House Rabbit Society of San Francisco, California

Marcy Schaaf was walking her dog in her neighborhood one day when she found a stray bunny.

So began her journey into rabbit rescue and the founding of the San Francisco/Marin County chapter for the House Rabbit Society.

Her chapter is part of the international nonprofit organization, The House Rabbit Society, which is dedicated to rescuing and assisting rabbits from animal shelters. The organizaiton feels passionate about finding permanent, loving new homes for rabbits.

Schaaf's chapter is seven years old and considered the most active rabbit rescue group, especially in the Bay area. The group just founded a new shelter called A Fair Share For Rabbits. There are 27 city, county or private shelters in the San Francisco Bay area that offer rabbits for adoption.

"I didn't expect to be this heavily into rescue work," said Schaaf, who used to be in marketing. "I educated myself about bunny care. I've always had a passion for the underdog. I started sponsoring, doing marketing and working for shelters. The more successful I got, the more animals there were."

Schaaf, a full-time volunteer, does the work for charity. The program is completely funded by donations and staffed by volunteers. The group has gotten a fair amount of publicity locally, said Schaaf. The staff was recently interviewed for a new TV talk show after someone discovered them on Craigslist when the chapter posted an ad searching for volunteers.

With the chapter gaining momentum, Schaaf admits to finding joy every time she sees a rabbit find a home.