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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.
- This topic has 69sd replies, 40 voices, and was last updated 7 years, 5 months ago by
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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 nightI 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 ShadowPLEASE LIKE THE AUTHOR’S PAGE :https://www.facebook.com/
Missi…m mons
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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 ~
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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
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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.
source: http://inkblort.deviantart.com/art/Little-Life-190968342
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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.
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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. -
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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