There’s a new, very small and very fluffy member joining the herd at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s Equine Therapy Center … just in time for Easter!
Meet Mr. Buck, a light brown Holland Lop rabbit with soft ears and an even softer personality. While he may be much smaller than the horses that call our barn home, he’s already making a big impression on everyone who meets him.
Mr. Buck joined the St. Joseph’s animal family thanks to Mark, Equine Specialist Assistant at St. Joseph’s Indian School, who discovered the rabbit at a sale and immediately thought he might be a wonderful addition to the Equine Therapy Center. The team had always talked about adding a rabbit someday, and the timing finally felt right.
Jojo, one of our high school students who helps at the barn after school, instantly took a liking to the new arrival. She came up with the name Mr. Buck and has been one of his biggest fans ever since.
“He’s a very curious bunny and very soft. I named him Mr. Buck because Mark bought him for just a couple of bucks,” said Jojo.
According to Patty, Equine Specialist Lead at St. Joseph’s Indian School, Mr. Buck is fitting in beautifully.
“We’ve let him adjust to barn life and now he is ready for visitors,” she said. “He loves snuggles and is really good with everyone who has come to see him.”
Students can visit Mr. Buck when they come to the barn with their counselor, giving them a chance to slow down and relax by petting his soft fur. While Mr. Buck doesn’t have any “official” therapy duties like, his main job is simply to be a friendly companion in the barn and a soft, gentle presence for students to enjoy.
And that’s exactly what appears to be happening! The children who have met him so far have quickly fallen in love with the sweet rabbit and his floppy ears. They even slip him a snack now and then. So far, red apples and carrots top the list of treats he enjoys most.
With Easter around the corner, one thing is for sure: Mr. Buck is truly the cutest new reason for students to feel a little extra “hoppy” this season.
Learn more about St. Joseph’s Indian School by visiting stjo.org.
