Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society

MCRS recently decided to officially welcome the rabbit agility program into the organization. It has previously operated independently, but for the past year has been run completely by MCRS members. Nothing substantial will change with the program -- classes will continue to be held at Golden Valley and be taught by the same people, though we hope to bring rabbit agility to the South St. Paul location, as well. This brings some exciting opportunities to MCRS. The agility program is gaining a lot of attention, helping rabbits get adopted, and bringing new people into the rabbit community.

On Saturday October 11, 2008 MCRS and rabbits from the Rabbit Agility School were invited for an afternoon social with the senior residents of Catholic ElderCare in Northeast Minneapolis. Eighteen rabbits and their human families set up the bridge and fences and wowed the audience with their skill. They were all little stars as they went from lap to lap cuddling and making friends. The touch of soft fur, the laughter of children, and the chaos and color brought smiles and giggles to these wonderful folks.

Happy Beginnings at AHS also featured 3 rabbit agility bunnies, and one of them is our own Taryn Wichterman's girl, Maggie, who's an MCRS spokesbunny. Watch the video of her performance for yourself!

MCRS also named one of our fosters after Dell Robbins, originator of the agility program we use. The little chocolate dwarf made her own agility course at the vet office -- it was quite the impressive track! Robbin isn't listed on Petfinder yet due to a medical condition we've just resolved. Her profile should be coming soon.

As one rabbit agility instructors recently said, "Rabbit agility is a great way to socialize your rabbit and get them the exercise they need. Its a great way to bond with your bunny and learn from other rabbit lovers."

Our rabbit volunteers and families include:

Goldy - Carol Pawlicki
Snickers - Debbie Fitzsimmons, Sofie and Steven
Jack & Pickles - Tasha Moskowicz
Musli - Carol Jud
Elwood - Emma
Harvey & Sadie - Stan & Linda Judge
Hope & Junebug - Leslee McKee-Perry, Lauren & Sydney
CoCo - Alicia Smith
Maggie - Taryn Wichterman
Kaju & Tika - Leilonni & Kira Hotaling
Abigail, Alexander, River, & Lenny - Barb Kelley, Nikki & Kacie
Tribble - Tanya Hulsey

We're seeking testimonials about rabbit agility classes. If you have one to share, please send it to MCRS at info@mn.companionrabbit.org along with a photo if possible.

The fee for rabbit agility classes is is $25.00 per 5-week session, with a $5.00 discount for bunnies adopted from AHS, members of MCRS, and members of 4H. See our calendar for upcoming classes.

Please spread the word and let's promote this fun and beneficial activity!

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CHUCK & DON'S NORTHFIELD

Last November, we held an educational event at the Chuck & Don's location in Northfield, MN. With the help of MCRS volunteers and their spokebunnies, we were busy for most of the event and answered many, many questions regarding rabbits and their care. The spokesbunnies were extremely helpful too! I want to thank my wonderful volunteers and their spokesbunnies for making this event so successful. Cindy C. and her spokesbunny Jimmy, Maria and Amber D. with their spokesbunny Kip, and Jenny S. with her spokesbunny Maxine. I recently wrote to Jenny regarding the event and this is what she had to say about it:

"We would love to have you back for another event ... Customers have been requesting to see if you would come again ... Hopefully you will be able to find a time that works for you."

We hope to repeat the event sometime this spring.

FOX 21 NEWS UPDATE

Fox 21 News in Duluth did run our story on Friday, December 26th. One of our members, Susan Pillinger, who lives within the viewing area, had this to say this about it when they saw it:

"It was absolutely darling, of course. How fun. My husband said, 'Gee, those rabbits are particularly cute and fuzzy, aren't they?' I can't wait 'til it's on YouTube or whatever, so my siblings and parents can see it. I'm sure they'll love it! Wait'll the dog agility people get a hold of this news." (She's referring to Barb Kelley's fuzzies Abigail, Alexander, and River.)

I'm still waiting for the DVD to come. When it does, I'll let everyone know as we plan on putting it out on YouTube. We have tentative plans to return before April to run a segment regarding rabbits and Easter.

RABBIT EVENTS CALENDAR FLIER

The Rabbit Events Calendar flier is now part of my duties. I took over starting with the December issue. This is a printed list of all MCRS events and activities including adoption events, Bunny Basics Classes, Hoppy Hour, etc. Currently it's going on top of the hexis at the PETCOs only. Some PETCO stores also have a community bulletin board where we try to have our volunteers post it, as well.

I'm in the process of working on a distribution list to send it out to other pet supply stores, as well. So far I have Fluegel's in Rosemount, and Chuck & Don's in Lakeville and Northfield all committed to posting the Rabbit Events Calendar flier on our behalf. If you know of a bunny-friendly store that's interested in receiving it via email to post, let me know. All I need is their name, store, and email address. The more exposure we can get from the community, the better!

COMING SOON, A NEW SUPPLY FLIER!

How many of you knew that you can buy your rabbit supplies through MCRS? If you did know, we appreciate your support, as the profits earned help with MCRS efforts! I am currently working with Peggy Kvam, Retail Sales Coordinator, on putting together a new flier to have at adoption events and to put into each adoption kit. There are four supply locations where you can make arrangements to purchase hay, food pellets, litter, rabbit books, and of course, toys! What bunny couldn't use another toy!

In addition, I will be collaborating with Peggy to feature a supply item in the newsletter each month. Peggy and I hope to get this ready for the March issue, so stay tuned!

Shelley Chirhart,
Marketing Coordinator
sachirhart@yahoo.com

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