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)

 

[SandyD]

Jimmy,

I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing Hoppy must have been a shock and you must miss him very much. I can understand your concern about Hazel. It is heartbreaking to watch a pet grieve the loss of another. With both rabbits having been together for at least two years, I'm sure she will miss Hoppy. She may feel disoriented and confused for a while. This is only natural. I think you have already helped her, by bringing her indoors for now. If she is not much of a lap rabbit, maybe you can spend time being near her and talking to her, so she knows she is not alone. I know you are very concerned about her, but please try not to worry too much. Although animals do grieve the loss of their companions, they are also very resilient. Like people, in time, they do learn to get past the loss. It may be too early for you to even consider this, but perhaps in the future , you may want to think about getting Hazel another rabbit companion. I'm sorry that I can't offer more suggestions. Hoppy and Hazel are adorable, by the way.

Take care,

Sandy

[samhaincat]

I'm so sorry about hoppy. I know how much it hurts especially when it is so unexpected. By taking Hoppy to the vet you did everything you could. Remember the love never dies...
The picture is so adorable...

Your message especially touched me today as a friend of mine caught a baby bunny on the college campus. I took him/her home because bunnies have been dissappearing on campus, I think they are being secretly poisened. It's not a good place. There are also eagles, cats and raccoons around. He/she is a cream/apricot coloured bunny-very cute. I plan on getting a hutch to keep him/her safe.

I don't have any advice to offer on Hazel. Would she be receptive to another bunny from the spca?

[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.

[Jimmy]

Nearly a year on from my first post, I come back with bad news.

Hazel, the brown rabbit in the photo, was put to sleep on this day.

I'm not quite sure it's completely hit me yet, but I've cried my eyes out in these last few hours - we buried her next to her sister about 20 minutes ago.

I think one of the sadest things about when Hoppy died was that Hazel had to go on living alone, but now they're together I'm coping a lot better with this second loss, even though it'll take some time for things to return to normal.

R.I.P you two, the best rabbits I could have asked for. I will see you again I'm certain. Missing you immensely already, even if you were a bit of a pain sometimes hehe. Love you both, we'll meet again.

[xrayspex]

I am sorry for your loss, We have not met untill now but the ground we walk on here is common. I feel your pain. I have experienced 2 losses close together as well. I know you will miss them and I know how much. I have cried much in the past few days over my loss. We both know it is the cross we must bare having received the love of one of God's great creatures. Although we have only been "caretakers" of these creatures for but a moment in time.... we have been born with this strong desire to look after what cannot look after itself...for a greater purpose. The passing of our furry loved ones is something we will have to deal with 'till the end of our own days. Because if we were to stop doing it.....we would deprive another wonderful creature an opportunity to share a loving home.

Take care my friend
Be kind to yourself
I will be thinking of you

[Daisy's Mommy]

Rabbits are herd animals and are not happy living without their own kind. So, while it might be painful for you, I suggest getting a new rabbit as soon as possible. You should talk with a Rabbit expert or vet about how to introduce the new rabbit and about what type of rabbit to get - older, younger, smaller, etc.

While the new rabbit will not replace Hoppy, it will give Hazel the company she needs to be a happy, well-adjusted rabbit. You can love her, give her companionship, but you cannot relate to her like another rabbit would.

You should also ask experts about when it is ok to leave rabbits outside, relating to temperature and other weather conditions.

Good luck.

Daisy's Mommy

[dusktodawn]

I am so sorry for your loss. At least they are together now, even though it leaves a gaping whole in your heart, you can take confort that they are together,

[5catsmom]

I'm so sorry for your losses. I have 9 bunnies myself, and care for them every day, and know their personalities so well, so I know what you're going through. I'm glad Hazel (By the way, we have a Hazel also) was in a place where she was warm and cared for)knew you were there for her. Bunnies are much more delicate than they seem, and yet tougher in some ways. You have to learn the read them and know them very well, and observe them a long time before you can really know them. I truly am sorry for your losses, and I thank you for coming back and letting us know what happened. This site is for all of us pet owners: dogs, cats, hamsters, bunnies, horses, lizards, guinea pigs, turtles, if it's loved and if we can care for it, it has a home here (my apologies to those pets I left out, I know there are a mult*itude, but you feel free to add to the list, it's by no means comprehensive).

Your bunnies were very fortunate that they had someone who loved them so much. God bless them. You will see them again, I've no doubt, and till then, they're playing and munching together. Come back and let us know how you're doing, and take care - Barbara

[Jimmy]

Thanks very much for the kind words, I appreciate it immensely.

I'm currently just trying to get on with life, I'm allowing myself to have the occasional breakdown as I believe it's all just part of the road to recovery.

I'm glad they're together now, Hazel never seemed herself for the year in which she was without Hoppy. Hopefully they're having a good time together where ever they are.

I may come back at another time and update you on how I'm doing and everything, but if not, thank you so much for listening to me and giving me your comfort. It's nice to know that you're not alone in matters like this.

Thank you ever so much.
/Jim.