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› Forum › RAINBOW BRIDGE › Losing My First Rabbit
I’m a new member to this forum but have visited before whilst googling for advice. Yesterday I lost my 4 year old girl Daisy, it was sudden and I’m in complete shock. What we thought was a scratch on her eye turned into a tumour and unfortunately she passed away during the prep for her operation. Receiving the news from the vet was heartbreaking and I cannot help but feel guilty as I left her there believing she was going to come home. She left her long term partner Theodore behind and now I’m concerned about him. I know rabbits grieve similar to humans and due to the shock and the need to rush to the vets to say goodbye to my little girl I didn’t think about Theo having a chance to say goodbye too. I’ve been keeping a close eye on him and even slept in the sofa in front of his cage as I don’t want to leave him. He’s eating like normal but I can tell he’s wondering where Daisy has gone. The vet suggested that getting him a friend would be a good idea if he starts showing signs of depression even though the thought of getting a rabbit to replace Daisy is causing me a lot of anxiety. As Daisy is the first rabbit I’ve lost I just wanted to ask a few questions; What signs should I look out for which will tell me if Theo is struggling with his loss? Should I eventually get Theo a new friend even if I am not ready?
I know collecting Daisy’s ashes will be very difficult and I’m dreading it but at least my little girl can be back at home and surrounded by people who loved her dearly. If anyone has any advice on how I can deal with grieving then that would be good as I’m struggling to come to terms with what has happened.
Thanks
I know just how you feel, my jasper went to vet in jan as he had tumor on his testical, he also died under anasitic, I left him trusting he would be coming home he didn’t I was devastated, had him 8 years, its awful when this happens, vet said he would be fine, I was worried he was to old for anasitic. Such a shock, still is. Try to give your other bunny as much love and attention as you can, its very sad and upsetting. X
So sorry to about Jasper. Its so hard when you expect them to come home and they dont. I had a funny feeling something was going to go wrong and as soon as I left the vets I felt sick. Im trying to focus on Theo now as it’s keeping my mind focused. Just getting panicky that Theo will get poorly because he’s grieving. I’ve noticed in the last few hours that he has started to lay down a lot and digging more than normal.
Oh dear poor Theo he’s probably wondering where Daisy is, it must be a shock for him too suddenly loosing his partner, funny I felt same with Jasper we looked into each others eye’s he new he’d never see me again, I didn’t sleep all night just new something was going to go wrong, when my vet called in morning I just new he’d died, I’ve been so I’ll since this happened can’t forgive my self for leaving him there without me, its so hard, keep close eye on Theo he needs lots of love at moment, my heart breaks with such sad news. Take care
I’ve definitely got guilt about leaving her and I didn’t say goodbye to her when I left her there because I knew I would get upset. I should have taken those feelings as a massive sign. Theo is going to be very spoilt! He’ll probably be sick of me soon but I’m going to do every possible to make him feel okay.
First I am sorry for your loss of Daisy. We lost our little girl a little over 3 months ago. Very, very hard. You had to take her in to have the tumor removed. There is no two ways about it. Shouldn’t feel guilty about any of that. It would have been wrong to let her suffer. These unfortunate things happen all too often. It will be tough picking up the ashes. It was for me. But it was and is nice to have what was left of them, back with you. And I think with us it helped with the closure to some degree.
As far as Theodore. Continue to watch him close like you are doing. Give him extra attention. Some rabbit companions have a rough go of it while others get through the loss of their bonded bunny without any problem. There may be some behavior changes as a part of confusion or anxiety or whatever is going on with him while he adjusts to her not being around anymore. I think as long as he continues to eat, drink, and poop like usual he should be okay. Our bunny was by herself, not bonded with another. Hopefully there are others here who have had the exact experience of what you are going through and can give more specific advice.
You, Theodore, and little Daisy are in my thoughts…
Binky free sweet {{{Daisy}}}
Thank you, I’m hoping the guilt will go soon and I can start to feel better about it all and see that I was doing the right thing for Daisy. Just hoping me and Theo can be strong.
Hi Lauren I just wanted to say make sure Theo is eating ok, just checked the advise they all say is if bonded bunny doesn’t pick up, try another bunny to keep him company, hope it all goes ok x
Thanks Phil, Theo is eating normally at the moment. Fingers crossed he stays that way.
Great sounds good, give him some extra treats, if he feels sad x
I’m so sorry about your bun. Please don’t feel guilty. As it was a tumor, the operation was absolutely necessary and getting her medical treatment was the right thing to do. I agree with G&J and Phil that if Theo shows changes in eating, pooping, or energy levels, it would be in his best interest to be bonded with another bun. And if he is ready for another bun friend before you are, remember that you both loved Daisy, and having another bun in your life can’t take that love you gave her away .
Binky free Daisy
I’m very sorry about the loss of Daisy. You were doing the right thing to have the vet remove the tumor. There is nothing for you to feel guilty about. Spend as much time as possible with Theo. If he’s not a chewer, you could put a stuffed toy rabbit with him. It might be comforting for him to cuddle with it. Then when you are ready, you can think about getting another companion for him. That would not be replacing Daisy, it would be helping two rabbits to have a friend.
Thank you for all the reassurance that I did the right thing for Daisy. Tobyluv, funny you mention the cuddle toy. My mum suggested that also so I’ve been trying it. I’ve placed it on the sofa where Daisy used to sit. Theo has gone over to it a few times but definitely prefers it outside the cage. I’ve been noticing that Theo isn’t going into Daisy house in the cage so I’m not sure whether he’s leaving it empty because he thinks she will return or he doesn’t want to as he’s grieving.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Daisy and I grieve along with you, having lost a precious bunny just a few months ago. I echo what the others have said that you did the right thing getting the care she needed. Sending you positive energy and hoping that you and Theo get through this together.
Sorry to hear about your loss profeessorzap. I’m starting to come to terms that I did the right thing. I’m having up and down moments through out the day but I don’t think the shock has left yet.
Been feeling very sad today, how’s Theo doing. Its so heartbreaking to hear of our wonderful bunnies we love so much not here with us anymore, I miss my Jasper more everyday, and wish it was all a bad dream, its so hard. ?
Theo had a bit of a bad morning, he was refusing food and just got comfy on the sofa and slept. I came home with fresh grass and dandelion leaves and he’s ate them so fast and since then has been better. Decided to sleep in bed tonight rather than the sofa and just broke down.
I hope you are okay Phil, sending love your way! I definitely wish it was all a bad dream.
hi my bunny friend i just found out my 12 yr old midnite may have liver cancer i am so devestated. i feel so bad for you. i can just imagine what i will be like when the times comes. but this is a great place with wonderful bunny people.
hi my bunny friend i just found out my 12 yr old midnite may have liver cancer i am so devestated. i feel so bad for you. i can just imagine what i will be like when the times comes. but this is a great place with wonderful bunny people.
hi my bunny friend i just found out my 12 yr old midnite may have liver cancer i am so devestated. i feel so bad for you. i can just imagine what i will be like when the times comes. but this is a great place with wonderful bunny people.
hi my bunny friend i just found out my 12 yr old midnite may have liver cancer i am so devestated. i feel so bad for you. i can just imagine what i will be like when the times comes. but this is a great place with wonderful bunny people.
hi my bunny friend i just found out my 12 yr old midnite may have liver cancer i am so devestated. i feel so bad for you. i can just imagine what i will be like when the times comes. but this is a great place with wonderful bunny people.
Sorry to hear that bunny06. Give your bunny loads of cuddles and fuss. I wish I knew that was going to be the last time I saw Daisy, I would have gave her such a big hug and cuddle.
Arr he’s probably very sad too loosing his little companion, great he ate dandelions, jasper loved them too, its so hard to cope with all this I still can’t sleep myself, you take care, love to Theo and you too.
That’s very sad, what a wonderful age 12 years is amazing, my bunny jasper got to 8 he had cancer too, its awful
Always here if you need to talk Phil.
Me too, be thinking of Theo and you, its very tough. X
Been really anxious about leaving Theo and I’m watching every movement of his. I’m going back to work tomorrow and so worried about leaving him ?
I would make sure he has treats left for him, is anyone able to pop and check on him, he will prob be ok for few hrs.
I’m sure he will be fine and I’m probably just overthinking it. I went out yesterday for most of the day but I knew I could go home whenever but in work I can’t. I reckon that’s what’s worrying me. I definitely need to get back into my own routine though.
Had to really force myself back to work, all I could think about and still do is my Jasper, it doe’s help a bit, we all worry about our buns I got paranoid if jasper didn’t do poops at same time every day. I couldn’t wait to get home every day to be with him, now I hate going home at all, its awful. Try not to worry about Theo to much he sounds a great little bunny x
I’ve spent loads of time with Theo tonight and it’s helped calm me down. My mind just keeps switching from one thought to another. I’m definitely getting paranoid when I shouldn’t. Theo is a great bunny and is being so strong.
He knows how much you love him, I’m not supprised you haven’t accepted Daisy going so your bound to be very worried about Theo, I’m sure he will be ok sounds an amazing little bunny.
Was wondering how Theo is today, hope he’s not so sad, I’ve been pritty bad today as last time I saw Jasper was on a Friday at 2.45 hate Fridays, seems only yesterday can’t belive its 3 months.
Theo is okay today. He was alone for a good chunk of the day because of work. But he was happy to see me and is now napping so obviously had an exciting day whilst I was stuck at work. I did collect Daisy ashes earlier so that was a bit of a knock on how I was feeling.
Sorry to hear you had a bad day Phil. Stay strong!! You will have good day and bad days. It’s only been 5 days for me and my emotions have been all over the place. Today is the first day I’ve ate properly and not felt sick. That will probably change again tomorrow. It’s tiring but we can get through it!
Arr that’s great news about Theo, I still haven’t got Jaspers ashes back as the thought is very upsetting. Went to pet store today to see baby bunnies cheered me up a bit. X
I’m hoping having Daisys ashes home will help me have closure but comfort at the same time. Maybe you should get Jaspers? I’ve been trying my hardest to avoid the pet shop as I know they have a baby who looks like Daisy and that will break my heart
Yes I think ile have bring jasper home, it will be very hard for me all that’s left of my darling bunny is ashes, funny seeing other bunnies gives me comfort there all so sweet, I’d feel bad getting a new bunny as ile always think its my Jasper x
Bunnies are just so adorable. They melt my heart every single one. Getting a new bunny will be hard but if you feel that that part of you is missing and that friendship then maybe you should think about getting a new bunny in a few months. You could try fostering a bunny? No bunny will ever replace Jasper and I keep telling myself that about Daisy.
I know lifts my spirits they are such adorable animals, it took me over a year to get Jasper after loosing my previous bunny Fluffy, I even felt guiilty getting Jasper, but I was so glad I did as he was so amazing, and I don’t think ile ever find one as loving and friendly as he was. Even though they are all so sweet. X
If you decide to get a new bunny that bunny will be amazing in their own way just like Jasper was. I would highly recommend fostering though, gives you a chance to see if you are ready for a new bunny
I’m not sure at moment. Probably get a baby dwarf lop, same breed as jasper, most rescues only let you have to bunnies I just want one, too much to worry about with two of them
Dwarf lops are adorable. Two can be a handful at times, especially if they are babies with a lot of energy. I know a rescue place near me allows people to foster lonely rabbits until they find a friend but everywhere is so different with what they allow and don’t allow.
I can imagine Jasper was so full of energy 90 miles an hr around my flat so amazing. He was always so healthy till the end, beautiful breed of bunny, miss him so much. X
I woke up this morning with massive guilt that I didn’t give Daisy enough love and attention. It’s so silly.
No its not I feel same about jasper, didn’t know id never see him again when he died at vets, should have been there with him didn’t say goodbye or show him how much I always loved him. X
That’s what I’m struggling with. Knowing I left her there alone.
I know, we had to trust vet to save our bunnies, everyone tells me I did what was best, I can’t really accept what happened, its such a shock, what choice did we have, couldn’t leave them to suffer, how’s Theo today x
That’s the thing, we had to make a choice and we did what we could. But that’s hard to accept. Theo is okay, he was flopping over this morning which was worrying but he was just super chilled. My partner sent me a video and he was hopping up on the sofa and eating some grass.
That’s great Theo probably wonders why he’s getting so much attention. I still think one bunny is better we can form closer bond with them, I still don’t understand how bunnies can die from anasetic mine said jadpers op was very straight forward, don’t know what went wrong bothers me so much still.
I was only going to get one rabbit but fell in love with both of them and couldn’t say no. I’ll probably always have two as it’s double the cuddles. Saying that I would have about 10 if I had the space!
It’s always risky, their little hearts beat so fast and get put under strain. Daisy op wasn’t straight forward so I reckon there would have been complications if they did do it and recovery would have been hard for her. As much as I would give up everything I have to have her back it would have broke my heart seeing her struggle after the op. Before was bad enough!
Yes I’d have them all when I got jasper his brother was so sweet too hard drssision, jasper would have been in pain too after op. X
How’s Theo doing? I’ve been looking at adopting a new bunny but their just not my Jasper, its so upsetting
Theo is doing okay, been acting the same all week. Had one grumpy day where he bit both me and my partner but he’s cheered up again now.
Of course they won’t be your Jasper but you’ll be gaining another furry friend with a different personality. And you’ll have a bond with them which is unique. It’s good that you’ve started to look into it though!
Its funny bunnies must act same as us. loosing their little friend. I feel annoyed and upset and grumpy too. Waves of doubt frustration every day. X
There’s a lot of emotions going on right now. I’ve printed loads of photos of Daisy and that was hard looking at them and remembering her. But it also made me happy seeing her looking fit and healthy and not poorly like she was. I have guilt every since day about either the operation, the way so treated her and thinking it wasn’t good enough and whether I gave her enough cuddles etc. I’m always doubting myself.
Then I’m thinking about Theo a friend then I feel sick with the thought of ‘replacing’ Daisy. By the end of the day I’m shattered and falling asleep on the sofa because my brain just won’t stop thinking about it all.
Feel the same got hundreds of pics of Jasper so like he should be here still. its s hard everyday
Lauren, don’t feel like you’re “replacing” Daisy, there’s no way you can replace a lost pet. And you don’t have to be in a hurry to get a new baby. Just know if you do get a new baby, it will be its own little self. I know last time I had a bonded pair and one of them died, I considered getting another friend for my remaining bunny. However, she had quite an attitude and didn’t even always get along with the sister she was bonded with–never any real fights, but little dust ups. Because of that and the fact that she most likely had a bacterial infection (which took her sister and would pop back out when under stress), I decided to let her be a lone rabbit for her last 5 years. When my most recent bunny Betty was euthanized, I said (at that instant) that I would NEVER have another bunny. But I watched videos of her and it further made me realize that I LOVE having bunnies. My life just doesn’t seem complete without a sweet little bunny. I’m glad that you do still have Theo, give him lots of attention and allow both of you to go through the grieving process without being hard on yourself. I too often second guess my decisions, but that really doesn’t do any good, especially when you did everything possible.
I think when time is right to get another bunny we will know, i still cant accept jasper has gone yet, once I do that’s when to get new bunny, its to soon for me and you little Daisy hasn’t been gone long. I’d love Theo and he will be fine on his own till your ready x
Theo is being such a trooper! He’s not wanting cuddles like he used to but loves a nose rub but other than that he acting normal. He’s so chilled out now but I think that’s probably because he hasnt got Daisy to wind him up vice versa. When the time is right for both of us I’ll think about getting a new bunny friend for Theo.
Sorry to hear about Betty professorzap.
Hi Lauren how’s Theo doing, I found a new bunny mini lop, lady’s keeping him for me as I’m still a bit dubious, should be ok I hope, gonna call him Clover.
Hi Phil,
Theo is doing well but I think he’s lonely at night and when I’m at work. That’s great! Clover is a lovely name. Another bunny friend will be good for you.
The shock has definitely worn off now and it’s hit me that Daisy has gone. I’ve been feeling really sad tonight and started to get tearful thinking about her ?
Hi Lauren, I feel same just been cleaning out Jaspers cage and things, ready for Clover, I still feel very apprehensive, feel I’m betraying Jaspers home to another bunny, made me so upset, I can’t sleep I feel very sad, where’s my little Jasper I keep thinking.
Its very difficult when anyone loses a friend, (All pets are our friends) but we loved them, so they stay in our hearts forever, I have lost many pets over the years, I still love them, just yesterday on the phone I was talking to my partner and we were talking about pets leaving us, I told him I still remember my goldfish I had a few years ago, it still makes me cry a little when I remember my goldfish, its OK for anyone to cry and feel sad.
Hang in there Lauren. Good days and bad days, better days and bad days. Wishing your more and more good days in between the bad and a speedy healing process.
{{{Hugs}}}
Thank you everyone, after a good nights sleep I woke up feeling a bit better. It’s coming up to nearly a month so I’m expecting to have days where I’m down. I haven’t lost an animal since I was really young and didn’t understand it then. I’m dreading anything happening to Theo and my cats!!
Thank you everyone, after a good nights sleep I woke up feeling a bit better. It’s coming up to nearly a month so I’m expecting to have days where I’m down. I haven’t lost an animal since I was really young and didn’t understand it then. I’m dreading anything happening to Theo and my cats!!
Hi Lauren try not to worry about Theo, I know how you feel I haven’t even got Clover yet and I’m worried he’ll be ok, think its such a shock loosing our bunnies, thats why we get scared.
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