Brought to you by Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center

 

Having a pet at home is not new to the Wiley family: Michelle, Matthew, Victoria (10) Elizabeth (8) and Michael (7). Chase, a black lab was Michelle and Matthew’s first “baby” before their three kids were born. He was 14 years old when he passed and was adored by the entire family. The Wiley’s newest family member brings them as much joy. Two-year-old Oreo hopped into their home and hearts in August 2022. Oreo is a lop-eared Holland rabbit (Holland Lop) and is just as sweet and has the same warm and friendly temperament as a lab.

Victoria had always wanted a bunny. Fueled by determination and patience, she decided to implement a financial plan that would help bring her bunny home. One way she earned money was running a weekend, fresh smoothie stand in her Tapadero neighborhood, serving up strawberry banana and tropical smoothies. She also worked odds jobs, helping one grandmother move into a new home and helping the other grandmother get ready to sell her home. It took three months before Victoria saved enough money to adopt and bring home Oreo, his cage, water dish and enrichment toys.

Victoria adopted him from Humane Colorado––formerly the Dumb Friends League––in Castle Rock (see related story page 11).

Holland Lops are the result of breeding a larger French Lop rabbit with a smaller Netherland Dwarf rabbit. The “standards of perfection” for Holland Lops, developed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), were adopted in Europe in 1964. The Holland Lop was officially recognized in the United States as a pure breed by ARBA in 1979. They have affectionate personalities and enjoy being petted, like most domesticated animals. Oreo is not so much a lap bunny, but a cuddle bunny. “He will headbutt arms and legs and arms for attention,” said Michelle.

Holland Lops thrive with regular interaction and playtime outside of its cage. Oreo definitely enjoys his free reign of the second-floor loft of the Wiley home. His joyful spirit sends him zooming around like the Energizer Bunny.

“Oreo runs around the loft super fast, hops in the air and does a 180 with a shake and when he lays down, he looks like a pancake bunny,” said Victoria. Oreo also uses a litter box, as Holland Lops easily take to litter box training and can learn basic commands and tricks. Victoria’s favorite trick she taught Oreo is “when he hops over to me and begs for a treat on his hind legs,” she said.

Oreo’s favorite food is kale but he also eats fresh bananas, fed to him split in half, as well as apples and carrot tops. Dried food grain provides essential nutrients, and hay helps with the Holland Lops’ sensitive digestive tract.

 

 

By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Michelle Wiley