Permanent home sought for abandoned bunny rescued outside Kensington vet
The bunny, now named Chessie, was discovered Tuesday by Dr. Elisabetta Coletti after being abandoned outside the Pawsitive Veterinary of New York clinic.
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A small rabbit left outside a Kensington veterinary clinic in the cold this week is now safe, warm and looking for a permanent home, according to volunteers with All About Rabbits Rescue.
The bunny, now named Chessie, was discovered Tuesday by Dr. Elisabetta Coletti after being abandoned outside the Pawsitive Veterinary of New York clinic. Volunteers from All About Rabbit Rescue Terry Chao and Mary Beth Purdy Artz quickly put out an urgent call for help across Facebook groups.
“I was just saying, I will go pick up the bunny, and I'm going to find somebody,” said Chao. “And even if I don't find anyone, I'll just keep her overnight.”
Chao had previously helped re-home bunnies left abandoned following a photoshoot in Prospect Park involving Anna Delvy.
A foster stepped forward within hours. Rachel Post, who is now caring for Chessie, said the rabbit was terrified when she first arrived but has since settled in.
“She was so scared that first day she was abandoned, but now her personality is really shining through,” Post said.
"The volunteers brought the gate, the food, the supplies they made it so easy help her."
Chessie is now racing around her temporary home, snacking on greens and exploring every corner. Volunteers say they don’t know how long she was outside before being found.
“People think that they can be left outside, that they don't need that much care,” Chao said. “And then once they find out that actually it is a responsibility to care for a rabbit, they're just like, ‘Whoa, I don't want this rabbit anymore.’”
Rescuers emphasize that rabbits require space, enrichment, and long‑term commitment. “Bunnies need lots of space to run around, lots of equipment, and it’s a big responsibility,” Chao said. “These are pets that can live up to 12 years.”
Chessie is not in her forever home yet, and the rescue group is encouraging anyone interested in adopting her to reach out at the group's website.
“I hope she gets her home,” Post said. “She is sweet and so perfect.”
