Week 261

We all know Gwen likes to talk, infact she's a bit like time, she never stops. This week one conversation that Precious and I (Moto) couldn't help but listen to was about a bunny called Kevin.

In August 2002 Kevin was brought to BB, apparently found wandering near a race course. He was badly affected by e-cuniculi and was placed on a host of medication to try and stabilize him. Within a few days of his arrival Gwen and John were booked to go on holiday to Wales. As Kevin could barely be handled, he would grab the first thing in sight, this could be his front paw or your hand, Gwen decided he'd have to go with them. They were booked into an hotel and Kevin had to be smuggled in. The one to one attention that Kevin had helped stabilize him, although Gwen knew that he could never be re-homed.

Kevin went to live at one of BB's foster homes with Kaz and Jill.

It was so sad to watch him at times, he'd hop around the house but if he came up against a wall or an object he didn't know what to do. He had to be turned around and redirected. One thing Kev loved was his food and he began to realize when something was being prepaired for him, as he would pace his indoor house until he was fed. Strangely though, it always took him a while to pin-point where the food was and he would mimic eating before he actually got anything in his mouth. It was wondered if he was blind. His sight was checked and he wasn't blind, although the vet said he possibly had very little vision at night. That explained why he stamped through the night, so a night-light was bought and this seemed to help him.

As the years went on, Kev certainly became more responsive and you could even lie on the floor and stroke him. This was something that seemed impossible at the beginning. Along with the improvements came set-backs as Kev started having fits. They could be very violent at times and he would throw himself around his indoor house. Fortunately, Kaz found a way to calm him down during these fits by holding him as still as possible so he didn't hurt himself and stroking him and talking to him.

Despite his many problems Kev seemed a happy bunny and he loved to snuggle up to Fern, his three legged bunny girl. He made us laugh many times, one thing that stood out was his love of music, Shania Twain was his favourite! He'd hop backwards and forwards from each speaker then speed around the living room and do the whole routine over and over again. It was the music that excited him.

Sadly, during the night of April 3rd, Kevin went to Bunny Heaven. Over that weekend the e-cuniculi seemed to take hold and Kev became quite ill. He'd forgotten how to eat and drink.

He was a exceptional bunny to know and love and to see the improvements he had made over the years, just by keeping his life simple and in a regular routine, was such a pleasure to be part of.

Just because Kev had major problems, he still knew how to communicate and how to love. None of us are perfect but given a second chance, we have as much to give as the next.

Love your pet like they love you. accept them the way they are, as that is what they do with you.

Week 262

There has been such sad news again at Bunny Burrows as Toy-Boy, the little Netherland Dwarf went to Bunny Heaven last week.

His head began moving from side to side but Gwen knew this wasn't associated with E-cuniculi so John rushed him down to the vets. Despite being a little 'tubby' Netherland Dwarf, the vet found no food in his stomach. Sadly he died and after a post mortem was done it was found that he had ulcers in his stomach.

He was a popular little bun with everyone who knew him and even the 'girls' at BB wished they could have found a toy-boy like him ...Bless him.

Gwen had been invited to Thorp-Perrow Woodland Garden and Falconry Centre near Bedale in North Yorkshire. This beautiful stately home is set in 85 acres of amazing woodland. During her visit, the BBC television programme, Look North, asked if they could interview her regarding bunnies as Easter presents. As Gwen likes to grasp every opportunity of educating folk on bunnies she of course said yes.

For those of you who missed the programme, here are two pics from the interview.

Week 263

An enormous pink bunny has been erected on an Italian mountainside where it will stay for the next 20 years.

The 200-foot-long toy rabbit lies on the side of the 5,000 foot high Colletto Fava mountain in northern Italy's Piedmont region. Viennese art group Gelatin designed the giant soft toy and say it was "knitted by dozens of grannies out of pink wool". Group member Wolfgang Gantner said: "It's supposed to make you feel small, like Gulliver. You walk around it and you can't help but smile." And Gelatin members say the bunny is not just for walking around - they are expecting hikers to climb its 20 foot sides and relax on its belly. The giant rabbit is expected to remain on the mountain side until 2025.

Week 264

More sad news this week from BB. McFlury, a young cross lion head loppy boy, went to bunny heaven.

He'd only been at the rescue a few weeks and had set up home with Hazel, who had recently lost Toy-Boy. They were getting along so well when, for some unknown reason, McFlury stopped producing his droppings. Dispite trying every possibility to help him, he sadly died. Hazel has been left alone again.

... and something that might amuse you ... A guinea pig called sooty had a night to remember after escaping from his pen and tunnelling into a cage of 24 females. He romanced each of them in turn and was yesterday the proud father of 43 offspring. Staff at little Friend’s Farm on Pontypridd, South wales, have now secured Sooty’s pen and begun looking for homes for guinea pigs. His owner Carol Feeham, 42, said, “I’m sure a lot of men will be looking at Sooty with envy. We knew that he had gone missing after wriggling through the bars of his cage. We looked for him everywhere but never thought of checking the pen where we kept 24 females. We did a head count and found 25 guinea pigs – Sooty was fast asleep in the corner. He was absolutely shattered. We put him in his cage and he slept for two days.”

Week 265

Thanks to Debra Plews from Shildon in County Durham for this gorgeous pic of Fudge the guinea pig and his friend Skye bunny. They live and play in a large wooden play-house in their garden.

Both furries came from BB in January this year. It took Fudge a little while to settle in but they have now made them selves at home. Fudge is the boss, he snuggles up to Skye and quite often lies over the top of him. Skye just lets him do what he wants!

... and two more beautiful buns with a story from their owners, John and Marcia Talbot from the Isle of Wight. About 2 years ago on a visit to the RSPCA Centre, we saw two lovely harlequin X lops. When enquiring if they were available for adoption, we were told that one was reserved and unfortunately they had decided to separate them. Apparently these two and some other bunnies had been taken to the centre by a person who said that unless the RSPCA took them they would be taken to the local zoo where they would have been slaughtered for tiger food. We decided to adopt the available one who was a buck and we requested they paired him with another bunny. They decided to pair him with a blue Dutch who had been left in a garden by a family who moved house and neighbours contacted the RSPCA. The bonding was very successful; and they are a perfect pair. Thankfully they both enjoy very good health. They are proud bunnies now as they won 2nd prize in the ‘friendship’ class at the Hot Cross Bunny Day 5 photo show.

Week 266

You will not believe us when we tell you how many guinea pigs BB has been asked to take in ... twenty five ... and they all came from the same owner.

Not all of them were healthy or in good condition. A group of five little white pigs have been fostered out and one of those was in a particularly bad condition, as you can see from the photo below.

This poor little girl is about one year old and was being used to breed to supply a pet shop. We will never know if these wounds were caused by fighting or a mite. Her litter mates were un-affected by mites. She has been receiving special care and attention from Chris, Bunny Burrow's guinea pig advisor and we hope to bring you some very pleasing photos of her soon. (The guinea pig NOT Chris!) Only days after collecting these twenty five gorgeous piggies, Gwen received another phone call asking if she could take in 90 more !!! Sadly, due to limited space and planning regulations, she couldn't.

Week 267

Oh dear, Precious and I do wish we didn't have to think about FLYSTRIKE but it's that time of the year again when the BIG flies like to find somewhere to lay their eggs. Sometimes they like to find a nice dirty bunny bottom, somewhere that will make a lovely home for the MAGGOTS! They know just where to find the neglected bunny who hasn't been checked for days by it's owner ...

HOWEVER ... Flystrike doesn't just affect the neglected bunny, one small uneaten caecostrophe, squashed on your bunnie's bottom, is enough for the fly to land on and lay its eggs. SO, it is important to check your bunny, as many times a day as you can.

BETTER STILL ... Visit your vet for the most recent advice and preventive treatment on this potentially fatal problem.

Remember last week we told you about the huge number of piggies arriving at BB? ... Here's a glimpse of the cute little babies and an updated photo of the little girl who is feeling much happier.

Week 268

How many times have you heard someone say ... "I bought these two boy bunnies or these two girl bunnies from a pet shop and the next time I looked there was six of them!?"

This is what happened when someone visited a pet shop in Liverpool (we are not saying this only happens in Liverpool, it appears that this happens all over the country).


Here below are the results of a pet shop failure to tell the customer whether they are buying a girl or a boy bunny.

Week 269

If you're looking for a family day out then why not visit Wensleydale Railway at Leeming.

On June 10th and 11th you can have a day out with Thomas The Tank Engine - 10am until 4pm.

The part of the FAT CONTROLLER will be played by JOHN.

For more information visit these two web sites ...
www.wensleydalerailway.com
www.thomasandfriends.com

Remember in week 266 Precious and I told you about all of the guinea pigs that had arrived at BB? Well, we're so pleased to say that lots of them have found really good homes. Brenda Anderson and her grand-daughter Beccy arrived to rehome one little guinea pig as she had just lost one of hers with bladder stones. . . and she went home with FOUR!

It's always so nice when folk who have rehomed a furry from BB bring them back for their holidays. Her are two gorgeous buns who found a good home last year.

Week 270

Disappointing news this week folks …
The Bunny Burrows World Cup Team has had to withdraw from the Tournament in Germany due to a serious injury to star player, Gwen-Rooney-Butler.

No, she didn’t break her metatarsal … A freak accident in their final training session was the cause; when after falling, a metal pipe embedded itself in her leg. This has become badly infected. (Her leg, not the pipe.)

The furries all agreed that without Gwen they didn’t stand a chance of winning and decided that they would stay at home in front of the TV with a few crates of Curly-Kale and cheer on ENGLAND instead … Well, maybe not the DUTCH bunnies or the NETHERLAND dwarfs or the FRENCH lops!

Here are two of the team

We thought it might be nice, especially this time of the year, if we shared some photees of furry or feathered friends that visit our gardens. Our friends Kaz and Jill from Furry Hollow in Gateshead sent Precious and I this photo of two baby Blue Tits that landed in their garden from next door. Being so young, one of them still found it difficult to fly. After watching it for an hour (has Kaz got nothing else to do?) she gently cupped it in her hands and placed it on a branch next to its sibling. Eventually, Mum came with food and they all flew back to their nesting box.

Week 271

The Thomas The Tank Engine weekend was very successful and John, dressed as the Fat Controller, was popular with the children. All the children who rode on the train received a signed certificate from the Fat Controller. An exception was made for a lady in her eighties; the Fat Controller overheard her telling her friends that the folk back at the Old Folks Home would never believe that she had had a ride on Thomas The Tank Engine. The Fat Controller immediately stepped in and asked her name and presented her with a signed certificate, proof of her enjoyable experience.

As regular readers will know, BB takes in all unwanted furries if space is available. There are many reasons why these little animals end up at the Rescue. Below is popcorn. A man knocked on Gwen's door and said, "If you don't take him then I will dispose of him myself!"

Myrtle was found in a hedge and taken to the Dog's Trust, who then contacted BB. She now lives happily with three piggy pals.

A reason NOT to keep lots of boy guinea pigs together can be seen in this picture. This poor little pig was sharing a hutch with three other boys and was being 'picked-on' which caused him great stress. As in humans, when the body is stressed the immune system can be targeted by 'nasties' and bring out illness. This stress could have quite possibly caused his outbreak of mites, which would then produce these sores.

Another unwanted boy who had an abscess as big as a tennis ball removed.

This unwanted young boy, only 18 weeks old, was picked up from Nevilles Cross in Durham. He has since had an abscess removed from his inner ear. Due to the location he came from he has been named NEVILLE.

Week 272

If you click back to Week 239 (Charlotte's Diary - The Fifth Year) you will see a group of buns that Julie, a BB Foster Mum took in. Precious and I were so pleased when she sent us this update.

I kept three of the babies, Henry, Molly and Holly.
The 2 lop eared sisters (Holly and Molly)
stayed together for a while and then I paired them up with 2 extremely special boys that I 'fostered' and couldn't bear to part with. William came along first - he was stinky and wet when I collected him, and Aunty Francis then found strange lumps all over his left back leg when he went for his health check and castration. I formed a close bond with him. His previous owner said he was vicious. I was desperate to keep him and find him a friend, as he had been alone and neglected for some time. He's about 4 years old. He's now blissfully happy with Holly.

Then Max came along. He had to be seperated from his lady friend because she had just given birth in the owners car on the way to Bunny Burrows. Max is more like a dog than a bunny because he flings himself down on the floor next to you and will sit forever if you stroke his head and ears. He found a friend in Molly and they are very happy too!

Henry is one of the lionhead babies and the only one that Poppy would take to. She was extremely depressed when her sister died from e-cuniculi and Henry was the quietest of the bunch. He was just what she needed and they are really content together. All are house bunnies.

Chris, Bunny Burrow's guinea pig expert wanted to share these photees with you. She recently 'fostered' some lovely girls who have given birth. This photo below shows a gorgeous little baby that Chris believes is blind. Her mother gave birth to two 'huge' babies and was totally exhausted by the experience.

Still to give birth is another little girl who is seen enjoying her 'free-time' before the kids arrive !!!

Week 273

Last week you seen a photo of a little piggy (Hmm ... perhaps not so little) about to give birth. Well, she did and here are the little beauties!!!

Two more unwanted bunnies arrived at BB. This little bunny below suddenly became 'not part of the furniture' when its owners decided to move to a bigger and better house.

This gorgeous girl was offered to Gwen because a 'breeder' said she couldn't breed anymore and he wanted 'shot of her!'

Week 274

In week 234 (Charlotte's Diary The Fifth Year) Maysie and Mike Tucker from Blackpool sent us a photo of their bunny Grace and her new babies. Below are photees of how big and beautiful they have grown.

Week 275

More sad, unwanted bunnies again this week.

Dotty and Dolly were two of four bunnies that arrived at BB. We are so pleased to say that the other two have found nice homes.

Louise, a beautiful Lionhead, was found under a car, outside a Cafe in Richmond.

And there's MORE ... Loui was the family pet untill a dog arrived and they didn't want Loui any more!

Opra came from a pet shop that had been taken over by new owners and they decided that they wanted 'ALL NEW STOCK!'

Week 276

Lazareth is one of BB's permanent residents, he had terrible crumbling teeth and when this was investigated further it was found that he also had a large abscess. This was removed but unfortunately part of his jaw bone had to be taken away also. The hole in his jaw, as you can see in the photo, has been left to drain the fluid and is cleaned with a cotton bud and medication daily.

This brave boy is trying so hard to eat on his own but still needs to be syringe fed.

Another permanent resident, Bergerac, had his teeth removed but also had a problem breathing. The top teeth have started to grow again but unfortunately the roots had grown up into his nasal passage which, in turn, restricted his breathing. After his operation he now has two sets of nostrils and continues to improve.

Week 277

This week Precious and Moto have been chatting ...

What about you may ask ?

Let's listen in ... Shall we ?

MOTO: "I've heard Gwen talking about FLYSTRIKE, what's it all about Precious?" PRECIOUS: "Well, I've obviously been listening more closely than you because it sounds horrid! Flystrike happens when a blue-bottle or green-bottle fly lands on your bun's bum area or any open wound and lays its eggs. The eggs then hatch into maggots and the maggots then FEAST upon the bunny's skin, leaving enormous holes. If it's not spotted in time the maggots will eventually eat inside the bunny and it dies an horrendous death or has to be put to sleep." MOTO: "Oh no, I bet it's only bunnies that have dirty bums and live in dirty hutches." PRECIOUS: "Don't be so presumptious Moto, there are two really well cared for bunnies that I've heard of this week who have been attacked by these dreadful insects." MOTO: "Are they O.K.?" PRECIOUS: "Thankfully, YES, thanks to their owners who check their bunnies many times aday. Despite the two bunnies ending up with awful wounds, one who needed costly surgery, their owners' vigilance saved them from death. I must stress these were real pet bunnies, not just left to sit in a hutch hoping someone will throw a handful of dry mix in, they lived indoors as part of the 'FAMILY'" MOTO: Oh, I'm so pleased they're both fine but it just goes to show that no bunny is immune to flystrike, regardless of how well they are looked after. It only takes one fly to kill a bunny !!!" PRECIOUS: Have a look at the photos of the two bunnies I have been telling you about."

Week 278

As you may have read on our Home Page, things at BB are not going well. John is in hospital and Gwen is looking as though she will have to go in as well. To add to the misery, Gwen has lost her little bunny called Wild-Thing. It is always so sad to lose a furry but Wild-Thing was 100% WILD and to have gained the trust of a wild bunny is something special.

Gwen received a phone call to see if she could rehome some guinea pigs but no one could have predicted what she saw when she entered the house of the caller. BB has seen some neglected and ill-treated furries but these poor long-haired guinea pigs were unrecognisable. So matted and tatted with their own 'poos' stuck in their hair. You couldn't tell one end of the poor little pig from the other!!! When they were cut back it was discovered that one of them had a lump, the size of a ping-pong ball. This poor furry is now on anti-biotics to try to reduce the lump before it is removed. As removing it now would result in the little pig losing one of its back legs. Precious and I will keep you updated.

Week 279

Everyone is relieved that the exceptional hot spell of weather is behind us but please still be on your guard for those dreaded blue-bottle flies. Just because it's cooler doesn't mean they can't inflict those horrendous wounds or even death upon your bunny.

We are pleased to let everyone know that Diddley-Dice and Bramble-Hill have recovered well but we are still receiving reports of bunnies that have been put to sleep.

Sir Bramble-Hill, as he's widely known to his friends, says he is so happy to be back in his garden knocking over a few plant pots. He has had treatment which lasts up to 10 weeks to prevent fly-strike happening again. We cannot stress enough, the need to treat your bunny for this condition. It can be expensive if you have more than one or two bunnies but it is nowhere near the cost of an out of hours vet bill. If you love your bunny you can't put a price on its life.

We are not promoting Rear-Guard for any personal gain, it's just that it is the only licensed product available which they claim guarantees to protect your bunny. It is only available from your vet on prescription.

Week 280

You will have probably read on our Home-Page that Gwen and John have had problems with their legs. We are pleased to report that John is out of hospital and it now appears that he had been bitten by a snake!!! This bite caused his leg to swell three times its normal size. It is not back to normal but it is improving.

Gwen, after months of anti-biotics and hospital appointments was finally seen by a Doctor who suggested Manucar Honey ... Yes, that's same stuff she uses on the bunnies' wounds.

Week 281

There never seems to be a quiet time at BB. Despite alot of the recent guinea pigs finding a good home, more and more are arriving. It's so sad as these little creatures are sociable and gentle. They need as much love and attention as a bunny but it seems they get pushed into the background and become less of a priority when it comes to being the 'family pet'. The small furries have as much love to give as a cat or dog but they aren't given the chance to show this. Folk think it is 'normal' to keep a cat or dog in their house but the small furries have to live outside.

Many folk don't realise that it is quite normal procedure to have a boy guinea pig castrated. This is always advised by BB as they can quickly multiply and this is why they are no longer wanted.

Most of the guinea pig stories we hear are sad ones. If anyone has any HAPPY ones, we'd love to hear from you.

Week 282

Two beautiful Peruvian Piggies have arrived at BB ... Unwanted of course! One of them has had to have a huge 'fatty-lump' removed from its back. This kind of lump is quite common in Guinea Pigs and is filled with a substance that looks like 'LARD'.

Regular readers will remember Truffly, who goes out visiting schools and many other locations, educating folk on how to look after the small furries. Here she is be-friending the gorgeous Peruvian girls.

Week 283

A poor little bunny who had been left to breed time after time has been finally given up by her owners. It will never be revealed how many litters this pretty girl has given birth to but her last two litters are now at BB. Below are photos of MUM and her babies.

Week 284

A dog, whilst on its daily walk, dug up these little wild bunnies. There was no sign of Mum but she may have been out looking for food. This dog did not harm the babies, it just stood there and looked at them but this is NOT how all dogs respond, some would have KILLED them !!! The dog's owner brought them to BB where they are responding well.

Week 285

At the beginning of June this year, in Week 270, we asked our readers to share photees of furry or feathered friends that visited their gardens. No one had responded, until now, when seven year old Sophie, from Gateshead, proved that ALL creatures should be cared for and loved. Sophie's new pets are snails. She wants to share her pictures and her recently acquired knowledge of these cute little creatures ...

Snails have different coloured shells. Before you pick them up, wash your hands and leave them wet. After handling them, wash your hands again (but you can dry them this time!).

Snails' eyes are on top of the long sticking-out parts of their head and the little sticking-out parts are what they use to feel around with.

They eat fruit, vegetables and lots of different kinds of flowers. They even eat nettles.

Snails are not as slimey as slugs, you can tell which creature has been there because a snail has a broken trail and a slug has a joint one.

Snails are harmless, if you want to keep them you will need to put air holes in their box and the lid.

Week 286

Gwen received a phone call from a well known veterinary practice, asking if she could take in a mum and her babies. If she couldn't take the babies then they would put them to sleep because they didn't have any room for them!!!

Week 287

We are so pleased to tell you that Mum and her babies have settled into a BB Foster Home. They will stay there until good homes are found for them. Mum is having a relaxing time, this is what she deserves after giving birth to all those babies.

Week 288

Thanks to Kelly from North Yorkshire for sending us this beautiful pic of her two bunnies, Gizmo and Izzy. Kelly is also a Bunny Burrow's Foster Home and she is fostering Mum and her babies that you have just read about in Week 287.

Week 289

Sadly the news is not good this week ... We say goodbye to two of Bunny Burrow's older furries. Rob-Roy and Tumble. Strangely, both of them came from a background where their poor Mums were left to BREED and BREED and BREED.

Rob-Roy was born in a Foster Home and went to live at BB. Tumble was rescued before she was 'dumped' in the river with her Mum and brother and sister and went to live in a Foster Home.

Week 290

There cannot be many small animal rescue charities that claim to have discovered a medical breakthrough ...

BUT ... BUNNY BURROWS has ...

Do you have trouble sleeping ?

Then ring Gwen and ask her if you can sit in on one of the Trustee Meetings !!!

A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS.

Week 291

Bunny Burrows was recently invited, by Burgess, to take part in the 'Countryside Live Event' at the Great Yorkshire Show Ground. The event was a mini version of 'The Great Yorkshire Show' involving farming related subjects and many different kinds of animals.

Week 292

Week 293

RSPCA received a phone from a member of the public. They were concerned that someone had 'dumped' a rabbit in their garden. When the RSPCA called to collect the bunny they noticed a rabbit hutch complete with hay in the back garden !?!

The RSPCA rang Gwen and asked if she could take this little black netherland dwarf as it had very sticky eyes and they wouldn't open. Of course, Gwen said YES.

After the bunny arrived it was discovered that it had myxomatosis. We are so pleased to say that more than a week later the little bun is still with us and has been responding to a nebulizer that Gwen bought specially for him.
A nebulizer is a machine that uses compressed air to deliver asthma medicine as a wet aerosol, a mist that can be inhaled.

Week 294

Last week we told you about a little black bunny who had been brought to BB with myxomatosis ... Sadly, dispite abrave fight, she died in John's arms a few days ago.

More heartache followed when the adorable Hazel also went to Bunny Heaven. Hazel came to BB 18 months ago from a rescue centre in Gateshead. She was a gorgeous black and tan bunny that Gwen fell in love with straight away. She had problems with one of her back legs and eventually had to have it removed. This didn't stop her playing and hopping around the garden.

Hazel became unwell last weekend and it was discovered that she had an enlarged heart. Fluid was extracted and it was hoped that she would improve but sadly she died on November 21st.

Some folk believe and have suggested that some bunnies are too 'UGLY' to be saved and given a second chance in life. Not at BB, every animal is given a second chance, they all deserve it. You will remember Phoenix, she appeared on 'This Morning' with Fern and Philip, she was covered in beautiful grey fur. Unfortunately, even though she was vaccinated against myxomatosis, she developed superficial signs of the disease. This produced terrible lumps on her face. Because of this, she has had to have all of the fur removed from this area. She is not ill and is not contagious and enjoys life to the full, mostly eating! Phoenix is a perfect example that a bunny can be happy regardless of her outward appearance.

Week 295

A little brown Netherland Dwarf, who Gwen named Dinky, arrived at BB last week. It was obviously very unwell and it was later discovered to have Myxomatosis. Despite every effort and a brave fight by Dinky, he sadly died.

Week 296

Alot of folk will remember Huckleberry, probably one of the oldest residents at BB. He was nine years old and had lived all his life with his bunny girl, Cherry. On December 4th he became unwell, Gwen said he felt cold, so they rushed him to the vets. Sadly, during the journey poor little Huckleberry died.

Week 297

Newsletter readers will remember articles written by 'Hetty n Bodkin'. When Little Hetty went to Bunny Heaven Bodkin continued to write articles and called them 'Bodkin's Banter'. Sadly, on December 2nd. Bodkin went to meet Hetty.

He was four years old and a wonderful friend to his owners, Maysie and Mike Tucker. He will be deeply missed by many folk who knew him from the Bunny Burrows fund raising days in the Market Hall in Richmond.

Week 298

We would like to introduce you to WILF.

He was found wandering the streets of Bishop Auckland and was picked up by the RSPCA. They had no space for him and asked Gwen if she could take him. Gwen took him to be neutered and when Aunty francis the vet went to check on him afterwards she felt something hard under his skin on his back. An X-ray revealled a pellet just above his spine. He will have this removed very soon.

Week 299

Christmas is always a magical time for the furries at Bunny Burrows. Here's a glimpse through the windows.

Who needs to visit Fenwicks in Newcastle !?!

Week 300

How many of us have over-eaten during Christmas?
How much bigger have we all grown?
Have a look at BIG NED who lives with John and Marcia Talbot on the Isle of Wight.

Week 301

Sadly Bramble-Hill, also known as Sir Bramble-Hill, has gone to Bunny Heaven.

He was having a routine dental and during this he suffered a heart attack. The vet tried to resuscitate him but he didn't respond. Words cannot explain the emptiness he has left behind at Furry Hollow where he lived with all his friends.

Week 302

Do you remember little Wilf, who, whilst at the vets to be neutered, was found to have a pellet close to his spine?

It has now been removed and Wilf can look forward to a new and safe environment.

Week 303

It's always nice to see how some of the furries mentioned in previous weeks are progressing. Here is an updated photograph of the New Year Buns and mother Mary...

Haven't they grown?

At BB it's not just a case of taking in an unwanted bunny or guinea pig as some of the animals can never be rehomed. This is because of health problems, so these little furries are fostered out to homes that can look after their needs. Others that do have a chance of a new home sometimes have to be loved and cared for for many weeks or months to bring them back to full health. One little guinea pig called Rosie, is a perfect example. Bunny Burrows's guinea pig expert, Chris, has been hand feeding little Rosie now for five weeks, although she does eat small amounts on her own. After some veterinary investigations, BB have been told that Rosie's teeth are fine, so everyone is at a loss why she will only eat small amounts by herself. It is a stressful time nursing such a small furry and not everyone has the dedication to do it. We will keep you updated on Rosie's progress.

A tiny bunny was rescued from the Middlesborough area a few days ago. It was emaciated and didn't even have a drop of water in it's hutch. When she arrived at BB her teeth were checked and they were found to be in an horrendous condition. The photograph below shows how curled they were, you could have mistaken them for a pair of ear-rings. Her bottom teeth were coming out of her mouth almost covering her nostrils, making it virtually impossible to eat. This is nothing short of total neglect. Her teeth have been sorted so hopefully she will gain some much needed weight. We will keep you updated.

Week 304

A big thank you to Northallerton and Dales Mencap Society. A group from their Ashland Outreach centre in Richmond, North Yorkshire produced and staged their own version of Jungle Book. This was thoroughly enjoyed by Gwen (Big-Bunny) and Aunty Ruby. The proceeds were split jointly between Bunny Burrows and Childline.

Another little bunny with horrendous teeth problems was brought to BB this week. As you can see from the photo below, Phebee's bottom teeth are almost growing up her nostrils. She has since had them completely removed.

We have an unlikely hero to thank for saving a new born wild bunny but better known for chasing birds and mice. A pet cat brought the little bunny in and dropped it at its owners feet. They, in turn, contacted Gwen and we are pleased to say it is doing really well. We would like you to meet two of the most pampered bunnies, Marcus and Baby-Jane. They belong to Barbara, helper and friend of Bunny Burrows. You are probably thinking this is Barbara'a bedroom ... WRONG! This is their room. I wonder if they get breakfast in bed !?

Week 305

As we all know, Bunny Burrows goes to great lengths to help unwanted small furries. But it seems some folk expect and treat us like certain well funded nationwide organisations.

A few weeks ago, Angela, one of BB's helpers received a 'phone call from a woman demanding she take two bunnies she had allegedly found playing in a field, eventhough the woman said they were very friendly and one year old !! Angela said she would help but would need a few days to sort things out as she had bunnies of her own to consider. The woman became abrupt and told Angela if she didn't take them that day she would see if the local pet shop wanted them. It was explained that this wouldn't be a good idea, regarding the welfare of the bunnies and eventually the woman agreed to meet Angela a few days later.

Dispite this womans demands, she didn't turn up as arranged. Obviously Angela was concerned as to where the bunnies had ended up. She looked on the internet at vets in the area where this woman lived and by a stroke of luck she came across the two buns on a vets website. She contacted the vets and sure enough they had been handed in by a woman with the same story.

Thankfully, this story had a happy ending and the two bunnies, called Sooty and Sweep, are well on their way to finding a new loving home.

A couple of weeks ago was Rabbit Awareness Week. Gwen was in great demand for her knowledge and spent two days at the Bradford Championships held in Harrogate, talking to hundreds of folk about the welfare of the furries.

Abbey Vets in Chester-Le-Street wanted Gwen to do a radio interview with Durham FM, who were visiting the practise to promote Bunny Awareness Week. But due to her busy schedule, she asked Bramble from Furry Hollow foster home to go along in her place.

To end this week we have some updated photos showing the progress of some of the furries that we have told you about over the last few weeks.

Week 306

We are pleased to tell you that the little wild baby that the 'cat dragged in' is still making good progress. He or she, we don't know yet, loves to sit on Gwen's collar bone for an afternoon nap. I'm surprised it gets to sleep with her jaw going !!

Edna and Eva have been spayed. Edna was spayed first but developed an abscess at the site of the wound, so has had this removed. In the meantime, Eva, had put on enough weight to go through this operation and she also had her front teeth removed. Both girls are back home and being spoilt, as usual. More good news, little Wilf and Phebee, now known as Carmel, have fallen in love with each other. Hopefully, we will have a photo of the happy couple soon.

Week 307

Thank you to Nicola Short and her young daughter Becky for sending us these lovely photos of their two bunnies Ben and Fizz.

Both gorgeous bunnies came from Bunny Burrows and have settled in well. Nicola says Ben is VERY cheeky, he likes to chew shoes and when he's happy he jumps up like a dog for a cuddle. He is very protective of Fizz and looks after her so well.

This giant-mini-lop girl bunny was found wandering the streets of Catterick. The local vets wanted to put her to sleep but she said they couldn't because she hadn't brought her pyjamas.

Week 308

Here's a story you have heard many times ...
I got these two rabbits from a pet shop and I was told that they were both boys!

These two 'boys' were given complete freedom when it came to play time. They were allowed to explore all of their owner's garden and the rest of the gardens in the street! Of course the neighbours began to complain because the 'boys' were eating their plants. So, their owner got in touch with Bunny Burrows and asked Gwen if she could take them. In the meantime, one of the 'boys' had given birth to four gorgeous babies. Quite rare I believe ?!

A sad little story now ... This beautiful little ginger guinea pig had been 'dumped' in a lay-by. He was spotted by a lady driving along the road, when out of the corner of her eye she thought she saw a guinea pig sitting there. She stopped and got out and went up to the little piggy and picked him up. A few feet away she found a carboard box with some wood shavings in. She put him in this box and drove to her local vets who suggested she ring Bunny Burrows. He's a little under weight but happy and warm now.

As promised a photo of Wilf and Carmel.

Mother Mary and her New-Year babies are all doing really well. When Mary went to be spayed Aunty frances noticed a lump on her back. When further investigations were made it was a pellet, just like Wilfs. Mary and Wilf both came from the same area.

Finally this week, thank you to Kelly, a BB Helper, who sent us this super photo of her two bunnies, Izzi and Gizmo.

Week 309

It would appear that cats who used to bring mice and birds into their owners house have now decided that it is the IN THING to bring a bunny in.

This is the second little bunny, in as many weeks, to have been brought to Bunny Burrows. This little bun sits in the palm of Gwen's hand and happily takes milk by a syringe, also eats small amounts of dry mix and hay.

This is George, who now belongs to Angela, a BB Helper from Consett. He is one of the lucky ones who has been given a new start in life.

Sadly, this is not the case for all the unwanted buns. Regretably, Bunny Burrows has to turn away forty five to fifty bunnies every week because there is no space to accomodate them.

More knowledge is required when a bunny is to be considered as a new pet; they need as much attention as a dog. Apart from daily walks which they do not need, these little furries still need to be handled and talked to.

Week 310

Some exciting news to report this week ...

Remember the little bunny that 'the cat dragged in' in weeks 304, 305 and 306 and the other little bunny that 'the cat dragged in' in week 309 ?

WELL ...They decided that they had so much in common that they wanted to live together !!!

It is such an achievment to hand rear a young wild bunny but to find it a friend so quickly with the same rescued background is unbelievable. The two bunnies are eating well and enjoy a 'cat-nap' together.

Gwen said she wouldn't be surprised if she got up one morning and they said, "Meow Gwen!"

Week 311

Last year we asked our readers to send us photos of little creatures that came into their garden ... Well, we are asking you again this year.

Thanks to John and Marcia Talbot from the Isle Of Wight who sent this beautiful photo of their bunny Herbie and a visiting pheasant.

Week 312

For folk who say rabbits and guinea pigs don't have a brain, here are four intelligent furries to prove them wrong. They visited children at Catterick Village Pre-School this week and as you can see the tiny little hands were eager to cuddle them.

O.K. they may not know their alphabet but they showed the children how to hop, skip and jump and most important, how to eat vegetables without a knife and fork. That's Motzart on the left with his friend Elgar.