Well folks, there's been some good news and some sad news lately.

The sad news is that one of our bunnies, Beauty, has died. She developed a lump on her jaw which, when x-rayed, turned out to be an infection in the bone that couldn't be cured without removing too much of her jaw to allow her to be able to eat afterwards.

Beauty came to us as an emotionally damaged bunny who would cower and bite at anyone who approached her. With a lot of patience and work on behalf of our volunteers she gradually learnt to trust people again, accepting food and gentle strokes from her favourite people while remaining shy of strangers. She was always so friendly with other bunnies, and we were in the process of trying to match her up with a friend just before she died. Although she never found her forever home, I am happy that Beauty overcame her difficult start and enjoyed those final months of friendship and trust here at the shelter. We will remember her.

We have also been desperately worried about Eliot - many of you will remember our gorgeous wee white bunny Eliot, who badly broke his pelvis several months ago. Eliot had been recovering well, but was still under weight and still could not use one of his legs. This leg eventually became infected because he just couldn't keep it from dragging along the ground. We took him in to the small animal hospital, where we were told that the prognosis was bleak. Eliot was so skinny still that surgery would be very dangerous, and yet he was unlikely to gain weight without surgery to remove the infection. We were told to prepare for the worst. I spent a devastating night agonising over what to do - whether we had indeed reached the end of the line for Eliot. For me, personally, it was awful to have to make this decision, having spent so many months working round the clock to save his life while he stayed with me at home.

But the morning came and we had a call from Jo, the vet looking after him, to let us know that Eliot was doing a little better and she felt that it would be worth risking surgery. We agreed, and that same day Eliot's infected leg was amputated.

He is a fighter. He never stops fighting. Within hours of the surgery he was eating and moving about. Within 48 hours he was at home. Within a week, he was running around the place and actually binkying. He continues to fight and to do well - the wound is healing and he is bouncing around on 3 legs freely. Please, please keep him in your thoughts as we continue to nurse him.

And, as sad as I am to have to ask it, his surgery and hospital stay cost the shelter just over £770. If anyone can donate to help us meet that cost, please do so here http://pawshereedinburgh.co.uk/page_27 . Even a small amount will help us. Thank you!

Now for some really good news! Lots of people know Jonah, he's an English Spot/Lionhead cross that's been with us for over a year now. Jonah has recently been adopted! He has gone to live with a female bunny called Amber. Well done, Jonah! Finally you've found your forever home.

Also, we have an exciting fundraising event happening next Saturday (the 13th August) - the Paws Here Picnic in the Park.

On Saturday 13th August we will be meeting at the shelter and walking down the road to nearby Braidburn Valley Park with some of our rescue pets for fun and games in the park. Bring a packed lunch and help us to feed the animals their lunch too! There will be opportunities to learn about pet care and about rabbits and guinea pigs specifically, and lots of chances to cuddle and play with the animals.

We will be meeting at 12pm and returning to the shelter at 3pm. The cost is £10 per family and places are limited so please do book in advance by emailing us at pets@pawshereedinburgh.co.uk

This would be a great way to help us fundraise for Eliot's recent surgery. Please tell all your friends, anyone who you think might like to come along!

And if you can put up any posters or give out any flyers then please email at the address above and let us know.

Looking forward to seeing you there!