In their mission to bring comfort and joy to those in need, a Wichita couple, Nancy and Clint Bradfield, has expanded their therapy bunny program in south-central Kansas. With their nonprofit organization, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies, the couple and their three certified therapy rabbits – Rosie, Radar, and Amelia Earhart – visit hospitals, senior homes, veterans, and even provide support during natural disasters. Their gentle and calm Flemish Giant rabbits have the uncanny ability to sense anxiety or stress in individuals, providing a soothing presence and promoting a sense of peace. Additionally, the couple has set goals to expand their program by rescuing and certifying other breeds of rabbits as therapy animals and developing a program for Kansas veterans to have their own personal emotional support animal. With their first-ever fundraiser, the Rosie the Rabbiter Poker Run and Big Fat Fun Concert, the couple aims to bring these goals to life and continue making a positive impact within their community.
The Therapy Bunny Program
Introduction
In south-central Kansas, a dedicated couple named Nancy and Clint Bradfield have been making a difference in their community with their nonprofit organization, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies. For the past four years, they have been taking therapy rabbits named Rosie, Radar, and Amelia Earhart to various places, including hospitals, senior homes, and even to veterans. These therapy bunnies provide comfort, support, and a sense of calm to those who need it most. In this article, we will explore more about Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies, their certification and training process, and the numerous benefits of therapy bunnies.
About Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies
Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies is a nonprofit organization founded by Nancy and Clint Bradfield. Their mission is to bring joy and emotional support to individuals in need by utilizing therapy rabbits. Rosie, the 4 1/2-year-old, 15-pound Flemish Giant rabbit, is the star of the organization and has been making a positive impact in the lives of many. Alongside Rosie, there are two other therapy rabbits named Radar and Amelia Earhart. These bunnies are certified through Pet Partners, a renowned therapy animal program. They are known for their docile and calm nature, which allows them to sense and ease anxiety and stress in those around them.
Certification and Training
To ensure the highest quality of therapy services, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies invests in the certification and training of their therapy rabbits. The rabbits undergo rigorous training through Pet Partners, which includes behavioral assessments, health screenings, and training sessions to prepare them for their therapeutic role. Nancy and Clint Bradfield also actively participate in training programs to enhance their understanding and skills in supporting the therapy rabbits. This commitment to certification and training ensures that the therapy bunnies are well-prepared to provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to those they visit.
Benefits of Therapy Bunnies
The presence of therapy bunnies, such as Rosie, Radar, and Amelia Earhart, can have numerous positive effects on individuals’ well-being. Interacting with these gentle creatures has been proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation. The soft fur and soothing nature of the rabbits bring comfort and a sense of calm to those in hospitals, senior homes, and other care facilities. Moreover, therapy bunnies help alleviate feelings of loneliness and provide much-needed companionship, particularly for individuals who may have limited social interactions. The unconditional love and non-judgmental presence of therapy rabbits create a safe and nurturing environment for emotional healing and overall well-being.
Expanding the Program
Short-Term Goals
Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies has set ambitious short-term goals to further expand their program and reach more individuals in need. One of their primary goals is to establish a dedicated facility, known as the “bunny barracks” or “bunny barn,” where they can rescue and care for other breeds of rabbits suited to be therapy animals. This facility would house and train rescued rabbits, enabling them to become certified therapy rabbits with the help of dedicated volunteers. Additionally, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies aims to collaborate with local pet therapy group “Hands and Paws Inc.” to develop rabbit teams consisting of trained individuals and their own rabbits. This initiative would involve training and certifying the volunteers to effectively bring their rabbits to schools, hospices, and other locations where therapy animals are needed.
Working with Hands and Paws Inc.
Collaboration with Hands and Paws Inc. is a significant step towards expanding the impact of therapy rabbits in the community. By partnering with this respected pet therapy group, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies can leverage their expertise and resources to train and certify individuals who have their own rabbits. These certified teams can then provide therapy bunny services alongside Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies. This partnership not only increases the number of therapy rabbits in the area but also promotes community engagement and volunteerism.
Developing Programs for Kansas Veterans
A particular focus of Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies is developing programs to support Kansas veterans. Building upon their success in providing emotional support animals to veterans in Oklahoma, they aim to establish a similar program for qualified veterans in Kansas. This initiative would enable veterans to have their own personal emotional support animals, providing them with companionship and therapeutic benefits. By extending their services to the veteran community, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies hopes to contribute to the well-being and mental health of those who have served their country.
Fundraising Event
The Rosie the Rabbiter Poker Run
To support their vision of a bunny barracks and the development of programs for Kansas veterans, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies is organizing their first-ever fundraiser. The event, called the Rosie the Rabbiter Poker Run, promises an exciting day of activities and entertainment. The 120-mile poker run, which commences at the VFW 3115 in Wichita, will bring together participants who will ride their motorcycles through scenic routes, making stops along the way to collect poker cards. The poker run offers a unique opportunity for individuals with a passion for motorcycles and a heart for helping others to contribute to a worthy cause.
Big Fat Fun Concert
Another highlight of the fundraising event is the Big Fat Fun Concert. Taking place at X-Rated Offroad in Towanda, the concert promises an evening of live music and entertainment. Attendees can enjoy performances from local artists while supporting Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies and a patient at Wesley Children’s Hospital. The concert will include a live auction and a raffle to enhance the fundraising efforts, with the proceeds benefiting the organization and the chosen patient.
Benefiting Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies and a Patient at Wesley Children’s Hospital
The Rosie the Rabbiter Poker Run and the Big Fat Fun Concert are not only about raising funds for Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies but also about making a positive impact on individuals’ lives. Half of the proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will go towards supporting Cooper Holloway, a patient recovering from a traumatic brain injury at Wesley Children’s Hospital. This dual focus on both the organization and a patient reflects the compassionate nature of Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies and their commitment to making a difference in their community.
In conclusion, Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies is an extraordinary nonprofit organization that has been spreading joy, comfort, and support through their therapy bunnies. Nancy and Clint Bradfield’s dedication to expanding their program, collaborating with Hands and Paws Inc., and developing programs for Kansas veterans demonstrates their passion for serving others. By organizing the Rosie the Rabbiter Poker Run and the Big Fat Fun Concert, they aim to raise funds and create awareness for their vision of a bunny barracks and programs for veterans. Rosie’s Snuggle Bunnies is indeed making a positive impact on the lives of many and continues to bring smiles to those in need through the power of therapy bunnies.
