My sweet Simba is gone

[kralspace]

It hurts so much to write this, but it looks like little Simba (my little black lionhead) passed away in his sleep snuggled up next to his Hershey sometime late Monday afternoon. I just couldn’t handle writing about it til now, haven’t even been able to tell anyone because it hurts so bad.

I’m used to coming home and everyone’s still sleeping so I just do a quick head count and leave them alone until they decide it’s time to get up and be sociable. I saw Simba and Hershey snuggled together on the lower level under the willow tent like always and didn’t think a thing about it.

A bit later I noticed Hershey out on the top level, sitting in the corner and staring at me, which is strange. Simba was still curled up with his head on his front paws under the tent, but I knew as soon as I touched him he was gone, he was so cold. I was horrified and crying but I took him out to see what had happened, but couldn’t find anything. No blood, no abscess, no froth, lumps, no bloating, tummy felt normal. I had cleaned condos Sunday and there was  normal poop and pee everywhere.

He was fine Monday morning, perky and pesky as always demanding his bit of applesauce, running up and down the levels, eating fine. On his vet visits Dr. Ervin had mentioned that she heard a slight heart murmur (or something, I can’t remember exactly what right now) but that it probably wouldn’t bother him for a few years.

I put him back with Hershey and sat with them for awhile, until Hershey got that strange look that said she knew he was gone. She gave up trying to wake him up and went to the top level again to stay. So I wrapped my poor baby in their blanket and buried him under the pecan tree later Monday night.

I can’t believe he’s gone. I realize now that I probably should have taken his body to the vet but I didn’t. He just looked so peaceful like he’d just slipped away in his sleep. I’m so glad for this site, so I would know to let Hershey have her time to accept that he was gone.

I had reread Jennifer’s posting the other week about losing Rucy and how heartbreaking it was to watch Jack grieve, it made me cry all afternoon. It does break your heart. As much as I’m devastated to lose Simba, poor Hershey looks so lost. She’s eating and drinking but has withdrawn from any contact.

I got her a stuffed bunny today and tried to introduce her to it like I’ve read here. It took a while but she’s allowed it into the willow tent and she’s not snuggled, but at least sitting nose to nose with it.

This is so hard and I feel so sorry for little Hershey, I can’t even begin to allow myself to feel the grief right now because I couldn’t stand it.

He was 7-8 yrs old and really enjoyed discovering what it was like to live like a husban with a super girl to take care of.

I know I’m rambling, sorry, I just realized I probably should have put this in the Support section. I’m just so glad to have a place to come to and say how much I miss my little skitter.

Binky Free, Simba, we miss you so much

Kathy

 

 

[(dig)x(me)x(now)]

Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry about your unexpected loss. I cried a little reading this… I can online imagine what you are going through. I hope you and Hershey pull through this soon, you know everyone on here is here for you! <3

Binky free, Simba!

[Miyuki]

I’m sorry for your loss. I never know what to say… I hope you and Hershey grieve together and keep each other company during this hard time.

Binky free Simba!

[Monkeybun]

Oh, I am so sorry for yours and hershey’s loss of Simba Always so sad to hear of a bun passing. Binky free Simba, you’ll be missed.

[mrmac]

I teared up too. I am so sorry to hear about Simba. I hope you and Hershey are doing as well as you can. Binky free Simba and Hugs to you and Hershey.

[FluffyBunny]

OMG kralspace!!! I’m so sorry… I never said it, but I always loved Simba – I love little black bunnies

*goes on to read the rest of your post*

[Binkles]

Oh no, this is so terrible!! I’m so sorry!

I hope it does bring you some comfort, though, that he was in that position laid out with his chin on his paws when he passed. Whatever it was that got to Simba, he went VERY fast and painlessly. He probably didn’t even know. I hope it brings you a little bit of peace to know he went peacefully, even though you don’t have answers.

I’m certainly not an expert, but I don’t believe many bunnies do go in that way -I think most of bunnies pass on their sides, like they have fallen over.

[MimzMum]

Oh Kathy, I am so terribly sorry to come upon this sudden sad news! I have to add to Sarah’s post that at least he was there with the bun he loved, and had you to take care of him. You’ve always struck me as an excellent bunny mom! Poor Hershey, I will send little bunny prayers up for both of them and for you too.
Hugs and soothing vibes to all of you. Simba, we will miss you! (((((((((Binky free!)))))))))))))

[BinkyBunny]

Oh, Kathy – I am so sorry! I am so sad for you. I know this hurts so much. HUGS!

It does sound like he went peacefully snuggled up with his lovely Hershey. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a heart issue even though you were told it shouldn’t affect him. Regardless, he was loved and well taken care of, and I know his loss must just hit so hard. I am so sorry you have to go through this. I also understand the pain of watching the other bunny grieve. You are grieving yourself and then on top of that you are grieving for the other bunny left behind. It’s heartwrenching. Just know Hershey will be okay even though this time is hard to watch. She has you and just know she will recover.

Just be sure to give Hershey lots of extra attention. I would hang out with Jack and tell him that he was such a good husbun to Rucy and that I missed her too. We would sort of grieve together- so I don’t know if that will help you or not, but it helped me with my own grieving to comfort him as well. After a long session of bunny massages, he would eat. And then finally after a couple of weeks, he just started eating on his own and exploring. Some bunnies recover quicker than others and some need more time. You will find what is right for Hershey.

Again, I am just so sorry.

Binky Free Simba!

(I will move this to the Support soon.)

[jerseygirl]

Oh Kathy, I feel so sad reading this. What a shock to you and for Hershey.  I am so sorry. I understand he & Hershey are you older bunnies but he had spunk – especially recovering so well from the abscess. I am a heartened in a way that you report he was his bunny self earlier in the day. It does seem he slipped away peacefully. I hope you can find some comfort in that.

Hugs to you and head pets for Hershey. *Binky Free Simba, watch over your Girl and Momma*

[Beka27]

Oh honey. I’m so sorry. We all loved Simba so much. He had such an amazing life with you! It does sound like he went peacefully… warm, safe and happy… cuddled up to the one he loves. Isn’t that what we all wish for?

I wouldn’t worry about not taking him to the vet afterwards. I doubt the vet would have been able to tell you much of anything definitively.

Binky free Simba!

Hugs to you, Kathy, and nose rubs to Hershey…

[RabbitPam]

Oh, I’m so sorry.
Beka said what I was thinking, that he just went peacefully snuggled with his loving bunny. He had a wonderful life with you and Hershey, and he was spared all the trips to the vet and scares that a dehabilitating illness would bring. He was happy and comfortable to the end. Thanks to both of you.

Grief is hard -write, post pictures, and give yourself and Hershey time. It will ease.
{{{{Hugs and snuggles to you and Hershey}}}}}}}}}}

[Barbie]

I’m so sorry for your loss. Simba was a beautiful bun. Like the others have said, it is a small comfort to know that he went peacefully and with his best friend at his side. ***Binky free Simba!***

You and Hershey are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Sarita]

Kathy, I’m crying. This is so sad. I think Simba was so lucky to have found you and Hershey even if you had him for such a short time I think when he passed he knew he was loved and found home. Huge hugs to you Kathy. I feel sad for Hershey too that Simba is gone. Cry as much as you need and remember we are here for you.

[Lara]

I’m so sorry to hear about your little Simba… I definitely couldn’t keep the tears in when I read about Hershey saying goodbye. Poor little munchkin. I hope you both can find peace and acceptance in the coming weeks.

[RachelB]

Kathy, I hope that you and Hershey will find comfort in one another over the next few weeks. It sounds like Simba’s passing was very peaceful snuggled up with his love. Know that we are all here for you!!! {{Lots of hugs to you and Hershey… Binky free Simba}}

[kralspace]

Thank you everyone for your kind words, it means so much. Hershey is eating ok and is letting me pet her a bit now. She’s been through this before, losing her life long mate while at the sanctuary but she still looks so lost. I haven’t seen her lay down much since Monday night, she sits upright with her ears alert and turning. Maybe listening for him?

My son and I are giving her as much attention as she will allow, which isn’t much. She wants to stay in the tent and I don’t know if I should let her be for now or actively encourage her to come out of the condo and roam just to keep her moving a bit. They used to pop out as soon as the door was opened and explore all night.

I really miss Simba. He came to me about a year and half ago having grown up with a cat and dogs. He’d whimper watching the other couples cuddle and didn’t understand why they wanted nothing to do with him (except to try and kill him in Pringles case). Watching him discover the joys of having a bunny partner is something I’ll never forget. Hershey took this clueless little fluff and whipped him into a properly worshiping husbun and he loved it. He was so devoted to her.

Again, thank you all for your kindness and understanding, Kathy

[Sarita]

What do you think the odds are of bonding Hershey with Lola and Daisy? I know you are probably haven’t gotten that far yet since you are still so sad but maybe they can make a threesome.

[luvmybunny]

Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss of Simba. It does sound like he went peacefully, by Hershey. Binky free, lil Simba. *Hugs* to you and Hershey.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I’m so sorry to hear about Simba Kathy *Hugs*

He had a wonderful home with you and his hunnybun. He couldn’t have asked for more and he obviously passed quickly and peacefully. Hershey will be fine-it’s incredible how well they grieve. I like to think they know something we don’t, and that’s how they are able to move on after grieving for their friends.

*Binky Free Simba*

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of that special little guy.  My heart goes out to you and Hershey.

[BB Administrator]

This is BB in admin mode.

She might realize he’s gone, but sometimes when a bunny has the “safety” of a second pair of ears they are more relaxed, and when they know they are alone again, they may be more alert. So that could be why Hershey is alert. It seems she was with him quite a bit when he passed and that can help. But it really is an individual thing, so it’s hard to really know.

Again, I am so sorry.

Helloworld!!

[kralspace]

That certainly makes sense about the being extra alert. I may see if she’ll let me lift her out of the condo tonight just to get her to move around without stressing her out too much. And change out the towels and sheepskins.

Sarita, I don’t know if Lola would tolerate her or not. When Hershey and Simba would be out Lola would sit and stare(glare) at them, but she wasn’t outwardly aggressive as Pringles. Pringles would stalk up and down, huffing and barking and chewing on the bars trying to get at the both of them. Compared to the others, Hershey is just so delicate and fragile looking, everything about her is tiny.

I don’t know what I would do without BinkyBunny and all the support here.

[kralspace]

I’ve been sitting with Hershey and she ate some dinner, but she is not at all happy with Mr. Ugly Stuffed Rabbit in the left corner. He’s not allowed near her this evening. He is a bit scary, but was the only bunny stuffie I could find yesterday. I was hoping to locate a black one that might resemble Simba.

Next Easter I’m going to buy a stuffed bunny as close to each of my buns as I can just to have on hand.

 

[jerseygirl]

It’s lovely to hear what the last year and a half of his life was like – having Hershey. Thank you for giving him that. And for the pictures. What a sweet little thing!

[Monkeybun]

*more hugs from me and Monkey* And I think I agree with Hershey about that stuffed bunny. It’s kinda creepy lookin from a bunny point of view O.o

[KatnipCrzy]

i am so sorry for your loss. You gave Simba the most precious gift though- love, compassion and companionship. I know it is so hard when it is completely unexpected- it is a total shock and I don’t know what is worse- having to prepare and nurse an end of life pet and see them decline- or to have them pass unexpectedly but peacefully.
I think you made the right decision by not taking him into the vet afterwards- it would not change the outcome or affect the other rabbits. I made the same decision with Penny- the vet felt a mass in the throat and I decided not to biopsy after her death. It would not have changed anything or affected the other rabbits and I felt it better to leave her undisturbed. You have to follow your heart in these decisions and do what feels right.
Poor Hershey, my heart goes out to both you and her.
Julie

[SophieBun]

I cried througout the whole thread… All my best and blessings go out to you, Hershey and Simba. I lost one of my yorkies some time ago and it was very hard, I still cry but I know her and Simba are in an awesome place right now, being loved by angels and friends..I bet he’s binkying free playing with my yorkie having lots of fun 

**Many many many hugs!!!!!!!!!!!**

[jerseygirl]

Kathy, how is Hershey doing now?

[i~luv~frappichino&sammy]

I do not know you but my heart is broken to read this story…stay strong and recover well<3 My bunn prayers are all over this..
He will always be in your heart!<3

[jerseygirl]

Kathy, i noticed you are/were online. Wondering how Hershey girl is doing?

[Cassi&Charlie]

I’m so sorry to read this Kathy, Simba was such a spunky bunny. Passing away peacefully and with family around is all we can hope for, and I’m really glad Simba was able to pass peacefully with his soul-bun right there with him.
Binky free Simba!

[Author]

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