Today we’d like to introduce you to Amaris Garcia.
Hi Amaris, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As an animal lover & bunny-mom myself, rabbits have always had a special place in my heart. I feel compelled to share my story and show my community (and the world), that rabbits are amazing companion animals-comparable to the classic cat or dog.
Although they are not a textbook definition of an “easy” pet, they are just as intelligent as common household pets, crave companionship and affection, and each has unique personalities and quirks. They are such misunderstood creatures, and the mainstream misinformation behind rabbit care needs to be addressed.
Unfortunately, rabbits are the third most abandoned pet in the U.S. Statistics show that about 80% of rabbits purchased for Easter are abandoned or die within a year of ownership. Of course, as a bunny-lover, hearing these statistics breaks my heart, but fills me with the motivation to make a difference.
Rabbit welfare is something that I dedicate myself to-educating the community about rabbits (and what proper care looks like), as well as advocating for rabbits. Whatever I can do to help save bunny lives, make sure these creatures can be well-understood, and break all stereotypes. They deserve better. Rabbits are just as intelligent as a cat or dogs and are companion animals.
Too often, we see them being housed outdoors, “dumped” outside & “set-free” by their owners when they are no longer wanted, bred for meat, or treated as disposable. Rabbits have significantly less access to the same shelter resources as cats and dogs, which makes the need for more rabbit rescues even direr. Especially in a place like Texas, where resources for rabbits are even more significantly scarce.
If we don’t advocate for these bunnies, nobody will… and that’s the awful part. We owe it to them, and educating the community will make a big difference! Prevention begins with education. This is why Austin and I started Happy Hops here in San Antonio. We saw a need, and didn’t want to waste any time!
What started as a couple of on-the-whim bunny rescues back in February of this year, bloomed into this rabbit rescue. The bunnies needed us, and in turn, we have started something long over-due.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a challenging, yet rewarding experience. As a small rescue, we face the usual issues-overflow of animals (rabbits), lack of foster homes, lack of funds, and a desperate need of adopters. Especially as we are in the midst of “dumping season” which refers to the season where rabbits are disposed of, or “set free” after failed attempts at easter presents.
Unfortunately, this is a very big issue, and the number of rabbits that need rescuing is overwhelming at times. Especially because there is only a handful of other rescues here in Texas. I want to say less than 5. This is insane to me, as it’s nearly impossible to operate at those odds. Since we are a small rescue, Happy Hops is made up of a network of foster homes here in San Antonio.
Since the lack of education behind proper rabbit care is such an issue, a lot of people have a negative stigma about rabbits or are hesitant due to being nervous about a new animal they know nothing about. Vet bills for exotic animals like rabbits can add up quickly as well. We are hoping this is just a bump in the road, but we definitely need help from our community!
We need fosters, adopters, and donations. We would love to rescue all of the rabbits in need, but without those elements, it gets especially challenging as a small rescue. We’re just a couple of people with day jobs, who love rabbits & want to make a difference. We hope our community sees our cause and can help us.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m the co-founder of Happy Hops, I work with Austin Whaley who is the Director here at Happy Hops (and Founder). He is amazing with rabbits and is a “bunny-whisperer” if you will. Happy Hops is a family effort as well, we have a lot of help from our families with organizing events, or helping volunteers.
It really takes a village. I’m proud of what we’re doing-improving the lives of rabbits and spreading awareness. I’m proud that we’re making an impact, no matter how small. I’m especially proud of the rabbits’ lives that we have gotten to change, and see their mental & health transformations. It’s a beautiful thing.
Giving them a second chance at life makes it very fulfilling & gives us the drive to keep it up even though it’s hard.
I’m also a small-business owner here in San Antonio (owner of Glamaris Cakes), so I’m more than happy to use my platform to help spread awareness on rabbit welfare & rabbits in need, and show the community that this is a dire need in our city (and state), and this is a real issue that requires everyone’s help!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has been on our side, with some of the rabbits we have rescued. We have been lucky (and blessed), to have rabbits make full recoveries and transformations once rescued by Happy Hops. I know rescue life isn’t easy, but I couldn’t imagine losing a bunny.
It’s so hard. We have been blessed in that way, I would also say we have been lucky in our rescue captures. Although they are not easy in the slightest, it’s very heartwarming knowing that we’ve gotten to capture the rabbits who we found wandering neighborhoods, etc.
It’s not an easy job, but at least I feel at ease knowing that they’re not still out there. We definitely got lucky. It also comes down to our team, without the support of Austin (and his and my family) we wouldn’t be able to keep this show on the road. They’re the best.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.happyhops.org
- Instagram: www.Instagram/happyhopsorg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/397716685187646/permalink/434323188193662/?fs=e&s=cl
