Dolly's Dream Home Rabbit Rescue

Sigh.

It's happened again.

Back in January, we offered to bunnysit a rabbit for a local family after they experienced a house fire.

This family had originally rescued a dumped rabbit from outdoors. We helped them get set up with supplies, education, and support, and everything was going wonderfully.

When the fire happened, we were happy to help. The plan was simple: we'd watch Crockett until they got back on their feet.

For months, they stayed in touch. They responded to updates. They checked in on him. Everything seemed normal.

Then the communication stopped.

We've called. Texted. Emailed. Sent Facebook messages. Asked around through mutual contacts in the community. We've tried every avenue we can think of.

Nothing.

We've held onto Crockett for far longer than we normally would because we genuinely hoped his family would reach back out. We wanted to give them every opportunity to come get him or even just let us know what was going on.

But at some point, we have to accept reality. They no longer want the little guy. We’ve watched him for over half his life now.

So, everyone, meet Crockett.

He's about a year old and has somehow convinced everyone he is actually a small dog in a rabbit costume. He's friendly and always wants to know what you're doing. If there's attention available, Crockett would like some.

Because he's settled in so well, he'll remain in his current bunnysitting home as a foster while we get him neutered, vetted, and ready for adoption.

This isn't the ending we hoped for when we agreed to watch him.

But we're going to make sure it's the beginning of something wonderful.

Welcome to the rescue, Crockett. This time, we're going to find you a forever home.

Want to help with his vet care? Click here: https://dollys-dream-store.square.site/s/shop. Proceeds benefit bunnies like Crockett and everything is 25% off today only!

No matter how you look at it, everything is getting more expensive.

Over the past year, we've seen a major shift in the reasons rabbits are surrendered. For the first time since opening Dolly’s, financial hardship has become one of the most common reasons why families give up their bunnies.

Most people don't get a rabbit expecting to fall on hard times. They love their pets and want to keep them. So we've been brainstorming ways rabbit owners can save money without sacrificing care.

Here are our 10 best ideas:

1. Ask local produce stores if they'll donate expired rabbit safe produce that would otherwise be thrown away. Many stores, especially local businesses, are surprisingly willing to help.

2. Use cash-back apps like Upside for gas and groceries. I use the money I’ve earned back to buy more greens for the rabbits. Click here to get started: https://upside.app.link/RHUFXP. One of my local grocery stores had 52% back today, so I loaded up on fresh veggies! (Use code RHUFXP if you get it!)

3. Buy in bulk whenever possible. Larger bags of pellets, hay, litter, and treats often have a much lower cost per pound than smaller packages. Team up with another rabbit owner if you don't have storage space.

4. Grow some of your own rabbit food. Herbs like basil, cilantro, parsley, dill, and mint are easy to grow in pots and can save money while providing fresh treats for your rabbit.

5. Adopt from rescues instead of buying from breeders or pet stores. Rescue rabbits are already spayed or neutered, which saves hundreds of dollars.

6. Rotate toys instead of constantly buying new ones. Most rabbits are thrilled when an old toy "magically" reappears a few weeks later.

7. Save cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, and brown packing paper. Rabbits often enjoy free enrichment just as much as store-bought toys.

8. Join local rabbit groups. People frequently give away unopened food, supplies, pens, carriers, and other items when their rabbits pass away.

9. Turn bunny birthdays and holidays into supply drives. If friends and family ask what your rabbit wants for Christmas, ask for hay, pellets, litter, or gift cards instead of toys you'll forget about in a week.

10. Ask for help before you're overwhelmed. Many rescues, including ours, have food assistance programs, low-cost resources, educational support, and other options that can help keep rabbits in their homes.

And to help even more, today only, EVERYTHING in our online shop is 25% off: https://dollys-dream-store.square.site/s/shop

What would you add to the list? We're always looking for more ideas to help rabbit families weather tough times.

For the past several months, one of our adopters, Gabe, has been working on a very special project.

He's been writing a children's chapter book about DDH alums Lillian and her husbun, Spicy (now Lambert).

And you guys...it’s adorable.

The story is written from Lillian's point of view and just might be one of the sweetest things we've ever read.

The books are currently being printed, so once they arrive, we'll be hosting a book signing at Dolly’s Dream Store where everyone can meet the author and celebrate this incredible project.

Talk about a full circle moment.

Lillian and Lambert were once discarded, before they were rabbits in our rescue. Here, they were loved by volunteers, cared for by fosters, and supported by all of you. Now, years later, they've inspired their dad enough to write an entire book.

That's the kind of impact animals can have on our lives.

You never know when a rabbit you're helping today is going to become a beloved family member, or the inspiration behind a story that will be shared with children for years to come.

We're so honored that Lillian and Lambert mean this much to Gabe and we can't wait to share the finished book with all of you.