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March 2025 Volunteer Spotlight: Pam W.

Pam is the best momma around – to all of her foster babies to her furry kids to her human children – Pam is a compassionate caretaker. Any bunny is lucky to end up at Weir’s Warren!

At HRN, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do, and this month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Pam Weir, our incredible Foster Home Coordinator! Pam has been a dedicated member of HRN since 2017, wearing many hats over the years—from fostering and facilitating adoptions to leading our foster home team. She even works on our intake team – taking in the bunnies who need us the most. Her passion, experience, and commitment ensure that every bunny in our foster network receives the best care possible on their journey to a forever home.

From First Foster to Foster Coordinator

Pam’s journey with HRN began when she saw a Facebook post about a rescue in urgent need of foster homes. Without hesitation, she jumped in, receiving her first fosters—two scared sisters, Stella and Luna—from fellow volunteer Betsy in a school parking lot. Those two little buns, who had likely never known human kindness before, sparked Pam’s dedication to fostering and helping rabbits in need. Over the years, she has become a key figure in HRN’s foster program, ensuring that new foster homes are well-supported and that each bunny is placed in the best possible environment for their needs.

Baldwin & Pandora

A Day in the Life of a Foster Home Coordinator

Pam’s role is a busy one! Every day, she works to match bunnies with foster homes, coordinate pickups and drop-offs with shelters, answer foster home questions, and assist with medical concerns. She also helps prioritize urgent intakes, schedules surgeries, and ensures that all foster homes have the supplies and resources they need. Some days, that means fielding middle-of-the-night calls about a sick foster bunny—because for Pam, ensuring their well-being is always the top priority. Did you know that the majority of our rabbits in care are in foster homes? Think about it – we have 150ish bunnies in care at any given time. We can only fit about 35 at our shelter location. That’s a LOT of bunnies to coordinate across the vast state of MA! We can only support these bunnies with a leader like Pam.

Maverick! Weir’s Warren’s newest addition

Making a Difference, One Bunny at a Time

Pam’s proudest moments come from seeing bunnies go from scared and uncertain to happy, social, and adopted into loving homes. Early in her time with HRN, she became the go-to person for rabbits needing extra socialization, and today, she specializes in fostering litters of baby bunnies. One of her standout experiences was coordinating HRN’s intake of eight rabbits from a Pennsylvania rescue. When asked which bunnies HRN wanted to take, Pam’s response was simple but powerful: We will take whatever bunny needs us. That unwavering dedication embodies everything she does for HRN. She’s our first call for litters of babies too. Her warren is the best place for a litter to be raised in – and if she has the space, she takes the call for help. She has raised quite a few litters for us – and each and every one is fondly cherished by Pam.

Pam’s current foster mom (Jasmine) with her little look-a-like!

Weir’s Warren

Pam’s love for rabbits started early—she had always wanted a bunny but had to wait until she had a stable home of her own. In 1997, she finally adopted her first rabbit, Nutmeg, a gray and white Dutch who lived to be 10 years old. Since then, her home has been filled with bunnies, each one special in their own way. Her “soul bun,” Lucy, holds a particularly dear place in her heart. You can read about Lucy on our Memorial Monday post here. Today, she shares her home with Pandora (8), Baldwin (4), Spooky (15), and Rolo (8), along with foster bunnies Goose, Otter, and Jasmine and her six kits. Add in two cats, Simba and Zelda, and it’s safe to say that Pam’s house is full of love (and fur)!

Zelda
Simba
Foster bun, Goose

The Joy of Fostering

Pam encourages anyone who’s ever considered fostering to give it a try. “Fostering can be a wonderful way to help a bunny in need,” she says. She’s lost track of how many rabbits have passed through her home over the years, but each one is loved like her own. The best part? Seeing updates from adopters once her fosters have settled into their forever homes. While she has “foster failed” a few times, she believes in keeping space open for the next bunny in need. “If I foster failed them all, then I couldn’t help the next bunny. The next bunny needs you!

Rolo & Spooky

Life Beyond Bunnies

When she’s not busy coordinating HRN’s foster program, Pam enjoys teaching fitness classes, hiking, and spending time outdoors. Her energy and dedication extend far beyond rabbit rescue—whether she’s helping people or bunnies, she’s always making a difference!

💖 Thank you, Pam, for your tireless work, compassionate heart, and for giving so many bunnies the chance at a better life! If you’re interested in fostering or learning more about how you can help, apply here—we’d love to have you!

January 2025 Volunteer Spotlight: Rosie M.

A Bunderful Volunteer

At House Rabbit Network (HRN), our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to reboot our Volunteer Spotlights! January is dedicated to a very special human, Rosie Malsberger, our extremely dedicated Hotline Coordinator and a passionate advocate for rabbits in need. Rosie’s journey with HRN began with love at first sight—and has grown into an incredible commitment to helping bunnies and their adopters. 

Rosie’s love story with HRN began when she found her first bunny, Carlos (formerly HRN Pyrite), on Petfinder. “It was instant love,” Rosie recalls. “I couldn’t sleep during his first night with me because I was too excited and couldn’t believe this incredible bunny was really mine. I kept going over to his pen to remind myself I wasn’t dreaming.”

Dreamy boy, Carlos!

Rosie was deeply impressed by HRN’s adoption process. Her interview lasted over an hour because of her many questions, which the hotline member happily answered. “I felt so supported and prepared,” Rosie says. “It was such a positive experience that I knew I wanted to give back someday.”

A year later, when Rosie adopted her second bunny, Gigi, she again turned to HRN. Nervous about bonding, Rosie leaned heavily on the hotline team. Their patience and knowledge eased her worries and inspired her to join their ranks. “I admired how much the hotline team knew,” she says. “They were an invaluable resource for me as a new bunny mom, and I was honored when they let me join the team.”

 

Rosie, with fellow volunteer Nikki, volunteering at one of our 2024 RHDV-2 vaccine clinics!

 

A Day in the Life of the Hotline Coordinator

As hotline coordinator, Rosie plays a vital role in HRN’s operations. She trains new volunteers, answers applicant and voicemail inquiries, and acts as a liaison between the hotline team and other HRN leaders. Whether reviewing applications, conducting interviews, or managing urgent situations, Rosie’s days are filled with problem-solving, education, and compassion.

“No two interviews are alike because no two applicants are the same,” Rosie explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help people learn about bunny care and then see photos of them with their new bunny. It’s seriously magical.”

Rosie’s dedication extends beyond routine responsibilities. One standout moment was when her beloved Carlos donated blood to save another bunny’s life. “We got a call from Angell Waltham about a bunny who needed a transfusion ASAP. Carlos fit the criteria, and we were at the clinic within hours. His blood saved Moxxi’s life. It still makes me teary.”

Another memorable experience involved an urgent voicemail from someone who needed to find emergency care for their bunny. “Within 30 minutes, the HRN community had rallied, and we found someone to take the bunny. It’s moments like these that make me so proud of this amazing network.”

Rosie’s top advice for new adopters is simple: “Ask questions. We’re here to help! HRN volunteers work tirelessly to find good homes for bunnies, and education is a huge part of that. Never feel bad for not knowing everything—we all started somewhere, and we’re excited to support you.”

 

Gigi & Carlos

 

What’s hoppening at home?

Rosie’s passion for rabbits extends to her own “rex-obsessed” household, which includes Carlos, Gigi, Lulu, Dots, and Kermit. Each bunny brings unique personality and charm to her home:

  • Carlos (HRN Pyrite): A 4-year-old velveteen lop who loves everybun he meets. “He’s the glue that holds this house together!”
  • Gigi (HRN Gillooly): A 3-year-old harlequin and the “brains of the operation.” Try catching her for a nail trim…. she’s quick!
  • Lulu (MSPCA): A 2-year-old mini rex who adores her sister Gigi and always seeks her approval.
  • Dots (MSPCA): A 7-year-old velveteen lop who’s affectionate but struggles with boundaries. “He’d like to be glued to Carlos so they’re never apart.”
  • Kermit (HRN Kermit): A 2-year-old English spot and the silliest, craziest bun. He’s the welcoming committee and loves meeting new friends! He’s beloved by Gigi and Lulu.

 

Hi Kermie!

 

Why Volunteer?

Before discovering HRN, Rosie was a serious runner who completed 19 marathons (!!!!!!!) After knee issues ended her running career, she found fulfillment in helping rabbits. “Bunnies and HRN mean so much more to me than running ever did,” she shares.

Rosie believes volunteering is essential because it builds a strong community of support for bunnies and their humans. Her advice to potential volunteers is heartfelt: “You don’t have to know everything right away. If you’re passionate about helping bunnies, HRN will teach you the rest.”

Thank you, Rosie, for your tireless dedication and compassion. You’re making a difference, one bunny at a time!

February 2025 Volunteer Spotlight: Dawn O.

The Best Bunny Mom

Dawn & Obi

At House Rabbit Network, we are incredibly lucky to have dedicated volunteers who make a real difference in the lives of rabbits and their humans. This February, we’re excited to spotlight Dawn Orsi, our incredible Bonding Coordinator and Bunsitting Coordinator! Dawn’s expertise, compassion, and dedication ensure that bunnies find loving companions and safe temporary homes while their families are away. We all know how stressful it can be to leave our bunnies when we go away, but working with Dawn eases our worries! We know our bunnies are loved, safe, and completely cared for under the supervision of HRN bunsitting volunteers – all of which are trained and overseen by Dawn.  

From Bunny Lover to HRN Volunteer

Dawn’s journey with HRN began after moving to New Hampshire in 2018. Following the loss of her beloved bunny, Jack, she found comfort in adopting a pair of boys—Gronk & Brock – and was persuaded by our founder, Suzanne, to also take Peach—from HRN of course! She bonded them together where they lived happily ever after. While she was at the shelter, she found out that there was going to be an HRN Flatbread fundraiser and she decided to go. There she met a wonderful group of bunny people and followed all our socials! She found on there a gorgeous Flemish boy and rearranged her birthday plans to drive 90 minutes to adopt Roy (HRN’s Crius). His foster mom, Palestina, mentioned the Friends of HRN page and she saw the plea for help for hotline and bunsitting volunteers in November 2021. I signed up for both and served on the hotline for 2 years while bunsitting.

Dawn quickly jumped in, spending two years on the hotline while also helping with bunsitting. Her passion for rabbit care and her keen eye for bunny behavior naturally led her to develop HRN’s bonding program, which launched in August 2023. Today, she oversees both the bonding and bunsitting services, helping countless rabbits and their families.

First HRN bunnies Gronk, Brock, and Peach (HRN Baxter, Beacon, and Fox)

Helping Bunnies Feel Safe & Loved

As Bunsitting Coordinator, Dawn connects bunny parents with experienced sitters who provide a safe, loving environment while they’re away. Finding the right sitter can be a challenge—especially for long-term stays—but Dawn’s problem-solving skills and the dedication of HRN’s volunteer network ensure that every bunny has a cozy place to stay.

“As a sitter, you can give a bunny parent peace of mind and a bonder the greatest gift of giving their bunny a new friend.” – Dawn

Her role as Bonding Coordinator allows her to educate adopters, analyze bunny personalities, and develop tailored bonding plans to help rabbits form strong, lifelong bonds. She finds great joy in seeing a once-nervous pair become best friends. Bunnies thrive with companionship – especially from members of their own species. 

Her biggest advice for successful bonding? Follow the 3 C’s:

🐰 Be Calm – Stay relaxed; human anxiety can cause bonding attempts to fail.

🐰 Be Consistent – Regular sessions are key—pausing too often can slow progress.

🐰 Be Creative – Not all bonds follow the same formula. Thinking outside the box can make all the difference!

One of her favorite bonding success stories? Grace and Gus. After two unsuccessful bonding attempts, a change in scenery and a little patience led to a perfect match!

Dawn’s first bonded pair, Bella & Jack.

A Day in Dawn’s HRN life

“A typical day coordinating bunsitting depends on the time of the year! Summer and holidays are super busy and I am either sending out a message to the group to see who can cover a request, sending an introduction email to the clients and bunsitters so they are connected, sending donation invoices and keeping track of payments, and/or sitting for bunnies myself. One challenge is to connect the client with a sitter that suits their needs (space and location mostly), but the biggest challenge comes with long term requests. We occasionally get a request for months at a time. A few times I was able to place bunnies with one sitter for the duration, but a lot of the time these requests require some creative coordination (getting the bunny or bunnies to multiple sitters to fill the request). Luckily, I have a great group of dedicated volunteers to work with and they always seem to step up, especially when someone is in dire need of a place for their bunny or bunnies. ”

Meet Dawn’s Bunny Family

Dawn’s love for rabbits started with Mickey, the bunny who bonded to her instantly and even traveled on her honeymoon! She shares, ” I was on a trip to a local farm when I saw a bin full of baby bunnies and mentioned how adorable they were to a worker. He scooped Mickey up and put him in his sweatshirt (I know that makes all of us cringe, but Mickey had a safe and loving home). That boy immediately bonded to me and we were inseparable (we brought him on our honeymoon and all of our trips)”

Dawn and her little friend, Mickey.

Over the years, she’s shared her life with many special buns, including:

❤️ Jack & Bella – Her first bonded pair

❤️ Gronk, Brock, & Peach – Her HRN-adopted trio

❤️ Roy (HRN’s Crius) – Her beloved Flemish Giant

❤️ Obi – A part-Flemish single bun who’s bonded to her

❤️ Rigby (HRN’s Sully) – A recent HRN adoption and new friend to Gronk

Dawn’s dedication to her own rabbits fuels her passion for helping others find the same joy in bunny companionship. 

Gronk and his new buddy Rigby (HRN Sully)

Dawn’s life outside of HRN

When she’s not helping bunnies, Dawn loves to draw, bake, and make music. She has played several instruments, including violin, saxophone, keyboard, and drums, and recently started playing saxophone again! She also helps her drummer son create music and videos for his YouTube channel.

Fun fact? She has a Master’s in Psychology and a minor in music! 

Dawn & Roy (HRN Crius)

Thank you SO much, Dawn!

Dawn’s hard work and dedication have transformed HRN’s bunsitting and bonding programs, making a lasting impact on countless bunnies and their families. We are beyond grateful to have her as part of the HRN team!

🐰 Interested in volunteering? Consider joining our bunsitting or bonding teams—your time and effort can change a bunny’s life! Connect with Dawn at dawno@rabbitnetwork.org

January 2025 Volunteer Spotlight: Rosie M.

A Bunderful Volunteer

At House Rabbit Network (HRN), our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. This month, we’re excited to reboot our Volunteer Spotlights! January is dedicated to a very special human, Rosie Malsberger, our extremely dedicated Hotline Coordinator and a passionate advocate for rabbits in need. Rosie’s journey with HRN began with love at first sight—and has grown into an incredible commitment to helping bunnies and their adopters. 

Rosie’s love story with HRN began when she found her first bunny, Carlos (formerly HRN Pyrite), on Petfinder. “It was instant love,” Rosie recalls. “I couldn’t sleep during his first night with me because I was too excited and couldn’t believe this incredible bunny was really mine. I kept going over to his pen to remind myself I wasn’t dreaming.”

Dreamy boy, Carlos!

Rosie was deeply impressed by HRN’s adoption process. Her interview lasted over an hour because of her many questions, which the hotline member happily answered. “I felt so supported and prepared,” Rosie says. “It was such a positive experience that I knew I wanted to give back someday.”

A year later, when Rosie adopted her second bunny, Gigi, she again turned to HRN. Nervous about bonding, Rosie leaned heavily on the hotline team. Their patience and knowledge eased her worries and inspired her to join their ranks. “I admired how much the hotline team knew,” she says. “They were an invaluable resource for me as a new bunny mom, and I was honored when they let me join the team.”

 

Rosie, with fellow volunteer Nikki, volunteering at one of our 2024 RHDV-2 vaccine clinics!

 

A Day in the Life of the Hotline Coordinator

As hotline coordinator, Rosie plays a vital role in HRN’s operations. She trains new volunteers, answers applicant and voicemail inquiries, and acts as a liaison between the hotline team and other HRN leaders. Whether reviewing applications, conducting interviews, or managing urgent situations, Rosie’s days are filled with problem-solving, education, and compassion.

“No two interviews are alike because no two applicants are the same,” Rosie explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to help people learn about bunny care and then see photos of them with their new bunny. It’s seriously magical.”

Rosie’s dedication extends beyond routine responsibilities. One standout moment was when her beloved Carlos donated blood to save another bunny’s life. “We got a call from Angell Waltham about a bunny who needed a transfusion ASAP. Carlos fit the criteria, and we were at the clinic within hours. His blood saved Moxxi’s life. It still makes me teary.”

Another memorable experience involved an urgent voicemail from someone who needed to find emergency care for their bunny. “Within 30 minutes, the HRN community had rallied, and we found someone to take the bunny. It’s moments like these that make me so proud of this amazing network.”

Rosie’s top advice for new adopters is simple: “Ask questions. We’re here to help! HRN volunteers work tirelessly to find good homes for bunnies, and education is a huge part of that. Never feel bad for not knowing everything—we all started somewhere, and we’re excited to support you.”

 

Gigi & Carlos

 

What’s hoppening at home?

Rosie’s passion for rabbits extends to her own “rex-obsessed” household, which includes Carlos, Gigi, Lulu, Dots, and Kermit. Each bunny brings unique personality and charm to her home:

  • Carlos (HRN Pyrite): A 4-year-old velveteen lop who loves everybun he meets. “He’s the glue that holds this house together!”
  • Gigi (HRN Gillooly): A 3-year-old harlequin and the “brains of the operation.” Try catching her for a nail trim…. she’s quick!
  • Lulu (MSPCA): A 2-year-old mini rex who adores her sister Gigi and always seeks her approval.
  • Dots (MSPCA): A 7-year-old velveteen lop who’s affectionate but struggles with boundaries. “He’d like to be glued to Carlos so they’re never apart.”
  • Kermit (HRN Kermit): A 2-year-old English spot and the silliest, craziest bun. He’s the welcoming committee and loves meeting new friends! He’s beloved by Gigi and Lulu.

 

Hi Kermie!

 

Why Volunteer?

Before discovering HRN, Rosie was a serious runner who completed 19 marathons (!!!!!!!) After knee issues ended her running career, she found fulfillment in helping rabbits. “Bunnies and HRN mean so much more to me than running ever did,” she shares.

Rosie believes volunteering is essential because it builds a strong community of support for bunnies and their humans. Her advice to potential volunteers is heartfelt: “You don’t have to know everything right away. If you’re passionate about helping bunnies, HRN will teach you the rest.”

Thank you, Rosie, for your tireless dedication and compassion. You’re making a difference, one bunny at a time!