MN Conference of Animal Shelters
A group of MCRS representatives went to St. Cloud on May 5 for the MN conference of animal shelters, rescue groups, animal control workers, etc. It's the one time each year that several of our target audiences all gather in one place, so its really a jackpot for us to make an impression there. There were about 25 groups represented, most from MN, but a few from WI, ND, and IA as well. Interestingly enough, our main partners were not represented -- Animal Humane Society, MVHS, Animal Ark, etc.
Barb Kelley and Shelley Chirhart went for the full day, set up the MCRS table of information, etc. Barb also brought four bunnies along for the agility demo planned over the lunch hour. Of course, in a room full of animal folks, the rabbits were a big hit even before they showed off their skills!
Jessica Nathan and myself joined them shortly after they arrived and stayed most of the day. It was a good thing we were all there because it seemed during each break we were all kept busy!
Lots of people took our free brochures & information. Several individuals had general questions about rabbits & their care and a few had specific questions about situations they have encountered. We had the opportunity to share with a few new groups the services MCRS offers and how we would be glad to work with them to help them promote their rabbits for adoption.
Christine Chan & Jason Laube arrived mid-day to set up the agility area for the demo and brought with them their two rabbits, Rev & Axela. Of course, Rev & Axela were also big hits as well.
The agility demo went well -- Abigail and Axela wowed the audience with their jumping skills. Alexander made a couple runs through and then "asked to be dismissed." Rev and Latifah impressed with their attitudes. Rev would get to the water jump, turn around and periscope at Jason like "do I really have to? I don't, do I? How 'bout I just go around?" Latifah and I had a difference of opinion over the tire jump. She pulled the same trick as Rev -- "why should I go up & over when there is a perfectly good under option?" But after the first time when I "helped" her through, she did it herself the second time. Interestingly enough, as she leaped through the tire, she gave a "bunny finger" that flung the tire right into my face, but I'm sure that was accidental and not an opinion, right?
The guest speaker of the day happened to have 10 years experience with dog agility and was quite impressed that rabbits could do the same things. She even made comments about copying some of our jump designs for their Tea Cup level.
Lots of people took photos and video. I think we more than adequately got across the message that rabbits are in need of enrichment as much as dogs/cats. We also distributed many copies of educational materials and made some useful contacts for the future. One of the organizations has already been in contact for assistance in promoting their one rabbit for adoption!
Thanks to everyone who got up early, drove all the way to St. Cloud, and spent the day volunteering on behalf of the rabbits!
Joanna Campbell
MCRS President
Permanent Link
Barb Kelley and Shelley Chirhart went for the full day, set up the MCRS table of information, etc. Barb also brought four bunnies along for the agility demo planned over the lunch hour. Of course, in a room full of animal folks, the rabbits were a big hit even before they showed off their skills!
Jessica Nathan and myself joined them shortly after they arrived and stayed most of the day. It was a good thing we were all there because it seemed during each break we were all kept busy!
Lots of people took our free brochures & information. Several individuals had general questions about rabbits & their care and a few had specific questions about situations they have encountered. We had the opportunity to share with a few new groups the services MCRS offers and how we would be glad to work with them to help them promote their rabbits for adoption.
Christine Chan & Jason Laube arrived mid-day to set up the agility area for the demo and brought with them their two rabbits, Rev & Axela. Of course, Rev & Axela were also big hits as well.
The agility demo went well -- Abigail and Axela wowed the audience with their jumping skills. Alexander made a couple runs through and then "asked to be dismissed." Rev and Latifah impressed with their attitudes. Rev would get to the water jump, turn around and periscope at Jason like "do I really have to? I don't, do I? How 'bout I just go around?" Latifah and I had a difference of opinion over the tire jump. She pulled the same trick as Rev -- "why should I go up & over when there is a perfectly good under option?" But after the first time when I "helped" her through, she did it herself the second time. Interestingly enough, as she leaped through the tire, she gave a "bunny finger" that flung the tire right into my face, but I'm sure that was accidental and not an opinion, right?
The guest speaker of the day happened to have 10 years experience with dog agility and was quite impressed that rabbits could do the same things. She even made comments about copying some of our jump designs for their Tea Cup level.
Lots of people took photos and video. I think we more than adequately got across the message that rabbits are in need of enrichment as much as dogs/cats. We also distributed many copies of educational materials and made some useful contacts for the future. One of the organizations has already been in contact for assistance in promoting their one rabbit for adoption!
Thanks to everyone who got up early, drove all the way to St. Cloud, and spent the day volunteering on behalf of the rabbits!
Joanna Campbell
MCRS President
Permanent Link
