Had a fun time this summer running a Bunny Boot Camp to teach about rabbits and their care, as part of the Animal Day Camp put on by the local animal shelter. A good time was had by all and of course, the campers each received a copy of The Rabbit Rescuers book!

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.

Thanks to the BC SPCA for their review and recommendation of The Rabbit Rescuers!

“The story is both gripping and heartwarming, strengthened by the fact that the setting is a real-life park and the rabbit characters are loosely based on real-life rabbits and their harrowing experiences. By giving abandoned rabbits a voice, the author brings into focus the plight of pet rabbits everywhere who have been left outdoors to fend for themselves.

Just as importantly, The Rabbit Rescuers shows young readers the power they have to make a difference. They will undoubtedly be able to relate to the kids in the book: their frustration in the face of animal suffering, their desire to help and their joy at seeing their hard work pay off. Young readers are sure to follow along with pleasure as Kate and Zack open themselves up to new friendships and experiences.”

Click to access Bark-resources-youth-reading-to-pets.pdf

Really nice article about the book in the Richmond Review newspaper!

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the talented artist and illustrator Nancy Lane, who provided the artwork for The Rabbit Rescuers.

Follow the link to read what Nancy Lane has to say about the book and check out more of her artwork and projects.

http://nancylanestudio.com/2015/05/03/recently-published-book-the-rabbit-rescuers/

I am pleased and excited to report that The Rabbit Rescuers has been chosen as a Finalist in the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.