Happy Tail: Adopted bunny cures a disabled woman's loneliness

Sandie Dawley wanted to adopt a pet. The Pawtucket, RI, woman has permanent inner ear nerve damage, making her balance unsteady, and the resulting vertigo keeps her from driving.

"It's an invisible disability, but I'm no longer able to work," she says, which means she spends most of her time at home alone.

But what kind of pet? She is allergic to cats and thought a dog would be too much work. "My boyfriend thought of a bunny and started looking online."

She adopted Puddin' through Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue in Foster, RI. Sandy soon learned that life with a rabbit can also keep a person hopping.

Puddin's cage is in the bedroom, but she likes to spend time with the family in the living room. The uncarpeted floors between the two frightened her, so Sandie made a path with throw rugs.