At The Bunnyjackpot Foundation, we have a network of foster carers across the country who look after our rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats. Each month, we’ll be giving you the opportunity to get to know one of our foster carers, who will give an insight into what it’s like to volunteer for The Bunnyjackpot Foundation. This month, we meet Amanda from Bristol.
How did you first start fostering?
I got to know Heather, The Bunnyjackpot Foundation’s Founder, over a year ago, as I had a particularly tricky bond that I really wanted to happen. I finally made my trio, but, having had a fantastic final few weeks of his life with his new friends, one of them sadly passed away a short time later. It was at this point that Heather first asked me whether I would like to foster. I looked metaphorically at the sky, whistled nonchalantly, and didn’t respond.
That weekend, I tidied my ex-lodger’s room, asked Heather whether it might be a good home for a foster rabbit, and within less than a week, Minnow became my new lodger!
Tell us about your current foster animal…
I currently foster the gorgeous Grey. He’s a big, cuddly bean, and his favourite place is snuggling up on my bed when I’m reading. He’s definitely my soul rabbit. He had a rubbish start in life and hadn’t been given the care he should have had for his Pasteurella, which means he has twice-daily nebulising, and at times, is on various other medications.
He’s been with me for nine months, as it took a long time to get his health in a good enough place for him to be neutered, but he sailed through that in November, and he’ll be ready to make some friends in a few weeks – hopefully with my existing trio (he’s just too gorgeous not to try to adopt him!).
What’s your favourite thing about fostering for TBF?
The team! Oh my goodness, it’s like the best, big, crazy family you could ever want. Everyone is so supportive, funny, and kind. We all want the same thing for the animals, so that’s always going to be a strong starting point for any group. I finally met most of the other foster carers a few weeks ago at our first team away day – it was so amazing to meet everyone in real life, and I can’t wait to see them all again for our Christmas party!
How does fostering fit around your life?
Unlike a lot of the foster carers, I’m out of the house a lot, but I’m home every night! Rabbits are at their most active during mornings and evenings, so that seems to work quite well for me. My morning and evening routines normally take about 15-to-20 minutes to get everyone (including my own rabbits, Thisbe, Blanco and Opie, who are all ex-TBF!) medicated and nebulised, litter trays cleaned and the floor swept.
I also have a very tolerant lodger (I had to make it clear to her that there would be hay on the floor no matter how often I swept!). If I’m away, I’m also lucky that my lodger is incredibly helpful, and my rabbits are also blessed with an amazing fairy bun-mother, Lesley, who often helps out if I’m away.
Are there any other ways you support TBF?
I’ve taken part in a few charity events – the sleepover (never again!) and I ran a whopping 20 different five-kilometre jogs during August, as my own slightly more intense version of the Bun Run 5km fundraiser (also never again!).
What’s your favourite thing about rabbits?
They make me laugh. All the time. They are just completely bonkers. I love my cuddles with Mr Grey so much – it might sound nuts to some people, but I really have got to know him so well, and I think we really understand each other. There’s also nothing better than watching happily bonded rabbits just hanging out with each other. I feel so lucky to have these creatures in my life!
What’s it like to be a part of the TBF community?
Going to the vets becomes a big social event! I’m always bumping into other amazing foster carers, people with ex-TBF rescues, and our Bristol vet, Amelia, is brilliant. Everyone loves the Bunnyjackpot bunnies there!
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from fostering?
Plasterboard is very tasty (and not a suitable building material for rooms where rabbits live).
Want to join the foster team? Find out more about becoming a foster carer here.
