Some rabbits come into our lives, then quickly go. Others stay for a while and leave footprints in our hearts, and we are never the same again.

Dodger was one of those rabbits who will be in my thoughts and in my heart forever. I had the privilege to discover Dodger in Minoru Park in September 2011. He was alone and he was hurt. From that moment on he became a guiding light who led me to write about, to rescue, and to help abandoned rabbits. My first letter to the newspaper was written about  Dodger and I was inspired by his spirit and playful personality to write him as the main character in my book. But Dodger lived a life too short. He passed away in August 2015. Sadly he died still young and before he had the chance to live as a house rabbit in a loving home. Knowing Dodger left a footprint in my heart and the memory of him will be with me always. In fact the day of his death was also the day of my birthday and in an unexpected way that will be my yearly reminder to always follow Dodger’s guiding light he lit for me and never give up efforts to help the abandoned rabbits of Minoru Park.

R.I.P. Dodger. Your voice was heard and you will never be forgotten.

Sept. 23, 2011, Dodger’s story in the Richmond News, “A rabbit tale minus the fluff”
http://www.richmond-news.com/opinion/letters/a-rabbit-tale-minus-the-fluff-1.505547

The real-life Dodger and the portrait of Dodger which was painted for the book cover.