Charlie

Sadly, this is one of the more distressing cases we have seen which has been brought on by cruelty and/or neglect. Charlie was found at a skateboard park by a caring person, who took him home and then brought him to rescue. Charlie must have been dumped at the park, because there was no way he could have moved there. He was barely living as a skeleton, and his four legs were splayed out so he could not sit -let alone walk. Because he had been flat on his belly for so long, he could not escape from his excrement which was stuck all over his tummy. Charlie stank, could not move, was so thin and boney it was an horiffic sight.

Charlie is covered is faeces.

We took Charlie straight to our vet, who had a good look at him and found that his back hind leg had been broken a while ago, and had not been treated by a vet. As such, it had fused together at an odd angle, and to correct it would mean re-breaking and pinning it with surgery. In his current state this was not an option, and because the injury was old it was better to leave it as it was. It's sad to think what sort of pain he would have been in when it was broken, and we can only guess as to how it happened.

Charlie arrives at the rescue and is unable to stand up and use his legs.

Our vet also explained that due to a lack of nutrition and low body weight, Charlie was unable to hold himself up. That's why his legs buckled underneath him, and he'd just lie on the floor. Our course of action involved treating Charlie for mites, fleas and worms, then giving him a high quality diet. One thing this bunny did not lack was the will to live, and he'd eat pretty much anything that was given to him. He was just so starved, he would have had to have been without food for a very long time. Whoever had owned this poor boy would have seen his struggle and ignored it for weeks. Instead of giving him something to eat and proper treatment, he was left on concrete at a skateboard park so he would die alone. Thank goodness someone found him!

Charlie trying to take his first steps after consuming some much needed nutrition.

Two weeks into care and Charlie's weight almost doubled. He can now hop around, clean himself, and amazingly greet us throughout the day. Despite everything this little boy has been through, he has one of the best temperaments we've come across. He is so grateful to us, and will hop over for a snuggle anytime. His legs are all working well, although in his old age the vet has said there may be a possibility that he will get arthritis where the break has occured.

Charlie in our garden, having a romp.

On the 29th of November 2009, Charlie (doing his best to look cute!) was adopted by a fantastic family who will continue to give him the love and care such a special bunny deserves.

Charlie's wonderful new family: Sam, June, Claire, Baxter (doggie friend) and Charlie.

If you would like to help us continue to save lives, just like Charlie's, we would really appreciate a donation. As a self-run, not-for-profit rescue, we are always facing medical costs associated with animals in care.