R.i.p Hoppy Options

[Jimmy]

Two days ago I got up from my bed and had a shower, brushed my teeth, everything I would normally do in the morning. I then went to give my rabbits their breakfast. Upon entering the garden I instantly knew something was wrong - one of my rabbits was lying outside in the run in the pouring rain, only just breathing.

I took Hoppy to the vet and was told that she had an upset tummy, which caused her to collapse in the night outside. She was out in the cold harsh weather for more than 3 hours, just lying there. She became hypothermic. The vet told me that we could well lose her. They put her on a machine and warmed her up in the hopes that she would survive.

I spent that whole day worrying about her - she never left my mind for a second.

9 hours later, I was told that Hoppy had died.

I miss her so much and I just wish I could have done something beforehand.

But my main concern now is for her sister, Hazel. I have bought her an indoor home and put it in my room, so that I can keep her company.

But I'm looking at her right now, and she's searching for her sister, who is buried in the back garden with a small cross above her grave. I don't think Hazel has realised that Hoppy isn't coming back.. I feel so so so guilty and I just brake down when I see her all alone, confused. I can see her sometimes looking into the distance, staring, then searching again.

I miss Hoppy terribly, they were both nearly 4.. I think Hazel is going to have to live another 4 or so years without her and that breaks my heart so much.

Is there any advice anyone can give me to make this easier for her? I think she is the less socialable one of the two, so she isn't used to being picked up and hugged a lot.

We adopted them both from the RSPCA 2 years ago.

thanks in advance, it's good to know you're not alone in situations like this.. I just wish so much I could explain to Hazel what has happened.. I wish this was all just a bad dream.

Just a picture of the two:

Attached image(s)

 

[Ken Albin]

I'm very sorry for your loss. Bringing Hazel inside was definitely the right thing to do. She will be much happier close to you and much safer too.

Bonding a new bunny to Hazel can be tricky but is possible. She will probably be as happy interacting with you inside now.

There is a group called PetBunny with around 500 members and an email list. They can give much guidance and support with all areas of rabbit living and health. The group is very social and many have visited each other in person. The website with further information is at http://www.petbunny.net

All the best,
Ken Albin
PetBunny member since 1994.