"What is REAL?" the Velveteen Rabbit asked the Skin Horse one day. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?"

 

"Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real."

 

"Does it hurt?" asked the Velveteen Rabbit .

 

"Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt."

 

"It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in your joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand. But once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always."

 

 

     SEPR’s matured classic Elouise Mae arrived with some sharp edges and a past of broken promises. So desperately wanting to be loved, but unsure who can provide that for her. Already blossoming in her foster family, this soulful and soft rabbit is sharing the deepest pieces of her heart bit-by-bit. We cannot wait to see more of this classic little lady.

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     Elouise Mae is certainly winning over the hearts of those she touches. Trust is to be earned from the two-legged and at her own speed, but WOW once you have formed that inner bond a goofy, happy, comedic personality emerges like a fabulous fairy tale.  Day by day and with each new experience her confidence levels are growing! We are sure she will never be the typical block head socialite, but that is what makes her even more special. Certainly, living a life without much human guidance and affection Elouise takes solace with her four legged friends.

 

     Once comfortable in her surroundings Elouise loves to play with her toys. She will toss them in the air and pounce like a baby bunny. Nylabones are one of her favorite things in the entire world. She enjoys frolicking with canine siblings and is always a good sport about most of their crazy antics. SEPR Delilah is also showing her the ropes out and about in public; Delilah is the buffer that greets people while Elouise Mae sits back and watches the interactions to make sure humans are to be trusted.

 

     Walking on leash with a gentle leader is a breeze. She will gallop and prance like a horse when she knows it’s time for a walk. Elouise Mae is even learning how to enjoy the “wind in your hair” car rides. She also has proven the age old adage – you can teach an old dog new tricks. She is quickly picking up on sit, lay down, wait, come, and look - this girl even knows sign language from her deaf foster brother!

 

     One could never tell Elouise Mae is nearing retirement age, she shows us every day she has so much life and love to give. Think about giving your heart and home to this elder-bull that has a little more extra wisdom to her. A family that enjoys jeopardy and quiet moonlit strolls will be right up this classic ladies alley.