My Rescue Pet: Eddie the rabbit

Eddie is fit and healthy in his new home. Photo / Supplied

The SPCA hopes that more of the 46,000 animals coming through its doors each year will find new homes. This summer, the Herald profiles animals that have been adopted and their owners as part of our My Rescue Pet series.

Out in the pouring rain, Eddie and his brothers were cold and soaking wet.

"[But] when we met Eddie it wasn't his physical issues that was upsetting," an SPCA spokesperson said.

"It was that Eddie had never known what it felt like to get excited about fresh veggies or flop on to a soft bed."

Severely underweight and dehydrated, Eddie had never experienced a loving home.

So when he arrived at his new place in Auckland he was very protective over his food and constantly on alert.

A scratch on his nose still reminds owner Lauren Baker of his past but Eddie has put on weight and his spirits have now lifted.

"He loves his veggies, sucks hay up like a noodle and circles my feet for pellets," Baker says.

He frolics around his bedroom and plays with his new bunny brothers Alfie and Otis and jumps on to his mother's bed at 6am to see if she's awake.

"Eddie doesn't need to stay alert anymore - he knows that he is safe," Baker added.

How to adopt

If you are interested in adopting a pet from the SPCA, visit www.rnzspca.org.nz or call the Auckland SPCA on (09) 256 7300.