Advice and support please

[Daisybun]

Sadly I have had to have my lovely black dwarf lop Sweep put to sleep after nearly 9 years. Her partner Stanley is now an elderly single bun. He is 9 years old and has a ‘lump’ on his neck that might be cancer but not really sure at the moment.

Stanley misses her a lot. He was there when she fell asleep and is eating/drinking ok. He likes to sit in the lounge with us in the evening.

I am in a dilemma – hubby is against having another bun – the bonding with a new bunny when Stanley is so old will then her single etc. and hubby wants a break from having bunnies so is against me getting a pair. I am unhappy about leaving Stan on his own but hubby is not happy to get any more at this stage.

How can I help Stanley – love my little man to bits

[Sarita]

So sorry about Sweep.

It’s odd because I have a 12 year old rabbit with a lump on his neck as well that has been growing – he has lost 3 wives too. My vet is not sure what the lump is exactly either so we are just in maintenance mode.

Maybe try a stuffed animal? That might help. I think too just keeping a routine helps as well so he knows what to expect.

[Beka27]

I’m very sorry about your loss of Sweep. That’s sweet that he was able to be with her in her final moments…

I think I have to agree with your husband regarding not getting another rabbit right now. Stanley is getting up there in years and it sounds like he is receiving (or will be receiving) necessary vet care. Vet visits, tests, and medications are expensive AND require a great deal of your time and energy. Being a caretaker to an elderly and/or ill rabbit (or any pet) is very emotionally and mentally draining. With that said, it can also be rewarding to have that one on one time with your pet. My advice would be to focus on him. If he enjoys your company (or even just hangs out in the room with you), he is not starved for attention.

This is a very personal topic for me. We lost our lop in June (he was 8-9 years old) and we chose to not get another rabbit as a mate for our mini rex (she is now about 7 years old). We don’t know what the future holds for us right now (planning/hoping to buy a house sometime in the near-ish future). We want to get a dog when that happens, or possibly before if the right dog comes along. So right now we’re just not making any new commitments.

There’s nothing wrong with waiting, enjoying Stanley, and then crossing that bridge of another rabbit (rabbit pair) when you get there. I like the idea of taking a break and then starting fresh…

[Beka27]

Rereading this, I hope my “we want a dog” comment doesn’t sound callous. I’m very committed to all pets in my care, so bc of this, I’m also determined to not becoming “over-committed” if that makes sense? I know my limitations (time, finances, space) and I would not want to bite off more than I can chew. I would rather have one pet with the best possible care, than have to spread myself too thin. This isn’t a judgement on others who choose to have “a zoo”, just my personal position.

[jerseygirl]

How can I help Stanley – love my little man to bits

He likes to sit in the lounge with us in the evening.

simply put, this is how you are helping him. They like company and it doesn’t necessarily need to be other bunny company. You and your hubby will be giving him great comfort.
You may have noticed with your pair, they weren’t always together? So it’s not about company 24/7. I notice mine seem to seek company at different times and much of the time they’ll just keep to themselves.

Keeping his routine is important but I think giving some new stimulation wouldn’t be a bad idea. A new toy. A tunnel
perhaps? Just some simIpe enrichments. If anything, it might show you “he’s okay”. The intrinsic curiosity is there, he’s able to engage and is not not depressed.

The adjustment for me after losing a rabbit has been much longer then it has been for my rabbit that lost his mate. As best I can tell.
So if I may be personal, how are you coping?

My heart goes out to you.
*Binky Free Sweep*
I really love her name by the way.

[Daisybun]

Thank you all for your advice. Sweep was delightful – a very gentle bunny. I am upset but I know that it was the right thing for her as her legs had gone. Her back legs were bad and her front legs were also starting to to go – also her eyesight started to fail and I had to feed her and give her water as she was unable to get in and out her house and also find the water bottle. It just did not seem fair to let her suffer but was so hard to let her go.

Stanley seems to be settling down to routine now – I think it is probably harder for me – I love being a bunny mummy – but Stanley has an amazing personality. I will try and post some pics.

[sweepsmummy]

Hi, I am new and just wanted to say that I chose the name Sweep for my bunny along with my very old porely bunny Sooty. and i hope my being here and being sweepsmummy  doesn’t upset you in any way x sorry for your loss x

[Daisybun]

No worries Sweepsmummy – it is a great name for a bunny.

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