Midwest BunFest 2025 Special Interest Sessions
10:45 - 11:10
Administering Meds at Home
Presented by: Emily Fagundo, DVM, MedVet Hilliard
Have you ever been faced with the task of caring for your bunny after he or she comes home from the vet? Techniques and tips for giving oral meds, fluids, and shots will be shared.
Presented by: Emily Fagundo, DVM, MedVet Hilliard
Have you ever been faced with the task of caring for your bunny after he or she comes home from the vet? Techniques and tips for giving oral meds, fluids, and shots will be shared.
11:15 - 11:40
Bunny Heimlich Maneuver
Presented by: Shanleigh Knittel, Founder of Operation Obi and HRS Educator
The bunny Heimlich maneuver is something you never want to need to do, but if you need to do it, it's best to be prepared. In this session, you'll be walked through the steps to take with a choking bunny and shown different Heimlich maneuver techniques.
Presented by: Shanleigh Knittel, Founder of Operation Obi and HRS Educator
The bunny Heimlich maneuver is something you never want to need to do, but if you need to do it, it's best to be prepared. In this session, you'll be walked through the steps to take with a choking bunny and shown different Heimlich maneuver techniques.
11:45 - 12:10
To Bond or Not to Bond? An Overwhelming Question!
Kim Banks, Ohio House Rabbit Rescue, Adoption and Bonding Specialist
Thinking about bonding? Not sure? This session is NOT about the bonding process itself but is about several factors that need to be carefully considered in order to determine if, and when, adding bunny number two is right for your family.
Kim Banks, Ohio House Rabbit Rescue, Adoption and Bonding Specialist
Thinking about bonding? Not sure? This session is NOT about the bonding process itself but is about several factors that need to be carefully considered in order to determine if, and when, adding bunny number two is right for your family.
12:15 - 12:40
Navigating the Human-Animal Bond: Grief, Stress, and Support Resources for Caregivers
Presented by: Lauren Keller, Snickerdoodles’ Rabbit Rescue and Pet Loss Support
This session offers emotional support, practical tools, and resource navigation for those caring for rabbits and other animal companions. We’ll explore the challenges of caregiving, including compassion fatigue, housing and financial stress, and the deep grief that often accompanies loss. Tailored specifically for exotic animal caregivers, including rabbit caregivers, this session honors the unique nature of your bond.
Presented by: Lauren Keller, Snickerdoodles’ Rabbit Rescue and Pet Loss Support
This session offers emotional support, practical tools, and resource navigation for those caring for rabbits and other animal companions. We’ll explore the challenges of caregiving, including compassion fatigue, housing and financial stress, and the deep grief that often accompanies loss. Tailored specifically for exotic animal caregivers, including rabbit caregivers, this session honors the unique nature of your bond.
12:40 – 1:30
BREAK
1:30 - 1:55
What is Hay?
Presented by: Daniel C. Brenner, Hay Farmer and Educator
This session will cover the definitions and varieties of hay, and how hay is grown and harvested, including different cuttings of hay (1st, 2nd, and 3rd). Guidelines for identifying good hay for bunnies are included. Questions from bunny owners will be welcomed, time permitting.
Presented by: Daniel C. Brenner, Hay Farmer and Educator
This session will cover the definitions and varieties of hay, and how hay is grown and harvested, including different cuttings of hay (1st, 2nd, and 3rd). Guidelines for identifying good hay for bunnies are included. Questions from bunny owners will be welcomed, time permitting.
2:00 - 2:30
Caring for Special Needs Rabbits
Presented by: Lisa Edwards, Bunny Mom, and Dr. Susan Borders, DVM, Animal Hospital of Pataskala
This presentation will discuss the challenges and many rewards of caring for bunnies with physical and/or emotional disabilities.
Presented by: Lisa Edwards, Bunny Mom, and Dr. Susan Borders, DVM, Animal Hospital of Pataskala
This presentation will discuss the challenges and many rewards of caring for bunnies with physical and/or emotional disabilities.