Putting down sweet little Amber today

[DunwoodyBunnyLady]

I’ve tried to find the posts I wrote about one month ago concerning my mini Rex, Amber, who had been to the vet a couple of times because she was incontinent and dragging her hind leg (right).  I wanted to thank those of you who offered kind words, along with thoughts and prayers.

Amber and her bunny love Pinto Bean boarded at the local Rabbit Center about three weeks ago, and Edie, the “rabbit lady supreme” was very concerned about her at that time.  However, once she was in the pen with Pinto, she hopped up on the shelf and was having a grand time.  She was given a steroid shot and when I picked her up four days later, she was the best she had been in several weeks.

Alas, that didn’t last – in another week’s time, she was dragging both legs and in desperation, we returned to the vet – he offered up cold laser therapy by the end of March, and Edie suggested acupuncture.  When we investigated these therapies in light of my little bun’s condition, I was looking at a large expense with an uncertain health outcome.  That’s when I realized she was never going to get better and was always going to require extra care, along with the extra expense that would involve.  Money is always a little tight, and since I was just laid off from my job, expensive vet bills with an uncertain outcome were not in the budget.

I waited until today, when my teenage son was out of school, to take her.  Yesterday and today, she had really good days, energetically shuffling herself across the floor and managing to stay out of her own waste.  In the car on the way, she groomed herself and Pinto Bean, and once we were there, she exhibited the brightness and curiosity of her little personality. Dr. Colby explained he would give her a shot that would put her to sleep, and when we were ready, he would come back with the shot to stop her heart.  My son brought up sweet music on his cell hhone, and we loved her and cried until we could bear to have Dr. Colby come in.

I am at home alone now, as my son is away doing school work. It is hard to believe how quiet it is with the absence of a little bunny that was barely five pounds!  She made more noise shuffling around once she became lame, and Pinto is almost totally silent.

Caring for her was so much work, and I was always so fearful of the next vet bill.  She had begun to lose hair from the side she favored and I feared it was a matter of time before she rubbed it raw and developed a terrible infection, forcing me to have to make an emergency decision in a short span of time.  So in practical terms, I did the right thing at the right time that really was the best, and I want it to FEEL right.  Instead, it just hurts to know that I won’t have that little bright spirit shuffling around and competing for food and treats with a much bigger bunny that loved her, too.  I find myself second guessing my decision, wondering if I should have continued caring for her a little longer, postponing the day and the sadness.

Thank you for listening to my story. Tomorrow will be better, but today is just hard.

 

Kathy

Atlanta, GA

USA

[BunBun3]

I am so sorry for your loss. I am crying with you as I just lost my beloved Bun 2 days ago so suddenly. Hugs and many prayers to you.

[Monkeybun]

I think you did the best thing for her. She was hurting, and you put that to rest. Binky Free, Amber. Watch over Pinto and your mama from the other side of the Bridge.

*hugs*

[bunnywhipped]

I’m deeply sorry that you had to make this decision . I cryed while reading this, though I’ve never been through something so hard, I can only imagine the pain. I believe you chose the right route. I hope her friend, Pinto, is doing alright, and I hope you will feel better with time. Binky free, sweet Amber.
hugs♡

[Ardelt]

I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I too have had to make the decision to put down an ill pet and felt the guilt and doubt you are talking about. Try not to dwell in the world of “if” and instead remember the happy times and take comfort in knowing she had a good life in a loving home.

[AnnaW]

So sorry to read your story, i cried too whilst reading. You did the right thing, I was the same when i got my beloved 7 year old bunny put down – i second guessed my situation for weeks and wondered if i had done the right thing, but i had. And you have too. When your mind clears of this horrible sadness, it will be easier for you to see, as it was for me.
Sending you healing thoughts in this hard time x

[RabbitPam]

My condolences on Amber. She is at peace now, over the Rainbow Bridge.

[DunwoodyBunnyLady]

Thank you all for your kind posts. A couple night’s sleep has helped me – now I have to look at being the best “bunny friend” I can be to my dear little Pinto Bean, who enjoyed showing off for Amber and competing with her for treats. I want to adopt another bunny for him, but since I lost my job recently, I can’t make a commitment of a “forever home” to another bun just now. Thankfully I have some excellent prospects for other employment, but he will have to be a bachelor until then. He’s not a snuggly bunny – more the strong, silent type that needs a companion to draw him out of his shell. If any of you know of any threads that address the human/rabbit bond, I will read them!

[Sarita]

I think you did the right thing, it’s always a hard decision and you certainly put thought into it. My condolences to you on your sweet little Amber.

[Cupcakesmom]

My coldolences to you and your family. Its never easy to make that decision, even when you know its the right thing to do. Your story is incredibly smiliar to mine. We laid Cupcake to rest on the 25th of February because she was having the exact same problem. I took comfort in knowing that she was on the rainbow bridge and that she is healthy and happy again….i believe the same for Amber. I’ll send a little angel to Cupcake so Cupcake knows to watch for Amber.

[BeaBunny]

Sending hugs x

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