Mercy for the Rabbit
by Pat Northcutt
Stepping out the backdoor to let my dog in for the night, I heard a shrill cry. It might have been a night bird, but then it came again, louder and longer. Grabbing a flashlight, I headed toward the back fence. My concern at what I first thought was a squirrel dangling from the fence turned almost to panic when I saw it was a rabbit.
I enjoyed watching the rabbits in the yard flip and flop in play, enjoyed watching my dog chase them—he could never catch them—but now this rabbit was in great distress. I didn’t know rabbits could cry out—but this one did.
Even though I approached slowly and talked softly in what was hopefully a rabbit-whisperer tone, the bunny was trembling. I don’t know how he did it, but his front half had gone through a section in the chain link fence, while his back legs were sticking out of two separate sections. I reached to give him a push but he screamed again.
Going back to the house for thick work gloves and pliers, I was desperate to set the rabbit free. He would be easy prey for night prowlers if left hanging. I couldn’t stand the thought of what would happen to him if I couldn’t save him.
I couldn’t pry the links wide enough for the back legs to get loose. I called two neighbors for help but there was no answer. I drove my car through the backyard and left it with the lights on, making the situation easier to see. And all this time I was praying. Out loud. Praying for God to have mercy on this poor helpless rabbit that had gotten itself into such a predicament. Begging God to help me.
I called the non-emergency number for the police precinct near me, explaining my difficulty with absolutely no shame at asking police help for a wild animal. The gracious officer who answered my call verified my address, got my assurance that it was fine with me for responding police to come into my backyard, and said help would come. When available.
I kept working with the pliers, crying just a little bit, still praying.
It wasn’t long before two officers showed up, assessed the situation, and worked together to release the rabbit. One went to the outside of the fence while the other stayed in my yard and used wire cutters (with my urging) so the bunny could be free. I put a towel in my pet carrier and that’s where Mr. Rabbit would spend the night. Thankfully, the officers seemed to have enjoyed the adventure and I praised them for their compassionate help.
Oddly enough---I have a friend who is a rabbit rescuer. I called, explained the situation, and she told me to put grass and a small dish of water in with the rabbit. If he was still alive in the morning, release him before sunup: from then on his survival would be up to him. He did survive the night. He did hop away when released, and I have seen him several times since.
For me, this experience made me wonder if my compassion for that wee animal and determination to set it free was, in a small way, how God sees us when we’re stuck, trapped, in agony or despair. Thank God for Jesus, who died to set us free, whose blood covers all sins, who ever lives to make intercession for us with the Father.
Because the rabbit cried out, I saw his plight and had mercy on him. When we cry out, our Heavenly Father hears, and reaches us with His mercy and love.
