Absolutely heartbroken about having to rehome. What do I do?

[Desic737]

Hi all. I’ve had Doodle for almost two years now. He’s a gorgeous holland lop/lion head mix, and I’ve had to make the super tough decision to rehome him.

This isn’t one I’ve taken lightly. When I first got Doodle, I wasn’t planning on going to college at all. My life plans have changed with my (miracle) acceptance into a university. But as a freshman, I’m required to live in a tiny dorm, three hours away from home. Doodle, who loves to binky and run around the house, wouldn’t be happy in a cramped bedroom and a loud environment. Even though I’ve begged my family and friends to consider taking him in, I’ve had no takers. (And I wouldn’t want to rehome him to someone who doesn’t completely, 100% want him anyways)

He has a space at the local rabbit shelter now. It’s a legitimate place; bunnies are well taken care of, get vet check ups and the socialization of other bunnies Doodle hadnt received as the lone bunny of the house. Their adoption process is pretty lengthy to make sure the buns go to good homes, and I’m even donating items off the shelter’s wish list to show my appreciation.

Even though I know this is the best option for him, I am absolutely heartbroken. I’ve been in tears almost every night and know I’m going to be a mess when I surrender him to the shelter. I feel like a failure of a bunny owner, because I expected to have him his whole life and i couldn’t go through with it. He’s helped me through so much, and I can’t stand the thought that his cage is going to be empty soon.

I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to cope. I’ve been through much worse than this, but I still wish this wasn’t happening.
Does anyone have advice on how to get through?

Thank you.

[Mikey]

I had to rehome a dog I absolutely loved, who absolutely loved me and my partner. After a few months, her energy was way too high and we live in an apartment. Daily walks werent enough for her any more, and mental training could only tire her out so much. She needed a bigger home and a fenced in yard. We cried while driving her to the (no kill) shelter. We cried dropping her off. We brought her favorite toy with us and they let her keep it. We cried as we drove home, and cried for a few more days after. The shelter kept us updated on how she was doing and if people came to visit her. About two months after dropping her off, they emailed me that she went to a huge home with a large active family. My partner and I couldnt be happier; she finally got the home she needed and deserved! Shes been with them for a little over three years now and as far as I can tell, shes the happiest pup in the world with them. Ill always love her, Ill always miss her, but it brings me so much joy knowing shes happy and so well taken care of now.

As much as it hurt in the moment and how badly I felt for the few months she was in the shelter after, the wait was worth it to know shes happy and getting everything she needs now. Knowing that shes running around a huge yard, playing with her human siblings, and getting aaaaall of the pets and loving every single day of her life makes me so happy

[Deleted User]

This is a really sad story!! I’m sorry it has come to this, but you are doing the right thing and that may be your only consolation. You wouldn’t want him to go to someone who doesn’t want him, so the shelter may be the best place for him. Hopefully it is a no kill shelter so he will have plenty of time and a chance at finding a forever home! I know it must be a hard pill to swallow, but you’ve got to better your life by going school. Your rabbit would not enjoy his time in a tiny dorm with, I assume tile floors and a roommate as well? It just wouldn’t be a great set up for either of you. And no doubt you will be extra busy!! I am a full time student myself, and I work full time. Luckily, I work with a group of radiologists at the hospital and I have a lot of free time at work to do school work (and get on BB!! lol)
If I didn’t have the time at work to do my school, I couldn’t do it, and I wouldn’t have ANY time to spend with my buns. I do homework all day at work so when I go home I can give them my last few hours of the day in undivided attention. Personally, I think you’re making the right choice. Try to think that you will both be better off this way, hopefully it will become less painful.

Best of luck to little Doodle in finding a great new home!

[sarahthegemini]

The fact that you have acknowledged that you won’t be able to provide all for your bun is a big step, and it’s wonderful that you care so much to let him go even though you’ll miss him. That’s truly selfless. I couldn’t imagine having to give up mine, just thinking about it is heartbreaking so I can’t begin to imagine what’s going through your mind right now – but you are doing the right thing. So sad But congratulations on getting into University, it’s a huge step so well done for that  

[Dface]

You are doing what is right for both of you, and as awful as it feels, you are being so brave for doing it. As long as the shelter is genuine (like you’ve said) you can be reassured that Doodle is going to go to a home that will love him (especially as rescue rabbits tend to be more ‘wanted ‘ than pet shop bunnes (they are often bought on a whim cause they are cute, but someone who gets a grown bunny, knows that they want a rabbit!)

You need to focus on college and getting your degree, it is much much harder looking after a pet and trying to balance it all.
Best of luck

[Boston's Mama]

Sometimes the hardest decisions in life are the best ones we make – for us -and others.
You love your bunny , it can be felt in your words – so it won’t be a light decision that led you here. A lot of thought has clearly been put into this and shows by your careful selection of the shelter, not wanting him to go to someone who doesn’t 100% want to love him 100% and by putting his needs ahead of your want to have him by your side

[Deleted User]

I recently had to rehome one of my bunnies and it is very very sad. you have 100% done the right thing and he is going to the best place possible. I was extremely lucky to get my bunny a place in a shelter and I was really grateful to them as I couldn’t have sent him anywhere else. I always see people trying to give their bunnies away for free online and that was something I could never have done. I couldn’t have lived with myself. It shows how much care you have for your bunny to make an effort to ensure they are going to the best possible place and to give them the best chance. My bunny was rehomed straight away and I think he had the advantage of being appropriately cared for by me beforehand so there were no vet checks or anything to be done on him before he could be rehomed. So I believe this could well be the case for your bunny, the fact he hasn’t come from bad circumstances means he will be a prime candidate for a quick adoption. Once you see that he has gone to a good home it will make all the difference.

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