FeedsAnimal house
Rabbit shelter hopes to win national makeover competition
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More than 150 rabbits live in the Midwest Rabbit Rescue and Re-Home. The no-kill shelter is dedicated to protecting rabbits and finding individuals and families willing to take themAn animal shelter in Plymouth is seeking community support as in an attempt to win a national “extreme-style” shelter makeover contest.
The Midwest Rabbit Rescue and Rehome shelter is among 900 animal shelters and rescue programs across the country vying to win a $1 million grand prize shelter renovation as part of the 2008 Zootoo.com Animal Shelter Makeover Contest.
The number of points each shelter earns through by acquiring registrations to the Zootoo website will determine the winner of the grand prize as well as 19 other shelters, who will receive at least $5,000 each.
The top 20 point-earners will have personal site visits and appraisals conducted by an advisory board consisting of Zootoo.com founder Richard Thompson and Wayne Pacelle, the president of the American Humane Society, among other animal and shelter experts to determine which shelter is in the most need. The contest concludes on March 31.
Shelters receive 200 points each time a new person registers on the site. Points are also awarded for active participation on the website including profile updates, shelter reviews, as well as comments and photo postings.
The Plymouth rabbit rescue center, is currently in tenth place, said Debbie Toundaian, the public relations director of the non-profit organization. And in order to move up the ranks, residents in Plymouth and in neighboring communities must get involved, she added.
“We need support, we need people to register on-line to vote and pass the information forward, she said.
The rabbit rescue and rehome was founded two years ago and is located in an old warehouse located along Holbrook Street in Plymouth. Toundaian said the all-volunteer organization houses more than 150 rabbits and serves as a clearinghouse for families and individuals that want a rabbit to be part of their lives.
In addition, the organization works with other animal protection organizations to “rescue” rabbits from other areas throughout Michigan and several other locations including Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Canada.
The group also visits schools and community organizations, to teach children and adults about rabbits. The group also runs a training class before allowing adoptions. The group charges a $70 adoption fee that pays for the spaying or neutering of the animal.
The organization relies on contributions from supporters and fundraisers to raise money. The shelter is identified by the Internal Revenue service as a 501c3 organization.
If the Plymouth animal shelter secures the $1 million makeover, Toundaian said the group would use the money to put modern amenities into the warehouse that dates back into the 1930s.
“We could have a hot-water heater and a bathroom,” said Toundaian, who hopes to have the opportunity to bring Zootoo officials to Plymouth, while expanding their profile in the community and increasing their number of supporters in the process.
“We’re always looking for volunteers,” she added.
To register on the Midwest Rabbit Rescue and Rehome site, visit www. zootoo.com/register/referrer/midwestrabbitrr. The shelter is located on 822 N. Holbrook St. in Plymouth. For more information call (248) 912-7976
