Okay! December 2017, where has that year gone? Being a “Queen” fan and going to see them in concert, I will just have to say “Another One Bites The Dust”! I`m excited, does it show?
Enough of that! Back to Bunny Burrows and the past 12 months. Hot Cross Bunny Day, another happy, friendly, busy day in Richmond Town Hall, it really is a lovely venue. Plans are already in the pipeline for Palm Sunday next year, 2018. We`re hoping to see friends old and new. This year Rishi Sunak, our local MP, opened the celebrations and his family came along, we had such a fun day. To make things perfect we also made money to help keep us running.
It is more than 22 years since myself and late husband John started to care for the rabbits and guinea pigs needing homes, veterinary care, love and attention. Do “I Want To Break Free” (sorry Queen again, messing with my concentration)? No chance! The animals are my reason to get out of bed every day, there is never a problem, they are all challenges.
There have been several black times this year, taking so many older and sick animals always brings heartache and tears a plenty. We were unfortunate in one day in March to lose 5 rabbits with the dreadful new virus RHD2,a fatal disease, if not vaccinated. It was a very soul destroying and heartbreaking time. The only way forward is to shout about the problem and speak to as many rabbit owners and veterinary practices to alert them to vaccinate.
Sadness struck again on 19th November. Hetty my companion dog passed away, a very sad loss. She has been a loyal friend and loved by many. Life without a dog is unheard of for me. I had planned to take a Cavalier Spaniel as companion to Hetty weeks previously, but due to Hetty being unwell, obviously all was put on hold. We now have the said girl here living happily with all furries as though she has lived here all 6 years of her life. Her name is Fliss. For me, sheer bliss.
The fund raising is ongoing. In December, we are spending a few days in Pets at Home on Catterick Garrison involved in their mega country wide Christmas Santa Paws Appeal. On the 9th December we are at a Christmas fund raising event at the Methodist Church in Richmond. I would like to take this opportunity to thank so many people this year for the amazing items given for eBay. Most evenings are spent listing items for sale after taking numerous photographs. Thank you all so much.
We spent a day this year at Harrogate Library talking to children and parents about the care and welfare of the vulnerable creatures in our care and we followed that with the same experience at Bedale Library. We also had a visit to a pre school at Shildon and a Rainbows in Harrogate. No time to get bored or be lazy.
The success from the knee replacement in May this year has made all of these events possible. The support from the Bunny Burrows Friends has made my recovery speedy and all so worth while. Hopefully I am now able to continue the life I enjoy so much.
Sadly at the moment Bunny Burrows is a bit like the Nativity, no room at the Inn. We have so many guinea pigs ,with the possibility of some we have taken in being pregnant. It is many years since we have had so many unwanted piggies, almost 30 before any babies. Never mind we don’t have problems, just challenges!
It has been said to me so many times this year we have had a bad summer. My 12 tortoises would beg to differ. They have eaten to extreme, moved around the garden jet propelled with the sun on their shells, they certainly have given many happy hours of entertainment helping me to waste far too much time watching them.
I would like to say to so many A VERY BIG THANK YOU for all the love and support given.
A VERY JOYOUS CHRISTMAS. PEACEFUL NEW YEAR. GOOD HEALTH FOR 2018
Gwen