Sir Francis Went To Rainbow Bridge, Our little bunny Options

[Ken Albin]

Sir Francis was 9 years and 3 months old. He lived through a major infection and abscess, carrying on out of sheer stubborness. A month ago he seemed to not have as much energy. A checkup showed that his heart did not have a normal rhythm. X-rays showed an enlarged heart and the EKG and ultrasound confirmed mitral valve damage. He began having trouble breathing because of fluid in his lungs from the heart problem, so we knew that his time was short. We fixed up an oxygen tent out of his cage but he still had problems breathing. The Lasix and two heart medications could not overcome the damage. Tonight while we were giving him his medications he struggled some. This was enough to cause his weak heart to fail. When we put him back in the cage he slumped over and was gone in less than a minute. I tried to give him cardiac massage and artificial respiration but except for a few sporatic, feeble heartbeats there was no response. I just came back in from burying him in the backyard.

Francis was a member of our family, our little 'funny bunny'. He was 'alpha cat', chasing the other cats around the house with great glee. Francis was bonded to our large orange cat Tommy for 8 1/2 years. They were ambassadors for bunny-cat coexistence. A photograph of them appeared on the Ellen Show last year in the section "Unlikely Couples".

He lived a long life for a bunny, but 50 years would not have been long enough. We greatly loved him and his toughbuns behavior. He never knew that he was only 5 pounds. My heart cries out for him and I know he is not there.

[ryancat]

Ken,oh,I am so sorry for your loss.Francis sounds like a wonderful bunny.What a lovely picture of him,he was certainly beautiful.You gave him such a good home and he knew that you loved him.I know it's so hard right now and that this pain is so fresh.My heart goes out to you and you will be in my prayers tonight.I pray your family will find some comfort in knowing that your little Francis had such a good family and that they loved him so much.He fought a tough fight and now he doesn't have to suffer anymore.I know that doesn't make you feel any better but he is safe and happy,he'll be waiting for you,hanging out with Daddy Cat at the rainbow bridge.My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.I hope it helps to know that you are not alone in your pain.We care and we are all here for you.Take care of yourself and write whenever you need to.Fly free dear Francis,you were a gift from God.Sincerely,Renee (Sox's mom)