Broken hearted x2 – *Pics added, as requested.*

[Lara]

I am so torn up right now… I just finished my schooling, moved to a new city and started two new jobs. I came to a decision after struggling with the issue for a long time… I decided to give the bunnies away to a good home. It’s been two months and I still can’t think about them without crying. It devastated me to give them up, but I knew that they deserved to have a family that could spend more time with them. I searched for about a month until I found the perfect family… they were experienced with rabbits and had two pre-teen children. I felt very confident that they were the right people to take my Calypso and Echo.

I was bored just now, browsing the kijiji site, and saw an advertisement for two beautiful bunnies – my babies. I broke down in tears, partly because I miss them so much and want them back, partly because I know that I shouldn’t take them back and mostly because I am terrified that they will end up with somebody who will not take good care of them. It’s devastating for me to see them being moved around… it’s only been a couple of months and their new family is getting rid of them!! I really, really want to take them back, but my mother keeps telling me that I made the right decision giving them away. I feel like she’s mostly right: I work long shifts and don’t have a lot of spare time for the bunnies, they spent so much time in their cage, I didn’t have a lot of spare time to keep on top of the bunny mess, the bunnies deserve to have people around and to be able to spend time outside of their cage. She mostly right, but she’s not taking into account how much I love them. They’re my sweet babies, and it’s heartbreaking that they’re not with me…

This situation is killing me. I feel like practically, giving Echo and Calypso away was the best thing for them and for me; but I miss them so much and often wish that I could have them back. Now it looks like I have the opportunity to get them back, but I’m torn between my head and my heart.

Sorry for rambling…

[Tate]

How about taking them back and then finding another home for them so that you know they are going to someone you like?
Not sure how big the cage you had them in was, but you could always get an xpen if you wanted to keep them. This would give them more space when you aren’t around and then you won’t feel guilty leaving them all day!
*hugs*

[Sam and Lady's Human]

Posted By Tate on 05/25/2011 06:19 PM
How about taking them back and then finding another home for them so that you know they are going to someone you like?
Not sure how big the cage you had them in was, but you could always get an xpen if you wanted to keep them. This would give them more space when you aren’t around and then you won’t feel guilty leaving them all day!
*hugs*

This! 

 

[MimzMum]

That’s a tough call. Were I in your situation, I don’t know how I could stop myself from taking them back. Indeed, I would already be on the way to picking them up!
I can see your situation is stressful but I think Tate has a good idea. I have to admit, I don’t always get all the time I want with my bunnies and I am just a homemaker. But I do think it is very sad that these people you thought you could trust with the bunnies have turned around and are looking to get rid of them.
Is there anyone else you know who would take your bunnies and take good care of them? Someone you can trust better than these people? Or even a rabbit rescue nearby that could find a home for them that was researched and vetted?

[LittlePuffyTail]

I would definitely take them back and either try to make it work again or find a new home for them. You never know who might end up with them on kijiji. I would not risk it. Please go get them and figure it out after.

I wouldn’t feel so guilty about not being able to spend much time with them though, seeing as though they are bonded and have each other.

[Beka27]

I would take them back. Either temporarily… or if you can work out a happy compromise with your schedule, permanently.

Honestly, they are bonded together, so even if you are not spending a lot of time with them, as long as their basic needs are being met, they are better off with you than “the unknown”. I am guessing the new people spent EVEN LESS time with them, and that’s why they are getting rid of them so quickly.

They need food, litter, and enough space to get exercise. They don’t need to be free roam, just a large enough area… The bigger space you can provide, the less guilty you would feel if they couldn’t get out everyday.

My two have a double-wide xpen (4×8 feet). I am a mom, wife, I work, and I have been a student full time for the last 5 years… I could barely guarantee I’ll have time to shower and wash dishes, let alone provide plenty of exercise. I feel better knowing that regardless of what my day consists of, my pair is bonded, and they have enough space to move around comfortably. I look at them and I don’t see two bunnies that suffer from having to be confined from time to time, I see two extremely spoiled, content rabbits.

[Elrohwen]

I completely agree with Beka! Absolutely take them back. If you still really want to find them a new home, at least you will be able to find a good home. But really, I think you should keep them. Beka is right that being with you is so much better than the unknown. Even if you can’t be home to give them a lot of exercise, as long as they have each other and the basic necessities, they’ll be fine.

[Huckleberry]

Take them back! You cant live with that in the back of your mind. You will drive yourself crazy. Besides, maybe you will find that you really can keep them

[longhairmike]

go get them back now!! this is a RARE 2nd chance opportunity!!

 

[Lara]

Thanks so much for the advice… I’m going to ask for them back. It has been torture to think that they might go to somebody who wouldn’t take good care of them or love them as much as they deserve to be loved. I’ve been thinking about them so much since I gave them away and I’d start to cry every time I thought about never seeing Calypso binky again or never being able to smoosh my face into Echo’s fur… I love them so, so, so much that I am going to try to make it work again. I know that my mom will probably be irritated with me and think it’s a bad idea, but I’m an adult. While I value my mom’s advice and opinion, I am so in love with those little bunnies that I can’t bear that thought of not knowing who is taking care of them.

[Elrohwen]

Yay! I’m so glad you’re going to take them back. Even if you’re short on time, remember that you’re still taking care of them better than the majority of rabbit owners in this country.

I hope you don’t have any problems getting them back. Keep us updated!

[LBJ10]

Go get your babies! Let us know how it goes!

[SugarbearNPepper]

So glad to know you are taking them back!! Can’t wait to hear how happy the bunnies are to be back with you! Keep us updated!

[Lara]

I pick them up on Sunday! Yay! I’m so excited to see them again. I can’t wait to see Calypso do his clumsy little binkies again!

[Silly Sungura]

Those bunnies are going to be elated when they see you! I’ve seriously got tears in my eyes I am so happy for them and you!!! Yay!!!!!

[Monkeybun]

I am glad you decided to go get them. Even if you only have a tiny bit of time each day, they have each other, so they won’t be lonely

[LBJ10]

Yay! I can’t wait! Hopefully Sunday gets here soon for you!

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so glad and relieved. Even if you can’t let them out everyday at least you will have them. I agree with Longhairmike: it’s your second chance. They were obviously meant to be your bunnies.

Your in NB right? I was trying to find the ad on kijiji but was unable.

I think that’s awful that the people who took them didn’t think to call you before posting them on kijiji.

[Lara]

I know, LittlePuffyTail! They were definitely meant to be mine. Giving them up was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, and now I’m so happy that I have the opportunity to get them back. I know that my mom will disapprove, because she thinks that the reasons I had for giving them up were more compelling than any reason I had to keep them. I think that she’s wrong… the rewards of having two sweet little trouble makers who make me smile more than make up for any inconvenience they are.

As for not being able to spend enough time with them… they do have each other, and they’ve always had lots of things to play with and a nice big condo, even if they didn’t get to run around the apartment every day. I never thought that they were unhappy… I was just stressed that I wasn’t able to spend much time with them and it was difficult to clean up after them. Now that I know what life is like without them, I really don’t think things were that bad for me or for them.

Thanks for your input, everybody. I’m definitely looking forward to a happy family reunion on Sunday!!

[Lara]

PS. LPT, I was in NB, but just moved to NS after graduating.

[Huckleberry]

YEAH!!! I was literally on the verge of tears when I read your post. I am so happy you are getting them back!

What jerks, how can they agree to take care of your babies and then turn around and give them up!!! I hope when you pick them up, you stick your tongue out at them or do foot flicks or something!

[Cheddar33]

This is like fate. I’m glad to hear that you are bring them back HOME…to their real home. They deserve to be with a loving person. They have each other so I think that’s great.

[jerseygirl]

Heart in my mouth reading thru this thread!

(((Hugs))) to you Lara. I know how much you love them and I’m hoping you can find a solution.

[jerseygirl]

If you are going to give it a go keeping them with your new schedule we can brain storm here to come up with ways that might make it a bit easier. For example: Litterboxes (sigh). It’s a pain in the butt sometimes. I change mine out daily because I use newspaper and hay for most of them. So I’ve been thinking to buy a bunch as here $2.50 and set them up ready to go for the whole week. So all i’d need to do each day s pop in a ready-to go box and dump contents of the soiled one. I can wash them all at the end of the week. I think this will help me alot but I haven’t done it yet because i’m not an organised person. Lol
It may seem a small task but when you’re dead tired, cleaning the litterbox is the last thing you want to deal with right?

Honestly, moving and taking on 2 new jobs in your field would be stressful. I’m not surprised you felt overwhelmed. It just might take some time to find a rhythm.

[MimzMum]

Being a mom, I know sometimes we are so certain we know what is best for our kids, even when they have reached adult status, but it is so obvious how much you care about your bunnies. The other members’ posts are spot on about them being there for one another and it does seem meant to be that you reclaim them.
So don’t wonder if you are doing the right thing. And as jerseygirl said, we’re here to help.
I clean three litter boxes and three habitats twice a day every day because I have the time, but it is an exhausting endeavor nonetheless. I hope to get my three bonded eventually so it will be only one habitat and litter box, plus my bunnies will have each others’ company when I am not here or for whatever reason I can’t be spending time with them.
The best thing is your bunnies being able to be back with you, where they know there is love for them. I’ll be sending vibes for a smooth transition back to you. I’m going to be on pins and needles myself till Sunday! ^_^

[Lara]

Less than 24 hours until I have my babies back! I’m so happy and excited!

[jerseygirl]

I’ve got everything crossed for you. I hope it goes smoothly. I guess you had to tread carefully when you contacted the people who have them?

[Huckleberry]

Well? How did the homecoming go?!!! Im on pins and needles!!!

[jerseygirl]

Psst! Huckleberry, I think Sunday is only just starting out in your part of the world. Patience my Dear.

[Huckleberry]

*THUMP* No! No patience! I want happy news and cute pictures now! Hahaha
I got my days mixed up.

[jerseygirl]

Hucks, you work arvos or nights don’t you? It messes stuff up. I just slept 12 hours and lost the entire day. I can’t blame it on work either.  
Actually, this is prob one of the challenges facing Lara – shift work.

I must say, I keep checking for updates too. I’m getting paranoid. Lara, where you live now, will there be any issues having the rabbits? Or is it pet friendly? I suppose these things can be sorted in due course. The main thing is they’re coming to you and not up on offer on kijiji.

[Lara]

“Project Bring Home the Bunnies” is complete! Yay! I am sooo happy to have my babies back home with me. Calypso was definitely happy to see me, but I think they’re both a little overwhelmed now. I’m not pushing them to hang out with me right away; I’m just giving them time to explore and re-familiarize themselves with the environment.

I have to say, I am so grateful that my babies are not with that other family anymore. I was less than impressed with a number of things. I haven’t been able to see Echo’s feet yet, since she’s such a jumpy girl, but Calypso’s feet are yellow, as though the litter box wasn’t cleaned enough. Their litter box is full of shavings. Their water bowl is FULL of pellets, and the tiny amount of hay they have is obviously from those little bags you buy at Walmart. I quizzed the mother of the family incessantly, and she knew everything about what bunnies should be eating, etc., so I’m confused about why it doesn’t look like she’s employing this knowledge. So upsetting, but the good news is that the bunnies are with me now.

Also, a lot of the things I gave the family along with the buns were apparently thrown out… their hay container and a whole pile of NIC grids. I gave them all the NIC grids I had (probably seven or eight packs) and now I only have two or three, which means I’ll have to shell out another sixty or eighty dollars to be able to build the bunnies a decent condo.

Jerseygirl, my apartment allows animals, so that is not an issue, thankfully.

[Lara]

I forgot to mention… While I was collecting the buns and their things, the oldest daughter was playing with a baby bunny that she just got for her birthday! It’s so new that it doesn’t have a name yet. Does that make sense to anybody?? Trying to get rid of two bunnies that you accepted into your home two months ago and purchasing a baby bunny the same week… I don’t know what they’re playing at, but it made me really angry.

I can’t believe I trusted these people with my babies! I’m so happy that my bunnies aren’t there anymore.

[jerseygirl]

***BINKIES*** I’m so relieved to be reading this. Please give them some head rubs from me when they’re feeling more relaxed.

I’m betting alot of your stuff was sold or they want to keep it for this new rabbit. Regarding the baby bunny…I don’t know what to say. So picture me just banging my head against a wall.

[Huckleberry]

SQUEEEEEEE!!!!!!! Oh my gosh! I’m so happy they are home where they belong!!! I can’t wait for pictures!!!!
What is wrong with these people that had them?! Did you foot-flick them? I would have lol. I hope that the new bun gets the proper care it deserves!!!!

Jersey, yep, I’m a vampire, I work nights and it really does mess with my days. I’m not sure it’s worth it anymore.

[longhairmike]

sneak back tonite and bunnynap the baby…

[LoveChaCha]

… I am laughing at your comment longhairmike.

I am so happy you got your babies back! I’m glad that they are slowly settling back in with their mommy human

I am shocked at that woman that threw everything out, and it sounds to me that there is a lot of laziness and lack of care your bunnies were given.

I’m so glad they are back at home! Please post pictures when you have the time

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so glad you got them back!!!! I didn’t want to mention it but I was worried since there was a few days span before you could pick them up that they would give them away to someone else before Sunday. Phew…I’m just so happy everything worked out.

That makes me extremely angry and sad about the whole situation with the baby bunny. What is wrong with people? When the baby grows up you’ll probably see him on kijiji too. I hope you made some comments on the situation. That sucks they threw out your NIC grids.

Yup, I would love to see pics too. ****Hugs****

[LBJ10]

Yippee! What a great ending this was! I wanna see them now!

[Joyfull_music]

Glad you are getting them back.

This might just be how I am, but I am the type of person who always feels that the best home my pets could ever have regardless of situation is my home. And try the x-pen idea. My bunny does not have a cage, just her pen and it is rather large.

[Joyfull_music]

Glad you are getting them back.

This might just be how I am, but I am the type of person who always feels that the best home my pets could ever have regardless of situation is my home. And try the x-pen idea. My bunny does not have a cage, just her pen and it is rather large.

[Lara]

Okay, here are a few homecoming pics. They’re a bit Calypso heavy, since Echo is a scaredy cat who thinks that the camera wants to eat her. lol

Aww… HOME!

This is MY spot. I have reclaimed it.

Okay, fine… It’s OUR spot.

This is Calypso’s party face.

Home sweet home.

Kinda blurry, but just too cute.

Relaxing after a stressful day of moving.

Well, it’s been almost 24 hours since they’ve been home, and I think they’re really happy to be home. Calypso is very concerned about how little the apartment smells like him now and has been working very hard to fix this problem. He’s running around chinning EVERYTHING. “This door is mine, and this sofa is mine. This fan is mine and this garbage can is mine. The desk is mine, this tupperware container and that broom are all mine. Mine, mine, mine, MINE!”

Echo is taking a little longer to become comfortable, but that’s just who she is. She’s always been timid and uneasy when it comes to change. She did, however, let me give her some head rubs last night, which is actually more than I expected from her.

I can’t even express how happy I am to have my babies back with me… Thank you to everybody for your advice and support!

 

 

[Beka27]

I am so happy for you and THEM! Those pics of Calypso scream entitlement: “I belong here. This is MY place. It’s about darn time you came and picked us up.”

I can’t believe those people got a baby bunny, but on the other hand… I can believe it. Pets are “disposable” after all… *rolls eyes*

It’s going to be a little bit funny when the baby hits puberty and they’re suddenly missing their well-behaved adult rabbits.

Oh well. Whatever.

(((Big hugs for you!)))

[Lara]

I know… Calypso is definitely thrilled to be home. He’s sticking pretty close to my side today, which is just the cutest thing in the world. My little bunny shadow…

[LoveChaCha]

*dies*

that is all

[Boysclub]

oh lara i am soooo happy for you and the buns!!!! Welcome home bun buns!!!

Just think in a few months time you will see that baby posted as well!! ***GRRRRRRR****

[Sonn]

Yay! *happy dance*

[LittlePuffyTail]

That first pic of Calypso just looks like “Aaaahhhh…back home”. Love the party face too!

I’m so happy for all three of you. It was obviously meant to be!

[jerseygirl]

Yay! So lovely to see them! Lol at the party face too! That’s hilarious!

[KatnipCrzy]

Congrats. I can tell your bunnies are happy and your heart is happy now!

[(dig)x(me)x(now)]

I’m just catching up, and I’m so happy for you! And pissed about the baby bunny situation. What the crap, man? [mumbled profanities] That sort of thing really freaking irks me.

Congrats on getting your babies back. I can tell you missed them sorely.

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By LoveChaCha on 05/30/2011 11:27 AM
*dies*

that is all

That is exactly how I feel.  One huge WHEW!!  This thread has kept me on edge.

 

What in the world!  Did the family ever say why the were getting rid of them? Sorry if  I missed that.  Knowing that this is the second time this has happened to a member, (forgot who else it was that found their bunnies being sold or given away after she went through a lengthy adoption process with new owners), makes me really feel so cautious — I mean who can you really trust?  I think from now on that there needs to be a signed contract that if for whatever reason, the new owners decide they don’t want the bunny anymore that they must contact the original owner to notify them of their intentions, and give the original owner to take them back if possible.  

Well, alls well that ends well…..thank goodness.  HUGS!

[Beka27]

I keep thinking about this whole situation. I shudder to think what would have happened if you hadn’t just happened to be glancing online at the ads that day? Imagine if you would have emailed or called them in 6 months, just to see how the rabbits were doing? And they say, “Oh, they’re gone to a new home.” And you literally have no clue where they are or who has them, and if you would ever see them again. Heartbreaking for sure.

This really is a cautionary tale for dealing with people on online ad websites. People are going to say what you want to hear. Even if they have the best of intentions at first, people get bored and the newness wears off. For some people (not us, but other people), bunnies are fun for that first month, but when faced with the high requirements of rabbit care for 8-12 years… suddenly, it becomes a chore.

If nothing else, I’m almost glad this happened. It let you know how much you valued your rabbits. Obviously it was stressful, but at the end of the day, you have them and that’s what counts.

[Author]

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