Say hello to Hoppy Gilmore. Though many think he’s a Flemish Giant, he’s actually a mix of Silver Fox, New Zealand, and Rex, all meat breeds. Hoppy’s early life was rough; he was raised on a meat farm in tiny wire cages and treated as nothing more than livestock. Everything changed when Janna rescued him. At first, he was timid and frail, with patchy fur and the scars of neglect, but with love, care, and patience, he gradually began to thrive and amazed everyone around him.
Read on to learn the full story of Hoppy and hear directly from the loving person who rescued him.
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Meet Hoppy Gilmore – yes, just like the movie
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Bored Panda spoke with Janna to learn more about her bunny, Hoppy Gilmore, and how their beautiful friendship began. “Hoppy Gilmore’s story started when I rescued him from a former meat farm,” Janna recalls. “He was kept in wire cages and had never experienced comfort or affection before. I wanted to give him a chance to live a real life, to know what love feels like. That was the beginning of our friendship, and it changed both of us.”
Many people assume he’s a Flemish Giant, but he’s actually a mix of Silver Fox, New Zealand, and Rex, all meat breeds
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Hoppy’s early life was heartbreaking. He was raised on a meat farm, kept in wire cages, and treated as livestock rather than a living, breathing being
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
At first, Hoppy was shy and unsure of everything, but as he began to trust her, Janna noticed some surprisingly dog-like behaviors. “He would wait for me at the door, follow me around the house, and even stay close when I wasn’t feeling well. That is when I realized he was acting more like a dog than a rabbit,” she says.
Everything changed when Janna rescued him for just $40
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
She brought him home to show him what love really feels like
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
When asked what she loves most about Hoppy’s personality, Janna’s answer was simple: “I love how affectionate he is. You can see how thankful he is by the way he flops and binkies. He is just so joyful to be here.” Every small gesture, from his playful jumps to his comforting presence, has shown just how special he truly is.
At first, Hoppy was scared and fragile. He didn’t know how to navigate smooth floors, his fur was patchy, and his body bore the marks of neglect
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
But with patience, care, and endless affection, he slowly began to heal – and surprise everyone around him
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Reflecting on the bigger message of Hoppy’s story, Janna shared some heartfelt advice: “The best breed is rescued. I would say adopt, rescue, or volunteer if you have the capacity. There are so many animals that need homes. I hate that a breeder profited off Hoppy, but I didn’t want him to end up with someone who would continue that cycle. Giving animals a second chance is one of the most rewarding things you can do. Hoppy rescued me far more than I rescued him.”
Hoppy didn’t just recover – he flourished
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
He started acting more like a dog than a rabbit: waiting by the door when Janna comes home, following her from room to room, and even sensing when she’s unwell, staying close to comfort her
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Once a rabbit destined for slaughter, Hoppy now enjoys a life full of trust, warmth, and happiness
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Hoppy’s story shows that even the saddest beginnings can transform into something truly beautiful
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore
Image credits: hoppyyygilmore