HOPPING REAL LIFE
Paige Hadlow, 27, from Wrexham, wants people to know rabbits are for life, not just for Easter…
Putting down afresh layer of hay in the enclosure, we were expecting a delivery of rabbits at the shop – having always loved pets, I started working there in 2016 to support me through uni.
Only, it soon became clear to me that not all the animals were treated with the respect they deserved. Bunnies seemed to be very low in the pecking order –anyone could just walk in and buy them.
Plus, when we received the delivery of seven bunnies, Iwas horrified to learn that four had died in transit.
Driving the surviving bunnies to the vet, all bar one needed to be euthanised.
‘Is there a chance this one can survive?’ I asked, looking at the one sole survivor.
‘It’s 50/50,’ the vet told me. ‘He will need intensive care.’
‘Can I take it home? Can I try?’ I begged.
At the time, Iwas living in uni accommodation and didn’t know much about rabbits –but something in my gut told me Ihad to try.
Naming the bunny Bertie, he was the smallest, skinniest thing.
Bertie was so weak he couldn’t eat or drink, so Ihad to syringe feed him.
Nursing him from my bedroom, my flatmates had gone home for Easter, so we had the flat to ourselves.
I got him a cage to sleep in, but generally he roamed around my bedroom and got stronger by the day.
Ispent afortune on different types of hay and pain relief as Bertie had sore insides. But it was worth every penny.
Three months later, I got my own place and gave Bertie the permanent home he deserved.
Still working at the pet shop, Irescued Binky in 2017, who arrived in asimilar state.
Getting her neutered and vaccinated, Bertie and Binky quickly bonded and Iknew I’d made the right decision.
So when Imoved up north after graduation, Iknew I needed to help more of these fluffy creatures.
I’d found ajob at aveterinary practice, bought my own home and had astable income –I felt like Iwas in aposition to help.
Posting on Facebook and Instagram, I offered to help any rabbits in need.
And in 2020, Clement Rabbit Rescue was born.
Iwas lucky to have the support of my mum, Carla, 53. ‘I want to help, too,’ she’d told me.
And even though she lived down south, it pushed me knowing I had her support.
Housing the rabbits in my garden, Ispent £10,000 on custom enclosures with ventilation and heating for when it gets cold.
On arrival, I take the rabbit to the local vet for acheck-up. Working at the vets, I’ve built agreat relationship with the team and ensure the rabbits get the care they need. At the start, my rescues came from word o
