“Joey” In the Midst of Being Certified as a Therapy Animal

In the case of “Joey”, a two-year-old rabbit, good things do indeed come in small packages. Joey, formerly Thumper, was adopted at the Animal Rescue League of Boston’s (ARL) Dedham Animal Care and Adoption Center this past spring, and has literally changed the life of his owner.

17-Year-Old Kelsey has been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and high-functioning autism. She did not deal well with crowds, but with Joey in her life, all that has changed.

“Just holding him makes me more confident and calm,” Kelsey said.

On the weekends Kelsey spends a lot of time at a local pet store, and of course has Joey by her side. With a cute collection of sweaters, tranquil demeanor (and did we mention he’s a fluffy rabbit?) Joey and Kelsey get lots of attention, and because of the impact he’s had on her, she wants to share Joey with others who also need the calming effect of an animal.

“I’m in the process of having him certified to be a therapy animal,” Kelsey said. “He’s done so much for me, I know he can help others as well.”

Life-Changing Impact

At 17, Kelsey is faced with the question that haunts many in her age bracket — what do I want to do when I grow up? Joey has not only helped Kelsey in her everyday life, but he has also helped answer the aforementioned question as well.

“I have always had a passion for animals, but Joey has shown me how much I enjoy working with animals and how they can help people, and that’s what I want to do,” she exclaimed.

Why Adopt a Rabbit from ARL

Joey and other rabbits like him can make excellent pets, especially for those who don’t have the space or time for a dog or cat.

Here are 5 reasons why animal lovers should consider adopting a rabbit:

  1. Bunnies spend the majority of their day quietly inside their cage, making them the perfect companions for apartment dwellers.
  2. Cottontails can be trained to use a litter box, so you won’t have to rush home from work to let them out.
  3. Hares need minimal exercise every day, so they require less attention than cats or dogs.
  4. Rabbits are curious, friendly, and will entertain you for hours with their silly antics.
  5. Hop-a-longs keep themselves tidy and are all about “clean eating”, snacking on salad, hay, and carrots as treats.

YOU Make Human-Animal Connections Like Kelsey’s Possible

ARL is an unwavering champion for animals in need, and with your help we can help more animals like Joey find the perfect home and change lives. Animals at ARL receive the specialized veterinary care, kind attention, and socialization they need to thrive — only because of YOUR generous donations. We receive no government funding and rely solely on generous individuals like you to keep our important work going. Please support ARL today, and thank you for being a champion for animals!