By Susan R. Wenner
Herald Publisher/ Editor
Deltona is the home of Elizabeth Simonian, Holly Hops Rabbit Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc., a rescue that has cared for bunnies for numerous years.
Simonian, a mother of 4, received her master’s degree in Criminal Justice but her heart was for these tiny bunnies.
“Small animals have always interested me since I was young,” she said. “I used to hide a hamster in my sock drawer so my mother couldn’t find it. I had a lifetime of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish and now rabbits seem to be in the plan that was laid out for me by God. I have learned that animals are simple where people are not, and they are very forgiving of your faults.”
Her true love of rabbits began in 2017 when Simonian was renting an apartment but not wanting to pay an extra fee for a dog or cat. It was at that time she decided on a rabbit as a pet. After that adoption, she found a friend for her new adoptee and that began the adventure of the love of rabbits.
Simonian shared that she has volunteered for another rescue and fostered my first rabbit, Luna, then her mate Bowser. She later continued to foster other rabbits for the rescue, although that was 5 years ago.
“I have learned so much since then,” she said. “My rescue was honored with a First Steps Grant the first month we were in operation and a Second Steps Grant the year after. The rescue is well respected by our vets, and we are recommended for bunny-sitting for their clients.”
The rescue has become a labor of love, as Simonian works full-time from home and also runs the rescue.
“If there were more hours in the day, I might be able to give time to other entities, but at this point, my hands are full,” she said. “The rescue is based here in Deltona, but I do travel for clients who need help with nail trims or who need help when they worry that their rabbit is not feeling well. Although I am not a veterinarian, I am experienced in a variety of rabbit concerns an owner may have. I also bond rabbits and do site visits when one of the rabbits in the rescue goes to a new foster home.”
Sharing some facts about her furry friends, Simonian added that, domestic rabbits are the third most abandoned pet in the United States.
“They usually end up turned loose outside, in shelters or on questionable websites where they can be bought for snake food or dog fighting bait,” she said. “The rescue I started has a mission to rescue these rabbits when we can, obtain medical care including spay or neuter, vaccinate against RHdV2 and place them with loving fosters and adopters. When I see a rabbit placed in a forever home, with a loving family who will care for the pet as a family member, it makes all the work the rescue does worth every penny.”
Unfortunately, Simonian has found that like other businesses, a rescue must not overextend its means. She has found that there are very few grants are available for rabbit rescues and most concentrate on dogs or cats, even horses.
“Because of this limitation on funds, the rescue relies on donations from the public or funds of the rescue owners for medical care, food and supplies,” she said. “There is no control in Florida counties regarding backyard breeding, which is a large part of the problem. Rabbits are kept in horrible conditions and bred repeatedly until they are of no use and then are released into the community to fend for themselves. This usually ends in tragedy and is senseless cruelty. Babies are born and sold cheaply to people who begin the cycle of outside living and reproduction again. Unfortunately, law enforcement can do nothing to help.”
She further elaborated that pet stores sell sick or pregnant rabbits to people who know nothing about their care and will not take the animal back if the new owner cannot handle it.
“Most pet stores will not accept a return, which means the rabbit ends up outside or the rescue gets a call,” she said. “This cycle repeats daily with no end in sight. Many rescues have reached out to local or state government with no result. Domestic rabbits are not a priority.”
Even with the many pitfalls and inconsistencies in society in regard to rabbits, Simonian is very committed to continuing to rescue, care for and find homes for the rabbits that she can save. She also has plans for the next generation to take the rescue further as long as they are able because, to her, giving up is not an option.
Simonian credits her wonderful friends who are involved with the rescue as a source of strength to continue down this path. “Caroline, who is my confidant regarding rescue business and Mary, who does most of my transport to vet appointments and more are 100% dependable and love rabbits as much as I do,” she said. “Recently, I was contacted by a man with a heart as big as Texas who put together a song and video for the rescue that is so beautiful it will make you cry. Bruce Russack, you are a hero, and I appreciate you for all you give to this rescue. My granddaughter, Lydia, is also a pro at feeding time and handles rabbits as well as any adult. I have great fosters who care for the rabbits and adopters who spoil the rabbit they take home with love and excellent care. My bunny-sitting clients are wonderful, caring people and I enjoy having their little ones here.”
Committed fosters are always needed since the life of a domestic rabbit, when taken care of properly, is 10-12 years.
“These rescue rabbits started out in a bad place before they were rescued,” said Simonian. “Our goal is to give them the best rest of their life they can possibly have before they go to the rainbow bridge."
For more information about Holly Hops Rabbit Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. go to Hollyhops.org – Donate button is on front page, foster application is on the Contact Page, https://www.facebook.com/HollyHopsRRR or email [email protected]
