Will my bunny be happy in a new home?

[Friggababy]

After 5 years of loyal companionship and the best, most amazing little bunny I’ve ever have.. I might have to give up my little Frigga! I’m absolutely devestated. She’s the love of my life, I’m so close to her, and she’s so close to me. But unfortunately, about a year and a half ago I was diagnosed with aggressive leukaemia. I have tried my best to be there for her but with all the going in and out of the hospitals and she has to be placed with new caretakers each time I’m hospitalised, makes me worried, whether it stresses her. This is not the best conditions for a bunny, who’s almost 6 years old.

My leukaemia has become progressively worse, and so I’m constantly tired and don’t have the energy to activate her, like I used to. She still runs about in the living room, but she’s used to being mentally stimulated…

And so it brings me to this question: since bunnies have great memories, so I hear, will my Frigga ever be happy if it is proven the best to give her up to a new home? Would she miss me? I can’t stand the thought of her waiting for me to come back but I never would….

Since my cancer is progressing for the worse, I’ve also been preparing for worst case scenario, and should it happen I die, then I don’t know anyone who would or could take care of her. And then I’m not sure what they would do..

What do you think I should do? And will she be happy in another home?

I’m heartbroken, but I’m ready to hear what would be best for her. Please help, thanks.

Regards Frigga and Stine

[tobyluv]

I’m very sorry about your illness. I can’t say what would be the best for Frigga at this point, but I do know that bunnies can be happy when they are rehomed. Of course, it would need to be a good home with a person or people who love it. I have adopted several bunnies over the years. The last rabbit I adopted was 4 years old, and he certainly seems very happy in my home. I have never known any of the backgrounds of the rabbits I adopted, and how much or little they were loved and cared for in their previous homes, but I do know that they have all been happy in my home.

You may want to speak with some people in your area now, including rescues and your vet, just to discuss the possibility of finding a new home for Frigga in the future. It might make you feel better to know that you have sources to help her if the time comes that you really feel like you can’t take care of her any longer.

[vanessa]

I’m so sorry. That is very sad 🙁 I second Tobyluv. I adopted rabbits that I dont’ know their background, and they are all very happy. Especially the senior tha tI adopted. He has bonded really closely with me. I have no idea what his previous home was like, but he is super happy. We do the best we can for our pets. I hope that if I were in yoru shoes, I woudl be able to find a good home for my pets. It is scary to think that we might not be able to care for them.
Our pets outliving us is even scarier. You are very brave and I wit you and Frigga the best. I also agree with Tobyluv not to feel rushed. Have a plan, talk to someone like a shelter or a house rabbit society or foster care (better ideas than a shelter as they tend to vet prospective owners), and have a plan for when you feel the time is right. You might not want to give her up too soon. Having a plan might make it easier for you.

[Friggababy]

Thank you both for your replies.

It’s alright. I’ve sort of come to terms with my cancer and I’m not really afraid of dying but I’m afraid what I leave behind, family, friends and my Frigga. And it’s most important I think to find her a new home if it should happen that I passed on. Because I’m afraid she would end up in a bad home if I don’t at least have a little control over it.

I just know that bunnies who have been happy can miss their owner. And I can usually see that when I was away on holiday or something and then she’s kinda angry with me when I get home. Like: where the f*** have you been?! Ohhh.. it’s gonna be so hard getting rid of her.. but I think it would be the best. Thanks so much for your answers!

[vanessa]

Understandable. I’d also worry about where my pets went. That’s why I’d pick a house rabbit society over a shelter, coz they vet more carefully. I remember looking at their paperwork before I adopted Lancelot – I ended up getting him from a shelter, because I didn’t think a society would let me adopt a rabbit from them! They asked questions like “have you ever euthanized a pet, have you ever consumed rabbit meat”, oops… Maybe they are not all that strict, but I do appreciate strict vetting. They would have wanted to schedule a house visit, and with having 2 dogs, a cat, 3 rabbits, and 50 birds, I didn’t think they would like that much…
My bunnies miss me when I go away. But after adopting, I also know that rabbits get used to their new surroundings and new people. Lancelot took to me in 2 weeks. He ran circles around my legs making buzzing sounds. He was a happy bunny. Now that he is old and arthritic, he still likes to shuffle up to me and snuggle on my lap. I’m sure that Frigga will adapt to a new loving home.

[sarahthegemini]

I don’t have much advice to offer but I wanted to say how wonderful it is that you care so much for your bunny, it’s such a sad situation but it’s clear you want the best for your bun. How incredibly brave to make such a decision. I’m not in the same position exactly but I do have cystic fibrosis and I don’t think I’ll outlive my rabbits and just thinking about what will happen to them scares and upsets me so I can sort of understand how you feel. Feel free to message me if you want someone who sort of gets what you’re going through to talk too xx

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