Working to better the lives of animals is so often about supporting people. This is something many of us understand, but the members of our Animal Rescue Team frequently experience this truth first-hand.
“So often when somebody hears what type of work I do I hear something like, ‘I wish I could do that job because I love animals, but I don’t like people,’” said Jessica Johnson, senior director of our Animal Rescue Team. “Of course, those of us in animal welfare know that this couldn’t be further from the truth.” That’s because what’s good for animals is so often inextricable from what’s beneficial for people.
Earlier this week, our responders entered the home of a man in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Not only was this man struggling with health problems, but he also had just admitted that he needed help for his rabbits—there were over a hundred of them.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS
Thirty years ago, Mike had taken in his first rabbit at a time in his life when he was struggling with alcoholism. He said that it was that sense of responsibility for an animal that had helped to keep him sober: “They mean the world to me.” Ever since then, he has shared his life and home with rabbits.
But things have become difficult. Mike has grown older and is struggling with his health. These changes have made it impossible for him to give them the care he knows they deserve. Unable to bring the rabbits to get spayed or neutered, the population of rabbits in his home grew out of control. As hard as it was, he recognized he needed support, so he contacted the McKamey Animal Center, which then requested our assistance. He credits rabbits for saving his life—in return, by asking for help, he may very well have saved theirs.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS
When Mike welcomed our team into his home this week, they discovered extremely unsanitary conditions. The rabbits were suffering from flea infestations, hair loss and injuries typical of overcrowding. Multiple nursing litters and rabbits of various ages were found burrowing in furniture throughout the residence. Veterinarians noted several rabbits may be pregnant.
Despite his embarrassment about the damaged state of his home, Mike was immensely grateful for help. As emotional as it was to say goodbye to his rabbits, he expressed excitement that the animals would have a chance to be rehomed with families who could love them as he has, while also properly providing for them.
There are times in all our lives when we find ourselves in need of help—sometimes this happens suddenly, as when disasters strike, and in those cases our rescue team stands ready to assist animals and their families in the aftermath. Other times, need arises slowly and in complex ways. Recognizing our interdependence on one another is essential for creating the humane world we envision.
This is why our approach is multifaceted, as well, preventing crises where we can before they happen. Through our access to care initiatives, we provide pet supplies and veterinary services at no cost to underserved communities around the country—because the wellbeing of animals is essentially tied to the wellbeing of people.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS
As our rescue team gently carried the rabbits out of the home and transported them to a temporary emergency shelter, where veterinarians are conducting in-depth exams, there was a sense of hope and new beginnings. When they are healthy enough, we will begin to arrange placement with shelter and rescue partners so that the rabbits can find adoptive homes. Mike said that he’s focused on “what’s best for these guys,” and new loving homes for them is all he wants. “These guys leaving—it’s the best for everybody.”
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Follow Kitty Block @HSUSKittyBlock.
