Fostering rabbits
HRC provides almost everything needed to care for a foster rabbit — an exercise pen and dog crate set-up, litter boxes, dishes, wood stove pellets, food pellets, hay, infant gas drops (first aid for gastro-intestinal slowdown) and toys. Upon occasion, grocery store gift cards are distributed among the foster network for the purchase of greens, though this is a “bonus” dependent upon the generosity of our members and supporters. For the most part, our fosterers provide daily greens, grooming and…love. When an appropriate adopter emerges, an HRC Board member comes to the fosterer’s home at a mutually convenient day and time to conduct the adoption.
As an experienced fosterer, I suspect many people believe they can’t foster because they’ll become too attached to the rabbit. This may very well be the most difficult part of being a fosterer! While we do give our fosterers “first right” to adopt their foster rabbit, it is imperative that our fosterers must love rabbits enough to let their foster rabbits go to the good homes we find for them — the rabbits at the shelter depend on the fosterers’ strength and resolve not to adopt a foster rabbit. A seasoned fosterer sees the face of the next shelter rabbit in that of their current foster bun, and feels satisfaction and anticipation when their foster bun is adopter, knowing they are about to save another life.
If you have ever considered fostering, I urge you to contact me. There are rabbits that need you NOW — their lives depend on your willingness to open your heart and home.
– Education Chair, President Deb Young