Feeling heartbroken :(

[Helen]

Hi all,

I’ve not posted here before, and I’m sorry that this is my first message, but no one else understands how my partner and I feel right now.

Our beautiful boy Harry was put to sleep on Saturday night after a quick decline due to bloat/obstruction in his tummy. We’d looked after him all day with all the usual meds and recovery food. He was prone to GI stasis so over the last 5 years we’d got our treatment down to a T. Usually by the evening he’d be coming around, nibbling on a bit of food and at least cleaning the gloopy recovery food off his face.

This time it was different. He was becoming quieter, his tummy was gurgling so loudly and he wasn’t bothering to clean himself after each feed. So we rushed him to the vet who said he was in a really bad way. She did a blood glucose test which suggested it was very likely there was some kind of obstruction in his gut which would need an operation to see what was going on. She said she’d never really seen a bunny come back from an operation like that very well, especially considering how poorly he was. So we made the very hard decision that it wasn’t fair to put him through all of that. 

It was heartbreaking to watch him go to sleep. He was our little friend who had given us so much joy since we got him from the rescue centre nearly 5 years ago. He used to love jumping up on the sofa with us and followed us around the flat, mine-ing everything he could. He loved having his ears and cheeks rubbed, often going into what we liked to call “super purring”. I miss his little furry face so much already. I keep expecting him to come bounding over to me, but now he’s not here and it hurts so much to think that I won’t see or fuss him again

He has left behind his wonderful lady friend called Felicity, who seems so confused to where he’s gone. We couldn’t bring him home with us to show her what had happened, but I’m hoping she realised he was very ill before we took him to the vets. I just feel so bad for her. They were so in love and spent all their time snuggled up. I wish I could explain to her what’s happened and that she could understand how much we love her. Unfortunately she really doesn’t like people, being a rescue herself. Harry was her world and I can’t imagine how she’s feeling right now. 

We’re spending lots of time with her and giving her lots of treats, trying to fuss her if she’ll let us. I’m hoping with time she’ll start to like us more. I’ve read that it would be best to get her another friend eventually, but where does that end? We really weren’t planning on getting any more bunnies after these two. I’m not sure what the best thing to do is.

Sorry for the ramble. I just wanted to say all of this to people who would understand how much it hurts. Thanks for reading.

[MoxieMeadows]

I am extremely sorry for your loss. He sounds like he was loved very much.

{{{Binky Free Harry}}}

[LBJ10]

Oh my, what a little sweetheart. He was obviously very very loved. I’m sorry for your loss.

[LongEaredLions]

I am so sorry for your loss. Harry looks so handsome, I can tell he was a cherished, spoiled family member. Sending all my hugs and love to you, your partner, and Felicity. (((((Binky Free)))))

[Bahar]

I really can understand how you must have been feeling right now…..and m feeling so bad for the girl…hope she understands and stays well….

[Helen]

Just wanted to say thanks so much for your replies. I honestly didn’t expect anything as I haven’t posted before. Really appreciate you taking the time to read my post and your kind words. It’s helped a lot just knowing that other people understand and care.

Felicity is flopped out by my chair as I write this. She seems to be doing alright so far, eating plenty of food which is what I was worrying about the most. She’s been doing lots of carpet digging, I guess that’s how she’s dealing with it. We read that having a cuddly bunny can help keep them company, so we’re going to get one today and see what she makes of that. She’s been sitting in front of a mirror we have on the floor, so I wondered whether she’s been talking to herself a bit in that. Poor little sausage.

[LBJ10]

Hopefully this doesn’t sound morbid, but she get to see his body? A lot of people believe it helps them have closure . They know that their friend has passed and they aren’t wondering where they are.

[Helen]

Not morbid at all. Thanks for your suggestion, I’d read that too. Sadly we couldn’t bring Harry home with us so it wasn’t really an option this time. Felicity seems to be holding up ok so far. We’ve been making a concerted effort to fuss her as much as she’ll let us, and have been giving her some of her fave treats too. We have also turned my home office (where she lives) into a rabbit playground as she loves climbing things. Proper little mountain goat <3

[BB & Tiny]

So sorry for your loss and for felicity’s loss also. I have not been a bunny mama overly long, but I’d be lost without them. I hope your pain lessens soon and the memories warm your heart.

[Author]

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