Cats and dogs are awesome. But when I was 8 and wanted a pet, I figured a rabbit might be a more perfect fit. Together, my mom and I found an older bunny that needed a home. After one year, this sweet rabbit passed away. I was devastated by the loss of my furry friend.
Over time, I felt ready to love a pet again. I began looking through local ads for rabbits who needed new homes. There were over 360!
“I’m going to find a way to rescue all these rabbits,” I told my parents.
“If you can figure it out, Dad and I will support you,” Mom said. Soon I adopted three new bunnies. Because of how calm they were, I called them “Peacebunnies.”
A few weeks later a family invited me to bring my bunnies to a girl’s birthday party. Afterward, her dad counted out $120 he wanted to donate to help rabbits. This one party covered the cost of care for one bunny for a whole year! As more invitations came in, we took in more rabbits.
Furry Service
Later that year, my parents decided to serve with some friends in a community that had suffered a terrible loss. I had the choice to go with them or stay with my grandparents.
“I want to go,” I insisted. I knew that if I went on the trip that God would show me an opportunity to be helpful.
I asked God to open my eyes so I could see people the way He does. I prayed He would open my heart to a way that a young kid like me could help.
While serving, I saw how trained comfort dogs helped people who were feeling sad. That gave me an idea! My bunnies could help comfort people during times of loneliness, trauma and sadness too.
Bunny Sanctuary
Soon the Peacebunnies were bringing joy to people on their best days, like parties and weddings. But they were also helping people heal on sad days, like at funerals.
As we rescued more rabbits, it became obvious we needed more room. Thankfully, God provided a place for the bunnies to call their own.
Eight years have passed since I first got the idea to save rabbits. The bunnies now stay year-round at a farm we call Peacebunny Cottage. Funds even came in to buy a 22-acre Mississippi river island and houseboat! We call it Peacebunny Island and use it to train comfort bunnies.
My comfort bunnies visit senior homes, hospitals, detention centers, funeral homes and schools. With a bunny snuggling up close, the pains of the world stop for a few moments and it’s just about love.
Peacebunnies truly change people’s lives, just like they changed mine.
Discussion Questions
1. What animal do you think would make the best pet?
2. If you ask God to “open my eyes,” what do you think He’ll show you?
For the complete Clubhouse Discussion Guide, click here.
