Why Fostering is a Win-Win-Win for Every Lifestyle, for Every Season
Author: Alexandria Brown, San Francisco’s Exotic Pet Professional, House of Guineas LLC
Photo caption: An adorable bunny boasting some fall decor.
I am writing this in the midst of the annual holiday season — people are putting up their decorations, making a list for their big holiday meal, and returning to the mall to retake their family photo because that one person (we all know them) didn’t smile.
Regardless of which stage you are in during the holidays, I am excited to share a recent revelation I had about adding a little bit more joy during this time of year. After recently adopting my amazing Johnny Wohnny from House Rabbit Society (HRS), I’d love to share my experience fostering him, as well as how fostering some bunnies can benefit you, too!
Photo caption: Puppy Dog and Big Chungus looking very majestic.
Before fostering Johnny, I had a home with two bonded bunnies with their own big personalities. Their names are Puppy Dog and (lovingly) Big Chungus. I knew from the moment I saw them that they would be my new babies. I love how Chungus bows for pets and is very animated with his emotions, and how Puppy Dog is purely driven by food. However, I only learned about their unique mannerisms after adopting the two. While my hunch about their personalities were on the nose, it may not be obvious until a pet has time to settle in, like little Johnny!
Photo caption: Our soon-to-be little Johnny Wohnny.
I met Johnny as a volunteer for HRS, where I am able to spend some time interacting with the animals in a more intimate setting at the facility.
My partner and I recently discussed adopting another bunny, but wanted to take our time. I saw that people were instantly drawn to Johnny’s clear love for human interactions as they passed by, so I decided to take him home to see if we’d be a great fit for each other. HRS supplied us with everything we needed — from food to bowls, to toys to litter. I am grateful that I didn’t need to scramble for last minute supplies!
After the first night, I knew he wasn’t going to leave. We loved how affectionate he was as he licked our hands after pets. While he does need more litter training for a rabbit of his age, we learned that it was something we could work with and we wanted to keep this lovable guy in our life! And even though he prefers to be solo, we made space in our home, and had plenty of time to test it out during the fostering period.
So especially when you’re considering adopting a bunny or two, fostering from HRS is such a stress-free, seamless process to see if you and your new guest(s) click. And if not, not only did you have some fun with new friends, you’re allowing space for another bunny to receive the help they need at the facility. And of course, you can try again with some new bunnies until you find your new BFFs! Also — if there’s any emergencies or medical needs, HRS would compensate and take care of it too!
Photo caption: An energetic bunny who REALLY wants his treats!
Not looking to adopt but want some companionship to spice up your life? No problem! You absolutely don’t need to have adoptions on your horizons to foster a bunny. Whether you work from home or in the office, you can foster regardless of your lifestyle. The two weeks is ample of time to get to know little Waffles or Bubbles. You wouldn’t have to go out of your way to run to the stores to get the materials you need either. HRS provides it all — don’t have a space for the bunny to freeroam when you’re not in the room? HRS has bunny escape-proof gates just for you!
Just by having fosters in your home, you’re allowing HRS to provide the vacant space to care for incoming bunnies from shelters, and dedicate time to address any critical medical needs. I have friends and even clients who have fostered rabbits. The feedback I received was how they loved getting to know the rabbit’s unique personalities as they bond together, as well as the sense of fulfillment as they’re supporting other bunnies in need. You absolutely do not have to have adoption on your mind to foster. HRS will provide everything you need to be successful, and all you have to do is give the bunnies some TLC. And HRS provided food. Bunnies LOVE food (and may even give you some binkies for it too!).
Photo caption: A happy and cozy Strawberry.
So whether you work from home or go into the office, through HRS, you will have everything you need to succeed as a foster. You will be provided with food, bowls, carriers for transportation, bedding, and anything else you and your new little friend(s) need. I know I’ve mentioned the benefits of fostering for saving bunnies lives, but I want to make sure you understand how much your support and involvement makes a difference.
I’ve seen bunnies in various states and health conditions entering the shelter, ranging from a few scratches here and there, to critical needs where the bunny needs life-saving masses removed. Bunnies who are able to be fostered and adopted were able to have their health needs met, vaccinations updated, and on-going medication provided if needed. There is only so much space the facility has to admit. So when HRS gets another call that there’s a bunny in need to go through the process, and eventually find a new home, these little guys cannot be admitted when there’s just no space available.
By fostering for those two weeks, regardless of your lifestyle and whether you’re interested in adopting or just want to befriend a bunny or two, I cannot stress the significant impact you have on saving these, and other bunnies’ lives. When you come home, there’s Peaches spinning in circles to greet you. When you finish your meeting on your computer, Dr. Harris will give you the big-eyed stare for treats. Even though he has plenty. So whether you’re reading this around the holidays or at any time of the year, please consider fostering a bunny or two — HRS will make it happen and you'll get a new best friend, or even a new addition to the family.
Take the first steps to fostering here! 🐰
Curious about HRS’s volunteer program? Learn more here!
