When Sam Vrij said she was happy to offer Cornelius a home with her chickens, her visiting ducks and her big lonely boy named Duckling, I couldn’t wait to visit her property. I had a very good feeling about Sam, so I took Cornelius with me… and he never came back.

Inside a large settling-in enclosure, Sam had prepared a choice of two sleeping areas, a big paddling pool and plenty of food. After a few days of resident animals paying him visits through the wire mesh, he would be allowed to free-range the rural property with them.

Here are some updates from Sam:

“Cornelius has settled in well and has chosen the house nearest the fence to sleep in tonight. Our rooster, my two other hens and a couple of the wild ducks have been up the back with him this evening checking him out. I got home about half an hour ago and he has taken himself to bed. “Cornelius is doing well, just hanging out with Duckling and two wild ducks. Like them, he now refuses to go into his house. LOL.”

Cornelius's original advert and videos: Click here

Our rescue dogs need plenty of exercise and stimulation with lots of dogs to keep them happy, healthy and well socialised. Bronxy, Pablo and Vernie especially love their energetic romps at Sanders Reserve in Paremoremo.

For more info and photos of Pablo, Vernie and Bronxy: Click Here

Have you lost a cute rabbit? Do you want to adopt a cute rabbit?

When North Shore residents noticed a gorgeous bunny visiting their gardens in late March they worried that dogs or cats might harm him. When Tracey’s husband captured him, she contacted us. Tracey is pictured with the bunny in her arms. With all of our enclosures full, we asked her to look after him for a week… and fortunately she agreed. He is now with us and is a delightful boy!

We are sure someone must be looking for this rabbit, so please share this post if you live in Auckland. Meanwhile we have given him a vaccination, inserted a micro-chip and named him Sammy after our wonderful long-term volunteer, Sam, who is closely involved in his care. (Sam is pictured with Sammy and vet Greg from Bayvet).

If no-one comes forward for him, Sammy will soon be available for adoption. Early applications are welcome at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

NOTE: If you find a stray rabbit, please don’t expect it to survive without human intervention. Keep it safely contained with food and water, phone vet clinics in the area, put leaflets in letterboxes and make posters, advertise on Pets on the Net, Trade Me and the Pet Rescue Site. The rabbit may be micro-chipped so please ask your local vet to scan it.

Do you need more animals in your life? Why not give volunteering a go? Here are some photos of just a few of the things Animal Re-homing volunteers get up to. At the moment we especially need more regular dog walkers to take the shelter dogs out for fun and adventurous exercise! If you're interested, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your availability and any experience.