SEATTLE AVENUE

Featured non-profit for November|December: Best Little Rabbit, Rodent & Ferret House

Sandi Ackerman founded the Best Little Rabbit, Rodent and Ferret House in 1996. She had been doing rabbit rescue/adoptions out of her home since 1987 and after being laid off of a job she’d been at for 10 years, she decided to find another job where she’d be doing something she really wanted to do. This led to the idea of a rescue/shelter for rabbits, rodents & ferrets. Sandi’s desire to do work she loved manifested into the Best Little Rabbit, Rodent and Ferret House which cares for about 500 animals each year!

The important services this organization provides include:

Education
Via Internet, Newsletters, E-mail, Classes.
Rescue
They work with public shelters to take animals when they run out of space. And then they have rabbits, guinea pigs & (some) rats spayed/neutered.
Adoption
They work with individuals interested in adopting to make sure they are realistic about the personalities, diet, daily care and amount of work involved with each different species. Once adopted, they follow-up with the adopter to head off any problems.

The most fulfilling part of Sandi’s work is when she gets to see rescued animals leave for their permanent homes. And, understandably, the most challenging is dealing with people who want to get rid of their animals.

Surprising to me is that Guinea Pigs and Rats are the easiest to find good homes for and Rabbits & Ferrets are the most difficult. I was curious which of these animals were the easiest and most difficult to care for. Her thoughtful response, “It depends upon individual expectations. If you love the animal then whichever animal you have is the easiest. If you’ve lost interest in the animal then it’s very difficult to care for him.” Amen! Isn’t this true on so many levels and with so many things?

Sandi can really use donations of paper towels, vinegar and bath towels and can always use the help of volunteers. If you can help the animals and organization in any of these ways, please contact Sandi right away.

I asked Sandi if she had any bizarre animal stories that she’d like to share. A Rabbit named Noah came to her mind. Noah had been dumped on a golf course and had obviously been deliberately beaten about his head by a golf club. Someone found and picked him up and took him to a vet. Most vets would have euthanized Noah to “put him out of his misery.” He had been blinded, his skull was fractured, and he was missing a lot of skin on his forehead. However, the vet he was taken to had worked with the House Rabbit Society previously and she decided to try to put Noah back together. After several weeks of surgeries and care, the vet contacted us and asked if we could take Noah to continue his care. Noah loved attention and continued to heal. He was eventually adopted and was introduced to a girlfriend of his own. At about 7 years of age, he continues to live the Life of Riley with his family who adores him.

To Adopt Skeeter

(Photo Above) This adorable snowy-looking bunny is a handsome fellow named Skeeter. Skeeter’s an active young rabbit who needs tons of exercise. He was born around December 2006 and was neutered on June 4, 2007. As with any young rabbit, Sandi wants us to know that Skeeter will need lots of supervising everyday when he’s out for exercise. Skeeter’s adoption fee $60. If you know anyone who is able to provide a good, committed, stable, loving home for Skeeter please give Sandi a call.

To donate, volunteer, or get involved with this organization:

Sandi Ackerman, Director

14317 Lake City Way NE

Seattle WA 98125

Telephone: (206) 365-9105
Email: Sandi@RabbitRodentFerret.org
Website: http://www.rabbitrodentferret.org