Animal Rescuer Discusses Pets as Presents

In the season when parents often think of bringing home a soft, snuggly pet for underneath the Christmas tree, Lisa Reemer of Algonquin has a unique perspective on gifting animals.

As founder of No Splitting Hares Bunny Rescue, Reemer takes in rabbits, as well as hamsters and guinea pigs, all year. Over the past seven days, she has had more pickups of unwanted rabbits than ever before.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook with county shelters telling me they're euthanizing this week,” she said. So Reemer, and her 17 volunteers, have been driving all over the Kane and Cook counties to get the bunnies. They bring them back to Reemer's farmhouse, where she shelters more than 250 animals and works to place them in adoptive homes.

Though Reemer is eager to find families for the animals, she also points out a live animal is a long-term commitment.

“At least the animal gets a home for a few months,” Reemer said of animals that are adopted for Christmas gifts but often returned to shelters after families realize they've made a mistake.

“A dog is a 12-year commitment. Even a bunny is a seven-year commitment ...,” Reemer said. “It’s not something you can throw in the toy box when you’re tired of it. That’s why shelters fill up with animals.”

Careful considerations should be made for those who really feel a pet is an appropriate gift. Spending time with the animal before bringing it home is top on Reemer's list.

“We encourage children and parents to come in two to three times before they take the animal home,” she said. “We really think the bunny picks the person.”

Another good move is to understand — and practice — pet care.

“We encourage people to bring their children in to see what it’s like to feed them, clean their cages, cut their toenails, and really understand,” she said.

Moreover, with rabbits, it is crucial to know what sex the rabbit is before it's brought home. After that, spaying and neutering is a must.

“Pet stores sometimes don't know how to” identify the sex of rabbits, Reemer said. “And six months later, people end up with six baby rabbits at home, and they end up coming here.”

Hoping to find permanent homes for her rabbits, Reemer's organization spends up to $200 a week on gasoline and $200 for pet food. Though the work is hard, and costly, her group is driven by love for the animals.

“There's a whole other world out there,” she said. “Rescueland is not fun.”