Cold weather isn’t a friend of stray and abandoned animals, that’s for sure.
So, when John Debacker, a long-time rescuer from Long Island, New York, received a call about a helpless furball roaming the nearby neighborhood in freezing temperatures, he didn’t hesitate.
He grabbed his catch pole, raced to the location, and found the animal. However, the black fluffy lump in the snow that he was informed about turned out to be a real shocker!
It Was A Helpless Creature
Although John has saved many stray and abandoned animals in his career, this particular one left him shocked to the core.
As he approached the “lump” sitting frozen in the snow, he realized – it was a domesticated rabbit!
“After surviving for the past week in the cold temps, it is an absolute miracle that this domesticated rabbit is alive,” John wrote in a Facebook post.
Finding these animals in these conditions is really rare. After a careful assessment of the animal, John came to the conclusion that this little furball must’ve been abandoned by its previous owner.
Unlike wild rabbits, this one didn’t tend to escape as soon as he heard John’s steps. Yet, he was skittish enough to be on alert once John tried to catch him with the pole.
Fortunately, this New York rescuer didn’t come unprepared.
Knowing that a rabbit might be harder to catch than some other animals, John also set up a large exercise pen around the area. He slowly lured the animal in it, and in the next moment, the rabbit was secured!
The video of this rescue was soon posted on Facebook, receiving heartwarming comments from all around the country.
People nationwide thanked John for always delivering and showing outstanding care and empathy toward animals in need. And, this one in particular melted their hearts!
“You’re amazing John!! Thank you for saving this poor dumped baby,” one commenter wrote.
“I’m just in awe every time I watch you rescue an animal! Thank goodness they have you,” another added.
Placed In A Temporary Home
After successfully capturing the abandoned rabbit, John took the next step: safely transporting it to a shelter in Babylon, Long Island.
Now warm, cozy, and surrounded by people who will take good care of him, this little furball is building toward full recovery.
One thing is for sure, though. After roaming the streets in this weather for who knows how long, the rabbit will need an appropriate amount of time to decompress.
Ultimately, the shelter’s goal is to find this cute resident a permanent home where he’ll have a life he deserves, preferably with a family who possesses a spacious yard.
Until then, John and his caregivers will be brainstorming the proper name for this little boi!
“Let’s give him a name while he waits for a home,” Debacker wrote in an update post.
Any suggestions?