Jasmine

In early November, 2008, we received a message on our answering machine from a family wishing to surrender their bunny, Jasmine. I called back and talked to a member of the household, explaining how full we were with animals already needing homes, and recommended some advertising sites they could use and other means of finding their rabbit a home.

Later that day, another member of the household called me. While speaking to her, it was discovered they were in a bit of difficulty as their bunny would really not survive for much longer with them. She had lived in a free-range environment in their backyard with other rabbits quite happily for many years, living in a tunnel and eating plants. Then a new dog arrived, which wouldn’t stop chasing them. He had taken a hold of Jasmine, and now, due to her injuries, she was not fast enough to hide in her tunnel when the dog was in the backyard. He had ripped her throat, and pulled out her hair. She’d seen a vet, but could not live in a carry cage for much longer and the dog would not stop attacking her in the garden, which made her really stressed. That day Jasmine arrived at Porsche’s Rescue ...

Jasmine upon arrival could barely lift her head, had bald patches where fur had been ripped out, a large wound on her throat, matted hair and very long nails.

Jasmine was as bad as, if not worse, than her description. She’d never been groomed and had mats in her fur which had to be cut out. She couldn’t lift her head completely, and the wound on her neck from the dog was evident. She did not hop at all and food had to be brought to her and placed under her mouth. She was so dirty she needed a bath (something I don’t recommend people do to rabbits unless absolutely necessary). After she was dried and had her very long nails trimmed, she was in a warm bed recovering from the ordeal.

Jasmine was trimmed, bathed, groomed and had her nails cut as well as being treated for internal and external parasites.

With time, Jasmine recovered her strength and could move about . The day she started digging in the sunshine made us all smile, she was definitely recovering. Jasmine had a beautiful temperament once she recovered from the exhausted state of immobility. She would always come to say hello and eat her vegies.

Jasmine shown recovering in her outdoor play pen.

A fantastic volunteer and foster carer saw Jasmine and fell in love. I think anyone who works with animals and loves them enough to help with rescue has a certain soft spot for the odd, different and special needs animals. Jasmine went home to live with this special carer. She no longer has a hanging head and is totally spoilt. Since her adoption she has had a few rapid declines due to her delicate health, but her owner has pulled her through each one. Jasmine is an older rabbit, but we’re sure she is very happy and content to live out her days in luxury.

Jasmine now lives a spoilt life with Dita, getting playtime in the garden where she can dig with her furry companions.

If you would like to help us continue to save lives, just like with Jasmine, 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.