A Lone Rabbit Resting on the Asphalt
A single rabbit lies motionless on the coarse gray asphalt of a mountain road. Its eyes are closed and its body is pressed flat against the ground, surrounded by a sparse patch of weeds poking through the road’s edge.
Three smaller rabbits gather in a tight huddle just a few feet away. They shift their weight from paw to paw, their ears twitching in the cool air.
A white SUV approaches from the distance, its tires humming against the pavement. The driver slows the vehicle as he nears the group, eventually bringing the car to a complete stop beside the scene.
The Approach
The car door opens and a man steps out onto the pavement. He carries a small plastic water bottle in his hand.
He walks around the front of the SUV, his eyes fixed on the stillness of the rabbit on the road. As he approaches, the three smaller rabbits back away only slightly, staying near the center of their circle.
The man drops to his knees on the gravelly shoulder, bringing himself level with the small animals. He unscrews the cap of the bottle, his movements deliberate and slow.
A Gentle Intervention
He tilts the bottle, pouring a steady stream of water into a plastic container he has set on the ground. The liquid ripples inside the clear tray as he positions it near the rabbit that had been lying down.
The man reaches out with his right hand, his fingers brushing the fur along the rabbit’s back. He shifts the animal slightly, helping it gain better footing near the water tray.
The rabbit begins to lap at the water, its head dipping and rising in rhythm. The man maintains a light touch, his palm resting against the creature’s side to steady it against the breeze.
The Final Feeding
The man reaches into his pocket and retrieves several bright orange carrots. He breaks the ends off and places them into the grass right in front of the small group.
The three smaller rabbits lean forward, their noses quivering as they take hold of the food. They begin to chew, their movements quick and synchronized.
The man kneels quietly in the grass, his shoulders relaxed. He watches as the rabbits congregate around the water and the carrots, their heads bowed low over the meal.
The final shot shows the man sitting on the side of the road with the small group of rabbits, as they continue to eat the carrots together in the afternoon light.
Send this to someone who understands the importance of looking out for the most vulnerable. Share this video with a friend.