Visitors to the APL in January 2015 saw two pretty rabbits in cages next to one another. Ana, was eight years old, under-socialized and shy. Lucky, a handsome one year old, was friendly and approachable. The two had never met, but waited, side-by-side, for their forever homes.
Their new mom-to-be, Charlotte, had waited, too. After losing her first rabbit, Marshmallow, Charlotte knew it would be some time before she was ready for another. In fact, it was years. Eventually, though, Charlotte decided to look for another bunny. She spotted Ana on the
APL’s website. She was not deterred by Ana’s age; in fact, Charlotte was happy to adopt an older rabbit, who might have a harder time finding a new home. Ana’s lack of socialization made it difficult to interact with her at first, but Charlotte was undeterred. She visited the APL several days that first week, to talk with the cautious bunny, and try to develop a connection. Days turned into weeks, with Charlotte visiting Ana, offering food, and letting her see Charlotte holding other rabbits, in hopes of building her trust.
Eventually Ana let Charlotte pet her. Finally, it was time: Charlotte decided to adopt Ana and take her home. The APL staff cheered for this reserved little rabbit who so badly needed a happy new start. Charlotte had a surprise for them, too: She was taking two rabbits home that day. She was also adopting Lucky, who’d cuddled with her during her visits.
Charlotte describes the first night at home. “By the time we got there, Ana not only let down her defenses, but was actually leaning into me to pet her more…I set her box on the floor with the top open…Her head popped up, ears perked, nose going like only bunnies’ noses can, taking it all in. Then I petted her again and gently lifted her out of the box, and there was not a bit of fight in her, so I cuddled her close to me. That’s when she melted. She looked up at me, then rested her head in my arms, completely tranquil. The rose had opened.” And so, her name was changed to Ana Rose. Ana Rose and Lucky, now called Kodak (because “every moment with him is a Kodak moment,” he enjoys everything so much), are loving their lives with Charlotte.
They each have their own pens, complete with small, three story “Cottontail Cottages.” Charlotte is taking the slow, gradual steps needed to ensure the two rabbits bond. And their two different personalities have meshed well, with Kodak infusing Ana Rose with energy, and Ana Rose mellowing out the more energetic Kodak when he gets overexcited. “They are both such a delight, and their joy is contagious.”
For Ana Rose, Kodak and Charlotte, patience paid off, with the perfect match. Thank you, Charlotte, for giving Ana Rose and Kodak their happily ever after!
Information about the
Cleveland APL
To meet the adoptable animals at the
Cleveland APL, visit our adoption center in Tremont at 1729 Willey Avenue in Cleveland or our
PetSmart Charities® Everyday Adoption Center in the
Parma PetSmart® store at 6870 Ridge Road. To view all of the animals who are waiting for loving homes online or on your mobile device, visit
www.ClevelandAPL.org or download our free adoptions app on your iOS or Android device.
Facebook page is called “Cleveland Animal Protective League”. Here is the link to it for your reference:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cleveland-Animal-Protective-League/29396512928
Our Twitter handle is
@ClevelandAPL. Here is a link:
https://twitter.com/ClevelandAPL
Barbara Reitzloff
Cleveland APL
Volunteer
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