For this post, I got to sit down via Zoom with two special guests – one adorable bun and his talented human! I was so excited for the privilege to chat with singer/songwriter/actor, Brooke Moriber and her bun, Sherlock.
A life-long animal lover, Brooke shares her unique story, how she adopted Sherlock, and how she helped rescue a Flemish Giant bun from being sold for meat several states away from her home.
We caught Sherlock in the middle of his evening slumber when our chat started, so I took the opportunity to learn more about Brooke as he snoozed.
Brooke’s Story
Born and raised in New York City, Brooke got her start on the Broadway stage at a young age. She has shared the stage and screen with artists such as The Gin Blossoms, Cindy Lauper, Lily Taylor, Alan Cumming, Kristin Johnston and others.
In the wake of a rare eye disease diagnosis that left her blind for four years, Brooke began to write music at fifteen years old.
“I woke up one morning, and I couldn’t see my face in the mirror…I looked around, and everything was just blobs of color, I couldn’t make anything out.
“It was really, really hard. I think when you’re that young going through something like that, and you realize your parents can’t fix it and the doctors don’t have the answers, it’s a very isolating feeling. You feel like you’re the only person who can do anything about it. This is when I started to write music. Without it, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the experience. Four years later, I went into remission, and the doctors couldn’t explain why.
“I remember when I got my vision back how everything looked so vibrant and three dimensional. I remember being amazed by the definition of leaves on the trees. I never want to forget that moment.
“After that experience, I knew I wanted to write music for the rest of my life. I truly believe there is healing power in music. I want to write music that helps other people heal through their circumstances like it did for me.”
In the coming weeks, Brooke will release new music coming out with her label inspired by her story.
About this time in our chat, Sherlock started to stir from his evening nap. I took this opportunity to learn more about this cute, floppy-eared boy!
Sherlock’s Story
Sherlock is a 5 lb (~2.5 kgs) Holland Lop who Brooke says was “sort of” a rescue. She adopted him from a breeder who had given him to a family. Six months later, the family was moving and couldn’t take the rabbit with them, so they gave him back to the breeder. A friend had come across the breeder’s listing for the rabbit and showed the photo to Brooke. “When I first saw him, the sky parted. I knew he was for me.”
Sherlock hops over to Brooke for a treat, which he promptly snatches from her hand and sprints to the corner to munch on it in peace. Brooke tells us that when Sherlock’s food bowl is empty, he will put his paws in his bowl waiting to be noticed (he actually did this later in our chat, and it’s just as adorable as it sounds). If he goes unnoticed, he will start tapping the bowl with his paws and sometimes this escalates into a full-on tantrum where he throws his bowl. As rabbit owners, we know that is bun-language for, “Feed me NOW, human!”
Now the mostly cinnamon-colored Sherlock is on the couch looking for more treats from Brooke. I admire the adorably unique and perfectly-shaped white triangle he has on his nose.
Sherlock is approximately 6 ½ years old and has his own little human-style bed and Cottontail Cottage, which Brooke says is his favorite toy and pastime! “He lives in it, bunstructs it and jumps to the second and third floor all the time.”
When I asked her about her favorite way to bond with Sherlock, she said Sherlock loves when she builds a fort in the living room, and they play inside of it. She discovered this one day when Sherlock was digging on the quilt across the bed and going underneath it. She decided to go under the quilt with him. “It was like a lightbulb moment for us both – we discovered that we can play together! For anyone who thinks rabbits are not as interactive as dogs, Sherlock is proof that just isn’t true. Playing with him is the best.”
Brooke also has the biggest heart that led her to save a life a few months ago.
Brooke Rescues A Bun Being Sold for Meat
Brooke came across a post in a rabbit group site where a woman had listed a Flemish Giant rabbit in a diaper. Much to Brooke’s dismay, the post said that the rabbit was being sold for meat. “I couldn’t sleep and didn’t know what to do, so I called my vet and searched for other resources that might be able to help me rescue this rabbit so I could find him a good home,” says Brooke. The post disappeared shortly after this, and Brooke suspected the worst: “I was in a heap of tears for about 24 hours until one of my resources found the lady’s email address who had made the post. It turned out she still had the rabbit, and we were able to rescue him!” Brooke ended up paying for his neuter and found him a loving home. “They’re so happy, the family loves him so much – especially their little boy. I get photos and videos all the time!”
Brooke said at some point she would like to do more with rescue efforts. Eventually, she would like to help educate people on pet rabbits and how awesome they are.
Brooke’s Bun Advice
What advice would you give someone who is thinking about getting a pet rabbit?
“Make sure you’re able to spend time with them. If you’re not home a lot or don’t work from home, you should get two so that they have a partner to play with. Rabbits are really social and need interaction all the time, so if you can’t do that, it’s important that they have a friend.
“Also, read books about rabbits. Learn all you can. I read so much to help me communicate with Sherlock and understand him better.”
What advice would you give someone who already has a rabbit (or two)?
“Change up their play routine because they get bored. Try a new toy, change up the routine slightly to keep them interested.”
Check Out Brooke’s Music!
You can stream Brooke’s music on Spotify, Apple Music or on her website at www.brookemoriber.com. You can also follow her on Instagram for her latest updates!
Thank you for the lovely chat, Brooke and Sherlock!
