A VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE. PLEASE READ TO THE END.

 Dear Friends,

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Keep that in mind when I tell you the story of Ginger and Pickles. Or more accurately: don't tell the story. Because we can't. Because that is how it sometimes happens when you deal with animals that come from certain places. Especially when you work as closely as we do with Maine State Animal Welfare. 

Did you know that we get bombarded with requests to take in people’s rabbits daily. I mean, like 5-6 emails and messages a day! 5-6 people a day contact us asking if we would take in their rabbits. And often it's not just one, but two, three and whole families of bunnies. That is a lot of bunnies needing homes every single day. Because we already care for over 40 rabbits here, we must be very, very selective about the ones needing us. We want to help the ones who need us the most. Which is why, we nearly always say yes to helping our state animal welfare.

Here's a fun fact: (sorry, this email is so evasive, but it has to be) did you know that Cottontail Cottage Farm Sanctuary is the only licensed shelter in both Washington and Hancock County that takes in exotics, such as rabbits. Because rabbits are exotics they actually require an exotics vet for care and treatment (which is like, an entirely second degree of study - which may explain why there are so few of them.) So, that means out of 87,268 people in these two counties, the only shelter that takes in unwanted rabbits is - you guessed it: Cottontail Cottage Farm Sanctuary!

Did you also know that rabbits can be expensive. Sometimes very expensive. The cost just to neuter a rabbit can be as high as $500 (maybe more) and the cost to spay sometimes $700 and up. Rabbits have a lot of health issues and can get EXPENSIVELY sick - very, very quick. They are also hard to place. To the right family, that is. One that will keep them forever. They also have a very fast returnable rate. People get them for free on Facebook or from pet stores and realize that 300 poops a day is just one too many. Rabbits are also mostly, inherently, terrified of being picked up (they are prey animals so it's like being lifted off the ground by a predator) and children and people always want to "cuddle" them. Rabbits like to chew things and they like to nibble. In fact, they nibble to communicate and not everyone appreciates a sometimes, too hard, bite. Especially, not mothers of two-year-old’s who think rabbits are a good "starter pet." If rabbits aren't fed right or even if they are, they can overnight (without showing any signs of being sick, once again, prey animals, they hide their sickness) require a trip to the emergency vet and that is big, big bucks. We're talking like a $1k and up if they are hospitalized. Being smacked with a bill for $5k wouldn't be a surprise. Just because an animal is small doesn't mean cheap.

To sum up: rabbits aren't always understood and I think that is why they are so often mistreated. But, for those of us who have had the chance to get to know a rabbit and understand their needs and personalities, well, they are also just the most incredible beings. Funny, loving, smart (they can do tricks), incredibly beguiling, and loyal, brave, and true - the list goes on and on. But not everyone sees them that way. And for Ginger and Pickles, well, let's just say, they are here for a very good reason.

Here's some facts about Ginger and Pickles.

1. They are lionheads and ADORABLE. They look like Ewoks (Star Wars.)
2. They are very tiny and weigh maybe, MAYBE 2lbs.
3. If you look closely, Ginger has lost all the fur on his paws. Maybe you can guess the reason why. Don't ask, we can't say.
4. They are brothers and intact. Meaning, they need to be neutered.
5. I think they are little, brother bunnies. And have seen a lot in their time. And a lot of not good from humans. They are very, very timid around us. Let's just leave it at that and maybe someday, I will be able to share their full story. But not yet. 
6. Did you know animal abuse, neglect and abandonment is a CRIME???

Please donate and help us care for Ginger and Pickles. They need to be neutered and get lots of good immediate and future care. Whether it is $5 or $500, it all adds up in a BIG way and you will be their official "Bunny Angels" - and we will be forever grateful! Thank you for helping us change the world for all creatures big - and in this case - incredibly small. Thank you for your love, support and being there for animals who need you the most! You are the BEST!!

Love Always,

Jenny and Mathew xxx

Donations can be mailed to:

CCFS

471 Milbridge Road

Cherryfield, ME 04622