Time for new bunny?

[Michelle&Lolli]

(I don’t know if I’m posting this in the right area. So please move if it’s not the right spot.)

I honestly don’t know if I’m ready for a new bunny.  Well I know I’m not cause I don’t have money for adopting one. lol  I have been looking at Red Door Shelter and the Illinois HRS (both are in Chicago).   I’m getting conflicting opinions from people about it though.  Many online friends say that I will just know when I’m ready when the right bunny comes along. But those closest to me say I need to wait and shouldn’t even be looking at rabbits.  

I miss Eddie so much.  We were so close and I know there will never be another bunny like him.  I am not looking to replace to him.  But what I miss the most is having a snuggle bunny.  And this is why I want another bunny.  I have an online friend who knows people at both shelters and she said she could put me in contact with them so that I get matched up with the right one for me and Lollipop. 

I was wondering how those of you who have lost bunnies knew you were ready for another one?   Was it really soon after losing one?  Or did you take a long time?  We put my dog down about 9 years ago and I missed her greatly as well but I was in no position to get another dog.  I was in college at the time and my parents had divorced and I couldn’t talk either one of them into getting another dog.   So I guess this is the first time I am dealing with the loss of a pet that was just mine.  And I have no clue what the grief time period is or should be.  Am I overthinking this?  I know I will never EVER get over Eddie.  But how do you know when the right time for a new pet is?  

[Monkeybun]

I’d wait until you are financially able to get another. It’s better for both your bunnies that way, in case an injury or illness occurs. Just spend some time with Lolli, and build up your bond with her. Then someday, you will be able to get another bun when you are ready, and the right one will show up for you

[Beka27]

There really is no “should” timeframe. It’s when it’s right for you. As an outsider, I can see this in a different way than you can… Eddie’s passing gives you an opportunity to have alone time with Lolli. You can get to know her better now, bond with her, and then this will assist you in picking out a bunny that will suit HER needs, along with your own. I don’t think you should rush. Give it time and give it thought. You can look at bunnies, and interact with them, but you don’t have to hurry into an adoption.

[foxtailskies]

I know some people feel like they “should” wait before getting another pet, but you don’t have to if you don’t feel like that’s what you want. A lot of people either feel like they’re “disrespecting” their lost pet somehow if they get a new companion too soon, or sometimes they feel guilty that they love a new animal when the loss of their old pet was so recent. All totally normal parts of grief… it does pass. It seems totally frustrating when people say “you’ll know” when you should get a new pet but it’s true, and things will work out If you ever want a human to talk to, there are a lot of pet loss support hotlines out there- I volunteered on one some time ago and we got lots of calls just like this. Big list here- http://rainbowsbridge.com/grief_support_center/Pet_Loss_Resources/petloss_hot_lines.htm

On “getting to know” Lolli better… I went through a similar situation when my cuddle-bug Basil died and I had his partner Riesling left. While I’m sure bonding time works great for a lot of human-bun pairs, I will tell you than in our case, being forced to spend more time one on one made us both miserable. Riesling does not like people and it just made me miss Basil even more. So, don’t feel bad if that backfires… apparently it can happen. To be fair, Riesling seems to like me a lot better now that I got her another friend! (I was also in the “I-need-another-bun-RIGHT-NOW” camp when Basil died, and things have worked out very well for us)

So sorry to hear about Eddie I hope everything works out for you and Lolli!

[MayaConsuelo]

I’ve lived with animals my whole life and when they die it’s very hard. I would advise you to wait a little while, if you have 1 pet and go down to zero the emptiness in the house is really noticeable, but you do have another bunny to shower affection on for now. I didn’t know you lived in Chicago, I do too, there’s a spa day event at Red Door on Oct. 16 (I think, I’m not 100% sure about the date but it’s in Oct.) That might be a good time to bring your bunny in and see how she responds to the other animals around. Good luck, whatever you decide!

[eyorelop]

I have only had dogs and I usually go get one right after but at that time I only had one at a time. The new one helped me get over the pain, but I agree since you have Lolli you should spend alot of time with her she is probably hurting to and you two can help eachother thru your grief. In the meaintime take time looking for the right personality in a bunny to fit in your family and the right time.

Eddie was a beautiful bunny it sounds like inside and out. I am truly sorry to hear about this!

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