Bonding & Wellness Coaching
My bonding journey yielded this beautiful result:
a loving pair of bunnies to whom my bonding
and coaching career is dedicated. I never
use techniques where bunnies are forced
to endure stress & discomfort in other to
seek comfort from one another. Those
methods usually don't yield lasting bonds.
My technique applies science to understanding
bunny behavior and communication in order
to gently guide them into friendships. Whether
you have a bonded pair and want to add another
or you need questions answered about your
specific unique situation, my bonding and
wellness coaching involves daily support for
all topics including health, digestion, and diet
to habitat arrangements, exercise, safe cleaning
methods, verbal training, home-based gardening,
grooming, product recommendations,
and mental & physical enrichment.
-HeatherAnnette
These bunnies went through a lot before becoming a couple. Their owner had used the speed dating service at a prominent rescue. After returning home on possible foster-to-adopt situations, the female fought with each fosters. Discouraged, the owner sent her to another large rescue to be bonded on site by their bonder. During this process, the bonder stated the bunny was a bully to each suitor and returned her. After trying many different techniques, including the bathtub and other stress tactics, the owner asked for my help. In a short time and without stress to the bunnies or owner, they bonded. All previous food, space, and litterbox possessiveness vanished and bullying vanished leaving the cutest loving couple who are now inseparable.
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"Working with Heather was great. She answered all of my questions and really showed me how to bond my bunnies. It was less scary than I ever thought. She was there every step of the way.
I would definitely recommend her to anyone trying to bond their buns together. -Andrea Gomez |
"Heather guided each day with new tips and techniques and made appropriate adjustments as behaviors changed. What is special about working with Heather, is that she is multifaceted in her approach to bonding, including coaching on topics like nutrition, cleaning, litterbox configurations, indoor housing set up, product recommendations, mental enrichment, and even exercise for bunnies. While this may seem unrelated to bonding at first glance, it became clear to me that an integrative approach to bonding is best for their long-term health and wellness.
Heather is committed to her clients and, most importantly, a really kind person that genuinely cares about people and animals. She wants the very best for both companions. I highly recommend you inquire about her services; her knowledge and passion are one in a million."
-Suzanne Fisher
@bunnyisabelle1
This couple, adopted at different times and from different places, were unsure of each other. Their parent, a new pet owner, searched online for advice, asked friends, talked with the breeder, joined FB bunny groups, and still couldn't figure out how to help her bunnies become friends.
She shares: "I met Heather, through Instagram, her handle being @bunnies_kitties, at the perfect time. To give you some background information, I am a brand new bunny mom, in fact, new to the pet world. Apollo is my first pet. The reason I am bringing this up is because I want to provide a window into my life and to remind you what it felt like when you got your first bunny, how overwhelming it was because we all know bunnies are very challenging pets. As I mentioned, I met Heather at the perfect time. Before getting Apollo, I did research on everything bunny related, just trying to set myself up for success. I wanted to provide him the best life. Fast forward to when Apollo arrived home, all the research, YouTube videos went out the window. I started having issues that no one talked about, for example, Apollo didn't enjoy his hay, didn't like his pellets, he was destroying my baseboards, not playing with his toys, etc. I felt defeated, lost, alone, aggravated trying to navigate this bunny world on my own. I went to Instagram to look for help/find answers. I came across a popular bunny related account and posted a question hoping a kind person will take the time to shed some light. Luckily, Heather saw my question and she replied but she didn't just reply, she took the time to explain to me where her answer was coming from. i thanked her and told her that I'm new and lost with all the contradicting information out there related to bunnies, and she said to me, 'Don't worry, I will help you.' She took me under her wing like a best friend or sister would and the rest is history.
The time, the energy, dedication, and knowledge I've received from Heather can only come from a person who truly in her heart loves bunnies. Only love can provide this unconditional support to a stranger and this is exactly the small businesses that I like to support. She is not in this business for the money but for the wellbeing of the bunnies. Heather educated me on: bunny behavior, best food brands for bunnies, hormonal changes and how to navigate before and after surgery, and, the most challenging task of all, bonding.
Now, I am happy to share that I went from a scared first-time bunny parent to a well-rounded, educated parent of two bunnies and Apollo now has a beautiful companion to keep him company the rest of his life thanks to Heather. I highly recommend Heather as I have nothing but positive things to say about her and her approach especially when it comes to bunny bonding. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me [email protected]"
She shares: "I met Heather, through Instagram, her handle being @bunnies_kitties, at the perfect time. To give you some background information, I am a brand new bunny mom, in fact, new to the pet world. Apollo is my first pet. The reason I am bringing this up is because I want to provide a window into my life and to remind you what it felt like when you got your first bunny, how overwhelming it was because we all know bunnies are very challenging pets. As I mentioned, I met Heather at the perfect time. Before getting Apollo, I did research on everything bunny related, just trying to set myself up for success. I wanted to provide him the best life. Fast forward to when Apollo arrived home, all the research, YouTube videos went out the window. I started having issues that no one talked about, for example, Apollo didn't enjoy his hay, didn't like his pellets, he was destroying my baseboards, not playing with his toys, etc. I felt defeated, lost, alone, aggravated trying to navigate this bunny world on my own. I went to Instagram to look for help/find answers. I came across a popular bunny related account and posted a question hoping a kind person will take the time to shed some light. Luckily, Heather saw my question and she replied but she didn't just reply, she took the time to explain to me where her answer was coming from. i thanked her and told her that I'm new and lost with all the contradicting information out there related to bunnies, and she said to me, 'Don't worry, I will help you.' She took me under her wing like a best friend or sister would and the rest is history.
The time, the energy, dedication, and knowledge I've received from Heather can only come from a person who truly in her heart loves bunnies. Only love can provide this unconditional support to a stranger and this is exactly the small businesses that I like to support. She is not in this business for the money but for the wellbeing of the bunnies. Heather educated me on: bunny behavior, best food brands for bunnies, hormonal changes and how to navigate before and after surgery, and, the most challenging task of all, bonding.
Now, I am happy to share that I went from a scared first-time bunny parent to a well-rounded, educated parent of two bunnies and Apollo now has a beautiful companion to keep him company the rest of his life thanks to Heather. I highly recommend Heather as I have nothing but positive things to say about her and her approach especially when it comes to bunny bonding. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me [email protected]"
This bunmom reached out as her previously bonded trio broke their bond. She became distressed at having to leave for work daily not knowing if her bunnies would be safe. The stress caused such heartache that she was overcome by a physical illness that put her in bed. Unable to leave the buns alone, she could not work. After counseling her on self-care to reduce her anxiety which the bunnies could sense, changing the bunny's diet by adding herbs known to calm, and identifying triggers which broke the bond, I suggested simple modifications which, in two weeks, brought the bunnies back to harmony. Her health and theirs improved. When bonds break, there is always an identifiable reason.
The owner of these bunnies endured such severe panic attacks that
she became bed-ridden from the stress of her fighting bunnies. The
already bonded couple refused to become friends with the third bunny.
After speaking with me, she went from fearful and anxious to excited to
bond using my method. I customized a plan for her, and within a few weeks
her bunnies were all accepting one another. While other bonders advocate
breaking the bond between couples in order to rebond them to a third, I
opt to coach them all into friendship while keeping original bonds intact.
Through simple dietary modifications, verbal training, and touch therapy,
the bunnies bonded together and are now sharing every resource and
making the cutest cuddle puddles ever!
Each bunny colony is different just like each individual bun is unique. Usually all bunnies don't arrive at the same conclusions simultaneously. Especially with trios, quads, and quintuples, consideration must be given to each bunny's timeframe. Often, one bunny will decided to offer friendship but another will not be ready to accept. With trios, while a pairing presents easily, it may leave the third as an outsider, prompting sadness or aggression. Through gentle encouragement, all bunnies needs can be addressed, from the timid, reluctant one to the anxious, nervous one, to the outgoing gregarious one, and ones that are slow to process change. Original bonds don't need to be broken in order for additional buns to become colony members. Just like human counterparts, another good friend is a welcome addition to a group of long established friends.
"When I began working with Heather Annette, I was so impressed at her not only knowledge of bonding, but the overall health and welfare of rabbits. Heather's approach is gentle, and she takes in consideration not only the well being of the bunnies, but of the humans doing the bonding. I had a complex situation bonding a senior widower bun, who has dietary and sensory issues, to a young lady bun. I also had some grief issues coming onto bonding, to which Heather was sensitive."
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"Prior to working with Heather, I watched several YouTube videos and read every online article, and was quite frustrated. Nothing was working, and the advise was all the same. She explained to me that my special needs bun would be seen as an outcast in a wild, European warren, and special considerations needed to be taken to bond him with the young bunny I recently adopted. She suggested a variety of calming herbs, housing configurations, and bonding settings that I never read about elsewhere. We never used stress bonding and that was important to me. Medical history and various tests were also discussed, something I had not realized the importance of until this bond."
-Suzanne Fisher @bunnyisabelle1 |
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"..I need your help and advice with bonding. The hours and hours of researching bonding in particular have resulted in some conflicting advice and I have some questions! I wish I had not read for hours and watched YouTube videos...because I am a complete scramble." -Trish Boyce
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A Bonding Crisis: while re-bonding two buns, one unexpectedly passed away. A new bunny was rescued and adopted for the grieving bunny.
"If you feel a little lost, confused, or even overwhelmed by the amount of bonding information and advice out there, please do me a favor and reach out to Heather for a consultation regarding your bonding needs and questions! Heather found me in my Facebook group when I needed her the most, shortly after a traumatizing experience with my old bunny, Bowser. I was brand spanking new to the bunny world and knew absolutely nothing about their behavior, more complex needs, or bonding, but I did know I wanted my two buns to be friends. I had a consultation with Heather over the phone and instantly knew that despite it all being virtual, she'd be able to help me and my bunnies. She gave such great advice just during the consultation that I was able to get both buns set up properly and start the process right away, even with very little equipment or space. What was more important, Heather managed to reassure me and comfort me without much knowledge of my situation and us having just 'met' online, during a time that was extremely difficult and stressful, given Bowser was sick and my other bun, Peach, started attacking him before Heather found me. Fast forward a couple of weeks, Bowser sadly pased away very suddenly and I was left with a lot of trauma, a lonely Peach, and no idea what to do next. Even though my bonding journey was done and ended due to his passing, Heather kept in contact with me and helped me figure out the next steps. She went above and beyond contacting local rescues in my area and found a place where I took Peach for speed dates. During this time, Heather was with me virtually, vetted every video of Peach dating, and ultimately helped me pick out the new suitor bun, Ollie. If this does not SCREAM dedication to her clients, I do not know what does! Another fast forward, we began the bonding process for Peach and Ollie, Heather always there on video chat talking me through each session, not letting me go until she felt confident I was able to continue on my own, but she always quickly responded to messages. Heather is SO responsive, always replies to questions and concerns, and the knowledge she possesses regarding bunnies and their well-being/bonding is immense! I could see each session doing what she said it would do, see the bunnies responding exactly like she would predict, and with enough time and patience on my end, Peach and Ollie bonded and are now well on their way to becoming inseparable based on their bond buillt on mutual friendship. Having seen advice given in online bonding groups, read about bonding online, I can honestly say Heather's methods are a thousand times more effective and KINDER to the bunnies. They have a chance to actually form friendships and trust, rather than being forced or stressed into bonding. My favorite method of Heather's was the touch therapy method. Once I got to the point where I could do this with the buns, it was a matter of days before the bunnies bonded and I could visually see them relaxing and changing their body language right in front of my eyes! It was incredible! Trust the process, trust your bunnies, and trust Heather's online boutique where she makes her own bunny enrichment products. The quality, love, and time pit into these products is amazing. Heather is truly talented and I cannot recommend her business enough. Peach and Ollie LOVE their Rooting Ruffler mat, hay bags, and DIG & FORAGE boxes I've purchased from her and they have all played a huge part in the bonding process after the bunnies started living together! Thank you, Heather, I know you will always be there for me and the bunnies, and I appreciate you and your work more than you will ever know! - Louise |
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"I was thinking about finding my Dutch rabbit, Lenny, a friend for a while now. Researching on YouTube and the web was very overwhelming and I never felt ready nor confident to do it. This completely changed after meeting Heather. She took the time to inform herself and understood my bunny and the situation and timeline. She then explained her bonding approach in depth and, from then on, I knew this was the way I wanted to go, no doubt! Heather is an amazing bunny professional bonder and overall bunny wellness coach. She was on the journey with us from pre- to post-bonding. The part I found most useful was that she would go on video calls with us during the bonding sessions and mentor us throughout them. I got to learn so much about bunnies, their body language, and how they speak to each other. In the process, I discovered a unique bonding technique, one that I was looking for but never found before Heather. Cherry and Lenny are now furever friends and I couldn't be happier.
Thank you, Heather!
-Alice
Thank you, Heather!
-Alice
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