How did you decide whether to get another bun?

[GrumpyBun]

I used to be a regular here over a decade ago, but then life changed and I got busy and just never really came back. I had two dutch lionhead crosses, Bisto and Oxo. They would have been 13 at the beginning of March but sadly we lost them both over the past few weeks.

 

Which leads me to wonder, those of you who got buns after losing your original rabbits – how did you know it was the right thing to do? We’re nowhere near ready yet, but I thought my boys would be my only buns but now I’m not sure I want to live in a home without rabbits. But I’m also scared that I would constantly be reminded that Oxo and Bisto aren’t here and it’s not actually rabbits I miss but my boys, which would be so unfair on the new rabbits.

[DanaNM]

Welcome back! I’m so sorry for your loss. 🙁  That is really amazing that they lived to be almost 13!

I’ve had a few dif experiences getting new buns after I’ve lost one. I’ve pretty much always had a pair, and several times now have lost one of the pair. So the decision to get another was more based on re-bonding the bun that was “widowed”.

Most recently, when my Bertha passed in 2019, I really didn’t know what to do, because I knew I needed some time before getting another bun, but I didn’t want Bun Jovi to be lonely for too long. I ended up fostering a little pair of brothers that lived as neighbors to Bun Jovi for a few months, and then they went back to the rescue and got adopted.

Having them around helped me a TON (they were so different from Bertha that I didn’t feel at all like I was replacing her, but they were wonderful in their own way), and they really perked up Bun Jovi too. So I would say if you aren’t sure, look into fostering. Maybe you will bond with another bunny (or a pair), or not, and you will at least feel good about helping out some rabbits in need.

Since then, I’ve adopted 3 (!) buns, so I have 4 total. First one was to bond with Bun Jovi (a shelter bun who I’d had my eye on for years… she’d been there a while). The second one was a foster fail LOL. Then the third one (adopted just a year ago) was just such a lovely rabbit I couldn’t resist him. He looks like Bertha… and I never really understood those people who get pets that look like their pet that died, until I was one of them. Personality wise he reminds me of if Bertha and Bunston (Bertha’s first bond mate, the little brown bun in my avatar), had a baby, so he really just wiggled into my heart. Volunteering at the rescue was dangerous for me!

. . . 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.  

[GrumpyBun]

It is amazing that they had such long lives. They were good lives too, I think. They spent most of their years free range and were spoilt rotten. Their decline was short too, which is a mercy. I was expecting them to live 5-8 years, so you’d think 13 would be enough but they’ve left a big hole.

 

Fostering might be something to think about though. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[DanaNM]

It really doesn’t get easier, even when they make it to a ripe old age. My Bun Jovi is now 13 (I’ve only had him since he was 9 though), and I just want him to live forever. I think we develop a really special bond with our senior pets and get even closer to them as they age, so it’s that much harder when they’re gone.

. . . 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.  

[mia]

I’ve always adopted buns for the buns themselves, not for myself. The first ones to give someone a good home, while the others to be companions for the other buns (~7 total thus far). The only part I play is, what can I handle? Main thing I ask myself is, if the bun’s life will be better with me or at the shelter.

 

 

[Author]

Messages