Help Needed for Monty

Update: November 15, 2007

We recently received our first letter from Monty written in his new home. His new name is Louie, and here is his description of his rescue:

Dear Auntie Heather,

Hello from the big city!!! My new mother is really nice! However, I have a question. What has happened to me? All these changes so quick. The other day I was miserable in a shelter then a very nice lady named Ann scooped me up out of my fish bowl and said to me "sweetie bun, you're getting out of this place!" Before I could think, I was in a carrier and outside in the fresh air! Yay, no more barking dogs and people banging at my enclosure! But I wondered "Where am I going now?" I'll admit I was a tiny bit afraid.

I was placed in a car, and I made a long trip and there were strange sounds and sights but inside I knew it was going to be ok - you said so! Ann told me that too. I liked her! I was starting to trust, but I am curious you know.

Sometime later another nice lady started talking gently to me. She opened my carrier and offering me things to eat like a dried pineapple slice and cilantro. I wondered "Where am I ?" Where ever it is, I think it is bunny miracle street! Yay treats! I think she might love me and I like her smile and watching her busily go around doing her human things. She held me on her lap and said "Monty had a terrible life, but LOUIE is going to have a great life!", and I was given my new family name. I felt so proud. I am now part of this family! And was she ever right! I am having a great life. I have my own little pen - my very own toys and stuff. It's not super big, but for now it makes me feel secure. I get to run around outside of the pen every day. In fact, I'm using the computer because I've been sitting in the hallway by the heater vent all afternoon. Hee Hee!

I'm making friends with some cats. So far so good! There are other bunnies who live here, but we're being kept apart for now I guess maybe I can meet them later. Mommie G. is not sure where my permanent quarters will be. We have not yet decided. Let's see, perhaps in The Rabbit Room which doubles as her work room. A girl bunny (she's cute!) lives in her office. Its possible I'll be in an area in the big kitchen. Hmmmm, that means I'll be closest to the veggies in the kitchen! Boy there are so many places to roam here when I am out and about! And the food ... would you please tell my new mother what I like to eat? I'm not telling! I only had the ickiest veggies where I came from so I am leery of those things. So far I'm finding cilantro and parsley strange. I ate a few rose petals. I've eaten a bite or two of spinach too. I like my Bunny Basic T pellets and I like my hay (I get two kinds, timothy and oat). But Mommie is worried that she's not pleasing me.

You know how I'm a bit chubby around the middle? Well, already its going away because I get to RUN so much, and oh do I love to run! At the shelter I hardly EVER got out. Speaking of running, I should run now and get back to the little area by the heater vent where Mommie put my litter box and a bowl of greens (which I'm ignoring). Its all on a comfy pad and my cat friends are nearby. Well, tell mom to give me spring mix and a baby carrot or carrot tops, OK?

I'm still not sure what happened to me the other day, but I'm so glad that it did ! I am one happy bunny boy! I'm going to the vet next week. What is a vet? Mommie said to say that she was very upset the day I arrived. She has a cat and they found out that the cat has cancer and that is really bad and the cat had to have surgery to get it off. But, good news!!!! He's done so well! So Mommie calls me her lucky charm because I arrived the day the bad news came and everything has been good ever since.

It feels so good being home.

Love, Louie aka Monty

Update: November 7, 2007

Dear friends: Monty, the Dutch shelter rabbit is SAFE

Great news! Monty, was rescued today with the help of our fabulous volunteer, Ann and an adopter who has come from the land of bunny miracles. This new adopter lives in a nearby city. She just happens to be a rabbit TLC specialist, with a heart of gold and a solid plan of love for Monty, her new son.

I just spoke with Monty's new family a few minutes ago. Monty is now sitting in his new spacious home, with rose petals, food, fresh water hay and love all around him. His new mother is glowing and he is beginning to calm down already. She is giving him his space and found out that he appreciates little nose rubs -which he is loving. This is so exciting.

Thanks to everyone for such an outpouring of support for Monty- I am honored to have read your words of support and I am thrilled to know there are people from Alaska, Arizona, Canada, Tennessee & so many places, all willing to hop on a plane and come get him. Each one of you seemed to understand Monty's situation and stopped what you were doing to offer help and ideas and encouragement.

Now Monty, the abandoned shelter bunny who faced death, is free! Can you imagine his joy! Join with me to celebrate his new life!

Thanks for your love and support. Binkies!!!!
Blessing to every one of you.
Auntie Heather (director@therabbithaven.org)

Monty - On death row at local Shelter

Urgent rescue is needed for this special tramatized young, neutered Dutch bunny. He has only a few days (If that) to live unless he is rescued. The Haven has taken in so many rabbits in the past week we are overfull. We even lack the marchiaros to place the three pending rescues waiting to get into our system.... so we are posting Monty's situation to all of you and hope that you can help him. We will rescue on your behalf. We will arrange transport. Just PLEASE read his story and help if you can. We cannot just sit here and do nothing. You should know about Monty. He deserves and needs your consideration.

At this point no one at the shelter can handle him except those who understand rabbits and who will respect him and take the time to pay attention to his needs.

His story: Dumped at the shelter as a youngster, Monty has been in (adoptions) Plexiglas tanks where rabbits live at his shelter for months. The areas are right in the middle of the shelter, anyone can walk by . Lit up, on display for loud kids to bang on his space, dogs can walk by, no place to be safe, only grabbed from the top and put in a cardboard carrier when his room is clean to make it Presentable for the public. No one loves him! He can no longer take it! He refuses to. He started to attack those hands grabbing at him. He hides in fear and lunges. He is so scared. Finally he bit a volunteer (someone grabbing at him). Off to the back he went. You'd bite too if you had to live in that chaos.

He has not been shown any kindness -He was just expected to be on display, to be perfect and to become a fluffy toy for some one who wants to be amused. Well, Monty is a real, live, feeling rabbit. He is losing his mind at this shelter. Since he could no longer tolerate his mistreatment, he has been moved to the back - and is now slated for death.

We think this is wrong anyway you look at it. Monty was fine and friendly for months. The expectations and living conditions he has been in are what is unrealistic and cruel.. As a rabbit he has needs-- At this shelter, even with the random attempts of the occasional volunteer, none those needs have not been met! He has basically been on food, water, hay and display.

Please help rescue this boy. He will most likely take a few weeks to recover form the shock he has been through- There is a sweet side to the Monty we know. On the other side of Monty is a jewel of a bunny. He so needs to run and play. He needs to be safe, loved and respected. He is NOT for show. He is a beautiful Dutch boy who needs a loving patient home to recover.

He has lost his ability to tolerate grabbing, and is protective of everything in his space. he is terrified all the time. He is so freaked out.

Please call me to help us get him to safety - Do you understand this little boy's needs? He is neutered. He has had no time out - no longer trusts humans. He is doing everything in his power to survive. Please help him.

He is so frightened. He has been improperly handled, housed and cared for - He just needs love, support TLC and he will know he is safe. We believe in him. call Heather: Rabbit Haven 831 239-7119 10 Am -midnight anyway.
Email is BEST director@therabbithaven.org.
If you are a rescue organization and wish to rescue directly fine just call me. We will make arrangements for you.

Please help save Monty