Hi there,
Thanks for stopping by! I am very happy to be
sharing this wonderful interview with Sarah Baran of the organization
Bunnies in Baskets. Sarah is Executive Director of Bunnies in Baskets
and here to share all about Bunnies in Baskets with us.
RS: Hi, Welcome to Rabbit Slippers...I am happy to have
you with us to share about Bunnie-in-Baskets. Could you tell us a bit
about Bunnies-in-Baskets?
BIB: We are a 501(c)3 that trains Visiting
Rabbit Teams (human and rabbit OR bonded pair) and provides community
humane education.
RS: How and when did Bunnies-in-Baskets
start?
BIB: I wanted to take my bunnies on visits and didn't want the
"rules" of the dog-oriented organizations. I started BIB because
bunnies are NOT dogs----and we can structure ourselves accordingly.
(Bunnies don't get vaccines, etc.....don't need collars.....)
RS: Was there a certain inspiration for Bunnies-in-Baskets?
BIB: I was in a
national organization with my dog and loved every minute.However when I
wanted to visit with my rabbits, it was all rules, rules, rules and
nobody seemed clear about them or had experience with a rabbit. I
wanted to create the organization and program I needed.
RS: You like to bring Adopted Rabbits in your program, correct? Do you
adopt based on certain criteria for your program?
BIB: Many BIB rabbits have
been adopted or are currently in foster care. Spaying/neutering is
recommended, but not required. What we do need are certain personality
traits----rabbits that are "human curious" and enjoy petting are great
candidates.
RS: Do you train the bunnies and/or your
volunteers?
BIB: Yes. We have a comprehensive online training class of
readings, evaluation and practicum activities. The vet certifies the
health and temperment of each rabbit and BIB registers each team.
RS:
Can you tell us a bit about that?
BIB: What is most important is learning to
read your rabbit's language. We must always put the animal's needs
first---we are asking a lot of them. The practicum activities offer
great operational insight in measured doses. We offer feedback,
support and lots of resources!
RS: Do you have volunteers that
bring in their own bunnies also?
BIB: Yes---mostly it is a person with their
own bunnies. We do have an affiliate membership available for
organizations. We are an international organization---USA and Canada.
RS: Who takes care of the bunnies?
BIB: The person who owns them.
RS: What types of places do you visit with bunnies? Do they have any
restrictions?
BIB: No---hospitals, schools, nursing homes,etc..... We offer
excellent insurance to our Visiting Rabbit Teams.
RS: What guidelines do you follow?
BIB: http://www.avma.org/issues/policy/animal_assisted_guidelines.asp
RS: Do you
support other organizations or recommend any for any purposes?
BIB: We informally support the House Rabbit Society and their state affiliates.
RS: Can we meet some of your bunnies?
BIB:We have too
many to count! However, please visit our
website and thereare tons of
pictures!
RS: You have a store that helps support your
program-please tell us more info how we can support your program?
BIB: Please come and visit at
http://www.bunniesinbaskets.org/store.html ----have some fun, and buy something useful and
good for people, bunnies and the world!
I would really like to thank Sarah Baran for taking the time to share with us about Bunnies in Baskets! You have me thinking of even starting an affiliate chapter here! Having done bunny visits, I know how special it is to the recipients and the volunteers! There is something magic that takes place.
Sarah A. Baran, MS
Executive Director, Bunnies in Baskets
Celebrate 2011---the Year of the Rabbit!
Please be our
Facebook Friend!
You can find related posts (on bunny visits in nursing homes) at
http://rabbitslippers.blogspot.com/2009/11/todays-bunny-visit-to-nursing-home-some.html ,
http://rabbitslippers.blogspot.com/2009/11/our-bunny-visit-to-nursing-home-is.html ,
http://rabbitslippers.blogspot.com/2009/11/going-to-do-rabbit-visits-in-nursing.html from my own experiences. Bunnies in Baskets might be a new step or direction ahead to take!
Visit the Rabbit Hop Shoppe for great rabbit-themed holiday gifts and cards.
They can be customized, usually ship in 24 hours and are great quality.Click on the Santa Bunny picture below!
Please "like" Rabbit Slippers Blog on Face Book to keep up with the latest postings and events.
You can also sign up by e-mail notices at the top right of the page. (Your privacy is important to Rabbit Slippers).
You can also follow through Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs, both located in the right side bar.
Thank You!
Please visit the Rabbit Hop Shop at the following link (Rabbit Hop Shoppe link) for rabbit themed items and gifts! Please also "like" the Rabbit Hop Shoppe Facebook page. Thanks!
\
