One of my two bonded bunnies recently died, looking for advice

[elevensies]

Sorry if this is long/in the wrong thread! Behavior seemed best suited and I could really use some advice. I’ve had my bonded pair, Momo and Luna for about 5 years now and Momo passed away about 2 weeks ago. He was about 6 or 7 years old, and I don’t know if it was some kind of illness or something he ate (I fed them brocolli stems a couple of times that week) but Luna seems to be doing fine for the most part (eating and drinking normally).

I’m still coping with losing him, and I’m worried about her. She’s always been fairly antisocial with people, and preferred the company of another bun. Momo was the social one out of the two. She’s always been very sensitive, she went through a false pregnancy a week before getting fixed, and dealt with our cross country move a lot worse than Momo did. Presently, I live in a two story house, and my roommates have a spaniel, which is a hunting breed, so the bunnies’ pen has always been downstairs (separated by a downstairs hallway and multiple doors). Because of the dog, I can’t have Luna in my bedroom because it’s on the top floor, so relocating her to our bedroom to be closer to us and our cat (they surprisingly get along) isn’t really an option. With my current job and schedule, not to mention not feeling ready emotionally, adopting a new bunny and going through the bonding process again isn’t something I can realistically commit to any time soon. I’m worried that she won’t be happy living out the rest of her life as a single bunny, because with all the moving and change, and me not getting to spend as much time with them as I’d like to, Ive always been reassured that they have each other when I’m not around.

What should I do? It feels like the best thing to do for her would be to foster her out to a new home where she can meet and bond with another bunny, or be a single bunny with a human family who has more time to devote to her. The thought of giving her up not only makes me feel as though I’m now losing two pets instead of one, but also makes me feel guilty that I’m giving up. I’m not even sure of how her grieving process is going because she always acts fairly standoffish around me, preferring to sit away from me and observe rather than interact. Should I start looking for a new home for her? If so, how soon? Any thoughts/experiences/advice is appreciated!

[Serenity]

Hello, Elliotsim. I’m so, so sorry to hear about your loss.
xxbinky free, Momoxx
If you don’t want to give away Luna, then don’t. I don’t think giving her way will make things better, 1: Because it probably already rocked her world to lose Momo and another big thing like that would just stress her more and 2: because it may not seem like it, but she does find your presence comforting. You are a thing the recognizes and understands and that will likely be something that can calm and help her whereas if she loses the two things closest to her it could be much worse than it is. So I strongly suggest that you keep her, if not for your own comfort but for hers as well.
I know Momo’s loss was terrible but you may want to consider getting another rabbit for her to bond with? Please forgive me if this seems insensitive, I’m definitely not trying to be but some buns cope better with loss if they have a new friend. I’m not saying it has to be soon if you think she’s taking it pretty well and you’re not ready for it, but maybe consider it for her benefit, and possibly even for her.
If that’s out of the question, then maybe your roommates could help? They might be able to keep her company while you’re gone and make sure she’s alright.
Hope this helped, feel free to ask as many questions as you want and long posts are much better than short posts because then we have more info and can help you more effectively.

[DanaNM]

So sorry for your loss. Could you move her to your room and keep her confined there (and the dog out)?

I agree that rehoming her would be very stressful on her, and sad for you. Eventually I think you should try to rebond her, but only when you are ready. In the meantime you can try giving her a stuffie to snuggle with, and try to spend more time with her. Even if she doesn’t seek you out for attention, your presence will comfort her. You might find that your relationship with improves as you grieve together.

. . . 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.  

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