CHULA VISTA, Calif. — There is an urgent push to clear our crowded animal shelters.
For example, the San Diego Humane Society reaches max capacity at 385 animals. Officials say they currently have more than 1,000.
It's no different at the Chula Vista Animal Shelter where there are dogs, cats and also bunnies up for adoption. Until they find their forever home, their garden is getting a makeover.
"We have asparagus, basil, thyme, oregano. They're going to have so many new things to try," Ashley Milo said.
From their healthy diet, floppy ears, curious little nose and cotton tail, the bunny is one of the best and several are up for adoption.
"Pez is probably the best first bunny anyone could have, from little kids and other animals in the house, he is so chill," Milo added.
Bunnies can live between ten and 12 years, really bringing your family a lot of joy on a smaller scale.
"They still will jump up and cuddle with you and ask for pets and treats like that. They're like smaller versions of dogs in a way. They have that same personality," Viviana Castellanos said.
"You can work with them to learn different tricks, they also can be litter trained so you can keep them a little cleaner in the house environment. They love to free roam," Milo said.
Since the height of the pandemic until now, shelters have seen countless people surrender their pets, mostly because they can't afford to feed them anymore. That's how the shelter's garden grew.
"What we saw was the need for a bunny garden because they were in desperate need of food for the animals," Joy Whatley said, who is the Director of Library Services. She added, "the library itself has a seed library, so there's an opportunity for the community to come out, get seeds for their own garden and turn around and donate seeds back to the community."
Victor Sanchez from the City's Sustainability Office said, "this compost came from Chula Vista residents households, it'll help grow stronger, healthier plants that's more delicious food for the bunnies."
It costs $65 to adopt a cat or $25 to bring home a dog or bunny.
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