About Us

My name is Kate Duffy.  Welcome to Binkie's Burrow!

I've been an Exotic Veterinary Assistant for 6 years and am very well-rounded in the care of many exotic species especially rabbits, guinea pigs and chinchillas!

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HOW THIS ALL BEGAN

In 2011 I got my first job at age 17 working in a small pet and feed store in El Monte, California. During the several months I was employed there I learned how cruel humankind can be towards animals. Just after my first week on the job a gentleman came in with a box full of baby bunnies and stated, that he didn't want them and was giving them to the store to sell. As I was putting the babies in a cage, I picked one up that was obviously very ill and needed medical attention. His eye was completely swollen shut and dried blood surrounded the area. I asked my boss what we could do for the poor thing, and he replied that he couldn't sell it and would call a friend to come get it for his snake to eat.  In horror, I told him that I would take him home if my family approved. The next thing I know I'm taking the baby bunny home on the bus with me. We named him Binkie,

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After a couple days of doing warm/cold compresses on his eye and syringe feeding him baby food he presented with "head-tilt." We rushed Binkie to the only vet we knew at that time who saw rabbits and were given an antibiotic.  Knowing as much as I do now, it shouldn't have even worked, but we are so glad it did.  It took Binkie several weeks to stabilize and improve, but once he did he was the sweetest most loving animal I'd ever met.

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Shortly after Binkie got better, we acquired 4 more rabbits, all in horrible condition and in desperate need of medical attention. The atmosphere that I thought would be a good experience for me was all too much to handle emotionally and I said goodbye to the pet/feed store - never to return.

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After losing several rabbits to uneducated and inexperienced care at the other hospital, we found Exotic Animal Veterinary Center in Pasadena, California and started bringing our rabbits there.

Wanting to learn more to better my rabbit experience, I asked if I could work with Dr. Kanfer,  without pay, which quickly became a full-time paying job. I have worked for Dr. Kanfer for 6 years as an Exotic Veterinary Assistant.

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Binkie passed away in 2017, but his memory and inspiration is carried in our hearts as we house and help other animals in need. In his honor, we named our  business after him!

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TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE

I am currently attending Cal Poly Pomona to earn my BA in Business Management and Human Resources. My plan is to continue helping those in need by continuing the love and care we provide here at Binkie's Burrow and one day managing local animal hospitals.

I still work a couple times a week at Exotic Animal Veterinary Center where I am able to continue to gain knowledge about exotic animals. However, my main focus is providing love and care to the your beloved pets here at the Burrow!

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