Some big news....

Well... first of all let me say I'm overwhelmed by the huge interest that this blog has generated (literally overnight!), and I'd like to thank each and every one of you that has posted about our little Buster here, on Cute Overload :) and on other sites and blogs!

Ohh Buster look at the camera.. there's an audience here for you!


My husband and I are only honoured to have the chance to care for this little guy and we're thrilled and amazed every day watching Buster's behaviour and we feel lucky and privileged to have the opportunity to care for such a beautiful creature.
Even though we have tried our best to look after Buster, the road hasn't been uneventful and there have been ups and downs but Buster has always faced each challenge and bounced back!

Just before I give you some updates on Buster, I'd like to bring up a couple of points that have been raised in comments on this blog and on Cute Overload regarding Buster:

- Irish Hares are endangered species and my husband and I are fully aware that leverets should not be picked up from a nest. However, I'd like to reiterate that Buster was found in the middle of a road, he was extremely skinny, dehydrated and needed immediate care. We also tried to return him to the nearest safest spot to where he was found but after a number of hours with regular checking we felt it best for Buster to retrieve him and get him to a vet as soon as possible.
When I brought him to the vet that day I was told 'not to get too attached' as he had gone for very long without food and was going into a hibernation state and was not going to last much longer.
As you can see, Buster is now 16 weeks old and he's thriving!
Also, we've been keeping in touch with the Irish Hare Organization (http://www.irishhare.org/) ever since finding Buster (and we still send weekly and fortnightly updates) and have received great advice and support by Mike Rendle from the Irish Hare Initiative. Mike's knowledge has contributed enormously to the rearing of Buster.

- A second point that I'd like to raise is regarding Buster's diet. I have come across a comment posted on this blog which suggests that Buster is not receiving appropriate food and is instead fed on treats.
Let me reassure you that Buster receives a large amount of fresh roughage, ranging from fresh long grass (changed twice a day, once in the mornings and once in the evenings), various leaves and branches, bark, cabbage, carrots, Oat Hay, Western Timothy Hay, Orchard Grass Hay, Brome Hay, Dandelion, Parsley and Mixed Fine Herbs.
As a supplement Buster is also given dry oat and rabbit food.
Occasionally, Buster receives treats but the majority of Buster's diet is appropriate.

Now.. onto the latest with Buster!



Buster was 16 weeks yesterday (we believe he was born on 21st May 2008)
Hubby and I have gone on vacation to Italy for a week and Buster has been kindly cared for by a local vet in a Veterinary Clinic (thanks Susan!)

An eye specialist has visited Buster and has agreed that he has very very little sight on both eyes so he 'might' see lights, shadows and movements only.
He agreed that the retinas in Buster's eyes never developed properly and the damage is at the back of the eyes, so he can't be operated.

Here's the big news...!!
We were initially told that Buster was a boy, but apparently it's "almost" impossible to determine hares gender (hares can contract their genitalia so it's very hard to tell).
Only last week when Buster was left into the Vet's care, we've been informed that there's a high probability (80%) that Buster might be a female!
My husband added that as grumpy and demanding as Buster was, Buster could have only been a girl!!


Some more pictures!

Buster can stretch up to my knee!


ahhh good stretch!!


'Yaaawwwwnnnn'


Buster takes a big mouthfull of grass!!


Ahhh.. isn't he (oops! she I mean!) cute??!



Buster is asleep on my arms! :-)



Zzzzz.. Buster loves sleeping