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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

BINKYBUNNY FORUMS

Forum RAINBOW BRIDGE A Place for Support, Comfort & Remembrance

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    • BinkyBunny
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        Many times, especially with certain animals, like rabbits, the loss we feel may not be understood fully by others.  But here, you will be understood.  You will be safe to grieve.   We know how these special creatures can grab hold of our hearts, and we will be here for you.

        NOTE: This doesn’t have to be only about the loss of your bunny.  Many of us have a motley crew of animal companions.  They can all be honored here.

        Though you can post photos and memorials in this section, there will also be a special memorial section in our gallery – coming soon.


         

         The Rainbow Bridge

        Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

        When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

        All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

        They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

        You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

        Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….                                                     ~ author unknown ~


         

        Beyond the Rainbow

         As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
        I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
        I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble free,
        where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
        I saw the most beautiful rainbow and on the other side
        were meadows rich and beautiful lush and green and wide!

        And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
        were every sort of animal, as healthy as could be!
        My own tired failing body was fresh and healed and new
        and I wanted to go run with them but I had something left to do.
        I needed to reach out to you to tell you I’m alright,
        that this place is truly wonderful – then a bright glow pierced the night.

        ‘Twas the glow of many candles shining bright and strong and bold
        and I knew then that it held your love in it’s brilliant shades of gold.
        For although we may not be together in the way we used to be
        we are still connected by a cord that no eye can ever see.
        So whenever you need to find me we’re never far apart
        if you look beyond the rainbow and listen with your heart.

        ~ author unknown ~


        Missing You  ©


        I stood by your bed last night

          I came to have a peep.

        I could see that you were crying,

        You found it hard to sleep.

        I whined to you softly

        as you brushed away a tear,

        “It’s me, I haven’t left you,

        I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”

        I was close to you at breakfast,

        I watched you pour the tea,

        You were thinking of the many times,

        your hands reached down to me.

        I was with you at the shops today,

        Your arms were getting sore.

        I longed to take your parcels,

        I wish I could do more.

        I was with you at my grave today,

        You tend it with such care.

        I want to reassure you,

        that I’m not lying there.

        I walked with you towards the house,

        as you fumbled for your key.

        I gently put my paw on you,

        I smiled and said “it’s me.”

        You looked so very tired,

        and sank into a chair.

        I tried so hard to let you know,

        that I was standing there.

        It’s possible for me,

        to be so near you everyday.

        To say to you with certainty,

        “I never went away.”

        You sat there very quietly,

        then smiled, I think you knew

        … in the stillness of that evening,

        I was very close to you.

        The day is over…

        smile and watch you yawning

        and say “goodnight, God bless,

        I’ll see you in the morning.”

        And when the time is right for you

        to cross the brief divide,

        I’ll rush across to greet you

        and we’ll stand, side by side.

        I have so many things to show you,

        there is so much for you to see.

        Be patient, live your journey out

        …then come home to be with me.

        ~Author Colleen Fitzsimmons ©~
        In memory of Shadow 

        PLEASE LIKE THE AUTHOR’S PAGE :https://www.facebook.com/Missi…mmons

         


      • Nicci607
        Participant
        320 posts Send Private Message

           

           

           

          The Rainbow Bridge
          [For Bunnies]

          There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of it’s many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys, sweet clover and lush green grass, a waiting place.

          When a beloved bunny dies, he goes to this place. There is always an abundance of food and sparkling fresh water. When he arrives at the Rainbow Bridge, he is greeted by many other bunnies.

          There is never a cloud in the sky and every day is Spring. The old animals are young again. Those who were hurt and maimed are restored to perfect health. There is no fear or sadness in this place.

          There is only one thing missing. They are not with the special person who loved them on Earth.

          Each day they run and play and nap in the shade, nibble sweet grass and share stories about the special humans who loved them.

          Suddenly, one of the bunnies stops!

          Little ears perk up, a pink nose twitches, and bright eyes search the distant horizon. Then this one quickly bounds away from the group, leaping and hopping for joy.

          You have been spotted.

          You are showered with a million wet,

          snuggly kisses.

          Then you and your special bunny friend cross

          the Rainbow Bridge together,

          never to be separated again.

           

          ~ author unknown ~


        • Binkles
          Participant
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            Oh my Lord, BB, that second poem made me cry..


          • jerseygirl
            Moderator
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              THANK YOU JENNIFER.


            • LittlePuffyTail
              Moderator
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                Thank you for this wonderful forum.

                I’m crying now after reading that second poem. I still miss my two beloved bunnies so much…


              • BinkyBunny
                Moderator
                8776 posts Send Private Message

                  You’re welcome. I miss the two bunnies I have lost too. And because Bailey’s loss is still fresh for me, I can still feel her fur on my face, and sometimes I feel like I hear her unique hop down the hallway in search for bunny kisses.


                • kimberleyanddarren
                  Participant
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                    aw i have only been on BB for like 5 mins and im crying already, some lovely poems.


                  • SnuggleBunny
                    Participant
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                      those were moving, and made me cry. thank you for posting them, they are beautiful.


                    • Moonlight_Wolf
                      Participant
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                        I haven’t even lost a bunny and I was crying.


                      • Lisa_43
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                          What a wonderful tribute to all bunnies lost.


                        • Deleted User
                          Participant
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                            OMG … TEARS … TEARS …. AND MORE TEARS.

                            What a mess I am


                          • Beka27
                            Participant
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                              i have not seen the second poem before. thanks for posting it!


                            • bigsis7
                              Participant
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                                If I Had Known
                                (Charrlotte’ s Poem)
                                By Shayna Smith (bigsis7)

                                If I had know this would be the last time I felt your warm tounge
                                If I had known this would be the last time you slept in my coat
                                If I had known this would be the last time I heard you chur

                                If I had know this was the last time I played with you
                                If I known this would be the last time I felt your heart beat
                                I would had made it last a little longer
                                If I had known

                                If I had known you would never cuddle with me again
                                If I had known you would leave this life so soon
                                If I had known I would never see your ears perk up again
                                If I had known you would never know that other people could be kind
                                If I had known you would never be full grown
                                If I had known this would be your last breath
                                If I had known you were about to leave this life
                                I would have made your life a little better
                                If I had known

                                Now I know that you are at the rainbow bridge
                                Now I know you are playing with others
                                Now I know that I will see you again
                                Now I know you will always be a part of me
                                Now I know that you and I loved each other dearly
                                Now I know that you will be healthy and whole
                                Now I know I did the best I could to make your life luxury and love you
                                Now you are in god’s hands in a throne waiting for me to join you again
                                Now I know
                                My heart can rest

                                 


                              • Beka27
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                                  oh my gosh bigsis! that is such a beautiful poem! thanks for sharing that… i love it!


                                • BinkyBunny
                                  Moderator
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                                    Wow, that is beautiful. You are talented!!


                                  • bigsis7
                                    Participant
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                                      Thanks guys :-)!


                                    • Kokaneeandkahlua
                                      Participant
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                                        That’s the poem I put on Kokanee’s memorial…thought it was a professional poem it’s beautiful, thanks again Bigsis

                                        Binky-Thanks for this special place to remember our Bridge bunnies (and other animals too)


                                      • MD
                                        Participant
                                        49 posts Send Private Message


                                          Imagine Bunny Heaven*


                                          Imagine Bunny Heaven
                                          It’s easy if you try
                                          Restored to health now,
                                          they are happy and spry
                                          Imagine all the bunnies
                                          living there today

                                          Imagine endless meadows;
                                          it isn’t hard to do
                                          Hopping free of pain now,
                                          and doing binkies too!
                                          Imagine all the bunnies
                                          living there in peace

                                          You may say that I’m a dreamer,
                                          but I’m not the only one
                                          Someday we’ll be reunited
                                          with our precious little bun

                                          Imagine bunny angels,
                                          with the Lord above
                                          They hear our prayers in Heaven;
                                          they always feel our love
                                          Imagine your sweet bunny
                                          sending love to you

                                          You may say that I’m a dreamer,
                                          but I’m not the only one
                                          Someday we’ll be reunited
                                          with our precious little bun

                                          *I adapted this from John Lennon’s song, Imagine


                                        • BinkyBunny
                                          Moderator
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                                            MD – I love that adaptation. Thank you.


                                          • i~luv~frappichino&sammy
                                            Participant
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                                              i love that adaption
                                              i was singing it!


                                            • 4Lily
                                              Participant
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                                                AWE! Maked tears roll down my cheaks! Thinking of my Buttercup binking in heaven! You are so missed little bud!


                                              • kralspace
                                                Participant
                                                2663 posts Send Private Message

                                                  aw, crap, now I have to tell everyone who comes in my office I’ve got bad allergies so they don’t know I’m crying reading a bunny site.

                                                  We need a DO NOT READ THIS AT WORK warning on this beautiful thread….lol


                                                • 4Lily
                                                  Participant
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                                                    LOL! I am at work! These tears are happy tears! I really miss Buttercup, but so happy he’s binking forever in heaven! He deserves it! He taught us alot even though he was only with us a very short time!


                                                  • Niannie
                                                    Participant
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                                                      I love this place I just lost my bunny, cottonball and it’s been 4 days and I can’t stop crying. She has such an impact on me, I only got to spend 8 mo with her I adopted her when she was 2 mo. I miss all the silly things she did I miss the way she would run to me when she heard my voice, I miss her bunny kisses I miss everything. I get so sad when I see her fav veggies or go to her room and she’s not there, I’m glad there is a place for me to go and express all this because everyone else thinks I’m nuts or over reacting. Thanks BB


                                                    • Chessie & JJ's Mom
                                                      Participant
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                                                        I too, am so grateful for BB & these forums.
                                                        I miss my lil’ JJ soooo much!
                                                        This thread was so comforting … thank you all, so much!
                                                        *sobbing*


                                                      • Kyra
                                                        Participant
                                                        1 posts Send Private Message

                                                          Oh gosh that second poem made me cry <3
                                                          I’m so so so sorry to anyone who has ever lost a pet, its all to familiar to many of us here unfortunately. Run free forever little ones <3


                                                        • Jenna, Chubs & Comet
                                                          Participant
                                                          617 posts Send Private Message

                                                            Thank you for these poems…I always avoided this whole thread of the forum because I couldn’t stand to hear such sad stories. I really hope my Comet is in some warm meadow and isn’t sad that’s he’s not with me or Chubs. I already miss his sweet little face.


                                                          • Muffinluv
                                                            Participant
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                                                               You Wont Miss Me Forever

                                                              I woke up here this morning

                                                              Only to hear you scream

                                                              It must be something terrible

                                                              Perhaps a scary dream,

                                                               

                                                              I tried to get you calm mum,

                                                              But nothing seemed to work

                                                              I did my cutest tricks and such

                                                              But you just went berserk

                                                               

                                                              You touched my fur while sobbing

                                                              I did not feel a thing

                                                              I remembered my head throbbing

                                                              I must have passed away

                                                               

                                                              I told you I was fine mum,

                                                              But you just disagreed.

                                                              You said my death was all your fault,

                                                              I sat there in dismay.

                                                               

                                                              I cried because I hated,

                                                              That I could cause you pain,

                                                              I loved you then I love you now

                                                              I’ll love you yet again.

                                                               

                                                              But now I have to leave mum,

                                                              I see a pretty bridge

                                                              And someone there is begging me

                                                              To come across and play.

                                                               

                                                              Don’t worry I will see you,

                                                              Again some other day.

                                                              I will be waiting here for you

                                                              And we will celebrate.

                                                               

                                                              You wont miss me forever


                                                            • LongEaredLions
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                                                                A friend on another forum wrote this story and I wanted to post it here. All credit goes to Touchthesky, or Ivy, from the Hamster Hideout forum.
                                                                http://hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/85161-the-rainbow-bridge-a-story/#entry826742

                                                                The Rainbow Bridge

                                                                A soft wind tugged at my fur. I was lying in something soft and comfortable. I didn’t want to open my eyes. I just wanted to stay there forever, lying in the comfortable stuff – and I was going to until I heard it. It completely shocked me – and I opened my eyes.

                                                                Your voice. I heard it.

                                                                I opened my eyes and got slowly up to my paws. I could see where I was now – a beautiful meadow with a bright rainbow bridge in front of me. I had been lying in grass. Grass. Once upon a time, I would have been so happy at the sight of grass. But right now, all I cared about was you. I pricked my ears, trying to hear your voice again.

                                                                And I heard it. “Wake up,” You whispered. I was overcome with joy. I danced around wildly, trying to see you and run to you. But I couldn’t see you.

                                                                The last thing I remembered before waking up in this meadow was you. Your loving gaze as you looked at me and cuddled me. I remember now. I was sick. I was going to die, and the last thing I saw before waking up here was your eyes filled with love.

                                                                I tried to call out, cry for you, but I couldn’t make a sound. Where were you? Were you hiding from me, playing a game? Or was this a joke? Or was this all a dream, and I was actually still in your hands? It seemed so real though..

                                                                “Hey, it’s me buddy,” Your voice whispered again. “Don’t worry.”

                                                                I was so relieved to hear your voice. Then you said, “Cross the bridge, buddy. Don’t worry, I’ll always love you. You can go.”

                                                                Hearing that, I began to panic. It sounded like a farewell – I didn’t want to live the rest of my life without seeing you! I tried to protest, but it felt like the weird rainbow bridge was dragging me to it. I couldn’t resist it. I kept fighting against it. I couldn’t leave – not if I couldn’t see you again.

                                                                “Go,” You urged. “You’ll see me again – I promise. I love you – forever and always. Just go.”

                                                                And I decided I would. Because I believe you. Slowly, I took one step. And another. All the way across, with your voice urging me on all the way.

                                                                ~Ivy


                                                              • Soozalicious
                                                                Participant
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                                                                  Bawling my eyes out.


                                                                • Diamond
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                                                                    I found this on tumblr, and while it was written with a fish in mind, I think it would also work for rabbits or most other small animals.

                                                                    Image and video hosting by TinyPic

                                                                    source: http://inkblort.deviantart.com/art/Little-Life-190968342


                                                                  • Deleted User
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                                                                    22064 posts Send Private Message

                                                                      How did you get to be so wonderful Diamond?


                                                                    • LongEaredLions
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                                                                        That is wonderful Diamond. Thank you so much for sharing. :’)


                                                                      • My1&onlyMarshmellow
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                                                                          I just lost my little buddy guys. His name was Marshmellow and he was my lil marmellow. He was given a long life of about 9 years . He had cancer-not sure, his eyes were leaky and had catarex in his one eye. He stopped eating and pooping saterday and he went to the ER last night and got a shot of painkiller and some fluids. Took him to the vet* this morning and got a laser to calm his tummy, another painkiller shot, a dose of two medicines and waste to promote gut digestion.

                                                                          I took him and as instructed i gave 2 TBSP of critical care and 5 tbs OF water with it because he liked it creamy but he liked it clumpy but he needed fluids. I also gave him gas baby drops and another oral medicine to promote digestion. I left for class after petting him. I felt very guilt for syringe feeding 40 tiny needles to force feed but he wasn’t eating. he licked the syringes so he enjoyed the taste but he eats it right off a plate which he wouldn’t. Oh guys Im so guilt ridden. I feel aybe if I haven’t left for class I could have been here to to rush him to the ER to get him on life support. i wasn’t ready. I was not ready for him to leave me.


                                                                        • Bam
                                                                          Moderator
                                                                          16836 posts Send Private Message

                                                                            I’m so sorry My1&onlyMarshmellow. It sounds to me like you did all you could for him. 9 years is a good old age for a rabbit.

                                                                            Binky free, Marshmellow!


                                                                          • My1&onlyMarshmellow
                                                                            Participant
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                                                                              Yes thank u so much I can’t stop crying keep me in your prayers please. i miss so much. He had the softest baby fur/colic* on his neck. I wish i had a video or pictures. SOBBinggg. I don’t want to cry-we were bonded. i would be on the floor in front of him admiring his strength and love and nuzzle his thigh and would lick his cute little lips enjoying my attention and our chemistry. my routine is so different. its so diff without my little furry animumal. i miss my animamal. stupid cancer I hate cancer so much. he would have been here, yes he would. he wasn’t ready to go . 


                                                                            • My1&onlyMarshmellow
                                                                              Participant
                                                                              13 posts Send Private Message

                                                                                MISS you marshmellow?
                                                                                SO hard to move on without U


                                                                              • My1&onlyMarshmellow
                                                                                Participant
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                                                                                  Only a very few understand how I feel. Marshmellowwwwwwwwwww?


                                                                                • Deleted User
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                                                                                    Some of you may know I had to stop reading anything posted on the rainbow bridge, it’s just overwhelms my heart. For some reason tonight I opened this thread – I am so sorry Marshmellow ((((binky free)))).

                                                                                    Then I re-read Amanda’s (LEL’s) post above and all my losses came back to me – I was not only crying, I was sobbing.
                                                                                    I understand your broken heart Marshmellow’s mum and I am truly sorry. Try and take care…. HUG’s!

                                                                                    Bugga – I still have tears falling from my eyes….. ok, I am crying again.


                                                                                  • MoxieMeadows
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                                                                                      I just read this thread from start to finish and am trying really hard not to cry! The poems are so beautiful and moving. :’)
                                                                                      It made me think about my dog Sky who passed about 7 months ago (I can’t believe it has been so long). <3


                                                                                    • My1&onlyMarshmellow
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                                                                                        I feel urges to sobb every day now since monday. I DONT want this to be the new norm. But I also I have to cry it out and don’t want this to be the new norm either too. I feel like I’m a ll cried out though, my throat has been sore and the back of* my neck is sore. Yet I just sobbed and 8 crumpled tissues later I could maybe again. Im so sorry for all of our losses. Why do animals the sweetest of us all have to go sooner? I have never cried and loved over anyone in all the funerals as i have for this one. I try to not forget how it felt like when he was around cause i feel it fading away and i don’t want it to dammit. I don’t want to lose the feeling of his presence. he was alone in his last moments is what kills me the most. I left him, i should not have left him. I cry saying this over and over and my husband tries to help saying I didn’t know, that he was going to die. I m saying that i should have been there by his side like i was before. I spent nights with 2 hours of sleep before. WHy couldn’t i skip 2 dumb classes. My husband tells me to not go down this path of regret and i should not go there and that we (vet included) did the best we could. HA in hindsight i saw he was suffocating. Vet noticed he was having labored breathing and i should have made him check and demanded to find out whats happing with his lungs. Well when the biopsy was done the cancer spread to his lungs. he was dying and it flew right over all of our heads. (ssmh)Dying in front of me and dead after i left. I um wondering how he suffered. Vet said little to none with the pain killer shot (for what we thought was G.I. Stasis) which i have to ask if he saw the g.i. stasis in his tummy when he was doing the autotopsy. I know rabbits get cancer cause they are old and not meant to live so long….maybe he was older than i though and he was 10-12? when i think he was only 9? idc though. At the vet he ugh always is ready to get out his carrier and fight (he was strong my lil ❤ trooper) he just layer half way in and out and wished i took a video or picture. his paws hanging off the edge and his d. brown flat face and brown ears -so adorable.  He didn’t have energy to get out of his carrier meant he was ready to be put down. I didn’t think he was ready but i see how he was..im so sorry my little angel my sweet sweet rabbit butt is gone. I miss holding rabbit butt, kissing his rabbit butt. I can’t talk like that anywhere except here and to my hubby. Everyone else would look at me crazy. He look like a little bear cub. Pain can’t hurt you now budee, pain cannot hurt you now. But oh would i love to just kiss your cheeks and nuzzle you and kiss your face. tears


                                                                                      • LongEaredLions
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                                                                                          Gosh guys, I cannot read one post here without there being tears.
                                                                                          My1&onlyMarshmallow, I am so very sorry. The guilt, the grief, it is all very normal, but I do hope you will focus on the long happy life together. None of this is your fault, you did everything you could but sometimes it is all you can do to have loved them for as long as you did. Sending all my love to you, I unfortunately know how you are feeling right now.


                                                                                        • My1&onlyMarshmellow
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                                                                                            I re read my last post too and tears have formed. I have since calmed down more. My husband has been by my side and just loving on me and holding me more. I don’t have the urge to cry as much. which makes me mad because i should be.

                                                                                            Just very depressed about it. so quiet with out him digging and drinking his water and knocking his food bowl over even though its a  heavy porcelain bowl that weighs like 50 pounds. 

                                                                                            Im so sad. I have a lot of good moments though because of my hubby. He cheers me up and took us out to eat and long walks and ice-cream. He understands a lot. 

                                                                                            Have candles lit as much as possible. His pen has been empty since Monday. I am not ready to remove it although i’d love to have the room cleaned up and the table moved in there for it to be my study room. I can’t clean it with it there but i don’t want it to leave so i put myself in this tough spot of cleaning/not cleaning it out. I feel like his spirit is around. he was in there just over week ago-oh sigh not now though. arg i just get very sad now. 

                                                                                            Its finals week, I’m leaving for a hiking trip through our college for 2 weeks so theres no time to fully heal. somehow learning about the navajos in Arizona and hiking will restore peace within me. In the mean time i have a stuffed animal(white polar bear) thats soft and furry and the closest feel i have to marshmallow to carry and squeeze.

                                                                                            thank you for all the kind words. They are very kind words. Yesterday I laughed a lot being at work some coworkers understand the loss of a close pet. i was able to get a hug.

                                                                                            My husband is funny and cheered me up a lot. But no matter how much i have been laughing in my head and in my heart i feel a painful void. 


                                                                                          • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                              For all those bunnies who have died and other animals and those who left us too soon.

                                                                                              Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, thank you for having entrusted us with a loyal pet. Thank you for letting him teach us unselfish love. Thank you for the memories that we can recall to brighten our days for the rest of our lives. Finally, in gratitude, we return our pet to you. Amen.


                                                                                            • LongEaredLions
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                                                                                                Lovely, Pinky. :,)


                                                                                              • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                                  Why do I cry when I hear a bunny has died on here?


                                                                                                • LongEaredLions
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                                                                                                    I think a lot of people experience that, Pinky. Even with bunnies we hadn’t known for long or at all, the thought of a precious creature’s death can bring us to tears, especially when we know the joy our own bunnies bring to us. :'(


                                                                                                  • My1&onlyMarshmellow
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                                                                                                      Thank you for your prayers Pinky Thank you. Hungs to you and LongEaredLions. I went away to volunteer on a navajo reservation and it helped and I thought I was getting better. But today is hard. All it takes is to look at some of the photos I have i could lose it any moment. Some of you unfortunately know the feeling. When I returned, though, his remains (from the crematory) were sitting there waiting for me in a beautiful cherry wood finish box w/ his name plate on top as soon as I held it (a couple of weeks ago) I lost it like the day he left. Hubby and I had together thrown his semi-new still pen away and donated the gates to it. We still have his original 2 level cage he had most his life where he had an option to hop in and out and upstairs to eat n drink and hop down to stretch out and feel safe versus being locked up all day (inhumane).  Had that cage for his whole life till may this year when he couldn’t hop up to the second level to eat. he then couldn’t even hop into anymore so we got a guinea pig area pen from amazon (2 of them-and infuse the tarps) together for a wider area for him to have for his own. Still, still, still.so.surreal. I miss him. A lot. I def. feel greedy/guilty for wanting him more than even all the years I did get to have and I still didn’t feel it was enough time. R.i.p buddee and fellow amimals sweet amimamamals. I def. feel that void. And I def. now relate to how a pet can be like a child of ones own when I used to smirk at the thought-it hurts now. It was def. a blessing to have lived through that journey and would not give it back ever. Who knows where our pets could have landed and who knows their second option would have been-abuse neglect, God only knows but we loved them with unconditional love and nurtured them till there hearts content and they gave us there unconditional love and forgave us on spot when we made a mistake and taught us to do the same for others. Taught me to sometimes not be so picky and pristine about grooming but just take time to enjoy their presence. I hovered over him a lot and picked at his matted fur around his weepy eye so much that he just wanted me to pet him-as if he knew his eyes were a never ending job and moved his cute lil head away when enough was enough. But love, he knew love and sweet pettings were more awesome and powerful. So he patiently waited and gave his head for warm touches and pettings from my hand. And when I did he was happy. Phew I feel a little better now, talking about it.

                                                                                                      <!–3


                                                                                                    • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                                        This is St. Francis, Francis saw animals as his brothers and sisters because they were God’s creatures, just like people. He said of animals. “Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission to be of service to them wherever they require it.” So Francis prayed that God would work through him to help animals as well as people.

                                                                                                        I am not very religious, but I think when we lose a pet God sends them to St. Francis and imagine some nice woodland and Francis standing there waiting to open a gate into a beautiful woodland garden to join others, this may bring some comfort to people who have lost a pet, someone to care for them forever.

                                                                                                        Maybe this is at the end of The Rainbow Bridge that they see.


                                                                                                      • angelonia
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                                                                                                          I am a new member here, but I was really feeling the need to talk about my bunny Jesse, who passed away this morning. At this point my husband and I are both really heartbroken, but I am also feeling unbearable guilt. We’ve adopted four bunnies over the last few years, and now three of them have died too soon. It’s hard not to feel like a terrible bunny parent, and I’m unsure I would ever be able to adopt a rabbit again. But, part of me thinks that if bunny people who know about these things could reassure me that we didn’t do anything wrong, it might help.

                                                                                                          Our first bunnies were both rescues with teeth issues who had never learned to eat hay, so of course I knew they would have many health challenges. But the way the second one died was really heart-breaking – she had been in for a dental surgery, and when she wasn’t bouncing back the next day, I took her back to the vet (a rabbit specialist). The vet prescribed newer, stronger antibiotics to fight off an infection. They should have been safe to give orally, but Ume died within an hour of the first dose. She went downhill so quickly and died in my husband’s lap while we both stroked her. She cried out in pain before the light went out of her eyes. I will never forget that terrible moment.

                                                                                                          In time we adopted another bonded pair, a sweet two year old Polish girl and a truly adorable young Flemish boy. We named them Mina and Jesse (together, ‘Jessamina’, an old name of the Jasmine flower). Jesse was the Flemish who just died. He was the most wonderful bunny, with love for everyone, endless binkies, and a fantastic appetite.

                                                                                                          On Saturday, which was also my birthday, we noticed that Jesse’s usual lusty appetite had slowed, so we canceled our plans and took him to a highly recommended bunny vet. She did scans and found gas but no blockage, so she hypothesized that he was just having some GI slow-down due to the change of seasons and perhaps grooming Mina a little too much. She gave us gut motility drugs and painkillers and sent us home. We live out in the country, so the journey to a good bunny vet is a long one, and the car ride seemed stressful for Jesse. His temp at the vet was quite high, but it was normal at home.

                                                                                                          On Sunday we noticed that one of his cheeks had swollen alarmingly. It looked like an abscess and we were very concerned that this might be the underlying cause of his appetite loss. The vet was closed that day, but we called their off-hours line and made an appointment for the next day. Jesse was eating pretty well on his own (critical care, salads, pellets, everything but hay, which seemed too painful), pooping, even doing little binkies. His temp was normal. On Monday we took him in and the vet discovered that the cause of the abscess might be a broken tooth, which she pulled. She also lanced, drained, and flushed the abscess.

                                                                                                          We went home with new meds, but Jesse never really seemed right after that. We got home around 6 pm and syringe fed him critical care. The next morning he had not pooped and was only very slowly nibbling on a few leaves. His temp was also at 104.2, so we took him to the emergency exotics hospital. He was admitted with a high fever and stayed there the rest of the day and through the night. They were able to stabilize his temperature, but all kinds of other vitals were crashing- glucose levels, blood pH, calcium, etc. The vet performed every intervention they could think of. Around 1:00 a.m. they told me all his levels had gone up a bit, and they were hopeful. They placed him on oxygen and IVs overnight. But when the tech came in that morning, our dear boy had passed. The vet told me that it looked like an incredibly nasty infection; she compared it to flesh-eating bacteria in humans.

                                                                                                          Given all that, it’s likely there’s nothing anyone could have done, but I still feel just heartbroken and like I should have noticed sooner, should have done something differently that would have allowed him to live. He was practically still a baby, not even two years old. I keep crying and even hyperventilating, just wanting to tell him how sorry I am.

                                                                                                          Part of the guilt comes from the fact that I just started back at university after a long absence, and I hadn’t been around nearly as much last week. We also have three dogs and two cats, so there are always many little souls to look after. My husband often takes care of the day to day bunny care, and though he loves them very much, I wonder if I might have noticed something sooner. For our remaining bunny Mina I am determined to do everything I can to be a better mom. I will clean out her litter box every day so I always know exactly how much she is pooping, and I have also set up an appointment with a mobile vet so that she can get care without having to endure the stress of car rides. (She is still eating/pooping very well, but I’d like to have a baseline with the vet and just get everything checked.) But none of that brings Jesse back.

                                                                                                          Our bunnies have always had a huge pen and lots of clean fresh hay to eat, daily playtime, and love and affection (both from us and from their canine friend/protector, a gentle Great Pyr). Jesse always seemed like a very happy bunny, but I can’t stop feeling so very guilty and sad. I should have kept better track of his stools, I should have taken him to the emergency vet as soon as I saw the abscess… I am sure it happens to many people who lose a beloved pet, but with one so young and healthy just a few days ago, it is that much harder.


                                                                                                        • LongEaredLions
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                                                                                                            Angelonia, I am so sorry for your loss of Jesse, and the bunnies before him. Reading your post, I cannot find anything that in any way suggests that you should feel guilty. I would have done everything the same, you did everything you could and more. After the loss of bunnies, it is so easy to focus on what you could have done, but instead try to think of the wonderful life you gave Jesse. ((((hugs))))


                                                                                                          • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                                              Just to let you all know, a special candle was lit tonight in my home, for all the bunnies that have passed away, we are thinking of you.

                                                                                                              From Pinky and Olly.


                                                                                                            • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                                                Here is a beautiful special song for everyone who has lost a bunny or any other fluffy friend.
                                                                                                                https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFc5sdn78b0


                                                                                                              • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                                                  If the song I posted is not available in your country, let me know and I will see if I can find another link.


                                                                                                                • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                                                    I see everyday another Bunny has gone to the Rainbow Bridge, sometimes me and Olly can reply to if we are not busy, sometimes we don’t have time to reply,just to let you know we haven’t forgotten anyone or any Bunny.


                                                                                                                  • Bethany Fromm
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                                                                                                                      This made me cry. You’re an amazing writer and that was an amazing poem. I related to it a lot.


                                                                                                                    • Reesebun
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                                                                                                                        I read these poems early this morning and I cried for all of them. Then I came back tonight and read them again and I cried again! I did not know that poems could make me feel so emotional, but I love them all so much


                                                                                                                      • ILoveMyBunnies!!
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                                                                                                                          I read all the poems and started to cry so much.
                                                                                                                          My rabbit Beautiful passed away yesterday and I am very heartbroken because I got her when she was still young and she was the first bunny I got after a few years of not having a rabbit. I raised her and now I feel so awful and guilty because I left her outside and a dog attacked her, so I feel as if it was my fault and can’t forgive myself I’ve literally been crying so much much that my eyes are so swollen and red. I just want my cute little girl back I miss her she was always so patient and loved being treated like a princess. When we had to bury her I didn’t want to let go. I miss her so much! I just want to see her cute little face and give her a big hug but now I can’t. I will Always LOVE HER! She will FOREVER be my little angel!
                                                                                                                          -RIP BEAUTIFUL –


                                                                                                                        • Sr. Melangell
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                                                                                                                            I hope this may help some pet parents feel better if they have just lost a bunny or pet, my Bishop loved animals so much, especially rabbits, sadly Bishop passed away the other day, but I had a dream that he was in heaven and reaching out to rabbits that had just arrived, if he is doing this, I can assure you your pets will be very safe and happy.


                                                                                                                          • currya15
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                                                                                                                              We lost our precious Buddy last week. I noticed him not himself Thursday night and after feeding him his critical care Friday morning made the decision to take him immediately to the vet. they found out that his stomach had expanded full of gas due to a blockage in the intestine. They did surgery on him and got everything flowing again but our baby gave in after being removed from the gas. He was our first baby to loose and I haven’t gone a day without crying at least once. I go back and forth about getting another one for our other rabbit who is older. We are watching him very closely to see if he is as depressed as we are and he continues to do everything normally. He was alone for a year when we got Dasher and only the past two years was he used to Buddy. They did not get along though and lived in separate cages and exercised in different rooms. Even a week later it it is hard to not see his happy little face mushed through the cage. I feel if I get another one, i am replacing our beloved Buddy, but at the same time, I miss seeing the movement in the cage and looking forward to seeing our little boys.

                                                                                                                              I would love to hear some stories of how you got through the grieving of your first. I’ve lost family pets that was hard, but as your own I feel the pain is excruciating.


                                                                                                                            • jerseygirl
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                                                                                                                                Im sorry for your loss Amanda. ***Binky Free Buddy***

                                                                                                                                I wish I could say something to make this all feel less excruciating, but I don’t know if there are words that can do that. Only time can make it feel a bit better. I can say I have felt this loss before though. As have many others here. So you are not alone.

                                                                                                                                Jersey was my first real loss. My first pet of my own. She passed away in my arms and it was devastating in that moment. I sat on the floor holding her and crying uncontrollably. I was a mess! Maybe that helped, getting a lot of angst out then and there. I don’t know, I hadn’t experienced a loss like it before. I had other rabbits, so their presence and caring for them helped as a distraction. A sadness did settled over me though and it would have been about 6 months before I felt it had really lifted.

                                                                                                                                Im still sad, years later, when I think I can never touch her. And of the 2 others I lost after. All the memories are tinged with some sadness, but I have gone back on memories more frequently that elicit a laugh or smile.

                                                                                                                                Perhaps create a thread here about Buddy, share photos and all the silly little quirks he had. His story and how he came to live with you.

                                                                                                                                You never replace a rabbit. They are each unique. Another will not ever be Buddy but a new addition bringing its energy and joy (and let’s be honest, probably some frustation) into your home and hearts is a good thing. I think it’s a nice way to honour a rabbit you had to say goodbye to, by opening your home for another in need. When you are ready.


                                                                                                                              • BanditCamp
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                                                                                                                                  Hey Amanda,

                                                                                                                                  I’m sorry for your loss I do not have a story to share as my own first bunny is very young and happy. But as a former soldier I have lost a few friends and the thing you have to remember that as long as you remember them they are not really gone. The fact you can recall that face so clearly means that it left a serious print on your life.

                                                                                                                                  Instead of thinking about adopting a new bunny as a replacement think of it as your bunny is leaving you a task to find a loving and deserving new friend that you deserve. Your a good owner and you know exactly what to do and are prepared to give another lonely shelter bunny a beautiful home and a person that will love and care for them.

                                                                                                                                  You did everything for your bunny and now he asks that you do the same for another if you so choose. Be happy and were always here


                                                                                                                                • Dface
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                                                                                                                                    Hey Amanda,
                                                                                                                                    Just before Easter I lost my rabbit.
                                                                                                                                    I have lost plenty of pets before, and even some very close people, but this was completely different. It was a pain I hadn’t actually experienced before.

                                                                                                                                    I think it was partly because he had been so sick for so long, and he’d fought so hard that it didnt seem fair. We’d both fought. And there was so much anger, and guilt and pain.

                                                                                                                                    I still miss him.
                                                                                                                                    He held my life together when I thought things were falling apart a lot of the time. He was like a barrier to the real world, where people I loved were sick and dying, he was something I could just invest my time in and all my energy and focus. So I did.

                                                                                                                                    For about three days I didnt eat. I just slept and cried (dramatic I know) I cried til I threw up.

                                                                                                                                    But I had my other rabbit, his bonded partner, and she missed him and she needed me. So if anything got me through it, it was her. She became unwell after his death, and I simply couldnt let 2 bunnies die, so she became a major focus.

                                                                                                                                    There were some other things that gave me comfort in that time.
                                                                                                                                    One was that he died, but I never tortured him. His illness would have required multiple surgeries. He didnt cope well under anesthetic. It would have been cruel, and I would have done it. I would have put him through those surgeries. This way, he chose the option out before that was done to him. Him passing prevented his life being harder down the line.

                                                                                                                                    Another was something a friend once said to me; “animals stay with you just as long as you need them to stay, then they go.”
                                                                                                                                    When I first heard it I felt like it was a false statement, I needed him to be with me for all this other stuff I had to get through.
                                                                                                                                    But now I understand it better. Sampras got me where I am now, that bunny saw me through my first job. He was the reason I was brave enough to go back to college, and stick with it when I didnt think I could. And when I wept over the deaths of friends and relatives, it was his fur that caught my tears.
                                                                                                                                    In my head I remind myself, that his purpose was to help me find my way to here. Which wasnt an easy task for something so small and sick, but he did it.

                                                                                                                                    Whenever I think about him now I always think of the poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay they taught is in school when I was younger. It was a bitter sweet kind of thought, about a life too short, but only short because it was lived so thoroughly.

                                                                                                                                    “My candle burns at both ends;
                                                                                                                                    It will not last the night;
                                                                                                                                    But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends—
                                                                                                                                    It gives a lovely light!”


                                                                                                                                  • currya15
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                                                                                                                                      It’s amazing the pain you go through for these small but precious fur babies. Like I said, I’ve lost dogs, cats, friends and families, but your right, these guys are different. Thank you so much for the kind words. It’s comforting to hear others do understand.


                                                                                                                                    • GeorgieTheBunny
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                                                                                                                                        Hey @Amanda,

                                                                                                                                        We, my bf and I, just lost our first and only bunny on April 29; it is hard.

                                                                                                                                        Trying to heal and as part of making it real (it’s absolutely surreal) we disassembled the condo we made for her. 37 zip tied c&c squares, ramps and shelves all taken apart. We cried so much. We also packed up all of the bunny proofing, more tears.

                                                                                                                                        I know that’s not something you will do because you still have a fluffy snuggle bug at home, but it’s something we did.

                                                                                                                                        We are also planning a shadow box with Georgie’s favourite toys and photos. That’s something you can do maybe a photo album or slideshow.

                                                                                                                                        We also spent some time writing down our favourite memories of her in a book. Little behaviours, common tantrums, and cute or funny anicdotes. We spent most of that time in tears too.

                                                                                                                                        We made sure to backup all of the photos of her and made a newsletter to spend to the adoption agency to let them know what happened. (It was SUPER hard because it took reliving that day – but it is their policy to be informed AND we want to be on good terms when we want to adopt again)

                                                                                                                                        About new bunnies; we’ve visited the local humane society and there’s a rabbit there a desperately want to bring home. Healing takes different amounts of time for everyone. My bf isn’t ready yet…. and that’s okay too.

                                                                                                                                        Grieving is a very personal process.
                                                                                                                                        I hope you’re well, if you aren’t yet then know that time helps.
                                                                                                                                        My thoughts are with you as I feel some similar things right now.


                                                                                                                                      • currya15
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                                                                                                                                          I’m so sorry to hear about Georgie. At one point I wanted to take everything out of his cage to try and erase the pain, but we decided to leave it until ready to change again. It was originally Dashers double-layer cage. Now we just spoil Dasher and I spend all my ti.e with him. I recently had a crystal block made for Buddy with his picture I will put with his ashes which is due to arrive today. I send my thoughts and prayers for you and your bf as well for your precious Georgie♡


                                                                                                                                        • Shadow13
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                                                                                                                                            I have never lost a rabbit yet. But in January (3rd) I lost my first pet she was a hamster. I got her at 8 months old in august. she started getting sick on December 25 th so I took her to the vet a couple days later.The vet prescribed a medication to help but said he wasn’t trained in small animal so it might not work. 2 days after the medication seemed to work but after that the next 3 days were painful to watch. I Considered putting her down if she didn’t seem better in the next day but that day January 3rd 2017 she passed away in my hands sleeping peacefully.


                                                                                                                                          • Sona05
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                                                                                                                                              On May 29th 2017, we had to euthanized our little girl, Cookie, who was 7 years old. It has been couple of days since then, and the feeling of not seeing her anymore haunts me. She always running around, or leaping in excitement, those soft cuddly fur, and the random licks will definitely be missed a lot. She definitely liked running around with me and then just sleeping next to us. I am unable to sleep at night, and I feel my heart is broken.


                                                                                                                                            • jerseygirl
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                                                                                                                                                Posted By Shadow13 on 6/06/2017 8:33 AM

                                                                                                                                                I have never lost a rabbit yet. But in January (3rd) I lost my first pet she was a hamster. I got her at 8 months old in august. she started getting sick on December 25 th so I took her to the vet a couple days later.The vet prescribed a medication to help but said he wasn’t trained in small animal so it might not work. 2 days after the medication seemed to work but after that the next 3 days were painful to watch. I Considered putting her down if she didn’t seem better in the next day but that day January 3rd 2017 she passed away in my hands sleeping peacefully.

                                                                                                                                                Oh I am sorry, Shadow13.  I know hamsters don’t typically live very long compared to other pets, but they are so endearing and Im sure it’s easy to become attached to them very quickly. 


                                                                                                                                              • jerseygirl
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                                                                                                                                                  Posted By Sona05 on 6/08/2017 2:48 PM

                                                                                                                                                  On May 29th 2017, we had to euthanized our little girl, Cookie, who was 7 years old. It has been couple of days since then, and the feeling of not seeing her anymore haunts me. She always running around, or leaping in excitement, those soft cuddly fur, and the random licks will definitely be missed a lot. She definitely liked running around with me and then just sleeping next to us. I am unable to sleep at night, and I feel my heart is broken.

                                                                                                                                                  I am sorrt for your loss Sona05.  It gets better, I promise. The sadness doesn’t really go away, but it becomes easier to deal with. The loss feels less raw. Please share photos and stories about Cookie on the forum if that helps in any way. We’d love to know more about your special little bun.

                                                                                                                                                  ***Binky Free Cookie***

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                                                                                                                                              Forum RAINBOW BRIDGE A Place for Support, Comfort & Remembrance