Edmonds couple gets engaged after saving 33 rabbits
Their love story is interrupted by dozens of sick bunnies.
EDMONDS, Wash. – Jenna Nand has always loved rabbits. In fact, she’s handled four rescues herself.
“I raised rabbits when I was little. They were always my favorite animal, my favorite pet,” Jenna, Edmonds City Councilmemberspeak.
That’s why she was embarrassed by what she saw on a recent camping trip in Skagit County.
“We pulled into the property and could see a bunch of little ears sticking out,” Jenna said.
Jenna and her boyfriend Robert found 33 underweight and dehydrated rabbits. Some of them are only 6 weeks old. They were living under a shed, on top of each other, in an overcrowded 2 x 8 foot wire barn.
“They were all fighting over food like the Hunger Games,” Jenna said.
The owners told Jenna that the rabbits were raised for meat. Hearing that, Jenna reached into her pocket and pulled out every dollar she had.
“Initially they told me they wanted $20 for each rabbit. I told them I had $223. That was all the cash I had. So they gave me all the rabbit.”
Jenna and Robert found some cardboard boxes and herded the animals Bunanza Rabbit Rescue Farm in Whatcom County where they were all cared for.
But there is another work issue that needs to be resolved.
“It almost didn’t happen,” Robert said. All odds are against me.”
The whole purpose of the camping trip was for Robert to propose to Jenna. The rabbit rescue hindered the work.
“I was stressed all weekend,” Robert said.
After making sure all the rabbits were taken care of, Robert took his chance.
“Once I was sure we weren’t going to leave any bunnies behind, I went ahead and proposed to her,” he said. “It was a very special weekend. Fate was truly on our side.”
Jenna and Robert plan to have a bunny-themed wedding next year.
For now, however, they are most concerned with making sure all the rabbits are spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and fed. It’s an expensive undertaking. The rescue organization estimates the cost to be about $300 per rabbit.
Jenna is currently trying to raise $10,000 to complete the project so the bunnies can eventually be adopted.
“They are wonderful animals,” she said. “They’re like dogs or cats. Very smart and very adorable.”
Lucky bunnies, a couple in love and a last-minute proposal — all are rescued.
“What a wonderful way to bless our group by rescuing these 33 innocent bunnies and hopefully telling this story to our families and our children,” said Jenna.
