Sophia passed over the bridge..

[Christine Ann]

Hello everyone.

Around 5 am Sunday morning my sweet, gorgeous babygirl Sophia passed away in my arms.

She had several complications including dental disease which was pressing up into her sinuses, causing constant runny nose/eye and sneezing. She was otherwise so happy, eating, active, waking me up every morning 7am on the dot by jumping on the bed and laying on my chest for cuddles. 

Around midnight saturday she had a terrible occurance of diahrrea and stasis. After hours at the emergency vet, she was given fluids under the skin, a bum bath, and sent home with antibiotics and pain medication.

Unfortunately as much as I tried she refused to take any critical care, I had to syringe water into her mouth to keep her as hydrated as possible.

I keep replaying it in my head, around 4am I went to check on her, pick her up and comfort her, when she rolled out of my arms, paralyzed. She had a seizure, and fought hard.. until her last breath in my arms.

She was only 5. 

We (my boyfriend and I, and her bonded brother Pepper) are all seriously grieving.

We have been sleeping on our pullout couch in the living room, even brought Pepper and the litter box down, as it’s too hard to be in the bedroom right now. We had a daily ritual. Sophie woke me up every morning. I told them goodbye as I left for work, I immediately ran up to give them love and dinner the minute I returned home after work. 

Pepper is 2, he is a rescue bun I got for Sophie after her first mate Wesley passed.

Pepper has only known a life with Sophie. He is absolutely going through grief. We allowed him some time with her body, and he immediately became destructive- trying to chew walls, doors, books. 

He now goes through periods of wanting to be alone, sulking, being very social and craving attention, and being angry. 

I read something online about a plush toy helping the process. I have a stuffed bunny we have been keeping with him. It does seem to help, he settles down next to it, groomed it, we even put it next to him while he is in his litter bin eating. 

We are giving him extra extra love, spending every minute we can with him, loving on him for as long and as much as he will allow- depending on his mood. 

I am now torn. It seems so very wrong to get a new bun. They loved each other so much. Even if I give it months, which of course we will need to grieve and try to heal. Sophie and Pepper had such a strong, strong bond. I was sure they’d be bonded for life, God willing that they were able to live long enough together. Unfortunately Sophie’s little body just couldn’t handle any more complication, and I suppose it was her time. If there was ever a momma’s girl, it was her. I am beyond heartbroken and finding it so hard to cope. 

Would it be cruel to keep Pepper as a single bun for the rest of his life? Should I give it months, a year? My boyfriend and I have discussed giving him time, and seeing how he adapts. He only knew life with his beloved Sophie. He made us cry the day after his passing, as he was looking for her. When we fed him, he ate slowly, looking around for her and left her some food. 

We would like to get a puppy in the future. We have been planning for a corgi puppy, as they are more docile, herders, and gentle. As much as I would love for the pup and Pepper to be friends, I know that it could never replace the bond of another rabbit.

I suppose I am looking for advice as to where to go from here. 

Thank you so much.

Rest in peace baby princess. 

2011-2016

 

[tobyluv]

I’m sorry about the loss of your sweet Sophia. It’s good that you are spending extra time with Pepper. That’s comforting to him and to you.

Give yourselves some time to cope with the loss of Sophia. You may feel very differently in a few weeks, instead of the months or more you are thinking of waiting before deciding to get another bunny. Observe Pepper and see if he seems content to be the sole bunny now. Even though he had a very strong bond with Sophia, that doesn’t mean that he couldn’t have a strong bond with another rabbit. There are a lot of rabbits in shelters and rescues that would love to have a home with you.

[Bam]

I’m so sorry about the loss of your beautiful girl. She was so pretty and obviously very dearly loved.

I think Tobyluv is right about Pepper. He will need extra love from you now, but it is possible that he could form a bond with another rabbit later on.

Binky free, Sophia

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m so very sorry. She was beautiful.

((((Binky Free Sopia))))))

[jerseygirl]

I am so sorry for your loss of sweet girl. ***Binky Free Sophie***

My boyfriend and I have discussed giving him time, and seeing how he adapts.  

FWIW, I think this is the right approach.

You and your boyfriend are doing everything right by Pepper. Do allow yourselves all to grieve. He will be okay, having such attentive care givers. I’m really glad the stuffie seems to be providing him some comfort. There are those heartbeat pillows also, that might be worth looking into. 

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