Sorry that I haven’t been online much, kinda had my hands full.

“She” is doing great! I have found a foster bunny mom for her that lives really close. I’m hoping that will increase her chances. I had been reading up on it for awhile and I’ve been feeding her the KMR and she’s been peeing and pooping. She is thriving. She moves around like crazy, feeding time is getting more difficult.

I called the vet (because Bunnie didn’t remove the placenta and it had dried on the baby, but I got it off..eventually) and they said because she is so young there is probably nothing they could do (as far as meds) and the lady said “he’ll just tell you to keep it warm and make sure it is eating and going potty. Do you know how to stimulate it to go?” I’ve been feeding her twice a day, sometimes she seems to get a little fussy and start squeaking. I take that as she is either a little cold or hungry.

I also thought that she was having a false pregnancy. The strange thing was that Rachel (dad’s wife) asked where I had put the number to the library I work at, I called her on my lunch break (which was a couple hours before this happened) and told her to keep an eye on Bunnie and then she called me at work. I keep thinking that maybe if I was off that day, I could have done something to save her.

I actually had to fight with my dad to let me bury her in the yard. He can be such an ass sometimes.

But overall, the buns are doing alright. Turns out Honkey (the dog) is afraid of the little bun (good thing) but I don’t let him near her when I’m feeding her or what ever the case may be.

I called off work yesterday and cried most of the day. Honestly, it just seems like she’s not there. Like she went on a trip or something but is coming back. Have any of you experienced this when dealing with bunny death? My friend who recently lost her dad, feels very simular about him. It still makes me sad to think about because it’s just so tragic. I’ll be okay since I’m really just focused on the little bunny she left behind. It gives me something to do and the little girl is just so adorable and helpless. I’m starting to love her already, I’ll have to post pictures.

Even if you had been home, chances are you wouldn’t have been able to save her. A vet might have been able to help, but again, there is no guarantee that you would have gotten her there in time, or even know something was *wrong* until it was too late. Personally, I have never witnessed the birth of bunnies, so I would not know how the mom is supposed to react. I’m not an expert by any means. It’s just… nature. Sometimes it takes creatures (or us) and we don’t understand why. It is okay to grieve. Even tho you only had Bunnie a short time, you loved her and you wanted the best for her. Now you need to focus your attention on the baby and you need to love her and care for her every single day of her life, regardless of how long or short it may be. You’re doing the most responsible thing by trying to find her a foster until she’s strong enough for you to take over.

I know that I probably couldn’t have done much. I talked to Maggie (my friend who is a former vet tech) and she said that they would have tried to deliver the rest of the babies (if there were any) and probably wouldn’t have been able to save Bunnie.

Thank you Beka27. You don’t know how much your kind words mean to me. I wish I could just give you a hug!
I knew that she would definitly have a better chance with a foster mom. There is no replacement for rabbit’s so I want too do what I can.

I really feel like a new mom. I’ve never had children (I’m only in my 20’s and I’m not sure I want kids yet) but from my understanding new mothers tend to freak out a little bit over something that is completely normal. I’m trying to make sure that I’m not too freaky.

She starting to get spots which makes me wonder about who the father actually is. I guess it is possible she broke out one night when Bud was out, or visa versa.

I have five concerns. 1) nutrition (acidophilus? or Ceotraps? Or live cultured plain yogurt?) 2) Over feeding 3) Underfeeding 4) Do baby buns get hiccups? 5) I don’t want her to lose her suckling instinct (could spell bad news for her)

I have been giving her the recommended amount, breaking it up into several feedings. (I have a feeling kitten milk is a little less filling…explained a little lower) She looks a little skinny and I’m starting to worry. I know that her belly is supposed to look round but I can see her spine a bit, even after feeding. Am I doing something wrong? I know that many sites say feed ONLY twice a day. I have also read that real rabbit milk is really filling and only takes 5 minutes. Kittens nurse much longer than that, which makes me think that she would need more. But then again I have also read that overfeeding is a common cause of death. I hope that she would stop eating when she was full (but knowing animals, that probably wouldn’t happen)

I need to call my vet but they are closed and I’m not sure this is really a question for the E-vet. I mean, I’m sure (well, rather I hope) they would be able to answer it, but it’s not a dire emergency. I’m trying to do all that I can and I hope that I’m not worrying over minor things.

I bet I really do seem like a new mom, so very worried…It’s a great a wonderous thing, motherhood it is.

Please keep us posted on how she dies

You meant “does” right?

Bunnie is watching from above and is very happy with how hard you are working…..

 You just made me tear up! I promised her that I would take care of her little one before I buried her. I found a foster mom for th baby. I pretty much know how to raise her, I just have some questions. (My vet was very unhelpful with the situation…Guess it’s time for a change!) Perhaps trying to contact a wildlife rehabber might work. She’s not wild so I am not sure how helpful this will be. I also don’t know if there are even any around.

You gave her the greatest gift a person can give to an animal: unconditional love.

Aww. Thank you. My friends say I’m a fountain of unconditional love (no lie!) Thank you for your prayers, I’m sure if she understood she would appreciate it too.

She is thriving and is already exploring out side of her nest. I put her back in and say to her (as if she’d understand) You are too young to leave the house without someone with you! She’s so independent sometimes. Never mind that she can’t walk yet, she wants out! LOL 

I don’t know how it posted three times…Perhaps someone can remove the last two.

I heard that they have all you can eat carrots and cilantro. Bet she loves it up there. Those were her favorite.

She would seriously beg for cilantro, it was so cute. <33

Typos can be dangerous, but don’t worry. All is forgiven. Living under rocks is bad for your health.

You guys are probably right. In her old home there would have been no chance of survival. But I’m sure I would have ended up with the baby some how. Atleast I would hope so.

The new mom hasn’t given birth yet, as far as I know but Rachel is keeping me posted.

I am really hoping that she makes it, I have so much faith in her. I know that she will probably make it.

I’m sorry to have to post this news. It pains me to type out these letters.

My Miracle baby stopped breathing and I had to recesitate her 5 times before I got to the vet. They put her on oxygen and told me it didn’t look good. I decided to euthanize her so she wouldn’t be in pain. I held her as she passed and she looked like she was sleeping. I buried her on top of her mom wrapped up in the sock I had been using to clean her up with. Right before they did it I was watching her breath and she was having a lot of trouble. Rachel said, “She is in her favorite place; on your lap, wrapped in her sock.” When she “died” previously, she was so tense and scared looking. Then she just looked so peaceful. It really hurts but I know I did the right thing by letting her go. I called Maggie right before I made the decision and she told me what I needed to hear. She has apparently been working on a little gravestone for Bunnie and she said she is going to put a little carrot by the big carrot. She’s such a great friend.

I’ve only known Miracle for three days but I loved her so much already. I’m crying so much, I can barely see. I know I did everything I could. It’s possible that she got a little bit of fluid in her lungs but my guess is she was born with a congenital heart/lung problem. Since her mom was so old, it’s probably more than likely that there would be health problems.

I know you were all routing for her to pull through. I’m sorry that there won’t be a happy ending to this story. But I could tell that she really loved me. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciated it, and I know she did too.

On a unrelated note, someone was shot and killed right by my house. Guess it’s not a good week for staying alive. Please be careful out there and keep a watchful eye on your pets. (I really doubt that I could handle another animal dying)

I’m gonna go cuddle with Sir Thumps and Honkey.

I was really hoping that it would have turned out differently but she’s with her mom now.

Maggie said that I’d look back and wouldn’t regret anything. She knew that no matter how this turned out that I would be happy I gave her a chance. She was a pretty lucky bun. I knew that Bunnie was proud of me.

Thank you, mrmac. And I’m sorry that I made you cry. (((((hugs)))))

I unfortunatly have to work tomorrow. I should go in, Vet bills don’t pay themselves. Which means bed time for me! Good night, guys.
Thanks for thinking about her.

Thank you all very much for your kind words.

When she was alive Honkey would always look for her (where she was, surely he’d get some milk) I made sure that he knew. Last night when I layed her to rest, he was right beside me. He gave me this look like, “why are you covering her up!”

It was so very hard for me since she just looked like she was sleeping. I really wanted to believe that she was just sleeping. (They checked the heart beat to be sure, but I already knew) The vet gave us a box to take her home in and on the car ride home, I realized I was worrying that the box wasn’t letting enough oxygen in! Last night, I swore I heard squeaking and it kept getting closer. I’m pretty sure now that it was a bird squawking I thought for a second that I was going crazy.

I was thinking about those pet cemetaries (don’t know if we have any around here) but I watched that Stephen King movie one too many times. Pet Semitary is the one where the cat come back to life after being buried there but is EVIL! I can’t even imagine that little girl being evil.

Being the artist that I am (I try, but am not that great at certain things) I’m drawing Miracle as she would look “all grow’d up” by the patterns she already was showing. I’m going to make her a curious rabbit. I’ll post that when it’s finished since I never got a chance to take a picture of her.

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend. I have to get into contact with her would-be foster mum and share the news.

Katnip-I actually buried her right next to her mom. If it is illegal to bury animals, I don’t know about it. Frankly, I don’t care. It’s totally worth it.
I actually thought about carrots. We already have a rose bush and my dad is reluctant to actually plant anything there. He wouldn’t let me bury Bunnie at first in our yard because “He’s going to be digging around a lot” Since my friend Maggie is working on a little grave marker, I doubt that he will forget that there are rabbits buried there. Honkey knows where they are, but doesn’t dig too much. He has separation anxiety and only digs if he’s in the yard and we aren’t paying much attention to him. He listens pretty well so I’m pretty sure if I yelled at him for trying he’d stop. (God, I hope so!)

Sarita- You’re right. I do feel pretty helpless right now. I keep thinking, “What can I do?” When in reality there is nothing that can be done but honor their memory. I had a dream last night where they both came to visit. Miracle had magically gotten older and she was snuggling with her real mom. She looked up at me and asked (real words!) “Mummy, why are you so sad?” She let me pick her up and she cuddled up to her usual spot, inside of my bra. I said,” because I miss you” She basically told me not to worry and be happy. She said she doesn’t hurt anymore and her lungs are working now. Bunnie came over and nuzzled my hand and let me pet her again and she said “Thank’s for taking care of my baby while I was gone. I can take it from here.” I woke up and I had been crying.

Beka- If my dreams are any reflection of the truth, it really seems as though she was happy. They both told me that they knew they were loved very much and they were very happy here (In the dream).

I just hope that I’m not going crazy because I randomly hear what sounds like squeaking. Hallucinations are never good.

It still hurts but I know that they are in a better place. I still really wish they were still with me. It is a little selfish of me but I understand why they had to go. It still did not make for a very good week. Hopefully, next week will be much better.

Question: It is usually understood if an employee takes time off to mourn for a family member (human), do you think they would understand grieving for an animal? Clio, my boss, has had to put a cat down recently due to some crazy viral infection. She may have to put another down because he hasn’t been peeing and his kidney’s might be failing. I would hope that she of all people would understand. Everyone who knows the story has been very sympathetic and I have been getting a ton of hugs. I’m just afraid that someone will say something at work and I’ll start crying again and won’t be able to stop.

Katnip- Did you take time off of work (I’m sorry if I’m assuming you were working at the time and you weren’t) when Penny died to grieve? Also, this is my first major encounter with animal death and I’m not sure how to go about the healing process. Any ideas will be appreciated. I’m looking into one of those deceased pet groups things. I have never experience anything like this and certainly not twice in one week.

It’s really great that I can talk to someone who understands the importance of rabbits and how much they meant to me. My dad certainly doesn’t understand. But I’ll be honest, he can be a real ass. Especially when it comes to stuff like this.

Blessed be!

Jersey girl- Yeah I checked. I’m pretty sure she gave birth to only one. Miracle was hiding under her tail. I looked through before the cage before I cleaned it to make sure. She didn’t really have much of a nest at that point. I’m pretty sure I’m just going cookoo. It’s probably just wishful thinking that she would still be with us.

It was quite a beautiful dream. After my grandparents died, I would see them in my dreams a lot too. I think this may be how my susbconscience deals with death.

I really can’t wait to get started on the drawing of Miracle. I’ll do that after work.

Unfortunatly, because I am techniquly part time I don’t get any “personal” or “vacation” time.

I keep thinking that maybe there was something more I could have done for her, or something I did wrong. I know that I shouldn’t think like this, but it’s hard not to. This is worse than a really bad break up.

Hopefully, if I ever end up with another baby rabbit their mom will survive and take really good care of them.

I know they aren’t supposed to start exploring outside of their nest until 2-3 weeks old, but she would always sneak out. I think she wanted to cuddle with the towel. I miss her so very much.

Does anyone know how rabbits react when another one dies? Sir Thumps has been acting a little strange. I know when I get upset I don’t feel like eating too much. He has been eating, but I think it might be less. (Unless of course, I’m inadvertanly putting in more food than usual) I gave him a baby carrot, some basil and some cilantro and he munched on that like a champ. Maybe he’s no longer a fan of the pellets. I got him this little bed thing that was weaved from straw and he’s been eating that. He’s seems a little grumpy since he got fixed. Not to mention, he keeps peeing on my bed. Hopefully, this will stop after all his hormones are out of his system. Thank God that he hasn’t sprayed much. *knock on wood* After I got sprayed in the face he stopped. Then again, he doesn’t have much reason to spray now that Bunnie is gone.

I know that it really depends on the animal, the relationship he had with the deceased and all kinds of other variables. He would give her kisses through the cage when he was out. My dog seems to be fine. He might think that she has just gone somewhere else to live. In a way, she has. Or maybe he has just come to terms with her death. Sir Thumps might be having a harder time.

That and he has a new play thing. I just got a new bed for my room ( I had been sleeping on the couch) and he LOVES to crawl under it and dig at the sheets/blankets on the floor. Everytime I walk in, he hides under the bed so he doesn’t have to go back in his cage. I’d let him run around at night but he and Honkey have been fighting (more like Sir Thumps keeps biting/attacking Honkey) He also likes to jump up on the bed. I was a little surprised at first. I didn’t realize he could jump quite that high. What are normal signs of grief for a rabbit? I want to make sure he isn’t sick or getting sick.

I remember when I got my very first rabbit. I’d wake up and check on her every couple hours because I was so afraid of her dying. That was several years ago. Guess it’s normal after something like this to be “overly” (?) concerned with stuff like that.

Thank you so much guys. 🙂