Meet the Buns!

 Our Bunny Consent Based Approach

A Consent-Based Approach to Bunny Interactions🐰💕

 

At Blue Dot Acres, we follow consent principles for our bunnies, using the FRIES Consent Model to guide human-bunny interactions.

🌿 FFreely Given We invite our bunnies to participate in activities by opening their room door and giving them space to choose whether to interact, retreat, or observe from a distance

🌿 RReversible Their pathway back to the bunny room is always free of obstacles, allowing them to return to their safe space at any time. Within their enclosure, they have plenty of hiding spots where they can rest or observe comfortably.

🌿 IInformed We can’t exactly inform the bunnies of what is going on but we try to keep our routines and rules consistent so the bunnies know what to expect. Predictability builds trust and helps them feel safe around humans.

🌿 EEnthusiastic Bunnies are naturally both curious and cautious and enthusiasm can look different from one bunny to another. We provide ample opportunities for play, stimulation, and connection—beyond just human interaction—so that joining our activities is a true choice, not something done out of boredom or in search of rewards. This ensures that even our shy or protective bunnies feel just as valued and cared for as the more outgoing ones.

🌿 SSpecific This one can be the trickiest for humans to understand with bunnies. A bunny may enjoy gentle head pats but that doesn’t mean they want to be touched somewhere else. They may agree that they would like to eat your piece of dill but decide they do not wish to eat mint. As humans, we can respect their consent for each specific interaction, and celebrate when they communicate clearly by moving away or changing their behaviour. 

Because we take a consent-based approach, we cannot guarantee that the bunnies will want to interact, be petted, or take treats—even from the kindest animal lovers. We hope you’ll respect their choices as they navigate their world as vulnerable little creatures. The more we humans are predictable and respectful, the friendlier and more social our bunnies become.

There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a happy, curious, relaxed bunny. We hope that’s your experience whenever you visit them!

Ringo, aka the big fuzz 

Ringo is our resident fiber bunny with a hare -raising dislike for being brushed. He prefers the feeling of less fur so he gets a dapper poodle cut every 6-8 weeks and he is much happier for it. As the dominant buck, he struts around with confidence, often the first to enter the room—and the first to claim the best treats before the other bunnies even hop over!

Sterling, our resilient hopper!

Sterling is a three-legged fiber bunny and Ringo’s sister, though she doesn’t produce much fiber herself. She doesn’t often join the big room for events—it’s tricky for her to move quickly and confidently—but she’s a beloved family favorite. Sterling reminds us to consider accessibility, not just in our bunny spaces but across the farm and beyond. While she navigates the world differently, her need for play, connection, and stimulation is just as strong as any other bun’s. And trust us—she makes the most of every moment!

Daisy

Daisy arrived at our farm alongside Ringo and Sterling. Though she and Ringo were littermates, they weren’t biological siblings—something we learned the unexpected way when she had an accidental pregnancy! Her natural protectiveness and skittish energy made her a devoted mother, always keeping a watchful eye on her little ones.

These days, Daisy has formed a sweet bond with Opal and is slowly growing more comfortable around people. While she still prefers not to be patted, she understands that humans are safe and will happily come over for a hand-fed treat. And when she zooms around at full speed, she’s still pure joy to watch—proving that sometimes, the fastest way to the heart is through a well-timed bunny sprint.

Bow, aka Bow-Bow Buttons

Bow may have arrived as a fiber bunny, but she quickly won everyone over with her irresistible charm. For a while she ruled the bunny room with a fiesty confidence, often alongside Ringo. She also was never one to wait her turn for treats.

After a surgery that shifted her place in the group, she has been trying to find her place again. She has been exploring making friends with cheeky Peach and soft-spoken Ruby. It’s never a dull moment in the bunny room.

Dandy, the bunny that smiles

Dandy is a freedom artist at heart—staying out late on yoga nights, wandering off the beaten path, and drawn to quiet corners and places others overlook.

Since her sister Ruby hooked up with Peach, Dandy has been flying solo and loving every minute of the single life. Dandy often looks like she’s smiling—whether it’s the way her fur falls or just her personality shining through, it’s hard not to smile back.

Opal, aka Ope-Oh Buttons.

Opal may have started life with a case of mistaken identity, but his name stuck—and so did his charm! Brother to Bow, he shares her striking looks and confident personality. This lovable fella is a favorite among both humans and his fellow buns, always winning hearts with his easygoing nature and undeniable bunny charisma. 

Peach, aka Mr. Peach

Peach came to us as a tiny baby and quickly showed us we were in for an adventure. After climbing over blockades in his bunny-proof room, he ended up needing a cast—and still managed to hop onto five-foot shelves from a standing position while wearing it.

This guy likes action. Ringo and Opal do their best to keep this firecracker in line, and since bonding with Ruby, he’s learned to chill on occasion. He also enjoys spending time with Bow (we think he appreciates her spicy personality) and Aria (drawn, perhaps, to her calmness). Either way, Peach is a clever bunny who needs regular stimulation to keep his active mind satisfied.

Ruby, the love bunny

Ruby is a sweet bun and Peach’s devoted companion. When Peach first joined the bunny room, he was so stressed, and each morning we would find that Ruby had quietly hopped into his pen overnight to snuggle beside him and keep him company.

It was a risky move—one that cost her position in the larger group hierarchy—but Ruby chose connection. Her calm, observant nature helped Peach settle, and their ongoing bond is a gentle reminder of how much care can matter when someone is feeling alone.

Aria, gentle Aria

Aria is our oldest bunny, and her arrival last year reminded us how special it can be to adopt a senior pet. She has ginger little hops, snores when she sleeps, and likes her space kept neat and calm.

Her next-door neighbour is Peach, who can be a bit of a whirlwind. If his energy gets to be too much, Aria will give a firm little stomp—her way of asking for help restoring calm to her fenced-in space. Sweet as they come, Aria rarely ventures far, but if she does, she’s likely looking for a gentle head rub.

Ways you can interact with the bunnies

We regularly offer events that include the bunnies (see our events page). Our most consistent offering is bunny yoga (you can read more about that below) but we try to offer other events we think both bunnies and humans would enjoy. Sign up for our newsletter if you want to learn about upcoming events and bunny adventures.

Bunny Yoga

Connecting with a prey animal like bunnies is a unique experience. It taps into softness and vulnerability. Whether a bunny flops near you or hops by during a stretch, if a bunny decides to connect with you during class, it’s a special thing.

Bunnies are extra sensitive to their environment. If you have tried goat yoga or puppy yoga, this experience will be quieter, calmer (and perhaps even more introspective). Getting lost in your yoga practice is the best way to make a bunny friend! They love to approach you on their own terms. Likewise, if you are loud or unpredictable in your movements, the bunnies will retreat.

With this in mind, this bunny yoga experience is best for adults and young people who are interested in yoga and able to focus on the mindfulness practice. We suggest bunny yoga is best for adults and young people who can remain calm in the presence of fluffy adorableness.

Here is our description of what to expect with bunny yoga;

● Atmosphere: Bunny yoga is characterized by a serene and tranquil environment. The presence of soft, gentle bunnies creates a calming atmosphere that enhances relaxation and mindfulness during the yoga session.

● Interaction: Bunnies are small, quiet, and naturally more careful in their environment. They are also curious, so they might hop around or flop near participants, providing a comforting experience without much disruption. Their interactions are subtle and can help deepen the sense of peace and connection in the practice. 

● Focus: The yoga practice emphasizes personal growth, with the bunnies as an added bonus/distraction.

● Energy Level: The overall energy of a bunny yoga class is quiet and peaceful (the opposite of goat yoga or puppy yoga). If you are seeking a new way to experience calmness in your yoga practice, give this a try! 

Yoga Instructor Profiles 

Diana

Diana shares yoga that is trauma informed and is safe for people with a variety of abilities to participate. Our Deep Relaxation Yoga Instructor is Diana from Shivana Yoga. Diana is sharing yoga that is trauma informed and safe for people with a variety of abilities to participate. She has ample experience combining animals and yoga and we are lucky to have her sharing her most relaxing yoga practices for this deep relaxation session at our farm.

https://www.shivanayoga.ca/

Victoria

Victoria loves power yoga and brings a gentle “bunny version” of that yoga style to her sessions at Blue Dot Acres, mixing strength, playfulness and mindfulness. When she isn’t instructing yoga, Victoria is mom and a school secretary, roles that involve holding space for all the feelings! Fun fact – Victoria and her husband love attending raves!

https://www.instagram.com/yogaxvictoria

Tova

Tova offers trauma-informed and accessible yoga that emphasizes choice. With over 500 hours of training and specialized certification in Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY), as well as certifications for teaching children, Tova creates an environment where individuals, particularly those who are neurodivergent, can come as they are and explore movement in a way that suits them best. As our Gentle Yoga instructor, Tova adopts a compassionate and inclusive approach, supporting each participant’s unique experience. She guides sessions in a manner that honours autonomy, curiosity, and care. 

Contact Us

2179A Dundas Street,
Burlington, Ontario

Located on the North side between Brant Street and Guelph Line. Our parking lot is in front of the "silo" shaped part of the building.

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