Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Simonian.
Hi Elizabeth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My love of rabbits began in a Longwood apartment where I adopted Luna, a little gray timid girl. Then I fostered a little gray baby lionhead and once he was old enough, Luna took over and kept him for herself. After many more fosters I began my own rescue, Holly Hops Rabbit Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. Today, the rescue has taken in several rabbits from those being found on the street to owner surrenders. Many have been fostered and then adopted to wonderful forever homes, which is the primary goal of the rescue.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Many endeavors have pitfalls, but I can say that the rescue has been very smooth thus far. A strict budget keeps the focus on doing what I can with what I have, and blessings from those who donate goods or funds. The worst part of animal rescue of any kind is the inability to take as many animals as are offered. There is simply not enough money, or time, or space to house them all. Our goal is not to try to rescue them all, but to rescue the ones we can and find them permanent homes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Unlike many people of my age, I have never settled on just one thing. There is always something new to learn and doors open when you least expect it. My work history is varied between fast food worker, waitress, a short span as a paralegal, bookkeeping, collections, notary signing agent, process server, FL licensed private investigator, bunny and guinea pig sitter, and now a full time collections agent for a very large company as well as running the rescue. All of those doors give me the ability to relate to so many people in various walks of life. If you understand people, and talk to as many people as you can, you will always find common ground and I think this is what I am most proud of today. I never want to stop learning and meeting people and educating them on domestic rabbits even if it’s in line at the grocery store.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson on my journey…I would have to say never assume that someone is going to say no before you ask the question. My grandfather told me when I was very little, “there are no dumb questions” and I have taken that to heart ever since. I used to be very shy when I was a little girl but soon grew out of that phase and became quite outspoken at times. As I grew older, I realized that people are all the same and will respond to a kind word, a laugh, or just a compliment in passing. Helping people is in my genes, especially elderly people due to being raised in my grandparent’s home. I have no problem talking to the owner of a large company or to the teenager stocking the shelves at a store. I talk rabbits to quite a few people and always ask the question, “are you interested in a rabbit”? You would be surprised at the number of people who say yes!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/RabbitandGuineapigEducation
- Instagram: helphollyhops
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollyHopsRRR
