe with several of our males while she and David are away on their honeymoon... I'm trying Celeste and Johnny (Jax now) again to no avail. I have 2 bunnies coming in tomorrow (Mandy's adoptions) that I'm going to try to assist in. We have several more bondings and adoptions coming up, I'm going to see if I can take Michele C's buns Jet and Roxy in the next two weeks and see what I can do with them. Clyde had passed away leaving Bunny behind and we tried bonding her with Jesse (aka Jackson Brown) and they were doing great the first two-three days, then all hell broke loose. We'll try him with Vanilla and maybe another bunny at the HS (I think her name is Kiki) next week. It's been a busy, busy few weeks,
and Chelsea is due any day now, and both her and Linda are sick (Linda, I love you, but you sound like crap today!) with Harvey just getting over it. I'm just tired. I'm trying to keep up with Katie (9 months old today!), being at work (my job is great), making calls, checking e-mails (which I've been horrible at) and cleaning what I have here, which was 9 rabbits, and just went up to 17 over night (and the bondings), 11 rats looking for homes, 4 chins looking for homes, 3 which may have them, and 2 Guinea Pigs, a single male, and a single female... Let's not even get into what Linda has going on with all the rabbits and the new Grandson on the way.
Brandee

Lionheads looking for homes/A very nice donation...

2009-03-25T20:24:00.004-05:00

I got two letters in my mailbox today at my home address. One freaked me out a bit, and one made my day... The first letter I opened was someone looking to place 9 lionheads, so of course with it coming to my home address I figured soon there would be a box of bunnies on my front lawn. I spoke to the owner and he is totally responsible and looking for help, he wants to make sure the bunnies are taken care of now and not wait till last minute. I would totally adopt out to this family. With the possibility that we all have of losing our homes right now with the economy the way it is, once I spoke with him, I felt so much happier about helping out. They had bought two bunnies (miss-sexed of course) from the Milford mall pet store. Honestly, I don't even shop at the Milford mall because this pet store is there... His bunnies had a litter and the pet store took them back. He wants us to come over, which I'm doing tomorrow, sex the bunnies properly, and find them homes. I was so totally impressed with my conversation, unlike the one I had a couple of weeks ago with the woman ranting and raving she was going to report us to the police because she had a bunny to donate and we had no room. I don't understand why people assume because we do rescue that we HAVE to help them. The man I spoke with today, I am so happy to help out. So tomorrow I will go and sex what he has told us are Lionheads, and place them out accordingly, of course with the CT Humane Society once again there to help us out (Thank you HS and Allyson!).
The second letter I got was from a man who came by with his wife this weekend looking to place their two standard gray female chinchilla's. It was the nicest note with a donation of $200 stating that if we didn't place them soon, he'd send further funds as he didn't expect us to take on the financial burden. It was so nice, my day ended on a good note! Thank you to the family! I'm tired (took a nap with my 8 month old today for about 1 1/2 hours not meaning too, but it just happened) and Linda's daughter Chelsea is due any day now, so all hell is about to break loose at their home, in a very good way, but still a very busy way. We have 2 Petco dates coming up in Milford on the 4th and in Norwalk on the 11th, the Easter Bunny will be at both, and nail-clippings for a $10 donation per rabbit from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days will also be available, I also do ferret and Guinea Pig nails too in case anyone needs it! Addison (Addie) is still hanging in there, and so is her hind leg that will either be removed or fall off, and there is a LOT of pet sitting going on this month a long with several bondings. Well, I could write a book tonight, I'm sure, but too tired. We have 4 chins and 11 rats, a long with the very, very many rabbits all looking for homes. Nora has still been coming over to work with the rats, Christine has offered to help with the chins here, and ALI AND LUMAR GOT THEIR OWN PLACE THIS WEEK!!!! Yeah for you guys!!! We also have a degu up for adoption, if anyone has degu's that this one could even live next too for communication, that would be great. Mandy at Cottontail Rabbit Rescue also has several females if anyone is looking for a friend for their male. I'm here to do bondings, abuse me over it!!! Get your bun a friend! Brandee

Bugsy Passes/New Chins come in

2009-03-22T18:14:00.002-05:00

We lost Bugsy on Thursday morning. I went down to give him meds and he was mouth-breathing, so I made the decision to take him in and have him put down, as neither Linda nor myself have ever seen a rabbit come back from that point. I packed Bugs and his bond-mate Moody in the carrier to go to vet, and Bugsy died on the way there. We got a room when we got there (thank you Barnum Animal Hospital) so Moody had a chance to say good-bye. It was sad to see her nudge him and climb on him, but all was done and we went to the Hollow to pick up Popeye (who came in smelling of urine, way over-grown nails and a tiny cage). I put him next to Moody and will try bonding them next week. I just tried bonding Leo the Lion-head and Bandita, and hopefully all goes well, they went home yesterday, we'll hope that it sticks, they are so darn cute together! Heather who was adopted a few weeks ago, may be coming back. She's being a brat to the pre-existing house bunny. Today I had a pair of 6 year old female standard gray chinchilla's dropped off, and Nora who has been coming to work with our rats, took home two babies to foster (though I bet she keeps them!). We had a GP adopted last week, and another that we have here, a black and white male who is sweet as can be that is looking for a home. We'll see what pictures I can manage this week - right?? OK, Katie and I are going to watch Mama-Mia, it's nearly her bed-time. Brandee

Addison's leg...

2009-03-17T16:49:00.001-05:00

Ok, I am actually blogging two days in a row - messed up, but I have to share. Addie went to South Wilton today for another check up on her leg, and again had her amputation surgery postponed. She's doing awesome now, and the doctor seems to think that I may just mosey on into my kitchen one morning and find the leg has fallen off on it's own! Eeeeeeewwwwwww! As far as Addie goes, it's not bothering her, she's in no pain, and it would be better for her than putting the little 1 1/2 pounder through the surgery. She's still on Metacam, Baytril and Pen-G shots, and she is just doing great, she's actually following me in the kitchen now (she' knows where the lettuce is) and I'm so worried I'll step on her, she's the same size as Major's (our Shepard) toys! I have to watch out for her when Katie is in her walker zooming around too. We are making it work. Such good news after the loss of Oliver Chin. Bugsy on the other hand, I had to express his bladder again today, gave more fluids, and he's being force-fed now. He's just like Fuzz-butt, just lying there, only Fuzz is eating on his own. I'm keeping him with Moody, his bond mate, during the day so he doesn't get depressed, and putting him in a cage next to her pen at night so they can stay together. I hate this, this thought that every time I go see him he might be gone... Brandee

Hello's and Goodbyes

2009-03-16T21:14:00.004-05:00

First, I want to thank you Ali for taking over and helping with the blog since I've been nutso and too busy to even feed myself! I want to also thank Ali and Christine for helping out at the Petco Fundraiser in Milford (which didn't raise much, but we still got to talk to people!) and for just constantly helping the Hollow. Today was a crappy day as far as things go. We took in a chinchilla named Oliver a few weeks ago that was misdiagnosed with a neck tumor, and after hearing he had been bought twice and brought back due to fighting, I was positive it was a neck abscess. I took him in to Dr. Pieper at Barnum Animal Hospital (who rocks!) and he drained the abscess and sent him home with meds, then when Christine (who wanted to adopt Oliver aka. Spooks) came by on Friday, we noticed a little drooling from him and also another lump that had come up on the right jaw. This time it was an abscess due to a poor diet and miss-aligned teeth, his teeth were white instead of the orange-red that a healthy chin (or Degu) should display. He went in again on Saturday morning for another surgery, he had a bad tooth that was going to need to be pulled, and things looked like they might go septic. We had full hope of him pulling through. I had him on Baytril and Metcam, and force fed him Critical Care last night. I went down at 6:30 this morning to give him and Bugsy (a bun that just lost a lot of use of his hind legs) their meds, and Oliver was dead. I am so upset, he had a possible awesome home with Christine if he had gotten better and gotten along with her totally layed back chins. It just sucks. Now Bugsy is not only having hind-leg weakness, but his front legs are splaying. He had fluids tonight, and he's on Metacam, Baytril, and Reglan. I had to express his bladder last night because he's not peeing on his own. He's not attacking his pellets like he usually does. He's in a crate next to his bond-mate Moody tonight so I can see if he uses the bathroom, but the are close enough to nose each other. I hate to separate them, but it has to be done to see what he is producing. On a good note, Addie, the bunny from one of the Easton dumps that I didn't even think was going to make it throught the first night, is doing amazingly well, one of her hind legs seems to be regenerating, so she will probably only have to have the one hind leg removed, and after having Martin's removed, I have high hopes, he was so much happier not dragging that dead leg around. Animals don't get depressed about appendages being removed like people do, they cope and make up for it. Addie is also going all over the place now, and constantly following me around the kitchen, especially if I'm opening the fridge, she knows that's where the goodies are. It's been a long, long weekend for both Linda and I, and we need a couple of quiet days. I currently have a very sweet black and white Guinea Pig and 2 white male chins up for adoption, and also a Degu here that rocks and they are all up for adoption. I also have the 11 rats that Nora has been coming over to work with to make sure they are socialized when going to new homes, 4 males and 7 females (I want them to atleast go in pairs! OK... Done and going to bed. Thanks everyone... Brandee p.s. Pictures should follow...

It's been a while....

2009-03-16T17:18:00.002-05:00

So, April ended up coming back to us. The poor girl couldn't handle her, brought her back and went and got a cat instead. Her second choice had been Duke, who got adopted the week after, and he came back to us yesterday as well for being a handful. So I guess no matter which bunny poor Carrie adopted, she was going to have a hard time. Rabbits just aren't for everybody!

A friend of mine from work called me on Saturday and said his little lop girl wasn't eating. Of course, he failed to call me at the first sign of stasis like I had warned him and instead called me after she had not eaten in 36 hours. I told him to get to South Wilton ASAP - a few hours later he called me back to tell me she was dead...he never even made it to the vet because he didn't have a car. I feel horrible for him because he's my friend and I know what he's going through...but at the same time I am nothing short of outraged. When my first bunny, Tess, died from stasis I didn't know any better...I didn't know what to look for. I gave him all of the warning signs and told him to call me if he ever noticed anything.... I'm just suffering from mixed emotions.

We did get an email from the family that adopted our English Lop, Trouble. Of course, he is doing what he does best...making noise, rearranging his furniture and dishes, and climbing things like a cat!

We've also had some adoptions: Joy, Dusty & Jordan, and Sable & Cinnamon have all gone to a (hopefully) forever home! There was a family that was supposed to come yesterday that was interested in a bonded pair but she rescheduled so hopefully sometime within the next two weeks we can get another pair out of the shelter!

We had our first fundraiser of the season at Petco in Milford last Saturday. It wasn't very productive funding wise, but we had a lot of visitors and Dixie (my brother's flemish who joined me for the day) was quite well behaved. I will try to post pictures of her later if I remember....

TTFN!
Ali

Oy!!

2009-02-05T11:08:00.003-05:00

So we got an email from Carrie, who adopted April. It looks like April is giving her a bit of a hard time, grunting at her and basically just scaring the bejesus out of her. I sent her an email and tried to give her some tips on dealing with a beasty bunny. Hopefully it works but if not, it looks like April may be coming back.

Dover is at Brandee's with his (hopefully) new girlfriend. They were eating together and snuggling when I talked to her last night so we are hoping that it lasts!

Our Mystery bunny went back to the vet to have her tear ducts checked again and after WEEKS on penicillin, the vet still can't get the tube in there to flush them out so it's more penicillin for her for a while.

Brandee has been so aggrivated the past few days that she is afraid to blog.

TTFN!

More Good News!

2009-02-04T15:45:00.001-05:00

OK so I didn't get a chance to blog again until today, but another one of our long-time residents, Heather got adopted on Sunday (hopefully to be bonded to a nice little boy!) and Brandee got a call from a family in NEW JERSEY who are driving all the way up here this coming Saturday to adopt Tess & Dandy! Plus, we got another call from a woman who is in love with our newest all white/red eyed New Zealand, Dover. She wants to try to bond him to her existing female! Hopefully all goes well!

TTFN!
-Ali

Fantastic News!!

2009-01-31T21:26:00.002-05:00

Woohoo!!! Our second longest resident, April, got adopted today! Her new mom is great and I know that April is going to a great home! She was with us since Spring 2007and although it was a long time coming, it was worth the wait!

Our little Diva is currently at Brandee's being bonded to a little boy named Brownie! Hopefully she will continue to be nice to him! And Bunny & Clyde went into a foster home - which will hopefully turn into a permanent home!

That's all I really needed to share!

TTFN!
-Ali

Respect, and lack of knowledge...

2009-01-28T17:37:00.002-05:00

First, let me tell you that on my way home today from work, I was so fuming, I could have ripped someones head off. 4 boys walking down the street that I work on in Fairfield hocked a snowball at my car and nailed my windshield. I slammed on the brakes, slid a little, and 2 took off. I yelled at the other two that they had better get their butts over and apologize to me right then and there or I would track down their parents and call the cops, also mentioning that we paid 26,000 dollars for a car they were throwing stuff at. 2 came back to apologize, the other 2 were cowards and couldn't live up to the mistake they just made, or wanted to deal with the woman that was screaming at them like some loony bird. I had Katie (my 6 month old) with me in the back seat. I think that all the "lack of respect" has me really going right now. Kids nailing my car, people dumping rabbits in someone else's barn so they have to deal with the mess that has been left, people who beg for your help, and when it's offered and they don't want it the way you offer it.... It all comes down to respect. Respect of property, respect of life, respect of other people's time and lives. The people that I last wrote about, well Allyson at the HS was all set to take in the baby boys, and they charge a drop off fee, SOMEONE HAS TO PAY FOR FOOD!!!! The woman called, complained that the HS was only in it to make money off of them, (and they even dropped the fee just to get the buns from the woman) and she and her husband never dropped off the baby boys. She also gave the HS a hard time about it and was a snot. I bend over backwards to get to Norwalk to meet people, work with them on how to solve issues they have gotten themselves into and try to give them hope because either they themselves have messed up or the pet stores they got the rabbits from messed up on the sexes, and they just crap on me, and it's aggravating, it's tiring, it's wrong and disrespectful to someone who does what we do in rescue. We don't get paid to sex rabbits (like a vet would). We don't get paid to do nails and wash butts (like a vet would). We don't get paid to clean cages, run rabbit errands and make sure everyone has food, water and the medical attention they need. We don't have our gas paid for. We don't have our time paid for. We don't get paid to have our homes be like these revolving show rooms of animals. Yes, we do it because we like the animals, we like our volunteers, we like to see the homes that some of these guys actually make it into, but sometimes just the right people send a chill through your body as you wonder what the heck screws need to be tightened in their heads. We have a possible 4 bondings coming up this month, and it's exciting, and we are happy... My brains are so scrambled tonight, I am in a good mood, but aggravated, if that makes any sense at all. Ok, I'm still working on moving the computer room upstairs with my husband. I had to vent. Brandee

Good news comes with bad news....

2009-01-15T17:15:00.009-05:00

Well, I have some good news and some sad news. I'll start with the sad news so we can end on a happy note.

Cloudy (also known as Lance Armstrong), the little lop that came in to us several months ago with testicular cancer, passed away last night at South Wilton Vet Hospital. His foster mom came home and found him practically comatose on the floor, barely breathing and temperature way down. She rushed him to the hospital where they put him in an oxygen tent and tried desperately to save him but it was just his time. He went from a very bad life, to very a good life where he was loved very much by a lot of people. Say a prayer for his foster mom, as she is very sad to have lost him after only a short time.

So now that we are all crying hysterically and hugging our fur babies so tightly their little eyes are bugging out of their skulls, I'll provide the good news:

1) Thumper got adopted last Saturday! A very nice woman who moved here from Japan a few years ago, and her husband, came to the shelter with a list of several bunnies they were interested in meeting. But it was little Thumper that stole her heart! He was such a good boy, I hope he stays that way in his new home! So of the 10 babies that came in with Mama Jessica, there are now only 6 left, plus Mama herself and her new hubby, Sal. Her daughter Peggy has been bonded to Bucky, the bunny with the consistently over-growing teeth. Puffy and Q-Ball are still at my house in foster care, Dusty & Jordan are at the Hollow along with Mama and Sal, and Double-Stuf is at my dad's house in foster care.

2) We got an email update from Hoppy's family the other day! Hoppy is doing wonderfully in his home, and he loves the little boy so much he sleeps in his bed with him! He is great with his litterbox (which is a miracle if you ask anyone who ever cleaned his cage when he was a shelter resident) and he is just living a great life!

Oh yeah, and I definitely forgot to post the pictures of Chelsea's girls playing in the snow a few weeks ago, so here they are now:

TTFN!

Ali

Aggravation

2009-01-09T14:22:00.003-05:00

We had a woman e-mail about Gerbils, needing to place some. I forwarded on to a friend that does small animal rescue and she in turn let me know that this woman has dropped off Gerbils to her at least 2x and once it was like 24 of them! I let her know that we won't be able to assist her any further as it's more "Breeder Support" now than lending a hand and rescue. She e-mailed me back letting me know it was her autistic son's fault, and I e-mailed her back telling her she should be ashamed of herself for trying the disability card and she should be in charge, not him. Any how, it's the same woman we took 11 rabbits from with Trumbull Animal Control when I was over 8 months pregnant and it was pouring rain. Aggravation. I had 2 apt.s down at the Hollow this morning, one was with this wonderful, wonderful woman named Linda who brought bunnies to be sexed and is looking to get them altered and do everything right that she can for the animals. The second apt. was with a gentleman and his wife who doesn't like animals, and they were expecting us to take in some of their baby bunnies after we already told them twice, NO! We have no room at the moment with 70 already in the shelter and a couple of foster homes. I sexed them out and thankfully Allyson at the Humane Society to the rescue again, she's taking in the baby boys. When the mom called me back she also said she wanted to get rid of their Sheepdog. I don't understand why people get these animals to get rid of them again, and she spoke with such an air of thinking that it's OK to do, that these animals are nothing and their lives nothing, it upset me. I'll get over it. We'll help do what we can if people are willing to hold out and work with us. Ok, more later. Brandee

Dumpster Diving... Thankfully not for rabbits!

2009-01-08T14:28:00.003-05:00

Hey all! First, just a quick THANK YOU to Ali for helping with the blog and taking on just one more duty at the Hollow (She also cleans every single Saturday and handles our Petfinder site as well)! I'm going to write really quick before Katie wakes up (she just turned 6 months old on the 3rd!). We were desperate for Newspapers today so I went to the Stratford dump, and they had just emptied their bins, then I tried the recycling center and there were too many trucks dumping so I couldn't get into the building... I had to work today so by chance I went to the Fairfield dump, and JACKPOT! They have a walk in dumpster filled with people's bagged newspapers! I know this is funny, but I was so happy I nearly cried! We were so desperate and with the rain, everything has been wet. Linda has papers drying in front of her fireplace on her living room floor! OK, on to other news. Hoodie, now "Benny" is bonded with his new girl-friend Daisy, and will go home tomorrow with volunteer Linda! Reese is staying with adopted bonded pair Adam and Eve, now "Cinnamon and Pepper" so we can try a triple bonding with them next month, and it sounds like Redding, now "Margaret" may be bonded in her new home as well! Coco and Sonia just got adopted out of the Norwalk Petco location! We have an adoption on Saturday, and possibly a couple of more this weekend as well! We have 10 baby rats up for adoption right now a long with a single female, and the mom of the babies. If anyone can foster or is interested in adoption, please let me know! We have a rabbit coming from Mass on the 20th to find a girlfriend, and almost every rabbit is altered again! We are doing pretty well right now if we can just keep a flow of newspapers, stay about where we are in the cash department, and have everyone show up for their days to clean. Thank you to everyone helping, it's huge for us! Happy New Year! Brandee

2008-12-29T14:19:00.003-05:00

Today is the 2nd birthday for Flash, Zippy, Thunder, Cinderella, Snow White, and Gia! Hoppy Birthday you crazy bunnies!

So, Chelsea emailed me some pictures of her bunnies playing in the snow we got last week but I was out of town so I haven't had a chance to post the pictures. I will try to do that tonight!

So for those of you that haven't heard, Half Pint got adopted this past week! We also took in 2 new bunnies Saturday - 2 boys, Sam & Dean. Their previous owner had them living outside in a hutch...they moved out and left the rabbits there to fend for themselves. The new home owner found them out there and tried to care for them but wasn't able to keep them so Linda went and picked them up. They are both very sweet and as soon as we make sure they are not sick, they will be neutered and sent back to the Hollow for adoption.

If there is anyone who can foster a bunny or a bonded pair for a little while, please call Linda ASAP. We are overwhelmed we are at maximum capacity right now with bunnies overflowing into Linda's house! Chelsea's baby is due in April and all of the bunnies need to be out of the future nursery by February. Also, if anyone would like me to email them some fliers to hang up, please let me know! My email address is alicat2282@yahoo.com. I will mail you some fliers - please hang them up wherever you can to help us generate some adoptions! I usually hang them in the break rooms at my job and also on the community boards at the local Stop & Shops, but libraries, community centers, and any place else would be helpful!

TTFN!
Ali

PS - comments are now enabled so after you register, you can leave comments on the blog! Keep it clean and G-rated, OK!?

2008-12-18T22:34:00.005-05:00

Since we are all kind of bummed about that lady who stiffed us after we were so nice to her...I wanted to share some more holiday hoppiness:

Chelsea's...ahem..rotund girl Love-Bug (aka Buggy):

Margie and Cory's buns, Cocoa-Butter & Linus

and Bugsy & Penny

Just Penny, being a good girl with her little hat!!

We also got an update on a little bunny we rescued earlier this year. Tabitha was the product of severe inbreeding. The family started with 2 bunnies...who soon became more than 15 bunnies. Tabitha and her brothers, Scabbers and Lavender, came to us in horrible condition. Tabitha had nothing but two little stubs for ears, Scabbers had been beaten nearly to death by all of the other bunnies he was stuck in a hutch with, and Lavender had severe headtilt. All were only about 2-3 months old. Scabbers healed nicely with some TLC, Lavender is now a fresh little thing who delights in beating up Linda (who saved his life and cured his headtilt, by the way) at every chance he gets. Tabitha was adopted to a wonderful girl named Crystal. Recently, it was discovered that Tabitha has degenerative joint/bone disease in both rear legs. Probably from inbreeding. One leg was totally destroyed and was removed today. They hope they can save the other rear leg but it's uncertain. She has damaged her 3 other legs trying to compensate for the bad leg and now all three legs are splayed. Crystal and the vets are hoping to strengthen them but it might not work. She is re-cooperating in a sling attachment while they do physical therapy on her. She made it through the surgery fine and is already eating though she just lost the leg around 2 pm today. Crystal adores her and will do whatever it takes to get her a normal life. If she loses the other back leg then it will be a butt-cart for her! Everyone pray for Tabitha...and Crystal!

Speaking of butt-carts, Fuzzy, who came to us a few months ago with a back injury has spent the last few weeks in a cart to support his back legs so that he could move around. He went back to the vet this week for more x-rays and although we found that his back was in fact broken he has about a 50% chance of regaining use of his hind legs! It may not seem all that great, but 50% is better than 45%!

TTFN!
-Ali

DO NOT ADOPT! Kathy Hard of Meriden

2008-12-18T15:29:00.002-05:00

OK, maybe I am in the wrong here, but a volunteer of ours talked to a woman who wanted to "get rid of" her rabbit, and we don't take in personal rabbits, but our volunteer wanted to make sure the bunny was in a safe place. The woman drove the bunny down to me, a beautiful white male named Tom. Her son had the biggest tears in his eyes leaving that bunny here, so of course I felt badly too. She left us a check for $75 as a donation. Well, Linda called today, the check was canceled on us, leaving us with a $10 charge to pay for it. I called up Kathy, she could give me no good excuse other than "something came up." I told her it would have been nice for her to call and let us know, and now we were out $10 because of her choosing to cancel the check. She kept trying to spit out a good excuse, and I was irritated so I told her to please not contact me for further updates on the rabbit that she dropped off to us and we were going to have to pay to alter and care for. She told me "F-You" and hung up on me. I'm glad we have the rabbit. If she could have given a reason, called beforehand, anything than just sticking us, I would have been fine. This was just rude, mean and sneaky. Brandee

Christmas Pictures

2008-12-17T20:41:00.005-05:00

It's Ali again! At Brandee's request, I am posting the pictures that I used in my Christmas cards this year. If anyone else would like to share their Animal Holiday Pictures, feel free to email me at alicat2282@yahoo.com and I will post them on the blog! (ahem...Margie & Cory!)

This is Kali & Flash (can you believe that Shaylah's babies are going to be 2 this year!? My little Flash is growing up!)

This is Scout & Alex. Scout was by far, the most difficult to photograph. First of all, she hates my life and secondly she hates sitting still. I don't think she was too fond of the bows either...

Here she is again, washing the human-filth off of herself.

Here is my brother's Flemish Giant, Dixie. Somehow, wrestling with a 12lb Flemish was CAKE compared to my little 4lb Scoutie-Pants.

And last, but not least, are Puffy & Q-Ball. We've been fostering them since May when they were only 4 weeks old.

Hope you all enjoyed my pictures!

TTFN! Ta-Ta-For-Now!
-Ali

The After Party

2008-12-16T19:32:00.003-05:00

Hi Everyone! It's Ali, updating the blog for the first time! I have lots of good news to share with you all!

First of all, the Hop-Along Hollow Christmas Party on the 13th was amazing! Between donations and our bike raffle, we made over $3000! Our expectations were greatly exceeded, and we can not thank you all enough for your continued help and support! Practically everyone who came to the party brought a donation of some sort, whether it was supplies or money, it is all appreciated more than you will ever know! We clean cages every day and go through newspaper, paper towels, wipes, and vinegar like crazy! So thank you again to everyone!!

On Saturday, we took in 6 baby bunnies. 2 girls and 4 boys! They were born on 11/3/08 so that makes them 6 weeks old at this point. The 2 girls are in foster care, and the 4 boys are currently at Brandee's. One of the girls is all black, and the other looks like a little wild bunny with brown and black fur. In the male category, we have one black, one wild bunny-colored, one gray, and one chocolate brown. If anyone is interested in adopting or fostering, please let Brandee know!

Also on Saturday, we had 2 chinchilla's go to forever homes, and one of the 12 Petco rats get adopted! We still have the mom and 10 babies available (6 girls, 4 boys). Again, please contact Brandee if you can provide even a temporary home!

Today, we had TWO adoptions! Trouble, the French Lop, went to his forever home and Puppy & Cowgirl also got adopted!

Duke, the lionhead, and Dover the big white New Zealand, both went to get neutered today so they will be down at the Hollow very shortly looking for a home!

Talk to you all soon!
-Ali

Hollow Christmas Party this Saturday! BE THERE!

2008-12-10T14:40:00.005-05:00

HOP-A-LONG HOLLOW CHRISTMAS PARTY IS THIS SATURDAY FROM 1-5!!!!!!!!! Call Brandee at 203-767-1150 for any info. Please Join us and Meet The Buns!

I don't even know if I can remember all the things to share in the updates for the past month. Fuzz-butt, who has no use of his hind legs and has to have his bladder expressed for him everyday, is doing well. We are going to have him on the butt cart starting 15 minutes a day to build up some muscle and get him use to it! Very exciting! Johnny got adopted, Floppy (aka Randy) has come back for bonding and the two attempts I made went sour. Camille came back but was bonded to Pickles and now has a boyfriend. Hoodie (now named Benny) and Isis were both altered today. Hoodie has a new home it seems with volunteer Linda and her bunny girl Daisy.
We are now in the Petco Milford location and absolutely loving that store! It is huge, clean, and well taken care of. The animals look great, the staff seems to know what is going on, and the managers have been awesome to work with! We have Dandy and Tess (born to Trixie who was caught running loose in Stratford, CT) there now. It's so funny to watch them do Binky's in their hex there. Ali, Christine and Jim have all been wonderful at helping out at the store so I don't have to drag Katie up there with me often. The staff has been big help making sure the buns have a fresh supply of food and water. THANKS EVERYONE!
I just don't know what else to write about today other than we have people calling left and right to dump rabbits, quite sad, and the Humane Society - God Bless Them! They have been a wonderful group to work with and have helped us with rabbits coming in off the streets by putting them up, having them altered and making sure they have a safe place with food and water. That's all I can think of right now, I'm going to try to take a nap. Katie has a fever and I am wiped out! OH! We have 11 baby rats looking for homes! Brandee

Happy Election Day!

2008-11-04T14:40:00.002-05:00

Hello to all! I hope no matter who you vote for that you at least get a chance to get out there and make one! It's a great gift that we all have that right! I can't believe how long it's been since I have blogged, life is just so full that the blog is most distant from my mind. I need to get back into it, Katie turned 4 months old yesterday! Now, down to bunny business!! We have slotted Saturday, December 13th as our Hollow Christmas Party! It will be pot-luck and we will be sending out invites via mail or e-mail shortly with times and directions! We will be looking for any donations of newspapers, paper towels, black 39 gallon garbage bags and vinegar. A brief run-down of the past 4 months... Linda's father passed away, Harvey is having hand surgery today to repair a severed tendon, and Chelsea and Derek are expecting their first child on April 16th so Linda won't just be a surrogate Grandma to Katie, but a REAL GRANDMA!! I am thrilled for everyone! Annabelle passed away, Magoo got adopted, Redding and Diva came in from Redding Animal Control via Nancy Jarvis at the state animal control office, Redding left yesterday, and Diva has been at South Wilton the past two days in Stasis. Hoppy was adopted.

Katie Elizabeth is here! Tag Sale Results, Sage passes away...

2008-07-10T19:43:00.008-05:00

What a busy month! I was induced on the 2nd of July, and our beautiful daughter Katie Elizabeth arrived on July 3rd around noon. She was 5 lbs and 12 ounces, and is just a doll! I had a very easy delivery, pretty pain free, I don't really have any horror stories to share, and wouldn't if I did. Life has changed already in this past week, I just can't explain it. I had lots of swelling through the pregnancy and lots of monitoring for pre-eclampsia - I figured after the delivery I would be fine, but still have major swelling of the legs/ankles/hands, so I got sent to the emergency room for 5 hours last night by my doctor who wanted emergency blood work done, and my blood pressure was 169/89 when it's usually around 120/80. They gave me blood pressure meds and I'm ok today, but back at the doctor again tomorrow. I was scared, and really upset to be away from Katie, but all is well, we just have to watch things very closely for a while and pray for the best. Look up pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. It's scary business! Thank you to everyone for all the wonderful cards, books, clothing and diapers that they have picked up for Katie. Everyone has been so nice, and so helpful, I really don't know what else to say but "Thank-You!"

Bunnies, bunnies, bunnies... There are bunnies everywhere. We have all ages, sexes, colors... WE NEED ADOPTIONS! It has been such an incredibly slow month for us, and I'm out of commission for a while on doing bondings, which we have 2 that are pending. We need more help at the Hollow as far as volunteers go, so please make fliers, pass the word around, do what you can to help! TAG SALE was great! Thanks to everyone for their more than generous donations to the Hollow Tag Sale which raised $648 this year! Thanks to everyone who hung at Ali's for the day to help, it's so appreciated! We have another tag sale coming up in August, so we will be looking for more donations to help. Please contact me to arrange drop-off in Stratford of any items you'd be looking to donate. Sage, a large, black, beautiful bunny we adopted out last year passed away today. She was unfortunately taken to a non-rabbit vet. We will forever wonder if she could have been saved had she been taken to a rabbit savvy vet.

UP FOR ADOPTION: Single Male Cockatiel - loves company, can not fly, whistles a lot! 2 bonded female chinchilla's. 1 single female chinchilla. Oh, BUNNIES Too!

We have so many people to thank all the time for help they give to us, just showing up when they say they will and not leaving us hanging is one of the things we can never show enough gratitude for. I just wanted to send out an extra little thank you to Susie, Bryne, Christine and Jim for being here to help us out the past couple of weeks. Our family here has been through quite a bit with our little addition, and with me needing to take it easy, it's so nice to have people that are reliable and so kind to come and help. Thanks guys, I appreciate it greatly as do the 20 foster animals here at the moment. I also appreciate all the offers from so many others like Ali, Karen, Suzanne, both Chelsea's and others. I feel funny asking people to help, as I'm so use to doing things here myself, but I appreciate knowing my family has people we can ask for help if we need it!

There is so much going on that I don't even know where to start on writing it all down, so tonight I won't. I'm going to put my feet back up and hug my daughter! Anyone who can please call Linda and set up time to clean 10 cages a day once a week, please do so. We are trying to see if we can get 3 volunteers a day to each do 10 cages each. It will not only ensure that we have volunteers coming in, but also that everyone can split up some of the cage duties. It's hard for Linda if we have a day where someone cancels as it's a day she can't be on EBAY making money for the Hollow. We need the Hollow in Norwalk to be covered, spread the word - HELP IS NEEDED! Have a great weekend!

A Note From Linda... LOL!!!

2008-06-23T14:37:00.000-05:00

Hey guys......I gotta tell you that you never stop learning with this bunny stuff. I was too full of myself and I got taken down a peg. The head tilt baby bunny and I have our routine down great now. I know just how to hold him to get the medications and feedings down him and tonight he seem actually a bit better. Not just stronger but more stable. Head tilt bunnies scare the pants off me. I finally faced my fear and I'm doing fine with this little fella, I haven't dropped him, he hasn't chocked, nothing bad has happened and my confidence has grown as time has passed by. Tonight I am sitting in the chair happily stuffing critical care down his little body after giving him liquids and several liquid medications. He is soft and warm and all cuddled up to my chest. He seems so happy and content and I'm just sitting there holding him and talking to him. All is well except that I forgot one basic fact. What goes in has to come out again. Suddenly he decided it's time to pee. I feel this flood of warm water rush down my body, it then drips down off the plastic chair I am sitting on and down my leg to settle nicely in my shoe. I was covered. My god - that so much liquid could come out of one tiny baby bunny! He must have held it half the day. It just kept coming and coming. I grabbed him away from my body and he is squirting the entire time so I basically spread pee everywhere while I am running with him. Like he was a self firing water pistol. A pee pistol. I had to shower and completely clean the whole room. What an ungodly mess!The good news is that I am convinced he is doing better. Not flipping quite so much and more able to eat again fairly well on his own. He is back again to how he as when we took him in. So I am excited. Now all I need to know is how do I get pee out of leather shoes? Linda

Due date mix up, 30 buns in need, the HS lends a hand...

2008-06-18T15:54:00.013-05:00

New Sign For The Hollow - CLOSED ON SUNDAYS! (Thanks hubby Chris!) Now we just need a big one that says "BY APPOINTMENT ONLY!"

Linda and I went and met with a woman today who had rescued about 10 rabbits. She called and asked for our help as she is getting overwhelmed (hey - with rabbits - it happens!). We went down and sexed them, there is a new litter there that is just a few days old, 5-6 unaltered males, 5-6 females that all feel pregnant and swollen, and more than 20 babies between 5 and 12 weeks. We sexed everybun, gave ivomec shots to the adult males, separated the males from the females, except for the youngest which we will do in about a month, and offered to continue to help as we could. The woman has a wonderful set-up where all the buns are safe, we just have to get the population under control and then go from there. Some of the babies were so inbred from where they came from that there are ears missing and one had 1/2 of its back foot missing, not from them being eaten, no signs of scabs or anything, just born that way. We took 4 buns in with us. 1 is scab-covered so was started on Ivomec and Baytril, 1 baby has no ears (looks like a Guinea Pig), 1 baby has head tilt, and 1 that has 1 ear and missing 1/2 a back foot was just laying lethargic in the cage. It died shortly after we got home. Linda will be taking the remaining 3 to the vet tomorrow. Any donations would be wonderful! We were there for about 2 hours catching and sexing all these little cuties. If anyone wants to foster for a month or so, please contact us through the website at http://www.hopalonghollow.org/. The Humane Society was very generous as to take in 7 of the baby girls for us that are about 8-10 weeks of age. There are still very many that will need homes, on top of our already huge population.

It's been a very busy couple of weeks, though adoptions have been a little slow. Bun-Jovi passed away Saturday night into Sunday morning. Margie offered to take Bugsy to do his meds and take care of him for a while (major head-tilt and several different meds 2x a day) which is a very nice help and a break for me. We were just on Pet Talk last Sunday, we'll figure out how to upload it and everyone can get a chuckle at the huge pregnant lady... Oh, and for anyone who hasn't heard yet, I've been telling everyone that I'm due on July 7th, cause that's what I thought. I went to the Dr's for my stress test this past Monday and they said I'm 38 1/2 weeks (out of 40) and it just didn't add up to me. I asked "How is it July 7th?" Turns out I was told a wrong date by someone who no longer works there, and I'm actually due on June 29th! Oh well, either way she's going to be here shortly! Works out for me better any ways, my dad has vacation the week of the 4th so I want her here to meet him!

There is going to be a huge Hollow Tag-Sale on Freeman Ave. in Stratford on June 28th. We aren't giving the house number out as of yet, but there will be lots of signage to follow! Please come and show your support for the Hollow! Well, I'm sure there is more to write, but I am just so tired right now I don't know what I have and haven't written, and don't know what else to say. I'm flabbergasted and going to bed for a while... Oh! Anyone looking to help with donations towards food and medications, please, please, please contact the Hollow through our website or make a pay-pal donation with the e-mail addresss hopalonghollow@aol.com.

Tag Sale, Pet Talk

2008-06-11T17:04:00.004-05:00

Hey,
Chris, Ali and I went to Channel 12 this past Sunday to do a "Father's Day" segment of Pet Talk. It will air, of course, on Father's Day - this coming Sunday. We took Bucky, Heather and Rag-a-Muffin with us, all were very well behaved. Bucky went in yesterday to have his teeth cut way back again. We are trying to raise the money to have his front teeth surgically removed since they will never be aligned and we'd rather not have to continuously put him through the teeth trimming, he's been though enough! Bun-Jovi is actually able to stand for short periods of time on his hind legs again which is amazing, and Bugsy seems to be eating more and more on his own, drinking out of the water bottle, and he seems to be holding his head up a bit more often. Wishful thinking on both parts? We may have 2 pairs of chins leaving soon, which would be wonderful for them. Chris helped me get the a/c hooked up for everyone a couple of days ago and I've had a couple of people helping out with the pens/cages which has been wonderful. Susie came on Friday and Bryne again on Sunday. Christine will come tomorrow to clean the chin cages for me, which rocks. I am really getting tired quickly now, I just couldn't imagine it happening - I don't sit and now I actually have too! Thanks to everyone for their help, and to everyone who just shows up at the Hollow to clean when they say they will. We are so crazy right now and every single person that shows up is a just an angel - and we need angels with what we do!
This week Groucho came back, his bond with Honey did not end up working out in the end, he became very aggressive with her - we think maybe over food since he was so starved coming in.
I am bonding Lila with Sal right now, and just bonded Danni (found running loose in Danbury) with Romeo and Coco with Sonia. I haven't taken any pictures yet, too empty-headed to even think of it this week!
Thank you to everyone who has brought us items for the tag-sale on June 28th, and thank you to everyone who has dropped off (Terri brought paper towels, toys and other items and Cindy from St. Josephs brought garbage bags, papers and tag-sale items!) donations and sent in checks. We are so low on funds, and every little bit has truly helped. Any other items for the tag-sale can be dropped off at my place in Stratford to be stored until the tag-sale, just e-mail me directly for the address at brandeesbunch@aol.com.
I'm due in 2 1/2 weeks now, I have a birthday Friday and Linda has a birthday as well on the 22nd so hopefully we'll both be doing something fun in the next couple of weeks (like relaxing, or child-birth)! Hope everyone is well, and please send us updates on your buns as you get them! Happy JUNE!
Brandee :o)

Another Month Goes By...

2008-06-03T14:02:00.007-05:00

Ok, we are down to the final 4 weeks of pregnancy, and still we have rabbits everywhere. I've calmed down a bit now knowing that help is all over the place if only I cave in and ask for it (I try to do everything myself and my belly is catching up with me!). We took in 11 rabbits a couple of weeks ago from an "accidental backyard breeder" in Trumbull. I guess the bunnies have been breeding for about 6 years and they had been giving them to a pet store that was selling them. My heart goes out to all the rabbits now sitting in uneducated homes (or lonely hutches). We have 7 in foster with Ali's family in 2 locations, and 4 at my house. We took in 3 bunnies from a NY shelter that were going to be euthanized (already neutered though!) and besides Camille that was caught at the beach last month (and now in her new home with owner Robert who is in bunny-love!) Linda also caught a 2-3 pound netherland dwarf running on the streets of Norwalk. We have a flemmish baby (6-7 pounds already) and also another bunny that we believe will be a giant chinchilla rabbit when she grows older. Now, don't go thinking we are just taking bunnies in! We have had several adoptions and bondings, and lots of phone calls coming in, so hopefully they keep coming. Jamie left to be bonded with Claudius (adorable lop), and Diego (aka Groucho) left today for his new home with the lovely rex Honey. Camille (as I mentioned above) left last week as did Odelle from NY and Chester, also from NY. I know there is more, but I honestly have less memory this month than usual. Oh, we had a bunny come in from Danbury too that was running loose. Shelly from the Chinchilla Depot was gracious enough not only to house her for a couple of nights, but to also drive down to Danbury to bring her to me while I was visiting my in-laws. THANK YOU SHELLY!

Things at the Hollow have also been hectic - Linda has been putting in so much "Overtime" with cleaning and rabbit paper work, Ebay, vet visits, IV's and meds along with force feedings on ill rabbits including Bun-Jovi who currently has no use of his hind legs and Bugsy with severe head-tilt, and so much more that I wish the volunteers who call in because for whatever reason they can't make it that day, could see how much she has to do and how much she is set back when she is left to clean all the cages herself. It seriously takes about 20 minutes per force feeding on a rabbit and we have 2 at the moment that are being done, and force feedings are 3-4 times a day. If anyone has any suggestions on bringing in more volunteers or is in the vicinity of the Norwalk area and can hang up "volunteers needed" fliers, please let me know. The more volunteers we have, the fewer cages each has to do, and the less likely Linda will end up having to do them. She is just so exhausted, we need more help. We are still trying to cut down on all our numbers, and we have put an absolute halt on any more rabbits coming in until her home and my home have no more fosters inside and everyone is moved into the Hollow. We are also turning away all other small animals at this time, it's sad, but it has to be done.

3 weeks ago we had to have our Rattie Girl Rodelli put down due to cancer. Last Thursday JD, our old lab-mix we adopted from the HS nearly 3 years ago, had to be put down. Today I lost a rabbit to pneumonia/heart failure. It's been a long month.

HOLLOW NEEDS: Paper Towels, 39 gallon black garbage bags, newspapers, pre-stuffed paper-tubes... We also need some serious funding this month. The X-rays, meds, etc... are catching up with us this month. Any and all help is not only appreciated, but needed - and don't forget it's a tax-write off!

Last Thursday:

I had spoken to Dr. Pieper yesterday about when we might be ready for JD (black lab mix) to come in to be put down, and we talked about getting him in to do blood-work on Friday to find out the reasons for his hind-leg weakness and loss of appetite, also his "night moods." He's been going a little senile and just hasn't been himself the past few months. Last night when I came home, there was blood all over the driveway and steps from a growth that he has had on his front leg since we got him 3 years ago. I got the bleeding to stop and he went to bed. I left a note for Chris to let the dogs out and check on him when he got home. He got home at 1am and woke me. JD gnawed the thing off his leg and more blood everywhere, walls, floor.... It only added to his weakness he's been having. Chris mortared down some Yarrow and packed the wound, bandaged him up, cleaned up all the blood, I made him an e-collar and we put him to bed around 2 am. We had him to the vet first thing this morning - he couldn't walk down the driveway - fell on his face. Couldn't sit in the car - just fell over - and couldn't stand up at the Dr. s office. I was waiting for a sign, but didn't expect it to come this soon. JD was put down around 11 am today, and I am so sad, not just for his being gone, but I wanted him to have one more summer with the Romeo kids that he loves so much.

Baby Shower, Adoptions, Bondings, UPDATES!!

2008-05-01T14:59:00.018-05:00

Ok, well let's see what all we can catch up on. I have totally been slacking here, so sorry! In the past month...

I caught a white bunny in Bridgeport named Cleo over a month ago who was in foster for a month and came back, got spayed and is now up for adoption.

Today I caught a bunny girl at the beach in Fairfield (Camille we will call her) and removed 4 ticks so far.

2 Saturdays ago we took in 2 bunnies from a severe neglect case out of New Haven. The little girl bun had an upper respiratory that has been treated and is cleared up, the little lop boy is a lovable maniac. Both will be altered next month.

Trixie and her babies came back to the Hollow, all grown up now and ready for adoption!

Magoo had surgery yesterday to remove an abscess and also to be neutered. Now we just have to get his kidney's back under control and he'll be ready for adoption!

On April 13th, the ladies of the Hollow had a Surprise Baby Shower for me! We got so many awesome little pink outfits for Katie with bunnies on them, I can't believe not a single duplicate! I'll be 8 months pregnant next week and have only 8 more weeks to go! Time Flies! I have been ordered to do 4 hours of bed-rest a day to keep down the chances of Preeclampsia, and Linda has not been well. We are both currently under control and doing better - Thank God & thank you to all our volunteers who have helped keep things going!

A bunny named Staten (from Manhattan) came in and was bonded to Sunshine. Their owners just came a couple of days ago and adopted Taz as well. They have another male bunny named Spotty that we are going to try to bond to Taz when Taz's hormones calm down a bit.

Small Fry is coming in for a bonding! Here is a link to their You-Tube video "The Rabbit Report." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jJae7OqU98

Ginger came in and was bonded to Paddy, they are such a matched set! Pictures below!

Ginger and Paddy!

Below is "Skateboard" (Casper) at his new home and below that picture is the also very lucky Guinea Pig "Speedy." They fell out of the shelter (Casper was in horrid condition when he came in from the Catskill Game Farm) and into love!

Jackson (gray lop adopted from the Hollow over a year ago) and his new gal-pal Jeanie with one of their 4 owners. Jeanie-Houdini, as her new family calls her, is into everything and teaching Jackson her crazy bunny ways! Jackson is up and about much more now with a friend!

Cookie and Uggs at their new home in their very own play house!

Peaches and Vanilla at their new home!

Big Wig Chilling out - he was adopted before I even became part of the Hollow, which seems to be forever now!

Above is Mars and his buddy Mantou, below is a quick update! Mars was adopted in 2006.

It has been a while now since we've adopted Mars from you...about a year and a half or two ago. You probably don't remember us by now but I just thought I'd give you an update on how the little guy is doing. Mars is an absolutely sweet guy who's smart as hell. He's just as bad as the dog when it comes to begging for treats. We took a family trip up to the Catskills this past November to do some hiking. We loved bringing Mars with us and I think he enjoyed the views from his bunny travel bag. I am attaching some pictures of Mars during this trip, one with him in his travel bag and the other with the dog.

Hope all is well!Regards,
Phyllis, Gene, Mars and Mantou

Below is a very silly Sweet Pea!

Ok, more updates and more to tell you soon, this has taken me forever and I need another nap!

Oh, by the way, we have chinchilla's as well as the buns up for adoption right now, and there is a ferret at the Humane Society in Westport, and we are also supposedly getting in about 5-10 hamsters on Saturday or Sunday if anyone is looking for a new furry to love! Brandee

Petco, Chinchilla's, Humane Society, Dylan and Espresso got adopted! NY TIMES, Bondings, adoptions & Zach blowing in the wind..

2008-03-26T16:53:00.017-05:00

Wow, a very busy two weeks! We had our Petco Grand Opening, pretty good turn out! We adopted out 2 chinchilla's and took another 2 in. Christine is fostering the boy chins that came in. Another Chin came in the next day, a single female. We raised a little over $300.00 and got to chat with a lot of people. The Humane Society on the 22nd was a nice event as well. 4 buns left the Humane Society that day. I have been working on several bondings, the most current is Emmett (back for bonding) and he's with Snow White right now after trying Sunshine and Roxy. He tried to eat Sunshine, and Roxy tried to eat him! I am also trying Billy (back for bonding) and Joy right now. I hope everyone works out, they all look so beautiful together! Menouche (already an established bun) came in for a bonding with Venus. They are doing ok, but giving their mommy a run for her money. Magoo went into kidney failure and is now back in the safe zone again. He's on fluids and baytril for the month. A check came in for us from the Petco Foundation yesterday for a little over $800. We are excited as it will pay for any combo of things such as 5 neuters, or 4 spays, or 16 bottles of medication, a delivery of food and hay and then some... Daydreaming of bunnies... It's an illness.

Well, Linda and I had a talk today, and we currently have 27 cages at the Hollow, some with bonded pairs. Because we have had so many cancellations of volunteers to help recently, we are going to have to start turning away rabbits in need. Linda can not be expected to be out doing cages everyday. Unfortunatly it looks like it would be most reasonable to cut down to only 15 cages, therefore only helping and houseing 1/2 of the population we have now. We are sad about this, but it seems it is going to have to be done. I know every shelter has volunteer issues, so it's understandable, it's just overwhelming for the both of us, especially with all that is going on, and a baby on the way!

Yesterday Linda got a phone call from a woman who was looking for a place for a bunny to go that was running loose in a friends yard and handed the phone to me (we had buns being dropped off for bonding). I told her we couldn't take the bunny in at the moment, gave her the low-down on what they would need and then we hung up. She had called back a couple of times about traps and what, well, I guess animal control wouldn't lend them one because her friend (Maggie) whose yard the bunny was in went and spent $75 on a havahart trap. Maggie called for help setting the trap while I was around the corner having the oil changed in the car (yes, we do these things too!) so I was close. I went by, we set up the trap, then set the trap, and as I went to leave I saw the bunny next to the car basking in the sun... A couple of minutes later I had scooped up yet another beautiful albino bunny girl. Another friend is fostering until we have space. I will get the bunny in next month for a spay and we'll go from there. DYLAN AND ESPRESSO GOT ADOPTED TODAY!

We were in the NY TIMES Sunday paper this weekend (on Easter!) in the CT. section. The link is below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/23/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/23petct.html?_r=1&ref=nyregionspecial2&oref=slogin

Newly Bonded Bunnies

Above in this blog is Emmett the Lop and Snow White

Below is Jackson (gray lop) and Jeanie

Gia and Billy - a hopeful match in the making.

Drew helping us out as Hip-Hop at the Humane Society 3/22/2008

Christine below helping out as Hip-Hop at Petco on 3/15/2008

Minouche and Venus

Chelsea's Girls

Zach the Wack riding on a lawn chair & long board, catching a little wind!

Well, we have a few adoptions coming up this weekend, so wish us luck! We also have 2 bondings this weekend, one is a trio (Gussie, Elvis & Zorro) so really wish us luck! Have a wonderful weekend everyone! - Brandee

Petco Tomorrow! St.Joseph Students come visit!

2008-03-14T19:05:00.011-05:00

Our Petco date is tomorrow, so don't forget to come on down. We will be holding a bake sale and doing nail clippings for $10! Also for $10, come and have your picture, child's picture, or pets picture taken with the Easter Bunny! All proceeds go 100% towards food/hay and vet bills. Any donations you wish to make such as garbage bags, vinegar, and paper towels, ink cartridges and old cell phones can also be brought down at this time. We will be at Petco in Norwalk from 11-3 and will also be holding small animal adoptions at this time, and we will have adoption papers for rabbits there to be filled out for review as well. Come show your support! If you can't make it tomorrow, we will be at the Humane Society in Westport next Saturday, also doing pictures and nail clippings along with brief 15 minute lectures every hour on proper rabbit care and handling. This event is also from 11-3 with adoptions being held. For any questions, please e-mail me direct at brandeesbunch@aol.com or call me at 203-767-1150. For directions to Petco tomorrow, please call 203-840-0331. For more information or directions next weekend to the Humane Society, please call 203-227-4137.

Magoo went in for follow up bloodwork today so hopefully all went well with the Marquis and his diet helped to correct his organ functions. We have a possible 3-4 adoptions tomorrow, and we have the girl chins that came in on Sunday going to their new home tomorrow and another 2 that are males coming in tomorrow. Don't forget that we will also have hamsters, gerbils and rats up for adoption at Petco tomorrow! The photographer for the NY Times article is coming over on Sunday afternoon!

I had some volunteers come by from St. Josephs School today. They changed all the litter boxes and cleaned out all the cages, then even played with the dogs for a while! Thanks guys!

Parsley and Major Snuggle at Bedtime.

Mitose and Chloe passed out on the couch...

Have a Great Weekend!

Pictures of Tabitha & Mandy's French Lop & Write up in the Norwalk Paper (FULL PAGE!)

2008-03-12T15:12:00.010-05:00

Some Very Cute Pictures To Share!

Miss Tabitha in her new home, and below is a rescued French Lop (check out those ears!)

We have a write up in the Norwalk Citizen News! A full page! Check it out at:

http://www.norwalkcitizen-news.com/local/ci_8491721

Hollow Closes on Sundays, Charlie & Daisy, Chins and Gerbils

2008-03-09T14:52:00.004-05:00

As of today, we are closing the Hollow on Sunday's for Family Reasons (we need to spend time with our families!) from here on out. All adoptions and the intake of donations will have to be done Monday-Saturday. The Hollow will only be open to the volunteers cleaning that day. We will post online a list of emergency vets to be reached in all areas that we can find.

I didn't sleep too well last night as Chris was away. I had a series of unfortunate events involving my dogs, a cat and my birds this morning that left me wanting to re-home all my animals (except the rabbits and chins that never give me problems!) and lock my doors and close my curtains. I guess I was a little cranky and overwhelmed this morning (pregnancy hormones?) and very glad to get out of the house and drive a bit. Charlie and Daisy are bonded and wonderful and going back home today or tomorrow. I think Asher and Celeste are doing great and hope that when they go home they will remain in the snuggle fest they have been in for the past 2 days. I took in 2 beautiful Chinchilla's today named Peaches and Vanilla and think we already have a home lined up for them with a girl that sounds like she'll be perfect! The owners dropped off so many items with them I was astonished. The gerbils that were here in Stratford left today. Linus, Cocoa and Penny came to stay with me today, and hopefully we can have a successful triple bonding with them by the end of the week! Venus came back to us, and we have a new black and white dutch bunny Benny that has just joined us from Cottontail Rabbit Rescue. Mystery is doing so much better, eyes are clearing up too! Annabelle is coming down to her last week on fluids and is now off her Baytril but still on her Phenbendazole.

Newly Bonded Buns!

Daisy and Charlie

Parsley takes the dog bed while Major takes the floor! Parsley is a wonderful and perfectly potty trained bunny that is residing with us again and looking for a free-range home. She is only baby gated in the kitchen at night when we aren't home and hasn't lived in a cage for 1 year.

Don't Sit Down at Brandee's House!

2008-03-08T11:23:00.004-05:00

Brynne Hangs Out with A Fabulous 8!

My Very Understanding Husband....

Flash & Jewel, Asher & Celeste, Bugs & Moody, Indie & Honeydew Update! Chinchilla's coming, Gerbils going, busy bonding week!

2008-03-07T15:02:00.012-05:00

I am so thrilled this week! Ali went away leaving her bonded pair Scout and Alex, and her single bunny Flash with me to bond. Flash is now very happily bonded to the beautiful lop, Jewel. They are going crazy doing binkies together! I opened the pens between Miss Moody and Bugsy yesterday morning, and they are just in love! I guess the month of trying to bond them and the between bars grooming sessions have paid off! Sunday I will construct a full pen for the both of them. I am so happy when I see bunnies in love! Asher and Celeste (formally Diamond) are staying with me until Tuesday and I'm attempting to bond them as well. It seems to be going quite well, but she's very possessive of things, she needs to learn to share! When their mom Terri dropped them to stay, she brought over bags of mixed salad for all the buns to share. We had visitors yesterday at the Stratford location. First, Pekachu's mom Michelle came and took me to lunch with her daughter Madison, then Rootbeer's mom (now Buddy) came and dropped food and hay. Asher and Celeste's mom dropped off all sorts of goodies, then Whitney from Critter Connection came by with more hay and goodies! Amy stopped by to pick up Juliet and Shadow (I was attempting to bond them) to take them home to keep them side by side for a week. All is well with them in the carrier, but give them a little space and she wants it all to herself!

2 Female Chinchilla's are coming in on Sunday that Christine will foster and will be looking for homes, and the 2 Gerbils should be going to their new home on Sunday. Penny, Linus and Cocoa should be coming on Sunday too for what we hope will be another successful triple bonding. Thank goodness they are small rabbits!

BONDING RABBITS!

Why bond your bunnies? Take a look! Bunnies love to clean each other, snuggle up to each other, and yes, play together!

Celeste and Asher

Bonding in motion!

Bugsy and Moody

A 7 1/2 year old male and a cranky bunny girl hit it off! See how happy she is to groom him?

Jewel and Flash!

These two buns are the binky king and queen! Two less lonely bunnies in the world!

Hi Brandee,

I wanted to send you a quick update on the buns. They are doing great! They get along so well and I am so happy that we decided to bond the two of them. Honeydew is an absolute sweetheart, and Indy is still a bratty bunny, but we love him anyway!!! They do everything together. We were excited to see their picture in your March flyer! I thought you might like these updated pictures. We will be coming to Norwalk for the Grand Opening, and if Indy will cooperate with me and I can get them both in the carrier I will bring them to get their nails clipped, if not I might be coming bunnyless! I have some old cell phones I will bring with me to Petco also if you still are collecting them.See you then...

~Stacey, and of course Indy & Honeydew!

Condolences to Jessica, Some Happy Bunnies

2008-03-04T14:47:00.012-05:00

First off, on this rainy day, I wish to send condolences from all of us at the Hollow to Jessica, her mom, and their whole family on the passing of her step-father yesterday. They have had a very hard few weeks as her Grandfather also just passed away, and her step-fathers death was a very sudden accident and very unexpected. We all send our deepest sympathies to the whole family at this very difficult time.

I'm sitting and going through e-mails and voice mails re: rabbits. The birds are all going crazy chirping outside in the down-pour we are having (they sound happy!). We have two Chinchilla's coming in this week (females) that will be up for adoption and we also have 3 tan hooded male rats (sweet but scared), a pair of very sweet gerbils, a couple of guinea pigs, and a sweet little dwarf hamster all up for adoption. I have my feet up, my ankles look like they are getting a little swollen, and I have this little life bumping around inside my belly. Linda had a hellacious morning that we won't even get in to, I'm on Penicillin again for the 3rd time during the pregnancy, and we both have head colds. We have bunny bondings galore going on, which is great for both us and for the bunnies all getting new friends, but things are very hectic at the same time with all the swapping in and out of the rabbits that are cooperating and the rabbits that are being bratty bunnies! We also need to get a final count on who can help with the Petco date coming up and the Humane Society date coming up. These are two very important dates for us, both happening just in time for the Easter Holiday. We have people signed up for doing baked goods too, so anyone who can, please e-mail me direct and let me know what you will be bringing and what date you will be available to help. The dates are March 15 and March 22 both from 11-3 and we will take you as long as we can get you! If you have room to help with fostering any animals any time coming up, please let us know what you have room for and if you have a time limit.

Annabelle has been on I.V. Fluids once a day for about 4 or 5 days now. She is having kidney problems. She is also now on Baytril and Phenbendazole (spelling?). She will go in next Monday with Magoo as they both have their blood work re-done so we can see where we now stand with these little furballs.

Great Bunny Shots!

Newly Bonded Bonnie and Toby of Greenwich!

Above is Newly Bonded Tinkerbelle and Butterscotch of Stratford munching on some lettuce!

Below is Leila and Lightening of Shelton, the two bunnies that were left in a box on the side of a road with a third bunny that had died. They were covered with fleas and are now living the high-life together! Way to Go Buns!

Upcoming Events, rats, hammies, gerbils

2008-02-27T14:05:00.003-05:00

Well, I got up and went to see Linda Howard this morning at her doggie salon in Stratford (very nice woman, and an excellent groomer!), she took in a beautiful little brown dwarf bunny girl that has an enlarged mammary gland. We are going to see about getting her into the vet this week, spayed next month, and off to a new home. I picked up hay in Fairfield and went to the Hollow in Norwalk. I got to see Michelle Malone today, who I hadn't seen in quite some time, so that was really nice. Linda had picked up some new outfits for baby Katie, and Jess dropped me a bunch of little baby stuff too. Thank you guys so much! Don't think that your generosity will get you out of baby sitting!
I went by the Humane Society on the way home to visit with the bunnies and see who they have up for adoption. Well, I ended up calling Linda, and she brought one home... It's a very big bunny girl that has an eye infection (perhaps tooth related) and is very scared. She has been there for 4 months, so we figured maybe we could clean her up and work on her personality. I also just got a call to take in 3-5 rats, believed to be male. A guy is moving and has decided to keep 2 but was going to let the other 3 go. Anyone that might be able to foster these guys, or 2 dwarf hamster and 2 gerbils, please let me know! We are also looking for possible foster homes for a couple of rabbits, you choose your size, we provide the cage/food/hay, etc...
Well, hopefully the last of our fliers are sent out now and we get good response for Saturday the 15th, our big Petco day! Don't forget Saturday the 22nd too, we are at the Humane Society in Westport to do an adoption event to try to adopt out their buns! As much help as possible at these two events would just be incredible. Both are scheduled for 11-3pm. Even just a couple of hours would be so very helpful! Let's all try to make this the best Hop-A-Long Hollow Easter Fundraiser Season YET!!!
Any ideas or items you wish to donate to sell at these events, or anyone that is willing to be in our bunny suit and be our mascot and possibly someone to take the Polaroids for us, please, please get in touch with me at brandeesbunch@aol.com!
For everyone that keeps asking, Chris and I are registered under Brandee LaCava at amazon.com and babydepot.com.
More to come...

Thanks Jim and Ali, Paperwork, Bunnies, and cake!

2008-02-25T07:58:00.002-05:00

Ok, let's get the cake out of the way first. I just got to work (an hour ago) and there is banana bread and chocolate cake for breakfast! Exciting news!
Thank you Jim for driving the paperwork up from the Hollow to Stratford yesterday. Ali and I got so much accomplished between making sure that everybun had a folder, everybun for adoption that was on the web-site is in the Hollow Adoption Book (we still have a few to add but now we know who!) and making sure all the paperwork is filed accordingly. Next step, Chelsea's database! I can't believe how many bunnies we have seen come and go even in this past year alone. Ali also helped me clean yesterday, thanks Ali! I collected a trunk load of papers for the Hollow again this morning and will be trying to keep things low-key this week. Ahhh, what will the rabbits have in store for us?
Brandee

Snow! Annabelle is well. One of Trixies babies passes away.

2008-02-22T17:30:00.003-05:00

I feel sick. I think either I'm over exhausted or I ate something that the baby doesn't like, again. I'm excited to have the weekend off with nothing to do, and if I had a longer couch, I'd sleep in my living room from now till tomorrow just listening to Stargate. I'm going to rest this weekend and kick this cold I have before it drives me to my 3rd course of antibiotics in this pregnancy!
I was so happy to see snow, finally, this morning when I got up. I ran a couple of quick errands, but have been home almost all day letting each of the buns and the chinchilla's out to run. Linda says Annabelle is doing well and is on her way out of stasis. I don't understand these little bunny beasts, you don't do a thing to change their diets and BANG! They get gas or go into stasis... I just want to say a little extra "Thank You" to Linda for once again dealing with the stasis, and taking care of Annabelle the beastie bunny girl. We all love her, so thank you Linda. I'm sad to say that Jess reported in that the runt of Trixie's litter passed away today. We kind of figured that he/she would, but it certainly doesn't make it any easier when it happens. You always have this little bit of hope that the mom will take charge - make the baby better... but it doesn't always happen that way, and in the animal kingdom, mom knows what she is doing. Sorry Jess, I know it's been a long week for you. The other 3 babies seem to be striving and healthy, and Jess reports that fur is starting to blossom!
Thank You Brynne for both cleaning yesterday and for transporting Milo the Guinea Pig back to Norwalk where he will go home with Melissa and Derek! Thank you also to Dr. Poster who took a quick peek to make sure Milo was a Milo for us!
Well, I'm going to go and fold more fliers tonight as I sit my butt on the couch and try to take it easy. Have a nice weekend everyone!
OH! We still have 2 dwarf hamsters and 2 gerbils up for adoption and Dr. Poster has someone she is working with that has 26 rats they just rescued that are up for adoption. If you are interested in rat adoption, please contact Dr. Poster at AdoptM@aol.com. Ask her about the rats being spayed as well, as that was mentioned to me.
Brandee

Cinni & Annabelle go to the vet, too tired to think...

2008-02-21T19:03:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, 2/20 (Chris's Birthday), was another busy day beginning with Linda and I taking Cinni to an apt. at South Wilton, her seizures getting worse. We figured it might be due to me giving her and Rags an x-pen to live in and taking the Graco play pen out. In the Graco, there is more "mesh" and less for her to see going on outside the pen, so maybe it's less stimulating to the part of the brain causing seizures. So Michele C. had dropped off 4 sheets of the Chloroplast for me and I used 3 to build them a bigger play-yard with the Graco panels last night. Now we need to add more toys!

Our volunteer for cleaning the Hollow yesterday cancelled so Linda and I tag-teamed all the cages again, then she cleaned all hers and I came home and did mine. I went and got hay, picked up newspapers, did my pet sitting responsibilities and came home to find Annabelle in the beginning stages of stasis. After how I lost Arthur, I asked Linda to make her an apt. and then she went down to South Wilton today. Linda picked her up and will be keeping her for a couple of days. Michele C. went to New Jersey and Picked up a Guinea Pig for us that has a new home waiting for him in Norwalk (Thank you Michele!) and Jamie & Jewel got spayed yesterday. I went and picked up more papers today, and more hay. For the past few days I was supposed to go see my sister (her birthday was Monday) and with Cinni being sick Wed, then Annabelle today, I have missed her. I don't think I'll be going tomorrow due to snow, and I love to drive in snow but our Jeep needs new tires and Chris needs the Pathfinder this weekend. I think I'm just going to sit on my butt and try to take it easy this weekend and turn off all the phones, my body is just so tired. I guess I keep forgetting there is a baby in the belly! I just got done folding about 40 flyer's to send out announcing our grand opening and our no charge for bondings for the month of March. Linda is pig-sitting and gerbil-sitting this week. I have Jo-Jo the pug here, and she is going home any time now, her family is on their way back from VT. I keep falling asleep while I'm typing, I need to be careful not to drop the computer off my lap.

Jim worked his butt off this past week updating the web page even more, and it looks great, so make sure you all take a peek at www.hopalonghollow.org and see the new page! Thanks again Jim!

Trixie, the bunny that I picked up a couple of weeks ago at the local Animal Control (thought she might be pregnant and she has a prolapsed Anus) went into foster and Jessica's house and we just got this e-mail from Jess yesterday...

Hey everyone! Well...Trixie had her babies sometime last night/this morning! I don't exactly know when as I didn't notice this morning...woke up with a migraine and kind of just stumbled off to work... I noticed AS I was walking out the door to my grandfather's wake...so what timing! I talked to Linda and Brandee for a "what the heck do I do right now" lesson...lol. Mom and babies are doing well so far...I hope they all make it! There is definitely a runt of the group...he worries me cause he's so much smaller (hard to tell in the pics, but def. true in person). I'll keep you all posted. I've attached some "day 1" pics of mom and babies.

-Jess

One more thing then I really must go to bed, there is a video on You-Tube that is a hilarious Microsoft/House Rabbit Video that you must see! Bunny related! Too cute for words. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vC9taroEsI

Humane Society, Bella Update, Angela, Shadow, Cinni, NY Times

2008-02-19T18:10:00.005-05:00

Hey! What a busy, busy day. I got up, vacuumed downstairs, took care of the dogs, birds, bunnies, and myself. Gail, a free-lance writer for NY Times Sunday's CT section, came by and interviewed me today, and spoke with Linda on the phone as well. I was incredibly impressed with the questions she asked and she was very nice. She has a few other animal rescues to interview (I gave her a few names like the Chin Depot, Critter Connection & New York Hamster House) to get a better grasp on what goes on in the small animal rescue world, then we should see something in article form in Mid-March. It's exciting!
I then went to my bosses house, took care of the cats, and picked up the little Pug Jo-Jo that I watch from time to time.
I went to the Hollow to help Linda with cleaning duties, and one of the newer volunteers, Carl, came in today and helped us with all the cages (Thank you Carl!). Linda packed up a big box of ink cartridges for me (Thank you Linda) and I dropped them at UPS.
I spoke with Allyson at the Humane Society today, I really liked her a lot. We are going to see what we can do to start doing adoption events with them to help increase rabbit adoptions for both the H.S. and the Hollow. She seems like someone we can really work with and a person to get things done, so cross your fingers for us!
Cinni is going in to see Dr. Fahey tomorrow morning, she had 3 or 4 seizures in a row yesterday, bum-rushing the cage. It's a new type of situation for her and we need to see if we can get it under control.
I have tried to bond Angela with Hoppy, Moody, Clover, Heather (for 2 seconds!), and Charlie. Nothing so far... She is sitting in the same cage with Shadow right now, she has tried to nip at him a couple of times, but I call her name and she settles down. It's the longest she has been with somebun, so who knows!? They just ate some salad together, nose to nose, and they are now grooming themselves.
Well, I'm watching Will & Grace with Chris as we also listen to Major (our Shepard) and Jo-Jo playing. Major lays down and Jo-Jo attacks his neck, she's such a tiny thing next to him.

Flyers will be going out this week announcing our upcoming events, our wish-list, and our grand-opening. Check your mail!

UPDATE ON BELLA:
Hi Linda and Brandee, Can't believe it's been so long already. Bella is the most wonderful little (or should I say big) bunny ever. I love her dearly. She was a bit shy at first though quite territorial for being fixed. (I'm sure she smelled the other bunnies.) We tease her as being a street gang girl from Danbury. Bella hops, actually jumps quite high, on to the bed every morning at 6:30 for cuddles and every night no matter how late I go to bed. She's taken to licking my face totally...never had a bunny give that many kisses. She loves breakfast in bed...greens and a couple of pieces of carrots. (She gets big veggie dinners later.) She's a good eater not picky at all even eats stems and loves eating hay (other bunnies will eat hay if there is nothing else in sight for hours). She does love to bunch the bed covers. I've had to get plenty of fleece throws to put on the bed. She used to pee, but that finally stopped. Any suggestions for bunching? Will it go away or do just have to get use to it? Started covering the bed with toys and boxes which distracts her at least while I'm not in the bedroom! Anyway, if you have any ideas, let me know. And please keep me on your email list of activities. Gratefully, Dorothy

HOLY BUNS ON THE MOVE!!

2008-02-17T19:23:00.003-05:00

This has just been a wonderful week - Linda and I can not keep track of the bunnies going back and forth between the Hollow and my house. I have at my house tonight Tinkerbell and Butterscotch - still working on their bond. I have Toby and Bonnie here bonding, and so far, so good! I'm working on Angela with both boys and girls. She is difficult, but I am hoping to break her will.

NEWS FLASH....... Margie and Cory, two of our "Hollow Angels" that are total sweet-hearts and have adopted 3 bunnies from us thus far, including the late Buttercup who was a special needs little girl, came by to drop donations today. I was happy to be there to see them again. They were there thru an adoption and Margie is in love with a bunny that has been at the Hollow for 2 years. They discussed that they are a 2 bunny home, and we said our good-byes. I packed up buns and set off on my way home. As I got home and pulled into the driveway, Linda called me practically in tears to tell me that they turned around and went back to the Hollow and adopted PENNY!!! I cried, I called Ali who has been in love with Penny since she came in, and Ali cried. We are so happy for Penny, and the best thing is that we all love Margie and Cory and we know that Penny just went to a wonderful home and I hope that they can get her to get a long with Linus and Cocoa.

Also in the Hollow News....... Jackson & Randy were adopted this week, and Matilda went to her new home today! It has been a great couple of weeks, thankfully for both the bunnies and the Hollow. The next adoptions we need to really push are Hoppy as a single bunny, and 3 of our bonded pairs, Adam & Eve, Shaylah & Steve, and Bonnie & Clyde.

We are mailing out flyers for our "March Madness" and upcoming fundraising events, so watch for it in the mail! Jim is working on the web-site tonight and we are eager to see the changes - check it out this week. More soon, check back! Brandee

NY Times, Angela & Moody, Tinkerbelle, Ringo & Spice, March is Bonding Month!

2008-02-15T19:21:00.007-05:00

Angela, Moody & Hoppy

Hey! What a wonderful week! First off, Ringo is ADOPTED!!!! He is related to Biscuit, they are both a little messed in the head - I'm thinking too much closely related blood- and were both pretty agressive. Biscuit is now a very happy bunny and bonded to Mary Jane! Ringo came here and hit it off right away with Michelle Baskay's little lion head girl Spice. I am thrilled for them all. I'm working on seeing if I can bond Moody and Angela right now, we'll see how the girls do. OK, ADOPTIONS! Charlie leaves Saturday, Lila may be going out this weekend as well. Jake just left yesterday, Ringo today, and I know I'm forgetting a name or two. Thank goodness adoptions are picking up again, I still have 10 rabbits to move down to the Hollow before I can't bend over to easily anymore (Oh! Did I mention I'm having a girl?).

March is going to be BONDING MONTH! We are going to send out a newsletter letting all those with single buns know that we are doing bondings for the month of March and waving the $25 bonding fee. I am going to be a Bonding Machine! I have to say, it has been such a joy to see buns brought together. We have seen a total turn-around in Ringo, Biscuit, Lucky and Mr. Uggs since they got bonded. Another bun to speak with is just a wonderful thing for a rabbit. It's an endearing thing to see them groom each other and stretch out next to each other.

IN THE NEWS... A woman contacted me from the NY Times and will be coming down on Tuesday morning for an interview and to meet some of the bunnies here. It's awesome and in perfect time for Easter! We also have another paper, and possibly the News coming to our Petco Grand-Opening on March 15th. I'm hoping for a wonderful turn out that day - balloons and volunteers galore! We are also doing a bake-sale, nail clipping, and pet-photo's. I need to get back in touch with Paws and the CT HS to see if we can pay them a visit as well prior to Easter.

My Day... Got up, cleaned the buns, Tinkerbelle got dropped off, went and picked up Michelle L. we went to the Hollow to do a large bunny swap, took my dogs to friend Terry's. Terry, Michelle and I went to lunch, then I dropped Michelle at home, came and did some leaf-work in the front yard and stuffed some paper tubes to go to the Hollow for tomorrow. I am watching Will & Grace with Husband Chris, and getting ready for bed.

On a sad note, I wish to say that we are sorry to hear of Claudie's hamster Peaches going to the Rainbow Bridge today.

Espresso, Dylan, Biscuit, MJ, Petco Foundation

2008-02-02T12:38:00.000-05:00

Scout, Alex & Flash

Stratford, Connecticut

I'm at work eating a peanut butter and strawberry jelly sandwich. It is so good! I say this because I can't believe how good everything tastes when you are pregnant! I've had a pretty busy week with the buns and life and trying to register baby stuff online, but am happy as can be right now! Only one thing would make me over the edge happy, and that is if Linda's cat Mau-Mau would come home. He's been missing for 1 week today. She has been on the hunt hanging flyers and going through garages like you just wouldn't believe.

I spoke to Hank down at Petco yesterday, we have a couple of people looking to adopt Guinea Pigs and I was checking to see what Petco had available. They don't have any right now so I sent the people to Critter Connection (CT's largest GP rescue). I got some wonderful news from Hank though, and that is that we should be receiving a check from the Petco Foundation for a little over $800 soon! I was estatic, as that will cover the cost of 4 spays! We are so short on funding once again. It will pick up a little more around Easter, then we kind of lull through the summer, with the exception of our annual Garden Party and Tag Sale.

Love wasn't in the cards for Espresso and Biscuit, so I now have Espresso in a pretty completed bond with Dylan, and Biscuit and Mary Jane seem to be off to a good start, they stayed together last night and they are staying with me in Fairfield overnight tonight. I'm going to be trying Bugsy with someone soon too, I don't want him to be alone, he's over 7 years old now!

You guys have to check out this video that Ali got of Flash playing peek-a-boo! It's at:
http://i75.photobucket.com/player.swf?refURL=/&file=http://vid75.photobucket.com/albums/i287/TrueBlue2282/Flash.flv

He is too cute! My spell check isn't working today, so don't hold it against me!

Also, we are in CT Pet Projects this month at: http://www.ctpetprojects.org/home.php

Petco Grand Opening Date Set! Espresso, Biscuit, Buster, Angel, Dumbo

2008-01-26T07:29:00.000-05:00

I woke up at about 3am this morning with a horrible tooth ache. I have a sinus infection that I just started antibiotics for and it's got me so stuffed up that my upper right jaw is in some major pain. I'm hoping for a quick dental visit today to get me on my way. I'm at work now and thought I'd do a little writing before the kids all wake up.

I dropped off Sophia and Fudge (Carmine now) yesterday at the Hollow and picked up Espresso and Hollow "Bad-Boy" Biscuit (he's not really bad, he's just really scared so he likes to box!). Their mom Kara has made me a beautiful dog bowl with bunny pictures on it. It's absolutely wonderful, thank you again Kara! So far Espresso and Biscuit are doing well. I didn't have them sleep together last night, but we'll see how it goes today. Biscuit is scared and ansy, so I'll take it slow with him.

Buster got dropped off on Thursday evening in slight stasis. I kept him over night and fed & medicated him and his mom picked him back up for an appointment to see Dr. Pieper yesterday evening. It seems he may have a bit of an ear infection and a small molar spur. He stayed with Dr. P last night and we'll hear more today. We all love Buster, he's such a cutie-pie!

Callie and Jamie will be spayed next week along with Sasha and Violet, then all 4 girls will also be up for adoption. Mr. Dumbo Rat (now named Helix) left for his new home on Tuesday this past week. He was picked up by a very well dressed woman in her Lexus! She's very nice and he is going to be so pampered!

Angel is getting some small poops out this week, but it looks like Miracle may be going into stasis now.

We have our Grand-Opening Date with Petco! Saturday, March 15th from 11-4 down at the Petco Norwalk location. We are hoping to have a wonderful bake-sale and fund-raiser. I'm going to see if Nicole C. can come down with her Wallaby that day, and see if we can get some other people to join us. Hip-Hop the Hop-A-Long Hollow Mascot should also be there to do pictures. We'll know more as the date gets closer.

A friend of mine, Ellen, has the same Birthday as Ellen Degeneres and made a video of her bunny Sven doing a little Birthday dance, check it out at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UvOKyxVJGM

As Easter gets closer, we are working on seeing if we can also join with PAWS and the H.S. to do an educational adoption event where we will also have Hip-Hop to do pictures with pets! Again, I'll let you know as we figure things out. Hopefully this will be an even bigger year than last year, as we are rapidly growing in numbers and funding.

Welp, gonna run! More soon! Have a Hoppy Weekend!

Please feel free to submit your pets pictures to me to post on the blog at brandeesbunch@aol.com. Please include your pets names and state and city where you live.

Newspaper collecting, WB, Casper, Bay, Hallie, Cinnamon, Fudge, Sophia

2008-01-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

Good morning to all! I got up this morning (which Linda does so often it's scary) to go collect newspapers from other peoples recycling bins before the trucks come. Even being a holiday, I did collect quite a few. It made me realize what Linda does every single week for all those little fur-balls at the Hollow. It was still dark out when I went since I had to be at work at 7a.m. It's funny, as each time I had to get up to go to the bathroom last night (pregnancy bladder!) I was falling asleep chanting to myself "newspapers, newspapers, newspapers..." Sad, huh? Needless to say, we can use some newspaper donations, it's COLD outside!

The little bunny that came in to us almost 2 weeks ago now with the leg broken in 2 places, WB, is doing well. He's eating, pooping, taking his meds, and he's wearing his little cast like a little trooper. He's going to stay with Linda while he recovers, she's closer to the vet that we are using with him, makes more sense, but I feel bad as it's one more bunny she has to medicate twice a day. Poor Angel had to go to the vet a couple of times this week, she has developed urine sludge and her kidney values shot down, and then it was joined by stasis. Linda the bunny miracle worker is working her magic, and Angel seems to be pulling out of everything. Hallie and Cinnamon, aka "Stasis Monster," are doing so well! It's so funny to see big ol' Hallie girl who's about 8-10 lbs with Cinnamon who is about 2lbs. So cute!

I went to Maryland to visit my parents this weekend, had a really nice time and got to see my Aunt Kathy & Uncle Duck (I couldn't say Doug when I was little). On the way home yesterday I swung by the Hollow and picked up little man Fudge to bond to Sophia. All is going very, very well! They slept in the same cage in my kitchen last night, I have not had a single sign of fighting or aggression. We have quite a few bunny bondings coming up which is great for several reasons, the primary being how happy bunnies are in pairs, the secondary is I'm trying to move the bunnies in foster at my house down to the Hollow so they are all in one place, and I'm worried about taking care of them when I'm too big to bend over! I have a few months to go, but have 10 rabbits in foster to start moving down, and just look how happy they are in pairs! TinkerBELLE is coming back for a boyfriend, we are going to try her with Butterscotch, and Toby is supposed to be coming for a girlfriend, we were hoping to try Licorice with him. Espresso just got adopted out to the same home that Fudge resides in, and we believe she'll be coming back soon for a boyfriend as well. I'd love to try her with Clover or Shadow. We have a couple of neutered males coming in from Mandy at Cottontail Rabbit Rescue that we are going to try to bond in with buns at the Hollow.

CASPER GOT ADOPTED!!! BAY is officially adopted as well and should be going to her new home in the next few days! Bay will be living with 2 neutered males.

OK, one more thing, and I think I may be done for the day. INK CARTRIDGES AND CELL PHONES!!! We need them! I'm sure a bunch of people got new cell phones for Christmas, so ask around if you remember! We have a lot coming up that we are in such need of funding for, such as another large hay/food order that has to go in this week. We are down to 4 bales of hay and out of food again!

If anyone has any pictures of their bunnies that they'd like to share on the blog, please e-mail them to me at brandeesbunch@aol.com. Please put your city and state as well as the bunnies names.

Truffles passes, Toby, Lop, Joy, Little Bunny, Dylan and stuff

2008-01-14T08:11:00.000-05:00

I don't even know, once again, where to start... Yesterday I was trimming Dakota's nails (I have only been bit 2x from nail trimming ever) and she kicked me while I was holding the nail clippers and they went up my nose! Powerful little legs on that beastie girl! It was interesting! I have Bugs Farlekes staying with me for a while, and Wishes is at the house going in for her spay tomorrow at Barnum Animal Hospital a long with Bonnie or Snow White. I'm undecided. Truffles of "Fudge and Truffles" passed away this weekend. It is a horrible, horrible thing that we have no rabbit vets available to us on the weekends, no emergency clinics in our area to help. It pains me (as well as others) greatly. Espresso was adopted yesterday to be bonded to Fudge. I have Cinnamon the "Stasis Monster" and Hallie here trying to do a bond. I'm at work all day as the kids have a 2 hour snow delay (no snow, just a bit of slush) and Ben isn't feeling well today.

Last week a bunny was found in the road near Costco in Norwalk, it's foot was separated from the leg. South Wilton did an amazing surgery and he's bandaged up at my house. He'll be going in once a week for a check up. He's on Baytril and Metacam BID and Penicillin injections every 4 days. Say a prayer for his healing up well. Thank you South Wilton Veterinary Group for once again saving a leg for us!

Toby (pictured above) stayed with Linda over Christmas vacation and will be coming back for a girlfriend! Lucky little Toby!

Happenings this week.... We took in the little broken leg bunny, we took in a little lop that was found in Stamford, Joy came in after being in foster for about 3-4 months, and Dylan got neutered and is ready to go to a new home. He is AMAZING! We made a little over $30 at Petco this week which wasn't much - but we got to talk to a bunch of people! Oh, and Petco (and Nutro-Max) donated a pallet of Cat Food! We are distributing it around to different rescue groups. We have a couple of male dwarf hamsters that are beautiful and sweet that we took in that are ready to go to new homes. Linda is getting over her cold (yeah!), and I have grown out of yet another pair of my jeans and I'm only in my 4th month! Ok, more later as I let my brain work. Hallie is climbing up me right now either trying to help me type, or trying to get me off the computer...

Cats, Rabbits & Dogs - OH MY! Ok, Birds, rats, chinchilla's...

2008-01-08T08:37:00.000-05:00

OK, another easy going day. One of my cats started to urinate on a couple of things that are now curb-side - I don't do cat urine - so not knowing who it was I made an apt. for the one cat I thought it was, Mitose. He was the only cat that checked out fine. I went back for a second apt. an hour later with my other two cats and Toby had a 105 degree temperature and Chloe has a bladder infection - so 2 cats on meds. Toby, for those of you who don't know, was a stray brought to me almost 2 years ago. He is not into people so when we walk into a room, he darts out, but he tackles our Shepard and plays with the other dogs that come to stay. I had to take his temperature again last night and couldn't find him downstairs (he's separated in the other side of our basement so I can check that he's using the litterbox) so eventually I found him in our wall - IN OUR WALL- up in the ceiling area. Let's just say it wasn't fun getting him out, and he probably feels I got my revenge when I took his temperature last night... It was down to 102.7 and this morning it is 102. We are going to try a couple of different foods though he seemed to be going for the Kitty Caviar Flakes (Earth Animal in Westport - cats LOVE IT!). It was an interesting cat day.

I'm bonding Indiana with Honeydew and got freaked a bit that Honeydew was going into Stasis, but I think what actually happened is she liked our dining room chair so much, she decided she would skip out on eating and hang out on the comfy chair... She's just fine, munching away on hay and greens. Rabbits. Cats. Birds. Oh MY! The dogs are all holding their own this week, all of our visiting dogs have gone home, and I think with the pregnancy and the rest of the crew here (current just here are 3 dogs, 3 cats, 2 rats, 3 chinchilla's, 4 birds, 2 gerbils, 1 fish named fluffy Bob, and 18 rabbits (5 are mine and 1 is visiting) - wow!) I think I'm going to have to pass on any more dog sitting for a while. As much as the dogs enjoy it, it's just not the same with others hanging in the house, and being winter, they are in the house a lot.

I plan on being at the vet Wednesday or Friday morning with Rodelli, my little rattie girl. She has just developed a growth (hopeful just a fatty tumor that can be removed easily) under her left arm. It came on very quickly, so it will be taken care of just as quickly.

Well, off to do the morning rounds, mix Marquis up for Magoo and bug the birds a little bit, Jackie needs his e-collar changed. More later!

Big December Update!

2007-12-31T19:31:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a month! It's been so busy, in so, so many ways. Linda and I are both kind of down for the count right now. Linda has a terrible cold, and I've got a "bun" in the oven! This holiday season has just been treacherous on both of us, as I know it is for most people. I have to clean my bunnies first thing in the morning or I don't have the energy to do it at night, and Linda has had many cancellations due to the Holidays, though we have had many people throw in a wonderful helping hand to pick up a lot of that slack! We both appreciate it immensely!

Our Christmas Party this year was wonderful. We had over 75 people attend, and I believe with the fundraising letter that went out on top of the party, we raised over $2,000 much needed dollars. It went fast since a check for $1,900 went straight out to one of our vets! We had over 80 spays/neuters this year! WOW! With an average of $150 an alter, we have really been cruising along, and there is no way that we could do this without the help of our very, very many volunteers and contributors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

We have many bunnies we are currently trying to help families to place. Sadly we do not have the capabilities of taking on personal pets. There are so many other in desperate need that those are the ones we must help out first. We are, however, trying hard to educate anyone who calls us with rabbit problems in ways to tend to their problems and understand their little furry friends more!

We had several adoptions this month including Cleopatra! We are just thrilled that she has found a home after her long stay here and her long illness. We have someone coming in this week that seems to be interested in Bay, which would be wonderful! We adopted out Diamond, Dumbo, Martin & Evie, Venus, (I know I'm missing more buns!) 2 guinea pigs, 2 gerbils, and several hamsters this month as well. We still have a Dumbo Rat looking for a forever home as well as a few more gerbils and piggies. We did a fundraiser at Petco on the 15th and moved Captain and Morgan into our Hex at Petco. We are now officially in the Petco, Norwalk location! We are excited to see where this will go.

From Linda:

First, Leo the beautiful, gentle White Lop passed away today. He had been adopted out almost a week ago. His panic stricken owners called me at 5:30 AM this morning. They had just found him laying still in his cage. I had him by 6AM but he was far along and there didn't appear to be much hope. Leo passed away at South Wilton Vet hospital around 11AM. I am heartsick as Leo deserved better. Bunnies are such delicate creatures. Seeing this happen to Leo has made me realize that I have to emphasize all the more how urgent it is to watch for stasis. All new adopters will now be getting a letter detailing the symptoms and how quickly a bunny dies if it is not caught in time as well as verbal instructions. I have learned that verbal instructions are just not enough, in the excitement of getting a new bunny it can get missed.

The good news......Martin (our 3 legged-amputee) and Evie just left for their new home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Much happiness to them. It's been a very long wait for Evie. Linda

Ok, I don't know what I'm missing, but I'm sure it's something, but now that it's almost 8pm, I've stayed up late enough to sleep through most of the night, I have been going to bed by 7pm! Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season from all of us at the Hollow! Thank you all for your continued support!

Brandee :o)

Hop-A-Long Holidays! Bunny Pictures!

2007-12-06T15:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, no more cranky Brandee, too much going on. At the Hollow Party this coming Sunday, Nicole C. is going to bring her wallaby! We are so excited! For anyone coming, don't forget the party is from 1-4. We had a blast last year, and the Thibaults' decorations are amazingly beautiful! We had aprox. 70 guests last year, and December was a wonderful adoption month for us. We can really use that this year, as well as all the prayers and wishes.
This little girl is Violet who is being very disapproving about having her picture taken. She came in with Sasha.

Mr. Magoo came down last Friday from VT where he was being fostered. He was one of 14 rabbits that was to be culled, I believe due to a breeder"closing down." He has a libacious cyst on his back that will be removed when he is neutered and we had full blood work done due to an enlarged liver and drinking of a lot of water. We want to make sure his organs are completely functional prior to having surgery. His liver could improve after he is on a good diet for a while, we have no idea what kind of diet the breeder had him on.

We got a call on Mary Jane from a couple of different people. She was let to run loose in Harvest Commons in Westport. Her owner mentioned that she was too big. Well, my coffee cup next to her is regular sized, and she's maybe 3lbs. She is a 6 month old, very sweet little girl with beautiful bright blue eyes. She will be altered next Wednesday and is ready for adoption.
Cleopatra had her spay yesterday, finally! She really made a great recovery after over 7 months on Baytril and Bicillin not working. The 14 days on Zithromax just worked miracles for both Cleo and Butterscotch, who got neutered 2 weeks ago.

Well, so much has been going on lately, so many bunnies coming and going, we also have with us now Nikki, and a new pair named Bonnie and Clyde who were altered prior to coming in but the family never put the 5 year olds together. They are now a bonded pair. Pepsi has been adopted and is now bonded to Bunny (aka Elvis) and they will be going home tomorrow or Saturday. Wesley was brought in by West Haven Animal Control (what my neighbors must think seeing all these animal control cars pull up to our house!) a few weeks ago. He was neutered then taken to the Hollow last Wednesday morning and adopted that night. Well, more later!

Bunnies on the move! Lilly's passing.

2007-11-28T21:37:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I have blogged, a long while! So much has happened that I don't even know where to begin!

OK - HOLLOW STUFF!

December 9th 1-4pm Hollow Christmas Party! E-mail me at brandeesbunch@aol.com for more info. A fun time all around, come and see the animals of the Hollow!

December 15th 10-4 Hollow Fundraiser and possible opening day at Petco in Norwalk. If we have enough volunteers, Hip-Hop the Hollow bunny will be there for photographs!

RECENT ADOPTIONS: Jo-Jo, Mike, Pepsi, Pom-Pom & Thumper, Hannah, Misty & Boxy, Toby and Wesley!

NEW RESIDENTS: Violet & Sasha, Wesley (not for long!), Clover, Bella, Leo, Nikki, and I'm trying to think of who else off hand, but my mind is racing!

We have 3 rabbits we are trying to assist with catching at the moment. I have 13 rabbits here (a long with my 5) and we have 29 in the Hollow for adoption (and a few more in Linda's house!) at the moment. We have only TEN RABBITS at the moment that aren't altered!!! We are getting caught up, finally! Maybe we can catch up to our vet bills!

Degu's came in 3 weeks ago, 4 more babies were born today. I think that should be it, all should be under control now. YEAH! All will be up for adoption.

On a very sad note... Lilly, daughter of Honeydew and sister to Lilac and Thistle, passed away this week. She had a necropsy that showed internal hemorrhaging. She was bonded to Buster bunny and will be deeply missed by her whole family and us here at the Hollow. God Bless little bun.

I'm trying to think of what else there is going on. Oh well, I'll get over it, I've got too many more things and little ones to worry about right now. It's almost 10 and way past my bed-time this month! I'll post more pictures, etc... when I get a chance!

The Bonding Of Evie and Martin, Magik

2007-10-24T11:08:00.001-05:00

So far, looks good with these guys, stayed overnight in the guest room with no problems, and I don't foresee any issues, unless other rabbits get them going. They will be taken to Linda tomorrow who will house them inside for a week just to make sure all is well before going back outside! YEAH FOR MARTIN AND EVIE! I may try Moody and Casper next! Things are going ok today, Linda isn't feeling up to herself, and I think the rain just makes me tired, although it's been a very busy past 7 days! We have a new big boy that will be coming in, a fawn colored New Zealand, gorgeous male. The family that found him and nursed him back to health have offered to help with his neuter, THANK YOU! He is has that awesome fat-face that Jet and Cadbury have. I love it! We need a new name for him. They were calling him Lucy and were shocked when I said they might want to consider another name. Help me out here guys, I was going to name him Magik. Ali or Michelle L. will just change it anyways! Hope everyone has a wonderful day, I am going to pick up another book to read, like I have time! Oh, for anyone who doesn't know, I found a lump in my Rusty's chest and took him to Dr. Pieper yesterday, it's just a fatty tumor which I had thought anyhow, but can't remember if I mentioned it. Well, crock-pot is going (chicken, cream of broccoli soup, broccoli, onions, carrots and potatoes) so the house will smell great when I get home tonight, I'll have a book, a blanket, and animals will be done. Blackberry's month of Marquis is just about up, we'll get blood-work done next week and see what happens. Keep your fingers crossed!

Brandee

Baba's Passing

2007-10-23T12:38:00.000-05:00

Darling, sweet, gentle little man. Yesterday at 4:30 after having cancer surgery in August and battling to continue on ever since, Baba Bunny was put to sleep. He tried his hardest to be the best bunny he could, to pull through for those who loved him. He attempted to use the butt-cart and to keep himself cleaned without the use of his hind legs. Baba was tired, but a trooper straight to the end. Yesterday morning it was believed that Mucoid Indonitis was beginning, which would mean hemorrhaging would come next. His appetite was nil yesterday. He was done. My friend Deb and myself sat outside for 3 hours in the grass and sunshine with Baba so he could be out in the world one last time. I always feel closer to God outside in the Fall. The Farlekes Family is away, and after receiving their permission, I, along with Ben, the 10 year old I nanny for who offered to come with me (very compassionate) went in with Baba and held him as he went peacefully to sleep. He will be very missed. My condolences to the Farlekes Family.

Hopstock/Hollow Stock - REMODEL OF THE HOLLOW!

2007-10-20T01:01:00.000-05:00

What we got accomplished today was unbelievable! We showed up around 9, moved all bunnies to carriers and smaller cages for the day with their name cards and info, and moved all the cages out of the Hollow. Everything was sterilized with a betadine solution (through a high powered washer), washed, put through the washer with bleach or just thrown out. We had a dumpster donated by the Malone’s (Malone’s Rental Services), who also bought a ton of soda &, water for the volunteers and lettuce for all the bun’s. Their son’s Matthew and Alex were there to start with the clean up by getting all the toys, food dishes and water bottles prepared for the bleaching. Thanks Boys! All the shelves and other loose pieces were taken out of the cages and discarded.
Greer drove up from Long Island, Ali from Stratford, and Jess from Wallingford. Harvey (Fairfield Hardwood Supply & Chelsea Carpentry), Chris (LaCava’s Martial Arts & Westport Acupuncture Center) and Stan took care of the new sub-floor and tiling. Michelle M. was there to clean and Virginia and Jim came as well to help take care of things! So much happened so fast today… Harvey even ripped the fireplace right out to add to our space! WOW! The following pictures will show our day. The Hollow is amazingly more roomy, sterilized, and GOOD TO GO! It was hard to believe we had so many cages that we had enough to leave 27 cages out on the back porch in the shade for the day while the other 27 were getting sterilized! God graced us with perfect weather! Everything was catered by Letizia’s Pizza in Norwalk (AMAZING SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS!). Thank you Dennis, Michelle & Madison Letizia!
Fantasia stopped by to have Billy and Zula’s nails clipped, we clipped all the shelter bunny’s nails today and Vicky stopped by with her 12 baby bunnies from 2 litters so far (THANKS AGAIN TO PETSTORES!) to be sexed. Greer took 2 home to foster. They are SO GORGEOUS! They all look like either Jersey Woolies or Lion Heads. We are going to try to help with getting them altered and into good homes. (Pictures to follow!)

Terri Saumel has donated SEVERAL (like 20) books on tape that will be now available to listen to at the Hollow. We’ll have a tape player and CD player there for passing of time. THANK YOU TERRI! Terri donates items on a regular basis, but I have to mention that she donates these wonderful little cardboard items that when folded together make the perfect houses, she also donated all those cardboard boxes with lids on them that we tote our stuffed tubes (and she donates tubes/treats too!) back and forth in. Please say a thank you and prayer. One of Terri’s bun’s Gray-C that she adopted from us had a abscess in her neck that was just removed. Pray she comes through fine, she is in a very pampered and spoiled home and bonded to the very handsome Asher bunny.
Thank you everyone so very much for showing up and helping out. Everyone did so much work, and we accomplished so much! We are still collecting Ink Cartridges (No Toner Cartridges) and Cell Phones, please remember to collect for us! Also, we are still in need of Vinegar, Bleach, Laundry Detergent, Large Black Garbage Bags and Paper Towels.

Thanks again to ALL! – Brandee -

Check out Ali's Buns! Baba & Bugs, John S.S. & Merri & Blackberry

2007-10-05T19:43:00.001-05:00

Let's get the bad done first... Baba has the cancer growth again - he has about a month maybe a couple of more. We don't know exactly what we are going to be doing so it will be day by day and God's will. All I can do is try to keep him eating and keep him pain free. Time will tell. Bugs on the other hand is doing great. His organ function is back to normal and it looks like he'll be able to be around for that bladder stone surgery next month. A very trying time all around. Blackberry's EC CBC blood test thingie came back with full blown EC. Good Call Dr. Pieper. She has already started the Marquis, our first bunny on the $200 a tube medication. We are hoping for good results - blood work again after one month of being on the meds.

On a good note, Leenie went to her new permanent home with Wiggum and Nugget yesterday. They are doing great so far, Congrats to proud mama Christine. I'll post pictures when I get some! John S.S. and Merri are in the process of being bonded to go home with Chelsea (S.S. was hers already and needed a friend) and it seems to be going well, but again, time will tell!

NOW!!!! THE MOMENT WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!!! LET'S TALK ABOUT ALI'S BUNS!!! Fluffy, and furry and round... Ok, come on, get your minds out of the gutter! Scout and Alex are trying to work it out to accept Mr. Uggs into their lives! Look at all the cute Bunny butts! All Ali's! (Love you Ali!).

GREAT PICTURES!! Gussie, Elvis, Annabelle, Babies...

2007-10-04T15:48:00.000-05:00

The following are pictures first of Gussie and Elvis together with their pet cat, and then some pictures from our event at WildOats where there were Pet Photographers that took some bunny pictures for us! I will get the name and post the organization on here, they were so wonderful!

Bugsy and Baba update/Victoria and Stormy - A letter from the buns!

2007-10-04T15:06:00.000-05:00

Bugs had fun visiting Bah Bah today.....enjoy the photos....... We wanted the two boys to see each other and spend a little time together as we felt that would be good for the will to live in both of them. They finally had to be separated as Bugs felt pretty good and started to hump Bah Bah so we said enough of that stuff!! There is also a shot of Brandee doing a syringe feeding on Bugs. He is getting more cooperative each time thank goodness! Lori - tomorrow is the day that will tell a lot. Bugs gets a blood test at the vets. Just a short visit to have blood drawn by a tech and then he comes back home with me. If his kidney values are getting bad again after being off all intravenous fluids then there is no hope and it's time to give up. If they are still good on the Sub Cutanious fluids I have been doing on him then we start slowly cutting back on his fluids till hopefully they are completely gone. He can then go home to you and get stronger for his surgery.

Baba will also be going to Dr. Pieper tomorrow to drain an abscess he has near where his tumor was removed. I feel a lump and am hoping to God that it is only the abscess and not tumor regrowth.

hello aunt linda....... its us tori & stormy. we wanted to call or email you sooner but it has been so busy this spring & summer. we have been to the new vets many times, my mom takes us every time i sneeze (stormy). but we love our vet, she is so cool, she holds us and says we are very well behaved and very good looking. she says she may keep us one of these times mom brings us in to see her. her pet bunny passed away last year. but mom has also been very busy with our big brother lou the leaping lab, his allergies are so bad mom & the vets are trying everything. he was scratching his face so bad it has been bleeding, he cut his foot (pad) from licking it so much, so he had to have it wrapped (but we did not laugh at him mom said that would be rude).so poor lou sleeps alot since he has been on his new meds. they still are not working very well. did we tell you we love our brother he lets us do anything, even walk on him (instead of going around we go over him). and diesel our brother cat had to have his teeth cleaned by our vet and then he had to have 5 teeth removed. now he thinks he can get wet cat food everyday & mom says only for a treat, so he follows mom around yelling at her and mom just keeps telling its not going to work you have dry food to eat. then we have darbie we don't get to see her much except for when we are in phoebes room looking out the window. darbie lives in the barn dad says no goats in the house mom says thats not fair & darbie should live in house & dad should live in the barn. but we love our new house we rule the house.......we have free range of the whole house, except the kitchen we don't like the floor we can't get any traction. our cage door is always open we go in to sleep sometimes, but we do go in to eat, drink and poop. mom says she just love us. everynight we get a huge helping of fresh hay, a big fresh salad, and some fresh water. mom has come in the bedroom during the day to find us, lou & diesel all asleep on the bed together. but we always do it when aunt kimmy's camera is at her house. moms cameras are all broke. mom took some pictures of us the other night to send ot you but we need to download them mom said. so she said she would send them later. oh yeah by the way we rock at binkies. we are always showing off. and friday night phoebe & riley spent the night and we got to sleep on the bed with lou, diesel, mom, phoebe & riley. phoebe still wants to get a bunny she still talks about thomas, and we told her that he is a good friend of ours. but they are doing some work on their house so they need to wait a little while longer. but anyway we better get going to bed it is close to our bed time. mom should be making our nitetime salad soon. we love our mom she rocks, she lets us climb all over her and her new couch & chair. but best of all we love when she picks us up and cuddles with us and tells us how much she loves us. i wish you could come and visit us. mom said she would love to come and see how everyone is doing and bring out some gifts from us.we love and miss you and thank god everyday for you and brandee.

all our love tori (two-ton-tori) and stormy (stormer)

Snow, Hannah, Buster, Lilly, Radish, Cookie, Blackberry

2007-09-26T21:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, here's the day. Got up, went to Dr. Piepers to drop off Cookie for her spay, went to Fairfield, jogged 3 miles, weighed in at weight watchers, went to the diner for breakfast then to pick up Jojo the Pug for the day while her mommy had jury dute. I went to work and changed the laundry, went back to Dr. Piepers to pick up Radish from her spay yesterday a long with a tube of Marquee to start Blackberry on for EC ($200). I went home, checked on everyone's food/water/hay, paid some special attention to Baba the butt cart bunny, then did some laundry. I packed up Snow and Hannah for the day (their bonding isn't going badly, just not as well as I had hoped) and spoke with Ann E. to bring back Buster and Lilly who were great here but as soon as they got back home again, they were pulling fur. I went by Lori's to see how she is doing since Bugsy got very ill yesterday and had to be rushed to South Wilton. She has been hit so hard with Baba being ill and now Bugsy. Took Jojo in to play with Major and Sugar for a while, then went back to work. Jojo was picked up around 2, and I took a shower at work. At 7 I dropped off 5 cheerleaders, then went back to pick them up at 9pm. I got home around 9:45, Chris is out at a Scorpions concert with friend Dennis, and now I'm blogging and cleaning.

Toby came back the same night (morning actually, 4:30 am) so all is safe and sound. I did trap a possum trying to trap him in the Havahart trap, and they run fast when they want. Going back in to mix up the Marquee for Blackberry, and then do whatever around the house till I pass out. I'm tired, and the sinus allergy season is a killer the past 3 days!

Hope all is well with everyone! Goodnight!
Brandee

PS... RE: Billy Bunny

The day from H.E.double Hockey Sticks...HELP!

2007-09-24T22:20:00.000-05:00

Today I got up, went to work, then went back home to pick up the two baby bunnies that were dumped in a box in Greenwich last week on the side of the road (flea ridden and a third bun was in the box dead) and dropped them at the Hollow since they are ready to be seen and good to go now. I had breakfast with Michelle L. and then shot down towards Norwalk in hopes of meeting my friend Deb at some point for a jog and a quick browse at Sports Authority. I stopped off at the Hollow and I picked up Michelle's (volunteer) bunny Snow to bond with Hannah (keep your fingers crossed, so far, going OK) and then went back up towards work in Fairfield cause meeting Deb wasn't in the cards today. I then got a call from Lori, whose bunny Baba is still here in recovery from his cancer removal, and her other bunny Bugs seems to have injured his leg and has stopped eating. I went back to her house in Fairfield and ran Bugs down to South Wilton. They have yet to get a hold of us to let us know his condition. We are very, very upset not to have received a phone call tonight on his status. I then went back to work. I did get in my 1/2 hour run/walk that I needed, thankfully, it helps clear the head and I have really been enjoying the endorphin release, it almost counter acts all the sadness at the moment...

I have a bunny here that was brought to me on Friday named Blackberry and she has two huge bulging eyes, like cloudy marbles. Everything that Linda has researched on it sounds as if it's going to be terminal and she's not even a year old. Her owner has 3 children and after we have our vet visit with Dr. Pieper (hopefully tomorrow) I will have to explain to them what is happening to their bunny. Buster and Lilly Emerson were brought here tonight to be re bonded, seem to be doing awesome so far, thankfully. Buster had gone into stasis and the animal hospital won't keep two animals together, so him coming home smelling funny had broke the bond. ARGH!!! They are just as beautiful as ever.

OK, so I let my birds out everyday for playtime. I closed the bottom of the windows and raised the screens so they wouldn't eat through them. I forgot to pull one screens down and left the window open, and now our feral kitty Toby, totally sweet but afraid of people, is missing. I have a Havahart trap set outside with smelly kitty food in it, but I am beside myself this evening, feeling like the most horrible mommy ever. I don't want to go to bed, what if I do trap him and he's outside crying all night, or what if he doesn't come back this way at all? I am so worried!
In the mean-time... We have 5 baby bunnies at the shelter, all under 8 weeks of age that are up for adoption. Bugsy and Mike left for their new homes this past week. Hopefully all will go well with Hannah and she will go live with Snow. I have found a new spot in the top middle of Evie's back that when she is scratched, she arches her back for you and sticks out her tongue. Christine's (Wignug) is still working on Martin and Leenie with Wiggum and Nugget. I am supposed to take all 4 in the next day or so, but don't know what I can do till next week now, with the extra adoptions and bondings, and the ill bunnies - HELP! Her boss has graciously offered us several CPU's (computers) amongst other items, that I will be picking up this week and trying to re-format so that we can sell them to raise funds for the Hollow (probably about $250 each, I have to see what the ram and hard drive space is, etc... when I re-format them to establish the fair price).
We are again at an all time low in our bank account. We currently owe Barnum Animal Hospital over 1,250 dollars and need help with funding or we will have to cancel all of our upcoming spay/neuter appointments, approximately 20 of them. If you can contribute in anyway, you can always call and make a credit card donation to the Hop-A-Long Hollow via phone at 203-378-0687, send a donation to our Pay Pal account at hopalonghollow@aol.com or checks can be made to either Barnum Animal Hospital or the Hop-A-Long Hollow and mailed out to Linda at 1 Woodside Ave, Norwalk, CT 06855. ANY HELP IS MUCH APPRECIATED!

Good night to all, please say a prayer that Toby will come home and that Bugsy and Baba will be OK.

Brandee

Expo at Westchester

2007-09-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Hi Linda,We had a pretty good day. The expo is more education and exposure for the Hollow as opposed to fund raising, although we did take in almost $210. There were so many other rescues there and we are all competing for those donation dollars. We sold just one shirt to a woman who wrote a check for $20. Oh, I found a really good way to get the $ out of the donation jar - a kitchen spatula and it works really well!I called the two people who won the Webkins but were not present and will mail them out on Monday. Peaches, Claudie's hammie that came from to her via the Hollow was a big hit right up front. Greer's *so* mellow bunnies were the best ambassadors to bunny land - we had them in a pen on one side of the booth and they were very friendly for many hours! Greer also walked the aisles with each of the bunnies to drum up interest and visitors. The unnamed Dutch girl (that came from Pet Supplies Plus with two broken back legs) that I've tonight started calling Bit 'o Honey Bunny (also, Lil Bit and Bitty for short) was a perfect show girl - she ate, drank and seemed very relaxed the entire day. She's downstairs now chowing down on greens and I will bring her back tomorrow before my girls get too attached.The names that some folks came up with for Lil Bit were Susan, Cookies & Cream, Sugar, Daphne and maybe one other (G & C, did I miss one?)The cupcakes and other baked goods were a big hit and the source of most of our donations. Hip Hop made an appearance with a balloon attached to her zipper in back, and the info booth guy was very accommodating in announcing our raffles and helped out by mentioning the Hip Hop sightings. Hip Hop even got to share a hug with the Big Red "C" Guy from Commerce Bank, one of the sponsors of the event.At one point in the late afternoon, we blew up some balloons and got a rush of kids. Our next booth neighbors were Wally and Sharon Wall, of all people! We had a special visit from a black and white greyhound girl dog, who was sporting a bonnet, purse, jacket and purple mani/pedi. She was lying down in our booth - it was quite a scene with all of these black and white animals in one place. Pictures will follow when I get a chance to off load them from the camera. I'll stick them up on Dotphoto and send invites to y'all.

Apparently, Mimi Cotter used to attend these up until this year, but didn;t come this year so Sarah, one of the coordinators, was very happy to have us there. Two vendors want to talk to you about setting up the Hollow as a donation site - one is Eric.Gold@ Pawscause.org and the other was Denise Barbolla from www.AngelstoAnimals.com (the email on the site goes directly to her). Both are e-commerce sites selling pet supplies and 100% of the profits are donated to animal causes. You can email them and let them know that they spoke with me today at the Fair and that we want to explore doing reciprocal links with their sites

I'll email Ann shortly to let her know that no ferret organizations were there, except that Sean had one or two, right Claudie? This is that fellow Sean that Brandee got Major from, I think. Greer and Claudie can add their experiences when they get a chance. We were asked if we wanted to attend an adoption day next week in Yonkers (we wouldn't do it) but I think it was nice to be asked and to be included along with the dogs and cats. I think Greer and/or Claudie spoke to a few serious potential adopters, and that's who you may have heard from today - one of those folks.That's all I can think of for now. The table cloths are washed and packed along with the T shirts so they'll be ready back to you tomorrow for the next event.Thanks again Greer and Claudie.Michele

Meriden, Sonia and Toby!! Forgot, read blog below too!!!

2007-09-16T23:08:00.001-05:00

Meriden was dumped at the Meriden Humane Society...

Sonia was found running the streets of Ansonia...

Toby's owner became very, very ill...

As of today, all are unaltered, Meriden and Toby had been living on wood shavings, so we need to wait the 6 weeks before altering them (can lead to death under anesthesia!). All sweet and looking for homes!

New Babies, Wild Oats, Westchester EXPO, Wiggum, Nugget, Martin, Leenie, Annabelle, Casper, Benji, Moody, Baba, Major

2007-09-16T22:20:00.000-05:00

Today I got up, ran/walked 3 10 minute miles with one of my greatest friends Deb, then went home and got ready to go the Wild Oats Pet Awareness Day in Norwalk. Christine (Wignug) and Michelle L. along with animal lover daughter Madison helped pack up Annabelle, Baba who is temporarily staying with us for surgery rehabilitation, Christine's buns Wiggum and Nugget, and our Leenie and famous amputee Martin to go, along with Baba's "Butt Cart" and pens. We put Wiggum, Nugget, Martin and Leenie in a pen where they spent the 3 hours together. Martin and Leenie went home with Christine today, and if all works out, they may both have a home with almost total free run and so many bunny toys and activities, such as 2 floors of a house and home built stairs with tunnels going through them, they'll never run out of things to do. James, Christine's man, built amazing little play stairs leading into a rabbit home and up to the cage where Chinchilla's Button and Larrie live so they have easy access to the rest of the home.

Mandy at Cottontail Rabbit Rescue of Northford helped us out last month by taking in 3 baby bunnies we had dropped off whose mother had died during birth. She had a lactating mom with 4 babies (cast on the moms leg, and she still did a great job nursing all those babies - part of an abuse case) and we lost one of our babies, but the other two survived. We told Mandy we would take all the boys since she gets a much better spay/neuter cost in her area than we do. She brought them down to be sexed today, and FIVE were boys! The little girl already has a home, so Mandy happily left us 3 boys and took the other two back to her rescue. I want to Thank You Mandy, you and the bunny mom did a great service for us. Unfortunately the mom had already been pregnant again by the time Mandy got her and there are so far 3 more surviving kits that will be looking for homes.

Annabelle, Casper and a West Haven AC drop off Benji, will all be going to a new home with Dr. Poster. Annabelle has been a love and joy and has loved her time running in the back yard with our Shepard, Major. She is somewhat messed in the head we, and our vets, believe due to the people who brought her and Dakota to us putting topical dog medication on them (should have killed them!) and will be more happy living at the farm with the other rabbits in there large indoor/outdoor play area. We will be able to visit, and Annabelle needs the room to run! She was 8.5 pounds at adult size coming in, and has managed to get up to 12.9 at the time of her spay! I believe she is bigger even now! Best of luck to them all! Casper has no great love of people, and Benji seems to be inbred to the point of no return. We will post updates on how they are doing. Thank you Dr. Poster for your kind help and offer to give these guys a wonderful life. I wish that I could pull off what is in the House Rabbit Handbook where all the bunnies live outdoors together in harmony, but I am not equipped to do so. Ahhh, a rescuers dream come true!

Little Miss Moody was to join the above, but is on meds for an upper respiratory at the moment.

We only pulled $37 at Wild Oats, but made contacts that I am certain will come in handy. Don't forget we are at the Westchester County Civic Center this coming weekend for the adoption fair. I am going to try to get down there at some point with the children I nanny for, staying with them next weekend - all older now (7 years at this job this coming month - by the Grace of God! Awesome Family!). I'd like Sean Casey of Sean Casey Animal Rescue in Brooklyn (http://www.scarnyc.org/) to see Major, our Shepard that we got from him, and see how well he is doing! He had severe muscle atrophy when we adopted him, was just getting over pneumonia and sarcoptic mange, had Giardia and a yeast infection in one of his ears. He is BEAUTIFUL and loving, a big dope of a dog, a mommas boy!

We also have the upcoming Bear Fair, our Grand Opening at Petco in Norwalk, and our 3rd Annual Christmas Party, dates to be announced!

Goodnight!

Great Blog From Linda! Many Pet updates!!!

2007-09-07T22:33:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to update you all on the little lop eared bunny who was dropped off in the cardboard box on my sidewalk yesterday. She saw Dr. Fahey at South Wilton Vet Group last week and after cutting away some of the matted fur was diagnosed as a female. So please,everyone, meet Rose. Rose is doing far better than expected. She is developing some real mobility in her hind legs and can propel herself across the floor quite quickly though I believe it is very painful for her with the horrible urine scald that covers her entire tummy. Painful or not when I approach with the medications she manages to get away from me rather well! All four of her hocks have severe deep infected sores and the doctor is very concerned about getting them to heal. It will take a long time and a lot of work but I think we can do it. Rose is on antibiotics, pain medication, Critical Care force feedings and cream for her wounded feet and tummy. After she heals a bit I'm going to start with Bag Balm and nu-skin on those poor feet. She is doing well with the stasis issues which I believe were brought on by her inability to get herself to food. Any movement was extremely painful for her with that horrible matted fur tugging at her fire red, burned skin. Thankfully there was no fly strike! She has a long, long way still to go and probably months of treatment but she looks and acts like a different bunny just a week later. I'm thrilled with the progress and feel confident it's going to continue. While initially I expected to have to make the horrible decision about euthanasia I feel pretty certain that is not going to happen! Now, I have a plea. If anyone reading this blog has any information about this bunny please, PLEASE call me on the Hollow number at 203-247-4661. I will not attempt to find out who you are if you are the one who dropped here here. You obviously tried very hard to help her yourself and you did help a lot by getting her here that night. I had the medications she needed and I believe we will be able to return her to relative health. But...some information on her history would be very helpful and only you can provide that. I promise I will do nothing to try to find out who you are unless you decide to tell me.Our splay legged bunny boy, Tennessee Jed was neutered last week along with Martin the little amputee bun and every one's favorite bunny Zippy. All did well and will be returning home tomorrow. When Jed's hormone levels drop and he is ready for a friend we will be adopting Rose to be his bond mate. I believe with Jed's spunky attitude he will inspire Rose to great goals like raiding the garbage can together with our dog Jessie!

A few months ago Rain was adopted into a loving family and yesterday I was delighted to get this update. How exciting. Rain is perfect for the job! Amanda writes....We have come to call Rain - Eeyore because of her beautiful coloring and her docile temperament. We think it fits her perfectly! And I thought you would be pleased to know that Eeyore is starting her certification to become a therapy bunny. I have been wanting to get involved with that for quite some time, and our three dogs and 2 cats aren't up for the job. When I found the Delta Society, I became informed that they register rabbits, guinea pigs, llamas and birds, as well as many other domesticated species, in addition to dogs and cats. And since Eeyore is one of the sweetest, calmest rabbits I have ever met, I thought she would be perfect, and she could touch a lot of hearts and improve the quality of a lot of people's lives. My little sister will be joining the team when she turns 16. We are very excited!

Guy & Christine who some time ago adopted the Flemish "Gentle Giant" and a beautiful big beautiful tan bunny named "Bambi" have moved to South Carolina. Christine writes about the journey...
All the babies fit in the van amazingly enough, 13 cats, 4 rabbits, 4 chinchillas, 2 mice, 4 rescue birds, and Guy and I..............and MrBiggs the dog. I was so scared they would not make the 13 hour drive, but all were well and in better condition than we were, we had told the house owners we had pets and they didn't know how many but the eyes got wider and wider as we took them out I wanted to put them in the barn till settlement but he would not hear of it, animal lovers, you cant beat them! We have 3 acres surrounded by cornfields and a neighbour half a mile away it suits me to a tee. What a journey Christine! Congratulations on your new home! Our best to you and yours in your new home and with your wildlife rehab!

A great note from Greer who adopted Elvis last month as a friend for Gussie......

Shadow is up for adoption if anyone has it in their heart to adopt a very healthy old timer kitty! Let me just explain the picture first off, I did not get one when all five animals were in the cage nestled together, but God I wish I had. These animals just amaze me, no care for the fact that something isn't their species, simply a nice warm belly to sleep on. Everyone is doing well, I have to bring Shadow to the vet tomorrow however and get the Soft Claw caps cut off because for some reason he isn't shedding his nails like my other two do and they are getting so long that they are starting to grow into his paw pads and I can't clip them through the caps. As for Gussie and Elvis, they spend much time exploring and cuddling in their cardboard condo, still having trouble keeping Elvis out of the cat's litter box, he likes digging, I guess it could be worse, he manages to get into some of the most obscure uncomfortable looking positions when he sleeps legs sticking out all over the place, absolutely hilarious, and they are beginning to share their food better, Gussie now goes up to the bowl as soon as I put it in and they do the whole Lady and Tramp spaghetti thing but with celery sticks instead, adorable! Oh and I included a pic of shadow, even though I know you don't know him, but to see him the way he is now compared to the poor terrified and terrorized animal he was when he came to me 4 months ago, it is like a miracle, you would never know it was the same cat.

Linda's Day, as told by Linda...

2007-08-28T06:49:00.000-05:00

It’s been another wonderful day in the life. Makes me wonder so often why we all do this. Life would be so simple without these poor little creatures. I’d get to eat undisturbed and sleep occasionally too.

It started early this AM with the phone ringing with yet another woman wanting to dump her no longer wanted bunny on the Hollow. I told her as I have told 100 other people this last month that w have space for 50 and we are already at 68. I just can’t take any more bunnies in under any circumstances.

I ended up cleaning Chelsea’s bunnies because I felt so guilty about yesterday and the insanity I caused upstairs. I’ll tell that story first!

I had a good shopping trip to Goodwill yesterday where I picked up an adorable double decker plastic doll bed that’s perfect for a bonded pair of bunnies. I decided to give it to Simon Peter and Punky. They adored it! They jumped on both levels and inspected it thoroughly. Then Punky decided to use it as a springboard and jumped as high as she could, cleared her pen and landed in the pen next door with the three girls! The three girls decided they would happily kill Punky the evil intruder and each other while they were at it. It was quite a sight. 4 bunnies all trapped in a 4’ pen trying to kill each other with me screaming and tossing a full size garbage can over top of Punky to keep her safe till I could climb into the pen. I managed to separate all four bunnies and kept batting them to the sides of the pen till Chelsea heard my screams and came running. With time the situation calmed down and the girls forgot they were trying to kill each other and Punky was happily reunited with Simon. Everyone was fine except Chelsea and I. But we survived.

This morning I cleaned Chelsea’s bunnies, vacuumed the shelter for Michele who was arriving soon to start cleaning half of the shelter today. Did a dump run with 12 garbage bags of bunny trash and a load of bunny laundry. Came downstairs and cleaned the 6 bunnies down stairs. Called Brandee to check in and talked with Michele a while about Indiana’s pending adoption. Called South Wilton to make an appointment, cleaned the cage of the guinea pig I was babysitting for and got him ready to return home this afternoon. Turned away another bunny on the phone then did the dishes and l cleaned my bathroom. Spoke to another lady who was worried her bunny was in stasis and helped as much as I could.

I met Maria and her daughter here at noon so they could visit their bunny Snowy who has been recovering here from his broken leg. They visited for an hour, Michele left, Teresa who cleans the other half arrived and a lovely family called who wanted to meet the bunnies. I set the appointment for 4PM as the other family was picking up their piggie at 3:30. Mr Pig left for home and the family came and visited and tried to decide on what bunny they wanted to have join their family, while yet another volunteer arrived to brush bunnies and give hugs and pets to everyone. Of course they really wanted to see the bun I had sent to Brandee’s yesterday to be neutered so they left and will be back Friday night. Fantasia stopped by as I raced to get to the Post Office and get back here for the next appointment. Another typical day in this neighborhood.

I spent part of the night on the computer commiserating with Brandee about bunnies and how much time they take out of our lives. She had the same kind of day and was deeply saddened about a bunny she is caring for while a friend is away who has severe healthy problems and cannot move. He has urine scald and requires a lot of care and he doesn’t seem to be getting better. We were talking about him and when it’s time to say “that’s enough”. To put a living creature to sleep forever still remains the hardest decision for both of us,. Selfishly I thought to myself thank goodness it’s her that has to make the decision this time and not me. Well- I should not have thought that! I got punished. I was busy complaining because there are two sneezers in the shelter tonight when......

A friend of Chelsea's made a late visit tonight about 10:30 and he stopped in my office and said ”Linda, you do know there is a rabbit in a cardboard box outside your door don’t you?” I smiled and said good joke Noel. They I realized from the look on his face he wasn’t kidding.

On the road outside the front gate was a huge cardboard box with holes cut in the side and a whole carrot and apple inside it. Also a syringe of water and a bunch of bunny food and hay. Along with the goodies was the most pitiful bunny I have ever seen. A beautiful young,yellow Lop with two completely splayed front legs and it appears in complete inability to move his back legs. His tummy fur is a solid urine soaked matt and he is covered in urine scald. He cannot move at all. He will take small amounts of Critical Care and I have given him pain meds. The first thing in the morning we are heading to South Wilton to find out if he has a chance. It may be that his back legs are so weak from hunger that he may be able to regain some movement. I have no idea. I hope the doctor can make the call if he has a chance. If he does then I will do whatever I can to make it work. He is gentle and beautiful. He is frail, skinny and appears half dead. Somewhere someone tried their best to help him. Obviously someone has used the syringe to try to give him water,. Someone cared enough to really try but didn’t have the knowledge needed. We may never know his history but oh my god - how very sad.

I have just finished his 4th force feeding. He has had pain meds and we will both go to sleep now. I know that somewhere someone is wondering how he is doing. I don’t understand why they didn’t call and ask for help instead of leaving him in a box outside in the dark all alone. So vulnerable. With the raccoons and animals around here at night if Noel hadn’t visited he probably would have been killed by the time I found the box in the morning. Apparently some higher power had decided he gets another chance so I’m going to do my best to give it to him. I’ll update tomorrow on what the doctor say. I am seeing that he is regaining a little use of the back legs. I think he is starved and dehydrated perhaps he was too weak to move them. He can now propel himself a few inches before they give out. So perhaps he does have a chance. All I know is that I'm tired and angry and confused. I can only imagine how he feels. Say a prayer guys, send white light, whatever you believe in. He needs all the help he can get.

Hey if anyone can fill in for me at the hollow tomorrow or Wednesday please let me know. This guy is going to take some intensive nursing care for a couple of days and I have no volunteer for Tuesday and Wednesday is a partial volunteer who may not be able to make it. I'm feeling overwhelmed at the moment. Wondering why I got myself into this mess. It's been pretty intense lately for both Brandee and I. I could really use your help if anyone has some extra time to donate day or evening. Linda

My Weekend, Rootbeer, Meriden, Steiff Bear Show

2007-08-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

Hello to all! Well, again, I'll have to add pictures later! On Friday, I had the wonderful time of bringing Michelle Letizia along with me for a ride. It was a pretty quick/easy day. I went to Petco to get crickets for the bearded dragon and seed for the cockatiels and dove. We then went over to Stratford Animal Control to pick up a couple of carriers and saw all the dogs looking for homes including a beautiful Pit Mix with a very scarred face, it's believed he/she was used as a "bait dog." There are also 5 beautiful mix-breed puppies, look like they have some min-pin in them, eyes still closed. All will be looking for homes, along with all the other doggies there. Afterwards we went to my house to unload and then went to a friends house to pick up her two rabbits (one with severe urine scald as it has been unable to walk since having a large cancerous tumor removed - I have picked up meds and am trying to control the situation) and her Shepard I'll be watching for the next 20 days. Thanks for the company Michelle!

Saturday - blur... What did I do Saturday? I know I cleaned the bunnies, did laundry, house-work - but anything exciting?

Sunday... Chris and I actually slept until 10 which is not like us at all! Got up, did bunny meds,
met a Shepard Mix at my house that will be looking for a new home (4 years old, beautiful!) then went to the Meriden Humane Society where I picked up a bunny (Meriden), a hamster, and 7 of the most beautiful spotted gerbils I have ever seen! I have never seen Gerbils of these colors! I then went to Ansonia to pick up some cat supplies off Freecycle, Shelton to pick up a dog-crate, Stratford to pick up a rabbit cage, then went to the Hollow to drop off the cage and do a bunny swap. Then I went home, set up new cages, took out old ones, and re-arranged a bit in the basement while cleaning cages. It was a busy day.
Jed and Martin will go in for their neuters tomorrow. Both are doing really, really well. Shadow and Bugsy just got neutered and went to the Hollow. Bugsy may go to live with the people who found him in Bpt. They have called religiously to check up on him! Rootbeer went to his new home yesterday. I think he's going to do really, really well!

A note from our courageous leader (come on, she puts her hand in Evie's cage!):

Just a quick update on some Hollow stuff....First I'd like to thank Loftex Industries of New York City for their more than generous donation of towels for the bunnies. A huge box, filled to the top with thick, soft towels arrived yesterday and it's so very appreciated! Comfortable, warm for the bunnies and pretty to look at for the volunteers! Thanks Loftex!I sent out tons of publicity releases for the upcoming Teddy Bear Show and I'd like you all to see one. It explains a little more about the show specifics. If anyone would like me to email you a copy of the actual release to post where they work or play please drop me an email at hopalonghollow@aol.com. The more publicity the better! Here it is.....
October is when the leaves start to turn and the bears and animals come out to play at the 23rd Annual Bristol Teddy Bear and Doll Show on October 14, 2007
Bear Artist Sarah Forrest has taken the show to a new level of excellence. This show will feature some of the best artists in the world of teddy bears and soft sculpture art. There will also be retailers with manufactured and artist pieces, a Steiff event, and appraisals will be available for your antique animals or dolls.
To keep pace with the show’s growth it will now be at the Clarion Hotel in Bristol, Connecticut. This new venue will give collectors and artists a new more comfortable setting to call home. There’s something else new in this year’s show. It will also be a benefit for Hop-A-Long Hollow, a rescue group for homeless rabbits in Norwalk, Connecticut. A soft sculpture collector and benefactor of Hop-A-Long Hollow generously donated a portion of her collection to the shelter. There will be a silent auction of these artist creations, with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Hollow. There is also the “Bunny Challenge”; all exhibitors are invited to create a bunny for the event with ten percent of the adoption fee benefiting the Hollow.
For more information about the show go to www.bruinmischief.com
For more information about the Hop A Long Hollow go to www.hopalonghollow.org

Bristol, CT - Clarion Hotel23nd Annual Bristol Teddy Bear and Doll Show 42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010 10am-3pm October 14, 2007Bruin Mischief 860-665-1322www.bruinmischief.com/shows/bristol/2007/bristol.htm sarah@bruinmischief.com

Assuming everyone still wants to ..... I plan on booking some rooms at the hotel for the night before the show, I believe there is a hotel room pre-party for the " big spenders " and artists in Sarah's room and you are all invited. Please let me know if you are planning on going and if you will be willing to be a driver. I assume you all agree it's best to car pool. We will be working hard the day of the show but hopefully we will also be having a lot of fun and making a lot of money for the Hollow! For those of us who are not in the know about Teddy Bear Collecting the fact that this is a Steiff Event means it could be a very, very good fundraiser. Steiff is the best known name in stuffed toys, very pricey and extremely well known world wide. By being designated a Steiff event it gives the show a special ambiance and attracts many, many collectors to the show. Steiff actually sends a representative to work the show. I believe there may even be a special Steiff bear dedicated to the show. Sarah has worked very long hours putting the show together and I'd like to take time to THANK her VERY MUCH! And to add a very special THANK YOU to our generous benefactors Paula and Barry, who donated the bears we are auctioning off at the show. I am not sure if they want their last name mentioned so I won't but you know who you are and thank you from the bottoms of our hearts! Their warmth and support toward the shelter was brought about in part by their love of the bunnies they adopted from the Hollow.
Brandee did still another happy bonding this week. Gussie who has been living on Long Island with Greer for the last several months now has a live in friend! Greer adopted Elvis and it was love at first sight with all three parties involved! Greer, Gussie and Elvis will now live happily ever after along with Greer's three kitties. Miracle is rapidly adjusting to living in the house with Angel (and Harvey and I!) and actually left his cage on his own the other day. That's a huge step for a very timid and terrified bunny. Angel is working wonders with him that we humans just couldn't do. She has taught him that humans are just bunny slaves and nothing to be afraid of!Tennessee Jed is rapidly taking over the house. He and Jessie seem to be becoming good friends though I have kept it thru the cage bars. Jessie discovered the other day that if she curls her tongue enough she can steal all Jed's food right out of his dish right thru the cage bars. Jed is less than thrilled. I'm very sorry to say that Dr. Amanda Cronin has left the South Wilton Vet Group practice. She has moved back to her home town and family. Losing her compassion, gentle touch and rabbit knowledge is a big loss for the bunnies and humans of the Hollow. Thankfully Dr Barbara Mangold has been working with us treating the bunnies and Dr. Claire Fahey and Dr Nick Satinas are also available so we have great doctors working with us. Dr Pieper in Stratford has been cutting back his practice a bit so he is a bit more difficult to get an appointment with. That is also a big loss for the Hollow.After three years in rabbit rescue with neither Brandee or I ever seeing a broken leg on a bunny we have had three in three weeks! First came Jeddie who I think may have had a broken leg that had healed without medical care. One rear is splayed out but he manages quite nicely using it for balance. He was adopted by Harvey and I and has a permanent home at our house.
Martin our little amputee bunny had his surgery several weeks ago and is tearing around on three legs lke it's totally normal. Dr Mangold removed the one horribly damaged hind leg and he was amazing in his recovery. He manages to stand on one hind leg balancing himself against an object with his two front feet! Amazing! He has a permanent home at Brandee's. The third bunny is named Snowy and he was brought to Brandees on a weekend when no vet was available by a desperate owner who found him with the leg broken. Snowy's leg had the bone crushed but on x-ray it appeared heal able so he has spent the last two weeks visiting at my house while he has his leg splinted and wrapped with bandages. It appears to be healing nicely and Snowy will be able to return to his home when the healing progresses a bit more. A huge Thank you to FACT the Ferret Association out of Hartford who kindly donated a big portion of the funds for Snowy's treatment. Their donation shows the wonderful spirit of cooperation we are finding with all the local animal rescue groups.

Thank you kindly for the updates Linda!
Pictures to follow!
Brandee :o)

baby bunnies, Mandy from Cottontail Rabbit Rescue steps up to help!

2007-08-12T21:56:00.000-05:00

This is Diamond. She is part if a court-case seizure and has had babies in the past 2 days. Mandy read our blog last night and saw that we were in need of a lactating mother for the 3 baby bunnies that came in 2 days ago and called to take in the 3 babies we just got in to join the 4 that Diamond just had. Hopefully all will go well, we will bring the 3 back here, have them spayed/nuetered and send them on their way to their new INDOOR homes. Diamond was so kind to feed the babies right away, even with her injured leg (broken and now healing) she was grooming them. We hope that she will take care of all babies, and thank Mandy from the bottom of our hearts for the phone call that may just save their lives. Michelle M. had them for 2 nights and nursed them very well. Thank you Michelle!

I just want to send a bunch of pictures through tonight... I went and dropped off the babies, went to an awesome farmer's market on Middletown road, and then went the coastline home, dying to go to Lake Compounce,or someplace else to just have some fun... Here Goes....

Beckam chilling to the left and Jojo lazy down below...

2 swans, their "ugly" (beautiful!) ducklings in Branford a long with a duck family. NIGHT!

A crazy day, Alestair, Flash, Carmie, Elvis

2007-08-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

Well, it's 11:40 and I just want to talk to someone, and no one is home. Chris is asleep on the couch with Jojo the Pug puppy we are watching for 2 weeks (so cute!) and Will & Grace is on the T.V. I had a few laughs, but the day was long and a bit frustrating. Michelle Malone called a few days ago about these people living next door to her mother in-law that had kittens outside all over the place. Michelle caught two, then trapped the mom today. I had her release the mom again as there seems to be two moms and two litters and we don't know who is nursing who at the time. Some seem to be 3 weeks, some 5 weeks old. I think the neighbors denied having cats, but let her in to look for a kitten that was in the house somehow and saw litter boxes and cat toys everywhere... Needless to say, we will have kittens for adoption in the next few weeks. PLEASE HELP! The moms will need homes too as they are trapped.

I was excited it was a bit colder and raining today, thinking to myself "Wow! I can clean the Hollow, clean the buns here and call it a day!" Well, the pug baby we are watching appears to be having something like seizures starting to kick in. I got up this morning and with her owners consent I dropped her at their vet in Fairfield for blood work and then proceeded on to Dr. Pieper with 3 rabbits to be neutered in Stratford (the beginning of my day as this is where I live). I went to Poster Animal Hospital with three of the 11 hamsters we had taken in and Dr. Poster adopted one but we couldn't find a cage for it, so I said I would take the hammies to the Hollow with me and drop off one back to her with a temporary cage. I then went to Westport to see if I could see any of the kittens, but alas, it was raining and cats don't like the wet, so I dropped off a borrowed Havahart trap from Dr. Poster and went on my way to clean the Hollow in Norwalk as I called the Humane Society and Petco to see what they might have for adoption. There is a parakeet at the HS in Westport looking for a home, no other small animals at either location other than the HS rabbits.

While at the Hollow, we had a family stop by to see the other two hamsters, they picked one out and left to get there supplies. They came back to pick up their hamster, left donations, and I finished cleaning. I went in to visit with Snowy who had his leg broken this past weekend getting it stuck in his cage while on a shelf. Carmie, Linda's bunny bonded to Angel died yesterday, so the cage looked sad and lonely. Angel will be bonded to Miracle if all goes well. After leaving Linda's (several phone calls coming in while I was there) I proceeded back to where the kittens are (with a Guinea Pig in tote that Christine aka. Wignug, is going to foster) to see Michelle and her kids, her friend Kathy and her kids, all out in the rain trying to capture some of the other small ones. I nabbed one who was very upset with me, then left them to go about there business in catching any others (no luck more today) and went to drop of Dr. Posters hammie. I met Chris for lunch and then proceeded to pick up a table to borrow from Linda's husbands place in Fairfield, Fairfield Hardwood Supply. After leaving there, I went to pick up the pug baby Jojo. I got there and the receptionist told me "I'm sorry, she is going to have to stay with us." I was beginning to panic thinking something was really wrong when they told me "she has to stay, she is just too cute!" After that heart-failure, Jojo and I got in the car and I received a call from a guy on the phone who dropped the phone and was swearing while talking to me about a mom bunny that had 3 babies this morning but the mom had died. I gave him a number or two to call, since I don't like taking in babies - they are just too hard to keep alive... On the way home, Dr. Piepers office gave me another near heart failure as they said 2 of the rabbits out of 3 (Alastair and Flash) made it through surgery just fine, just as I felt a lump in my throat they said that Elvis never had to have surgery as he was an already neutered bunny. He was the one that had been dumped at the Queen's zoo. I got home and one of the dogs (Sheffie I am sure) had knocked my lap-top on the floor and broke the back - still working though, I am on it, and somehow JD had finagled the food dehydrator out onto the kitchen floor and was trying to clean off any cinnamon from the apples he could find... I had Chelsea (my new 13 year old and very awesome volunteer!) come over with a friend of hers and they helped clean cages, do water and food, and played with Jojo while I was doing other things (thank you Chelsea, you helped bring some sanity to my life today and I appreciate your kindness very much!). Christine came by and picked up the piggie and was in tears when she saw how great Martin, our newly 3 legged bunny, is doing. Chris came home, I made dinner, then begged him to do Dance Dance Revolution with me for 1/2 hour. It has been a long day, but that is OK. Michelle Malone took the 3 baby bunnies from the guy who called, he says he wants them back... We'll see what happens there. Ali dropped off a bag of lactated ringer for me and I can't find it anywhere, so that is my goal tomorrow morning, find the lactated ringer, get those babies hydrated and then we will all decide what to do from there. I have another dog staying with me this week too, a Golden named Beckam. He and Jojo are AWESOME dogs and have played much and just fit in to our routine so nicely... Thank you GOD!

Chris called me this morning about hearing news that a local animal rescue person was arrested. Turns out the woman (who yelled at me for Arthur not having water in his cage 5 minutes after I set it up) from "Companions for Life" that was arrested last year for her deplorable condition of 129 dogs was arrested again yesterday. I'm not sure, but something about moving and not telling anyone and having more dogs again. I was so afraid it would be worse... It could have been!

Good night to all!
Brandee :o)

RATS!! HELP! Snowy's Broken Leg, Cockatiels and GP's Need Homes NOW!

2007-08-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hello to all!

No pictures tonight, though a new Martin Video will surface soon, but we have great need this week for foster or forever homes! Two male cockatiels ages about 4-6 need homes, supposedly chatty though their current foster mom has not yet heard them speak. I had a couple of calls on rats this week, several from one woman that took some in, and also some guy in Colchester released about 100, 70 of which have been caught, all looking for homes. I guess after the rats are caught charges will be pressed, but we are in need of foster homes now for the ones trapped including many solids, hoodeds and PEW's. Rats are charming and intelligent pets! PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN!! We also had a call in from a woman today looking to place 3 Guinea Pigs, I think 2 females and an altered male, but son is really allergic and can't go into that part of the house. Let me know directly what you can help with. FYI If you are afraid of rats, step down from it, they are AWESOME pets! Look them up online! We do have 3 hamsters that are all social and sweet, approximately 8 weeks old up for adoption as well. Please contact me with what you can help with ASAP at brandeesbunch@aol.com and let me know in the subject line what you are looking to foster/keep forever.

On another hand... Snowy (brothers and sister are Indiana, Colorado and Carolina) was brought to me on Sunday with a shattered leg from it getting caught (we believe) in a cage bar. He has to have surgery to fix it, possibly our second amputation this month, and the second in the Hollow history. There was blood and a limp foot... I had him here Sunday, and it stinks not having an exotic vet on call on Sundays... It's Linda and myself... Lucky us... If anyone is willing to make donations to help with the surgery you can make them through Paypal at hopalonghollow@aol.com or make a direct donation to South Wilton Veterinary group. The family who owns him could use all help! Thanks to all who have helped us this month (and prior months as well) we very much appreciate your support! I promise to put more clips of Martin, our new 3-legged rabbit up soon! He is doing AWESOME - thanks to all our support!

Brandee :o)

Martins Amputation, Welcome Hannah, Elvis possible bond to Gussie!

2007-08-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

This is Martin's Leg prior to yesterday's very successful amputation. It appears it was stripped of all skin and just started rotting away. He has had it like this for so long, that having it removed has been a great thing for him, it is no longer hitting things and in the way. We picked him up from South Wilton Veterinary (Thank you so much for the wonderful job Dr. Mangold!) today and already he is eager to come out and play. I have limited his time out, as I don't want him to hurt himself and he needs to have his healing time. He did not get neutered during this surgery as the Doc felt it too much at once, and he is already happily trying to mount my feet and mark his territory... Oh well, another day! As long as he is safe, happy and alive, that is what we fought for! We raised enough money in donations to help not only have his leg amputated, but to have him also get neutered. Thank you so much every body for all your support once again. We can always count on you all when the going gets really tough, and it is also what keeps Linda and myself going... All our wonderful volunteers and wonderful contributors!

Hannah was dropped two days ago, another Red-eyed white bunny, and another coming in tomorrow. We have received so many phone calls in the past several weeks, it is hard to get to them all promptly. Elvis is getting neutered on the 14th a long with Flash, and both will more than likely be going to their new homes... Elvis to Greer with Gussie and Flash to Ali and Lumar with Scout and Alex. Wish them luck!

I had a pretty good day today, I had a new volunteer, Chelsea, come over this morning and help me bust through cleaning the cages, we were done in under an hour I think, maybe about an hour. She helped with litter boxes, feeding and the water bottles - huge help, THANK YOU CHELSEA!

Please visit You-Tube to see an awesome Video of Martin! Visit at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOcTofpyDLM

Excuse my lisp which Chris keeps making fun of me for, I wear a night guard a bit for my stressful clinching of the teeth and have worn it all this week, and am over compensating for it!

Thank you all again!

Brandee

Holly passes away, Martin's dead leg, Bob

2007-07-31T06:55:00.000-05:00

We have some terrible news. Holly went in for her spay today and died during surgery. We have had 2 major hits this week with Holly's passing and the passing of Ivan, and they have dumb-struck us. Holly had severe scarring on her lungs. I am sorry to Linda & Chelsea for the loss. She was a cranky little cutie that was to be bonded to their lop after she was spayed. We took in 11 baby hamsters yesterday that were in less-than desirable condition and they will be picked up by Claudie this week and possibly transported to Jessica at the New York Hamster House. They look like European Black Bears and Syrians and they are all so sweet, I know, I handled them!

Yesterday morning Bob (an Ivory look-a-like) was dropped off. A woman had taken him in from neighbors and her son had severe allergies. She has been trying to find Bob a home for months, I also got a call for a bunny that will be dropped later this evening that sounds like a NZW (New Zealand White).

Our news of the day is that yesterday a bunny named Martin came in. He was found last Thursday in Stratford, same area several other bunnies have been found. He has a dead back left leg that will more than likely be amputated today. Please say a special prayer for Martin, we know no back ground on him. It pains me to see how people leave there animals to suffer and then just toss them out at their own convenience. I will add pictures as I get to it. His leg is black and looks like petrified wood and just gets in the way. The surgery is going to cost the Hollow over $500. Any donations are much appreciated!

Brandee

Update from our Hollow President - Linda

2007-07-28T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hi All: I am delighted to tell everyone we had a stellar day at the Hollow! Little Milo, the gray, head tilt bunny has left for his new home in New Jersey with a lovely family. They were so thrilled with Milo and the work we are doing they paid a double adoption fee of $150 as a thank you. Then another gal came with her bunny Peter and Peter and his human mom Emily fell in love with little, black Silky! Silky and Peter are spending a couple of nights at Brandee's getting to know each other and being bonded then they will go to their home in New Haven. We had still a third family visit who fell in love with Indiana and they want a friend for him. The family is vacationing the first two weeks of August so Indiana will be with us a while longer but they seemed pretty certain he was their choice. They are still debating who will be leaving with him as they want a bonded pair. I still have to do a reference check and get an adoption application from them but they seemed like nice folks and I think the adoption will go through fine.Thank you to Michelle & Rob who had taken Indiana home with them and done some intensive attitude adjustments on him the last couple of weeks. He is now a sweet bunny and I think will make a wonderful pet. They now have their hands full working with Thumper and Pom Pom who are a soon to be bonded pair of problem children dwarf bunnies who hopefully will learn to behave and get into the shelter soon. They are adorable but naughty!Ali - who's family has been fostering Leenie has returned Leenie to Brandees. Leenie is now spayed and will be coming down to the shelter when there is an open cage. They will be taking on another "problem" bun who needs special treatment in her place. April has recovered from her virus and is now back in the shelter. We now have a tiny Oreo look alike who joined us on Friday. For now she is called Moonbeam and she seems to be adjusting rapidly to the good life. She was caught running free in Redding and from her appearance has been running wild for a while. What a lucky bun to have survived.We currently have a have a Hav a heart trap out trying to catch a bun loose near Rt 7 in Wilton. Hopefully she will be in safety soon.Please welcome our latest Volunteer Amanda and add her to your volunteer distro lists. Amanda is only with us while on Summer vacation but she will continue to volunteer with us during her college vacations. (meemee816@aol.com) Amanda's family adopted Rain some months ago and I am hearing tales of a very happy bunny who shares a bed with her doggie friend!I know you have all read about Ivan and I just want to tell Brandee one more time how sorry I am. Brandee worked tirelessly to keep Ivan happy, clean and comfortable, making him feel loved and giving him every chance to recover. We were so completely shocked by his passing today. He has seemed to be holding his own. With these delicate creatures you just don't know. Anyway, Brandee, since Ivan couldn't ever say thank you let me say it for him. He loved you dearly and I feel privileged to have had him for a night two weeks ago. He had a dynamite personality who never gave up. I'm so glad that he had found love and got to experience some comfort before he died. Enough for now. Have a good week everyone......

Ode to a Bunny - Read the Next Blog Down

2007-07-28T20:40:00.000-05:00

We watch you come in, sometimes aggressive

We have you altered to make you less obsessive

People let you go without giving you a chance

Their own ignorance to not understand

is sadly your circumstance

Breeders and pet stores looking to make a quick buck

Your new owners ignorance is not your luck

We see you get sick

We sometimes watch you die

We are supposed to be strong

But still we cry

A home we wait for

The best we can hope

Some just don't get how you too must cope

All the hours at the vets and cleaning your cages

You all have histories, some many pages

When one of you gets a home

How happy we are

To see what you've been through

And how you have come so far

Best of luck to our buns

Angels in disguise

One day we hope the world

Will come to realize

That all that is good

Can be found in a rabbits eyes.

Brandee McBride-LaCava

The Loss of Ivan. Bondings and Adoptions Update

2007-07-28T17:58:00.000-05:00

This morning when I got finished talking with Linda about Ivan and other bunnies, I went down to give Ivan his morning meds, and he didn't get up to greet me, he'll never get up again. Ivan has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. Ivan came in via an animal auction to another rescue group that brought him to me. He came in in February and was diagnosed with an inner ear abscess on his brain stem. It got better for a week or two, than he slowly started tilting the other way. He had been treated with medication including Chloremphenical BID, Otic ear drops, and even tried Bicillin for a while. Most recently he went in for a second opinion and got the same diagnosis, that was last week. I will miss him, as will all who came across his sweetness.

Ivan was an amazing bunny, and like all the wonderful rabbits we have that come in and never find homes before passing, he is a Hollow bunny, and we are happy to have had him here rather than where he could have been. Ivan will be cremated and put into my lettuce garden along with Rosie and Atilla. Today, and I believe Ivan had a hand in it, our Trumbull Animal Control bunny that came in with head-tilt and still has it slightly, Milo, got adopted out to a wonderful home in New Jersey. We are so happy for him, and hope they come back for a friend for him.

Indiana was adopted today, and his new family will pick a new friend for him as well. We got to meet Peter Rabbit today, belonging to Emily, who brought him in to do a bonding - Peter has no front teeth due to complications, and he is now in my living room in front of me and a good episode of Stargate bonding with Silky. Punky and Simon Peter are being bonded in the computer room. It is a house of craziness right now, but I happy, and all is good.

I got to meet the family of Rodelli the rat I will be taking in today. They brought Rodelli up to meet me and will drop her off for good here next Thursday. They are moving to England and the quarantine is 6 months, which is a huge chunk of a rats life. Rodelli will stay here with us and be Chris' new computer companion. She is a very sweet rattie girl!

How many animals can you count in this picture? Rodelli is meeting some of her new family, Major, our Shepard, really seemed to like grooming Rodelli, she was soaked upon leaving!

I trapped a rabbit named Radish a couple of weeks ago. She has eyes of an old soul, they are like no other bunny eyes I have ever seen before. They are filled with feeling. I had gotten a phone call from a woman who had a rabbit eating her garden, mainly the radishes, and asked us to take it away. There was poison on the plants (the white powder that is not dangerous to humans once we wash the vegetables).

Bonding Bunnies:

Punky & Simon Peter

Peter and Silky:

Newly bonded Munchkin & Timmy:

Well, lots of good things are happening here. We have partnered with Petco in Norwalk, and more than likely Milford as well, to keep adoptable bunnies in the stores and keep sales of rabbits out. The Petco foundation has been very helpful in our endeavors. We hope that the bonding of the Hollow with Petco will help us to both open a facility in the future and continue working with Petco. We will more than likely have our kickoff in September when it becomes a little cooler in the store.

Oh, Fudge and Truffles went to their new home this past week as well, the last two animals that owner was diagnosed with cancer. All animals from her have found homes now, thanks be to God!

Ali hosted both Jess and myself last weekend to a tag-sale to benefit the Hollow and we raised $314.o8! It was great! We have had over 65 spays and nueters done since January 1st of this year! We are constantly growing and educating the rabbit community. It has been a great year for us, and we have many other wonderful rescue groups and foster homes working with us.

Thank you everyone for your support to us, we can not do it without you! Also, thank you to all the volunteers that come and clean cages, it's a huge thing to us. Jim - I warned you how many bunnies there are, and you still took it on, thank you so very kindly for the day off!

Brandee :o)