Minnesota Companion Rabbit Society

I'm the new Education Events Coordinator for MCRS, and I'm working to provide many opportunities to help folks discover the wonder of rabbits. Some of these events will include rabbits, and almost all will need volunteers who just love to talk about rabbits! All of these projects are lots of fun and give great satisfaction as you see people get excited about rabbits. You will meet other members of MCRS and make new friends. Being a bit shy or worried about public speaking is not an issue, since there will always be experienced volunteers with you and you will quickly find out how rewarding and easy these communications are. You have information your audience does not -- and they want to hear it. Upcoming opportunities include Pet Expo, Pride Festival, Renaissance Festival, the new World Animal Day in October, as well as smaller events at area pet supply stores, nursing homes, health care facilities, Hoppy Hours, and shelter adoption events.

Join the events team -- have fun -- share the joy of rabbits with the world!

The number of educational events that are scheduled depends completely on the size of the volunteer pool. What I would like to do is assemble a large list of people interested in participating. When an event is scheduled, I will send out a mass email to everyone. You need only respond if you are available. I will detail the location, time commitment, and number of volunteers needed. The first responders will be the appointed volunteers. There will always be a detailed description of the event, all educational materials provided, and experienced team members along to help.

It would be beneficial for everyone interested to attend a Bunny Basics Class (please register so the instructor knows the size of the class). This will get you up to speed on MCRS' basic rabbit care so you are ready to share your knowledge. They are offered at several locations, and the dates and times are listed on our website calendar as well as in the newsletter.

For volunteers interested in bringing their rabbit to events, it is necessary to attend Hoppy Hour to accustom your rabbit to crowds, chaos, and the close proximity of other rabbits. Rabbit agility -- at least white band -- is also a good idea. Your rabbit will learn to be comfortable wearing a harness, which is necessary at all events, and will learn basic commands: hop, left, right, sit. If you wish to continue through the agility bands, it will add more skills for you and your rabbit to show off.

For volunteers interested in the nursing home and health care visits, we will be offering more classes through Delta Society to educate you and prepare both you and your rabbit for these visits. Delta registration also provides liability insurance which is an added bonus.

So, as you can see, we have a wealth of chances to educate, bring smiles, and improve the lives of rabbits and people everywhere.

If you are interested in these wonderful activities please send me your
name, email address, telephone number, the events that most interest you, and mention if you wish to include your rabbit. I will contact you personally to discuss your training and involvement.

Barb Kelley
Education Events Coordinator

Permanent Link

MCRS volunteer Tonia Baxter took a voicemail call at the end of July. The individual wanted to purchase a baby rabbit from a breeder for her 2 1/2 year old. Her toddler had a frog before so they were moving up with their next pet. When Tonia talked to her, she told her how her daughter had been around rabbits before because they knew a couple of people who are magicians, and they know someone who's a photographer and uses her rabbit as a prop in photos. She had trouble finding a breeder who had baby rabbits ready to sell. Fearing everything bad about how this family would do with a rabbit, Tonia talked to her about breeders vs. homeless rabbits. The caller didn't seem to understand why homeless rabbits exist, because why would people get rid of their pet? She captured Tonia's heart right there. So Tonia talked with her about babies vs. adult rabbits, litter training, the importance of spaying/neutering, not holding rabbits, etc. Tonia pointed her to the MCRS website and told her to check out Petfinder for our shelter rabbits.

Thinking that was the end of their conversation, Tonia was surprised when the same person called back ... only an hour later ... from the car ... with her toddler nearly jumping out of her car seat ... on the way to PETCO in Maple Grove ... and dodging the construction that stood in her way of meeting a bunny. She had gone through our entire list of adoptable rabbits and found "the perfect rabbit" for their family. Tonia tried to explain the adoption process in more detail, so she'd understand she couldn't bring the bunny home the same day. She asked how much the adoption fee was, and Tonia held her breath when she said $80. The caller then asked if that included any supplies. Tonia said that it did not, but that all the rabbits are spayed/neutered, so Tonia was surprised again when the caller said, "Oh that's a good deal." Tonia also told her that she can buy supplies like hay, pellets, and litter from MCRS at a cheaper price, and that commercial toys are not necessary to buy if they have newspapers, old phone books, and toilet paper rolls, etc. Tonia also mentioned that it would be cheaper if she built her cage from the storage panels available at various stores in the Twin Cities, and that she'd also be able to build a bigger cage than one she could find in the pet stores.

Though the caller might want more education on diet and general care of rabbits, she seemed very open to learning more and full of questions. And she's now very excited about having an adult rabbit who is already litter trained and spayed. She said, "I think this is the right thing to do."

Permanent Link