Having a hard time.

[bunnnnnnie!]

I had to go buy greens today, and while I was there it dawned on me I was only buying for one bun.. and it really hit me hard.

I was doing well for a few days.  But it’s just little things like that, that sneak up on me and make me feel just so very, very sad.  I miss my girl so much.

In the past I’ve always dealt with loss of a loved pet pretty well.  But I just feel like I’m so.. lost right now.  I’ll feel better, then actually feel guilty for feeling better.  Or like above, I’ll do something in my “bunny routine”, realize it’s different now with only Zeus, and my heart breaks.

I miss my girl.  She was so young for it to be her time already.  I don’t regret it, I know she’s not suffering now.  I just miss her, plain and simple.

Part of me thinks I should go find another bun that needs a home.  There’s ALWAYS bunnies in need of homes.  And bringing in another bunny and loving it would help me heal.  But my life is so up in the air right now, with my parents moving, and me probably moving, and my mum getting a new job, that I’m just not sure it would be fair to bring another bunny into my life right now.  Zeus handles change totally fine, but I think he’s the exception to that rule.  I’m afraid if I bring another bunny home, and then my mum moves in with me a month later, then I move to a different house a few months after that, it’ll be too much stress for a new bunny to handle.

I don’t know.  I guess I’m just lost in my thoughts right now.

Other BBers who have lost their buns at a younger age, can I please get some advice, or anecdotes on what you did to accept it? 

[Sarita]

I’ve lost rabbits at many many ages, young, old, in between and well, you just have to accept it. Maybe it’s because I’m older that I just accept it and am not too hard on myself. I know that I always do everything I can.

I think the first one is always the most difficult to lose because it truly is the hardest. But really, the farther away it gets, the easiest it is to accept.

[KytKattin]

I am going to play the devil’s advocate under the assumption that Zeus is now neutered (I am pretty sure he is, but sometimes I forget these things…).

Maybe through all this upheaval it would make the bonding process go smoother. Since one or both bunnies would be stressed, they could bond through that stress. Idk… Plus, a home with you, with regular foodstuffs, somewhat familiar surroundings, etc, has got to be way less stressful than living in a shelter. I mean, being realistic here, even a home that ran an infant daycare probably has more peace and quiet than a shelter. That being said, you are right, there will always be a bunny in need of a home. So whether you choose to adopt now or later, you will still be helping somebunny in need. You need to do what is right for yourself right now.

As for getting through the pain, maybe you can go volunteer some time at a shelter? Foster a bunny? I find it is best to keep my mind on the good things that happened with the lost pet. Go pet your current bunny, or again, go pet some bunnies at the shelter. I am sure they would love the attention, and I am sure that if West could have comprehended sharing your love for her with other bunnies stuck in the same situation you found her, she would approve.

So that probably wasn’t helpful at all. I hope it didn’t make things worse. :/

[bunnnnnnie!]

Posted By KytKattin on 03/04/2012 05:28 PM
I am going to play the devil’s advocate under the assumption that Zeus is now neutered (I am pretty sure he is, but sometimes I forget these things…).

Maybe through all this upheaval it would make the bonding process go smoother. Since one or both bunnies would be stressed, they could bond through that stress. Idk… Plus, a home with you, with regular foodstuffs, somewhat familiar surroundings, etc, has got to be way less stressful than living in a shelter. I mean, being realistic here, even a home that ran an infant daycare probably has more peace and quiet than a shelter. That being said, you are right, there will always be a bunny in need of a home. So whether you choose to adopt now or later, you will still be helping somebunny in need. You need to do what is right for yourself right now.

As for getting through the pain, maybe you can go volunteer some time at a shelter? Foster a bunny? I find it is best to keep my mind on the good things that happened with the lost pet. Go pet your current bunny, or again, go pet some bunnies at the shelter. I am sure they would love the attention, and I am sure that if West could have comprehended sharing your love for her with other bunnies stuck in the same situation you found her, she would approve.

So that probably wasn’t helpful at all. I hope it didn’t make things worse. :/

Not at all, it was very helpful.  I really appreciate the input.
 

Sarita; You’re right, since it’s the first bunny I’ve lost, I think it is harder.  It was also just very unexpected, I didn’t have time to mentally prepare like you do when saying goodbye to an older pet.

[Sam and Lady's Human]

I would wait a while, until after all your major changes are done, if not just to let yourself properly grieve and make sure your decision to get a second isn’t simply to try to fill that void.

[bunnnnnnie!]

Thanks for the input guys.  I just have to have faith it was meant to be this way.  I know animals don’t see their lives in quantity but quality.  And I know she passed knowing she was loved and had a home.

I just need time I guess. 

[HoneysBuns]

I recently lost my first rabbit after having him for only a year. Only having one bun was way too hard for me. I hoped that there could maybe be something positive that could come from this, so I went on bunny dates with my remaining rabbit and I found that it really gave me a reason to get up and do something. It also helped talking with other rabbit people and playing with other buns. I ended up adopting a bunny girl for my remaining one, and watching them bond was wonderful, since I was never able to accomplish it with Tuna and Ham. I also ended up  taking on a younger rabbit who became my little cuddle bun and gave me my first bunny kisses (he was a french lop who looked a lot like your Zeus). The younger rabbit Oscar, who was a healthy 4 month old bun, died on the way to the vet 2 days after his neuter and the day after picking up Tuna’s urn. It was incredibly hard losing 2 in two months. I thought I was jinxed, but having the newlyweds Ham and Peach has been great, I love seeing how happy they are with each other and their funny little antics. 

I recently got a foster rabbit, so now I have 3 buns living with me. Fosters are great because you can help out a bunny in need, and hopefully for only a short period of time, a year or so most often. It’s a great feeling helping a rabbit open up and find a great home! I’m sure it’ll be hard to see the bun go, but it’ll be a happy goodbye for sure.
I’m really sorry for your loss, I know how hard it can be, my first rabbit who passed had a G.I. problem too. At least you had a great time together. I’ve learned its hard loving such delicate creatures, but it’s definitely worth it. The pain never goes away, but just try to remember the happy moments and time spent with her.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m sorry you are having a hard time. It is incredibly hard, I know. I lost 2 bunnies unexpectedly. Velvet was a year and a half and sweet little Vanilla Bean was only 5 months. I felt the same as you. It was hard every time I did something in my bunny routine and realized I only had 1 bunny. I kept feeling like I should prepare 2 bowls of vegetables, etc.

One thing that did help me was helping other rabbits. It was quite awhile after they passed that I was ready to get another so I did other things. The Spring after Bean died I bought a bunch of stuff and made a big Easter basket complete with a big stuffed bunny and had a raffle and sold tickets to co-workers, family and friends. I ended up raising about $70.00 which I then donated to Rabbit Rescue in memory of Velvet and Bean. They sent me a thank you card and a Certificate for Velvet and Bean. It made me feel really good.

One thing you could do, in West’s memory, is to do your part in raising awareness of Easter Rabbits. There are a lot of members here (including myself) who do an Anti-Easter Bunny campaign before Easter to help educate others about not giving rabbits as gifts by putting up posters, etc. I will start a thread about it soon in the Lounge.

I agree with Sam and Lady. Don’t jump into getting another bunny before things have settled, including your emotions. You will know when the time is right for another.

[bunnnnnnie!]

Thank you so much for the input guys, and sympathies to all of you who have lost buns, some way younger than my sweet West was.  I can’t even imagine.

As you guys suggested, maybe I’ll try and do something good for the “bunnies of the world”, without actually bringing another one home.  I look forward to your thread about anti-Easter bunnies, LittlePuffyTail.

[peppypoo]

I’m so sorry, I lost one of my bunnies recently as well – actually, two months ago as of today (he was ~2.5 y/o). I know what you mean…there were and are still little things that remind me of Milo, especially in the first couple of weeks after he passed. I know that I eventually want another bunny; in addition to company for Peppy and myself wanting another, like you said I know there are so many bunnies out there that could use a good home. However, I echo everyone else in saying all in good time, particularly with life changes coming up for you. LPT has a great point with raising bunny awareness…particularly fitting in West’s memory since I know that she came from the shelter .

[bunnyfriend]

I am so sorry Losing a pet is always difficult. I lost my bridge bunny after I had him for a couple months. It was so sudden and unexpected, he died the very same day he showed signs of something being wrong. I have had a few pets die in the past but for some reason he was the most difficult, I don’t really understand why. I still have times where I’m like “Wow, he’s gone, he’s really gone.” and it just seems so sad and weird.

About adopting another bunny, I think you should do it whenever you feel that you really want to. It sounds like maybe now isn’t the very best time, especially if you’re going to bond them, but once you get settled then it definitely sounds like it would be a good time. I adopted another rabbit soon after my bridge bunny’s death but I only did because I knew that this bunny wasn’t to replace the last one, but to offer a good home for one in need and that I could love in a different way then the one that passed away.

You sound like you’re on your way to getting to a better place about everything

[bunnnnnnie!]

Posted By peppypoo on 03/05/2012 07:21 AM

I’m so sorry, I lost one of my bunnies recently as well – actually, two months ago as of today (he was ~2.5 y/o). I know what you mean…there were and are still little things that remind me of Milo, especially in the first couple of weeks after he passed. I know that I eventually want another bunny; in addition to company for Peppy and myself wanting another, like you said I know there are so many bunnies out there that could use a good home. However, I echo everyone else in saying all in good time, particularly with life changes coming up for you. LPT has a great point with raising bunny awareness…particularly fitting in West’s memory since I know that she came from the shelter .

 

Thanks so much for the reply, it makes me feel better hearing from others who have gone through similar.  I definitely want to try and do something for shelter bunnies, so we’ll see what I can come up with.  Maybe the shelter near me would like some care pamphlets made up or something to pass out to new bunny owners.  The people at the shelter know next to nothing about bunnies so they might appreciate it.

[bunnnnnnie!]

Posted By bunnyfriend on 03/05/2012 08:50 AM
I am so sorry Losing a pet is always difficult. I lost my bridge bunny after I had him for a couple months. It was so sudden and unexpected, he died the very same day he showed signs of something being wrong. I have had a few pets die in the past but for some reason he was the most difficult, I don’t really understand why. I still have times where I’m like “Wow, he’s gone, he’s really gone.” and it just seems so sad and weird.

About adopting another bunny, I think you should do it whenever you feel that you really want to. It sounds like maybe now isn’t the very best time, especially if you’re going to bond them, but once you get settled then it definitely sounds like it would be a good time. I adopted another rabbit soon after my bridge bunny’s death but I only did because I knew that this bunny wasn’t to replace the last one, but to offer a good home for one in need and that I could love in a different way then the one that passed away.

You sound like you’re on your way to getting to a better place about everything

This is exactly how I feel.

Thanks for the kind words.  I know the farm stores around here will have their baby bunnies for sale within the next month or so, we’ll see.  Most of those bunnies end up as outdoor hutch rabbits, so that would definitely be offering a bun a better home.

We’ll see.  I’m not going to rush into anything.

 

[Stickerbunny]

I’m sorry you’re still struggling, losing a pet is hard. I haven’t ever lost a bunny, but I lost one of my rescue dogs after only a few months with him to heart worms (vet couldn’t treat, said he was too far along and the treatment would kill him). He spent his last hour at home with a blanket over him and me cuddling up with him, then he was taken to the vet to end his suffering – I kept his little bandana. I missed him a lot for a long time. Give yourself time to grieve for West and heal before you get another, would be my advice.

As for the farm bunnies… I know it’s tempting to “rescue” them, but buying a bunny from a farm like that encourages the breeders to simply breed more to replace them, or increase volume next year. And if a breeder is selling a bun to a store that cares nothing for where the bun goes, they aren’t the most responsible imo. If you want to rescue, I would go for a shelter or rescue bun, or if you want to buy go for a responsible breeder.

[Pandorachik]

Panda, my sweetie, passed at an estimated 3-4 years old. We didn’t know exact age. I know what you mean about small things that creep on you. Last week I found a apple stick he hid under the couch. I just can’t handle the feeling. But I got Pablo the other day, and I know Panda is his gaurdian angel. West and Panda probably play together along with many other Bridge bunnies up there. Just know that West is up there, trying to tell you to not be sad. She is so much better, and healthier up there. One of the resons I love this site is that you know you are not even close to the only one that has lost a bun. May you be covered by little wests’ golden wings, and know he loves you!

[bunnnnnnie!]

Posted By Pandorachik on 03/05/2012 01:42 PM
Panda, my sweetie, passed at an estimated 3-4 years old. We didn’t know exact age. I know what you mean about small things that creep on you. Last week I found a apple stick he hid under the couch. I just can’t handle the feeling. But I got Pablo the other day, and I know Panda is his gaurdian angel. West and Panda probably play together along with many other Bridge bunnies up there. Just know that West is up there, trying to tell you to not be sad. She is so much better, and healthier up there. One of the resons I love this site is that you know you are not even close to the only one that has lost a bun. May you be covered by little wests’ golden wings, and know he loves you!

 

That’s really touching, thanks.

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