A RABBIT that has been in a rehoming centre for almost a year is seeking a perfect home with her partner.

Poppet is a shy bunny, who didn't have the best start in life.

The little rabbit has found life as a pet "overwhelming" and has now spent almost a year at the Blue Cross Rehoming Centre in Southampton.

To begin with, she was a very unhappy girl.

Rabbits like to have a friend and poor Poppet was lonely.

Staff at the centre feared for her well-being as she became more and more withdrawn.

The team in Southampton reached out across the Blue Cross organisation in the hope that Poppet’s perfect partner was waiting in the wings.

Like a hero from a romantic novel, the laid-back Bentley changed everything.

His companionship really helped little Poppet to find confidence and come out of her shell.

With Bentley by her side, although she is still sensitive around people, she is much happier.

Poppet has improved enough that it is now possible for her to be rehomed.

They are looking for a forever home together and will need to live with someone who understands rabbits and their needs.

Blue Cross animal welfare assistant, Ruth Saunders said: “Keeping a pet rabbit isn’t as simple as many people think. Rabbits are sociable little animals and can become depressed if they are made to live alone. Just like people can.

“Poppet had become so unhappy and introverted that we were worried that her whole health was at risk and concerned that she might not have a future.

"She spent day and night huddled up, hidden in a tube, and had no interest in life.

“When Bentley arrived at the centre, he was placed in an enclosure alongside Poppet, and as soon as she caught his scent Poppet was out of her tube and sniffing his nose through the bars.

"We instantly knew Bentley was just the tonic Poppet needed."

Poppet and Bentley are indoor bunnies and will need a rabbit-proof space such as a spare room away from any hustle and bustle or even an insulated or heated outbuilding.

Anyone interested in adopting Poppet and Bentley should visit: www.bluecross.org.uk/pet/poppet-bentley-4139591

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