Bunny Preferring to Live Solo After Loss?

[Shamrock132]

Hi all, first time post here in the community. My girlfriend and I had 2 rabbits, Dan and Bella, however last month Dan passed away unexpectedly leaving Bella as a solo rabbit. Unfortunately this is the second time Bella had been left alone after the loss of a partner. Her first bonded mate Leany was lost to cancer. After Leany passed, Bella became extremely depressed, refusing to come out from under the bed, being mostly inactive and visibly sad. After she was bonded with Dan, she returned to her old self. She has always been a submissive rabbit, and Dan was very dominant, frequently requesting grooming, and sometimes being a bit of a bully about food. She was always very timid, and much more fearful and less social then Dan. They were also opposites in regards to cleanliness, Bella being a neat freak, and Dan being a bit of a pig. 

What we noticed lately after Dan passed away is that shes become a different rabbit! Shes not depressed, and is the opposite, becoming very outgoing, jumping up on the couch or into bed, stealing snacks if we elave them out, something she would have never have done before, and she seems generally happy. Our dilemma is now do we get another rabbit? We would love the opportunity to rescue another rabbit from the shelter, however were worried she would become timid and withdrawn again. While she never seemed unhappy with Dan, sometimes it seemed as she was frustrated but his requests to be groomed, food aggression adn his messiness. They were great cuddlers, and we would hate for her to be lonely, but she generally seems happy living the single life. 

Has anyone ever run into a situation like this before? Thanks for the help and insight!. 

[Azerane]

I can’t remember who it was, but I’m sure another member here posted recently about a loss of one of a bonded pair, and how the single rabbit came out of their shell afterwards when they hadn’t before. I don’t recall if they adopted another bunn or not.

It’s a tough call to make, it certainly seems like she can be happy in a bond as shown with Lenny, it may simply have been that Dan was too much for her. If you do head down the route of getting another partner for her, perhaps try to find a bun that is less dominant and pushy than he was, with not quite so much personality.

[LongEaredLions]

So sorry for your loss of Dan.
At this point, since your bunny is doing well, I would make the decision based on if you want another bunny. Do not get another simply for fear of her loneliness-she seems to be doing just fine and many people have single bunnies that do very well. If you want another bun but are concerned about her becoming somewhat reclusive, you may want to consider a younger bunny who will keep her active, as I’ve found sometimes buns can sometimes become a bit less active when they are bonded (lots of snuggling often goes on!).
Do whatever feels right for you and your bunny-I don’t think you can go wrong either way.

[Shamrock132]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and advice! Lots to think about. Thanks again.

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