Tippy has crossed the bridge

[MarkBun]

Hello all,

 

I’ve been absent for some time and it is a pity that this is what brings me back.  Tippy passed on this afternoon.  I had been working with him for the past 3 years and nearly every day for the past three months on his bad leg.  He was looking better and even was using his leg yesterday.  But this afternoon when I went to get him from his condo, he had his eyes closed and was gasping for a breath every 3 seconds.  I took him out, along with his girlfriend Nadia, and we spent the next 20 minutes together while Tippy passed on.  He was always a fighter and I expected he’d resist to the end.  He wasn’t in pain – in fact, I don’t think he was concious the entire time.

We had made the following video just last week – and it is typical of the life he led. He’ll be missed and SaveABunny will seem a little bit emptier for me now.

 

 

[Huckleberry]

Mark, it is good to see you again but it is so sad that this is the reason why. Tippy looked like one heck of a brave little bun. You can see the determination in his eyes and that he was not about to let his disability get him down. I really enjoyed his little tail wiggling. I hope that Nadia will be alright and that you both can comfort each other.
{{{{{{BINKY FREE, TIPPY}}}}}}

[lashkay]

My condolences on the passing of Tippy. You took great care of him and you’re to be commended. Healing vibes…

[bunnyfriend]

I am so sorry. It sounds like he was a very brave bunny and so lucky to have you caring so much about him. That video of him is so adorable and he looks so sweet. Binky Free Tippy.

[Monkeybun]

Oh, so sorry to hear I was hoping he’d get his legs working better

Rest in Peace little Tippy. Binky free, whole, across the Bridge!

[MimzMum]

I was just thinking about you today and wondering how you were. I’m so sorry that Tippy left us today. His stories that you related here were always so stirring. He will be missed by all of us at BB. I really feel sad for Nadia too.
Binky free, Tippy. No more limping for you, just free running in green fields.

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=14864800

The Black Rabbit has been to visit us all entirely too much lately. ;_;

[jerseygirl]

Oh little Tippy! : ( Sorry to hear this.

He was blessed to have his carer and bun friend near by when he went.   I hope Nadia will do okay without him.

May he enjoy endless Binkys now!

[MarkBun]

According to the necropsy performed by Dr. Harvey, Tippy was somewhat emanciated (although he had a healthy appetite) and everything looked good inside. She’s assuming that there was some sort of chronic illness he was fighting but not showing and wound up having a heart attack – which would explain the state he was in when I found him.

It’s hard not to blame yourself when you think that if only you fed him more and checked more than his legs but it is part of the grieving process – blaming oneself – aka survivor syndrome – even with pets. But knowing intellectually doesn’t ease it all that much.  He was also seen by two doctors (a general checkup and a chiropractor) just four days before his passing so I figure there wasn’t anything for me to see.

The good news is that Nadia may have found a forever home with someone who is familiar with having special needs rabbits.

[BinkyBunny]

I know that self-blame syndrome. Its hard not to play that “WHAT IF?”mind game. But he was loved and well cared for. He was a lucky and seemed to be a spirited bunny that emotionally thrived well with all the love. Sometimes the body just can keep up….but wow, he certainly was able to enjoy your attention and care and so that is such a blessing.

Binky free Tippy!

[RabbitPam]

Oh, Mark, I am so sorry to learn about Tippy. I loved your stories about him. He had such great care from you and the others at SaveABunny.

Your video is great. Can you add a frame at the end with an update, and ask that donations be made in his name for the care of other disabled rabbits at SAB? It is such a good video that with the SAB contact info. added at the end I think it would make a good fundraising video to show. I kind of felt as if his story was now recorded so his mission was accomplished. It was amazing how well he lived and what spirit he showed.

{{{{{{{{Binky free, Tippy. You will be missed.}}}}}}}

[Sarita]

Oh, I’m so sad about this. Hugs to you Mark. It’s hard to lose the disabled buns because they are so special. Also you form a special bond with them that you don’t with your able rabbits.

[MarkBun]

I just came across these photos and videos on my phone.  The pics are of Tippy and Nadia at the vet 5 days before his passing and the video is just 2 days before.  For the record, I’m doing great and so is Nadia.  Just remembering all the great times and still smile whenever I think about him.

 

 

[KelseyCupcakes]

Brings tears to my eyes. But he looked like a happy little guy. You took great care of him Mark I can definitely tell. : )

[kralspace]

Oh Mark, I’m so sorry about Tippy, he was so very, very lucky to have you. That video is precious, I love that wagging tail and how he follows you. Your work with him will help so many other buns at your shelter, that is quite a legacy for such a little guy. I’ve missed you too and have been wondering if things were ok.

I’ve lit a candle too, for the both of you

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm

Binky free Tippy, Kathy

[Author]

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