friend for a lonely bunny

[MD]

I adopted a pair of bonded sister rabbits over a year and a half ago, and one of them, Misty, passed away 2 weeks ago.  My other bunny, Daphny, was not there when Misty passed at the vet, so she had to figure out on her own that Misty wasn’t coming back.  I can tell that she is lonely and stressed, but I’m not quite ready to adopt another rabbit. 

I’ve read some accounts of rabbits finding comfort with stuffed animal bunnies, so I thought I’d give it a try.  I bought a 12-inch plush rabbit rated for ages 0+, and put it in Daphny’s play area.  I rubbed it on a towel that Daphny sits on and also rubbed some of Daphny’s shed fur on it.  She wasn’t sure about it at first, and ignored it or ran away when I made it “hop” toward her, but eventually she accepted it.  Now she grooms it and cuddles up next to it as though it were a real rabbit.  She’s treating it like a real bunny, and not like a toy that she’d chew or drag around.  Of course she knows it’s not a real bunny, but it seems like she is getting some comfort from it.  
 

Daphny grooms her new friend

 

 

[Miyuki]

Aww poor Daphny. I’m glad she seems to be getting some comfort from her new stuffed friend. How are you doing?

[jerseygirl]

Do you have anything of Misty’s you can scent it with also? It can take them some time to grieve but hopefully you’ll notice when she’s more herself. In the meantime, take comfort from one another. I’m very happy you are considering adopting another in the future.

[megrat7]

My mom’s dwarf bun is super skiddish and has taken to a fluffy soccer ball about his size. Its so cute, we call it his “girlfriend” and we catch him sleeping next to it all the time! Losing a bun is so hard! But you still have one adorable bun who needs your <3!

[bunnytowne]

What a beautiful bunny.  That sure is a great idea to get her a stuffy.  I am so sorry you lost her. We get so attached to them.  And their companions do too.

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