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.

[Muffins]

Dear ((((((((Ken))))))))

I attempted to write out my post to you last night, but, the words wouldn't come. I felt so sad after reading your post.

I am so very, very sorry about the passing of your incredibly special guy, Sir Francis ....

I know that you (and Karen) have such wonderfully HUGE hearts, and you provide a wonderful, warm & loving home for all of your children. I just know how much your heart is breaking, and I feel your loss .

Please know that I am thinking of you. I know that Sir Francis will ALWAYS be with you - inside your heart. Our babies never really ever leave us.

Please know that I am thinking of you - if there is anything at all that I can do, please let me know.

God bless you & yours,

Denise & Ben