She was my first rescue from the shelter–a Netherland dwarf rabbit I named Diamond. I had taken others before but only when the local HRS foster home was full and I knew that I would be keeping them only temporarily until there was room. If I were to rescue this one, I would have to find her a good home on my own.
One of my volunteer duties at the shelter is to take animals to the television studio where the talk show “People Are Talking” is taped. Each week we present an animal who is up for adoption, in the hopes of finding that perfect home. This week we decided to take a rabbit to the program.
Diamond had been there the longest–three weeks. She was a sweet bunny, but quiet and shy. After our big tv debut, a woman from the audience came running after us as we were walking back to the car. She inquired about Diamond. I explained that we were from the shelter and were trying to find a home for Diamond. In the event that she did not get adopted, I would rescue her and find a home for her myself. Rebecca had a neutered house rabbit named Buster and wanted to get a companion for him. I took her phone number.
Two days passed, and Diamond had not been adopted. A call came from the shelter that her time was up. They needed the space. I picked her up at the shelter’s spay/neuter clinic the day after her surgery. After giving Diamond a few days to adapt to her foster home, I called Rebecca. She still wanted Diamond but explained that she would be moving shortly. We decided that it would be better to wait until after she and Buster were settled, than to put Diamond through the stress of moving twice. I agreed to keep Diamond.
Each day Diamond grew sweeter. I enjoyed greeting her each morning. I couldn’t help becoming very attached to her, even though I knew that one day I would have to give her up. The most wonderful part of rescuing is knowing that you have saved a life; the hardest part is when you have to say good-bye.
I miss her sweet face, her presence; her cage looks so empty. I feel a void, but in my heart I know she’s happy with her new home. Most important of all she has a soul mate, a companion for life, Buster, and they’re both living very happily together.
Diamond was my first rescue, but not my last. I now have seven rabbits, all waiting for me to find that special human who will give them what I cannot–permanence.
Donna Jensen
House Rabbit Journal Volume III, Number 1, Winter 1994
