When a realtor stepped into what should’ve been a routine rental inspection, she expected to find an empty home, maybe a little dusty — nothing more.
Instead, she opened the door and froze.
The house was in shambles. Trash littered the floors, the air was thick with neglect, and tucked in the corner of one filthy room sat a forgotten playpen — filled not with toys or furniture, but seven frightened baby bunnies.
The former tenants had vanished. But somehow, they’d decided to leave the bunnies behind.
A Desperate Situation
Stunned and unsure what to do, the realtor called for help. She was heartbroken — and angry. The rabbits were covered in filth, living in cramped conditions without proper food or water. It had been nearly a month since anyone had properly cared for them.
“The tenant moved out before Christmas,” said Lyla Frick, founder of Pumpkin’s Acres Rabbit Rescue. “They’d been on their own for weeks. Someone was supposedly stopping by every few days to drop pellets and water, but there were times they had neither. And no hay at all — which is essential for rabbits.”
It was a miracle they were still alive.
The Rescue Mission
The moment Pumpkin’s Acres got the call, they jumped into action. When rescuers arrived, even they were shocked at the level of neglect. Despite the heartbreak, they focused on what mattered most: getting the bunnies out safely.
“The conditions were horrifying,” Frick said. “But miraculously, they all seem to be in decent health. It’s incredible, considering what they’ve been through.”
New Names, New Lives
Now safe, the bunnies are slowly adjusting to clean cages, soft blankets, full bellies — and love.
Their rescuers gave them cocktail-themed names, perhaps a nod to the joy they’re finally getting to experience. Brandy, the mama, is now resting with her babies — Mojito, Malibu, Bourbon, and Mimosa — in one foster home. Kahlua and Amaretto, two older girls, are being cared for separately.
“They were shy at first, but they’re settling in well,” Frick said. “They’re finally getting the affection and care they never had.”
Resilience in the Face of Neglect
Despite everything, these rabbits haven’t lost their spark. They're playful, curious, and soaking up the attention of their foster families.
“They’re surprisingly resilient,” Frick said. “They love having clean bedding, plenty of hay, and someone to look after them. You can tell they’re excited to finally be safe.”
Soon, each bunny will be ready for adoption — and a second chance at the kind of life they always deserved.
If you're interested in adopting one of these little survivors, you can reach out to Pumpkin’s Acres Rabbit Rescue to learn more.
