Meet Mariska – A Tender Soul Looking for a Quiet Forever Home
Mariska has been on quite a journey. She was released to the wild to fend for herself. While she did okay with “dating,” we quickly learned something important—Mariska is a solo queen. When housed near other rabbits, her litter box habits vanish. But when she’s on her own (with humans around), her litter habits are spotless—she’s the tidiest rabbit in the house!
Mariska is a gentle, sweet spirit who blossoms in the right environment. She thrives in quiet homes—her current foster home includes two calm dogs (kept safely separated), and while she hears them, she’s clearly not comfortable around them. If there are other animals in the home, we recommend no direct contact and lots of safety barriers. She hasn’t been around cats, so we can’t say how she’d do.
She is a lovely work-from-home buddy, quietly lounging outside her bunny castle while her caregiver works. Mariska enjoys companionship on her own terms—no head pets, please! She’ll gently grunt and avoid you for a while if boundaries aren’t respected, but she will happily accept attention when she feels safe. She shows her trust with sweet little flops and happy dances at cookie time—her favorite part of the day.
Mariska is an "all four feet on the ground" kind of girl. She doesn’t jump or climb, so her 24” pen works perfectly without a topper. She currently enjoys a spacious 4x10 foot living area and loves to explore. Her favorite enrichment includes chewables like willow sticks and rings, though she’s not big on toys.
This brave girl has some physical limitations from her previous life. Her hop is a little “flat-footed,” and while she can periscope a bit, her mobility is otherwise good. She does require ear cleanings every two months at the vet, as she cannot clean them herself. Her fosterer (with over 25 years of experience) strongly recommends letting a professional do this, as Mariska is difficult to handle for care.
Mariska’s trauma runs deep. When she is handled (which is only when absolutely necessary), she sometimes rolls onto her back and freezes—an instinctive, heartbreaking sign of past fear. Her fosterer says, "In over 25 years fostering 600–800 rabbits, I’ve never met a rabbit who’s been through as much as Mariska.”
What Mariska Needs:
* A calm, quiet home without other rabbits
* A loving, patient caregiver who respects her boundaries
* A spacious, secure setup for free roaming and exploration
* Someone willing to provide routine vet ear cleanings
* No handling unless necessary—she thrives when left to feel safe on her terms
In return, you’ll gain the trust of a truly remarkable rabbit, one who has endured more than most, and still has love to give. When she flops near you or dances for treats, you’ll know she chose you.
If you believe your home might be the sanctuary Mariska deserves, please reach out. Let’s help this beautiful, resilient bunny find the peace and love she’s been waiting for.