Astrid's story will warm your heart ❤️
From trauma to trust: Astrid's incredible transformation
Astrid arrived at HRS last year after being transferred from a local shelter in urgent need of medical care. She had two serious abscesses—one in her abdomen and another in her leg. Our expert medical team acted quickly, and during surgery, they discovered that the abdominal abscess was caused by an ectopic pregnancy, which was successfully removed. The abscess in her leg was sadly the result of a BB gun injury, which was also treated. With pain management, a safe space to recover, and plenty of time to heal, Astrid’s prognosis was initially uncertain—but she made a remarkable recovery.
Astrid was quickly adopted, but after several months, she was returned to HRS when her owner had to move and couldn't find pet-friendly housing. This is a common challenge, especially in the Bay Area, where only about 20% of landlords allow pets. Fortunately, one of our longtime fosters, Annie, took Astrid in. After just a few weeks, Annie couldn’t resist Astrid’s charm—and decided to adopt her.
Annie shares, “Last spring, my childhood bunny, who had been with me for more than half my life, crossed the rainbow bridge. I was nowhere near ready for another bunny of my own, but the thought of leaving her corner of the room empty was equally unbearable. Shortly after she passed, I signed up to foster for House Rabbit Society. Each time I witnessed a binky from a previously terrified bunny or discovered a new tidbit of information that might help a bunny’s future adopters, the empty space became a little less empty. The famous quote from Jamie Anderson says, ‘Grief is just love with no place to go.’ Fostering gave that love someplace beautiful to go.
I met Astrid in January when I came to HRS to pick up a new foster. Given how terrified she was when I first brought her home, I thought it would take a long time to coax her out of her shell. But by the end of the first week, she was hopping on the bed to snuggle and give kisses. When she started napping on top of my feet while I worked at my desk, I finally admitted that she had moved herself into my home and my heart.
These days, Astrid is living her best life and being spoiled with toys, fresh greens from the farmers market, and hours upon hours of head rubs. The best part of my day is coming home from work and being greeted by her excited binky dance. I look forward to many more happy memories with my sweet girl!”
When a rabbit comes to HRS from one of our local shelter transfer partners, they’re with us for as long as it takes for them to be adopted—there’s no end date. With your support, we can continue to be there when rabbits like Astrid need our help. Donate to HRS today to help rabbits like Astrid get their second chance at a better life! Every gift, no matter the size, helps us create a brighter future for rabbits in need.
Thank you for being a friend to the rabbits!
