Dog vs. Rabbit

[Lisa M]

Hi all,

I need some help and advice.   

I have two middle-aged dogs.  I have always had dogs my entire life and always enjoyed them tremendously.  A while ago, long story, I got into fostering rabbits here and there, and it was as if I found my true pet destiny: Bunnies. 

Problem is that I enjoy my dogs less and less.  I came up with some theories: 1/The dogs are more like kids, and I have two kids already.  2/I am an environmentalist and a vegetarian, and dogs eat meat and are not exactly environmentally friendly. 3/The bunnies I have fostered, I loved watching them play and explore the back deck.  They struck me as less emotionally needy.  I petted and interacted with them, but then they were fine with each other when they went back into their enclosure.  

When I fostered the bunnies, I wanted to keep them and find homes for my dogs instead.  Not that I am planning to do so, and I won’t – they are too old anyway, but has anyone been in this situation of losing interest in a pet that they loved their entire life? It’s like losing interest in a close friend or life partner.  I just don’t know what’s going on.  

Anyway, if anyone has any comments or feedback, that would be appreciated.  

Thanks.

Lisa 

[Wick & Fable]

In 100% honesty, Wick’s other parent does feel dejected from the immense consideration, care, and attention I give to Wick, to a point where it’s been a point of dispute between us, so I understand. I think it’s important to step back and remind yourself why you were willing and committed to spending time with the pre-rabbit entities before rabbits came about. I now make the effort to divert myself from Wick at times. Wick’s still there, but this intentional (mind you sometimes difficult) diversion has reminded me why Wick’s other parent is by my side in the first place. Yes, rabbits are remarkable. Wick does what he’s told, isn’t very cryptic or complicated, and by goodness he’s adorable, and while I can easily spout annoying and aggravating things about Wick’s other parent, those really haven’t changed since we’ve met. Wick has just made me default to a different setting, which can be difficult to revert to at times.

I suggest trying to dedicate some time back with your other four legged companions. Your rabbits will still love you, and it may help resolve your worries, whichever direction they fall.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Mikey]

I think that is pretty normal. Humans tend to gravitate towards pets that better fit their lifestyles than pets that dont. You love your dogs, but they dont really fit your current lifestyle (through diet, behavior, etc), whereas fostering rabbits has taught you that rabbits very much fit your lifestyle, especially in terms of diet and neediness. For similar reasons, after my In Law’s dog dies, theyre not going to get a new dog afterwards. Dogs no longer fit their lifestyle. But that doesnt mean they love their dog any less.

I do want to comment on a rabbit’s neediness though. My trio are toddlers. Bombur will spray and act out when he feels he is not getting enough attention. He also needs to be groomed weekly, and during moults, he needs to be groomed for atleast two hours a day until the moult is over. My Blue will become depressed if he doesnt get alteast an hour a day of pets and massages. He will stop eating, he will loaf in a dark corner, and he will ignore me. All because I didnt notice him when he wanted to be noticed. Bombur and Blue have an unbreakable bond, but they still need their humanparent attention to keep them happy and healthy. My Badger requires a lot of human attention as well, because he is disabled. He doesnt need physical attention as often, but he needs to be talked to as often as possible. If you walk past him and dont atleast say “Hi” he will become sad and loaf under furniture until you make it up to him. Theyve been like this since Ive had them (2+ years ago). Some rabbits are really, really needy.

[Wick & Fable]

Mikey brings up a great point. Wick is a very needy, sassy little thing.

Rabbits require routine and some get quite disobedient if things don’t go their way, especially the longer you have them! The longer they’re with you, they become more comfortable erring disagreements and showing dissatisfaction at routine breaks and things you do that displease them.

Wick’s actually more work than any of my other past pets have been.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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