About Us

July of 2023 was the most devastating month of our existence. We lost four of our beloved bunnies to the horrendous disease RHDV2. The absence of Tia and Tamera, Sam, and Grey Ghost (GG) will be forever felt. While our bunnies were being vaccinated as they went for exams, we should have had a much greater sense of urgency. Because of this tragic mistake, we lost our deeply cherished furry family members, take full responsibility, and must forever live with the consequences. All our bunnies at both locations are now fully vaccinated against RHDV2 and will be receiving annual boosters in July of every year going forward. Unfortunately, there is no

going backward — we can only move forward.

If there is a silver lining to our tragedy, it has brought attention to the necessity for bunny owners to immediately have their bunnies vaccinated against this deadly disease. Right after receiving confirmation from the USDA that two of our bunnies had died from RHDV2, we closed our doors to the public and began working with them on a plan to contact boarders within the RHDV2 incubation period. Although not required by the USDA, we also reached out to all

visitors to make them aware of their potential exposure in case they had bunnies at home. As the owner of Cuddle Bunny and because of my failure to timely vaccinate all of our bunnies,

others could have been impacted. For this I am incredibly sorry.

In addition to mourning our losses, the time we have been closed has been used as an opportunity to reflect, reevaluate, and improve our operating and boarding procedures as well

as to clean, sanitize, and revamp the bunnies’ boarding and living spaces. We are now requiring all boarded bunnies to be vaccinated against RHDV2 and have implemented an online boarding system to track vaccination histories.

As we move forward, we will continue to focus on providing comfort to the community through therapeutic rabbit interactions for the elderly, hearing and visually impaired, those with physical/mental disabilities, pediatric cancer patients, those grappling with PTSD or addiction, and generally those in need of comfort and connection. We have offered opportunities for visitors to interact with bunnies whom, due to their living situations, might not otherwise have the ability to interact with these sweet social creatures.

Since opening in June of 2020, we have been a safe place of solace throughout the pandemic, have had the honor of being host to first dates, engagements, bachelorette parties, anniversaries, birthdays, family celebrations, and Girl Scout troop visits. We have served the community through a partnership with a local social service agency by providing internships for those struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, we have encouraged desperately needed blood donations, and have sponsored food and coat drives. Information on responsible bunny ownership, proper care, and the realities of life with a bunny has been generously provided to inquiring minds and those considering adoption. Adoption of bunnies in need of a new homes has been encouraged over pet store shopping or breeder purchase.

To our supporters, the gratitude we feel for you is immeasurable and we thank you from the

bottom of our hearts for your kind words and continued encouragement. You are the reason

we have made the decision to reopen our doors September 1, 2023. To our detractors who

have mercilessly attacked us during our greatest despair, in the words of Michelle Obama,

“When they go low, we go high.” We will continue our mission of spreading joy in the world.

Peace, love and bunnies –

Barbara Burdick, Owner

Team Cuddle Bunny & Team Cuddle Bunny Too