By Susan Wenner
Herald Publisher/ People Editor
Got a wild hair to snuggle a tiny hare, then now is your chance as Snuggle Bunny Therapy lets you cuddle that little furry friend.
Founder, Stephanie McDonald and her husband travel locally to various venues to showcase their adorable Holland Lops. In fact, her interest in these tiny treasure stems back to her childhood and a lifelong love of rabbits.
“Growing up, my family raised rabbits, so they were always a special part of my life,” she said. “I’ve always appreciated rabbits in general, but my passion for Holland Lops specifically developed as I learned more about the breed. They are incredibly docile, naturally friendly, and their small size makes them perfect for snuggling and interacting with people of all ages. I’ve found them to be the ideal breed for creating calm, joyful moments, which is what Snuggle Bunny Therapy is all about.”
She added that some of her fondest childhood memories involve my parents and the rabbits they raised, “even though we didn’t specifically breed Holland Lops at the time.”
McDonald elaborated by saying that her parents taught her the importance of proper rabbit care, responsibility and compassion. She learned how to feed them, clean their enclosures and give them the attention they needed, which laid the foundation for her love of rabbits today.
“Those early experiences shaped my understanding of animal care and have stayed with me throughout my life, influencing my passion for Holland Lops and Snuggle Bunny Therapy,” she said.
This native Floridian grew up in Oviedo but now resides in Sanford. She attended Oviedo High School. After high school, she moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to pursue her education and work professionally as a singer in a band featured on a popular Texas sports show called, “Sunday Night Showtime.” She also competed in the Miss Texas pageant, a preliminary to Miss America, for a few years but most notable was her title of Miss Fort Worth 1994.
It was later at the age of 25 that she moved back to Seminole County and she and her husband have a daughter and now an adorable 7-month-old granddaughter.
“My journey has been full of unique experiences, when my daughter was young, my husband and I owned a successful granite company called Tuscany Granite Marble in Sanford,” she said. “We ran the business for several years, building a strong reputation in the community. It was a great experience that taught me a lot about entrepreneurship, customer service, and the importance of hard work. Since then, I’ve shifted my focus to Snuggle Bunny Therapy, but those years in the granite business definitely played a big role in shaping my approach to running a business.”
As a member of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) as well as the Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club (HLRSC), McDonald cited that being part of these organizations allows her to stay connected with a community of passionate rabbit enthusiasts and stay informed about best practices in care and breeding. She added, “These memberships have also deepened my appreciation for the Holland Lop breed and the incredible impact rabbits can have on people’s lives.”
There are also times that McDonald has traveled across the country to participate in ARBA and HLRSC rabbit shows. Not only has she been able to showcase her Holland Lops at these events but the bunnies have also earned awards such as Best in Class or Best in Show. She feels that, Beyond the recognition, these shows provide an incredible opportunity to connect with other breeders, exchange knowledge and learn more about the breed and each trip deepens understanding and appreciation for Holland Lops while helping ensure the best care and quality for the rabbits.
In addition to her love of these furry sweeties, McDonald mentioned that her inspiration for Snuggle Bunny Therapy came from her personal experiences with the calming and stress-relieving qualities of rabbits.
“My own therapy bunny brings me so much joy and comfort and every time I take him out in public, people are immediately drawn to him, asking questions and sharing how much they’d love to interact with a bunny like that,” she said. “This made me realize the broader potential for rabbits to support mental health.”
She also added, “In today’s world, where stress and burnout are so common, I saw an opportunity to bring the therapeutic benefits of snuggling bunnies to workplaces, team-building events, and other group settings. These interactions provide a unique way to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and boost morale. Whether it’s a corporate event or a community gathering, Snuggle Bunny Therapy offers a meaningful and memorable experience that prioritizes mental well-being.”
Sessions with the Snuggle bunnies may be in-home or workplace and
clients receive a basket containing up to 5 adorable baby bunnies delivered right to your front door for “an hour of pure cuteness overload.”
According to McDonald clients “can extend the joy by inviting friends and family for a memorable experience, cuddling baby bunnies ranging from 5 to 12 weeks old in a convenient, easy to set up, pop-up playpen with a bag with their favorite blankets for snuggling and some treats for a delightful interaction.
The most rewarding part of Snuggle Bunny Therapy, McDonald cited is seeing the genuine joy and calm it brings to people.
“Watching someone’s face light up as they snuggle a bunny or hearing them say how much it helped them relax, makes all the effort worthwhile,” she said. “It’s especially touching when I see the impact on individuals struggling with stress, anxiety or loneliness, just a few minutes with a bunny can make a big difference in their day. It’s knowing that I’m creating moments of happiness and connection, whether at a workplace event, a birthday party, or a community gathering, is truly fulfilling. It reminds me why I started this journey to bring comfort and joy to others in a way that’s both unique and meaningful.”
She further added, “Over the years, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, especially from being involved with the ARBA and the HLRSC, which have been invaluable in learning about the Holland Lop breed and responsible rabbit care. But my learning doesn’t stop there. I’ve also done extensive research on the benefits of pet therapy, specifically how rabbits can help with stress relief, mental health, and overall well-being. To further expand my understanding, I’ve taken several virtual classes with the Animal Behavioral Institute. This combination of hands-on experience and formal education has helped me provide the best care for my bunnies and ensure they are making a positive impact in people’s lives through Snuggle Bunny Therapy.”
Her future plans for Snuggle Bunny Therapy are twofold. “First, I want to continue my education about the Holland Lop breed and remain dedicated to breeding to the standard of perfection. This ensures that I’m not only providing the best care for my rabbits but also contributing to the preservation and quality of the breed. Second, I aspire to become a recognized and trusted staple in the community, a name people immediately associate with joy, comfort, and meaningful connections. I want Snuggle Bunny Therapy to be a go-to resource for events, mental health initiatives and community gatherings. Whether it’s a corporate event, a special celebration, or a relaxing day at a local market, I hope to continue bringing smiles and stress relief to people of all ages.”
The endeavor is also not shy on it’s positives, as McDonald told about the best compliment she’s ever received was when someone told her, “‘This is the happiest I’ve felt in a long time.’ It was after I had attended an office Snuggle Bunny Therapy session and the woman said it was such an amazing experience she wanted to share it with her husband and she asked for a private session at her home. It is also seeing how much joy and peace the experience brought to them was incredibly heartwarming. Moments like that remind me of the powerful impact these little bunnies can have and how meaningful this work truly is.”
Her business is the one leading private in-home or workplace Snuggle Bunny sessions and it’s definitely a family affair.
“My husband, daughter and even my parents are a huge support system,” she said. “They help with everything from setting up to managing crowds at community events, where the bunnies always draw a lot of attention. It’s wonderful to have my family involved, they share in the joy of bringing these calming, stress-relieving experiences to others and their help makes all the difference when it comes to making each event a success. Additionally, I have the privilege of working with a local youth breeder who helps me as well. These experiences provide her with valuable knowledge and education about the breed, and they also offer her an opportunity to give back to the community through volunteerism. It’s truly rewarding to see her grow while contributing to our mission of spreading joy and comfort.”
The organization also offers adoptions, but it’s important to note that they only place bunnies in homes after they’ve hand-raised them and ensured they are properly socialized, healthy and ready to be loving companions. McDonald and her husband take this responsibility seriously and are somewhat selective, as they want to make sure that each bunny goes to a forever home where they will be loved and cared for.
“Additionally, we offer a unique service where people can adopt a bunny for a day or a weekend,” she said. “This gives potential bunny owners the opportunity to experience what it’s like to have a bunny in their home and make sure it fits with their lifestyle before making a long-term commitment. It’s a great way to ensure that both the bunny and the family are a perfect match.”
When not promoting or sharing Snuggle Bunnies in the community, McDonald is active in Ladies 327, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Their mission aligns beautifully with mine, as they focus on partnering with local businesses, groups and nonprofits to stimulate our local economy and address pressing community issues,” she said. “Through Snuggle Bunny Therapy, I’ve had the privilege of participating in their events and bringing joy to the community while supporting meaningful causes. It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with others and contribute to creating positive change.”
Go to www.snugglebunnytherapy.com
