On the Easter weekend, we received an email from our friends at Sit With Me Rescue based in Ottawa. They work tirelessly at saving dogs out of Quebec shelters, taking them into their rescue when they can and connecting with fellow rescue groups including breed-specific rescue groups when they're full.

          Their hearts skipped a beat the moment they came across this chubby little bunny pictured here. She was sweeter than an Easter bunny and probably no more than 3 years old. She'd come in as a stray. Someone had to be missing her. Surely, she would be claimed by her owner. But that never happened. By their second visit to the shelter, her health appeared to be worsening in the unhappy environment. They noted she had much trouble walking (perhaps due to being overweight or the result of an unknown injury left untreated) and there was her stressed heavy breathing that just broke their hearts. She was losing hope. It was in her eyes.

          The shelter is under renovations, space is limited, and time is always short for the discarded pets that wind up here. And now, her claim period had come to an end and things were looking grim. They knew they had to try. And so, they sent us the email that would bring hope back to Bunny. That's the name we decided on, for obvious reasons.

          Bunny is in a temporary foster home through Sit With Me Rescue in Ottawa until we make arrangements for her to come here to our waiting arms in Toronto. And we're hearing nothing but wonderful things about her. Social but not pushy, gets along just fine with the other dogs (wants to play but too heavy to do so), no accidents, and quiet as a church mouse except for that heartbreaking laboured breathing. She will also gladly follow you wherever you may go, at least until her legs give out and she has to rest.

          Upon her much anticipated arrival, she'll need a thorough examination by our veterinarians no doubt including extensive bloodwork/xrays/ultrasound to determine the cause of her troubles. She may even need to see a specialist. This is always the nerve-racking part. Veterinary costs could soar if surgery is required. And only until we determine her health issues can we embark upon a search for the right foster home…another nerve-racker considering we're quite full at this time.

          But we are committed to doing all we can for Bunny. After all, look at that face. Who could deny her?