We lost our bunny!
Bandit had a wonderful life with us. We got her in 1996 when she was about 2 years old (they were guessing). My husband made a 4' x 8' cage for her so she could have more space. We kept her in our formal living room. We had a tarp on our floor for her floor, then her enclosure on top of the tarp. She was litter box trained from day one. We kept a few boxes in her cage for her to "hide" in, she had 2 "blankies" and a toy bunny to keep her company. She was a good bunny. Never was a "cuddle bunny" but would let us hold her occasionally. We nicknamed her Thumper, because when she didn't want to be bothered with, she would run to the other side of her cage and LOUDLY thump her back legs, as if to say - LEAVE ME ALONE! This was my daughter's pet, unlike Drez, who belongs to everyone in the family. Which is partially why she was so distraught, kept saying, "Now I have no pet of my own." Poor baby cried for hours and just about tore my heart out. Even said she couldn't eat Thanksgiving dinner because she had nothing to be thankful for. It took a lot of mothering and a lot of comforting to calm her down. And of course while I was doing this for her, I had to hide my own grief from her. I finally convinced her that it was just Bandit's time, that there were no signs of sickness for us to pick up on. She was eating well, was alert, and was eliminating well. She was somewhere between 9-10 years old. The vet once told us that an average life span for a rabbit is 7-8 years. It was just old age, just her time. That was a very hard concept for my daughter to accept. Just kept saying, "It's not fair," and "I just want her back," and "I just want to hold her one more time." And the line that REALLY hit me hard was, "I should have been there with her. She died alone, Mom. No one should have to die alone." Oh my! It was VERY hard to be a comforter at that point without breaking down myself. Sorry, didn't mean for this to be such a downer post, but I had to share with all the wonderfully caring people on this forum. I know you've all "been there, done that," myself included, but I just needed to get it off my chest. Thanks all, Chris |
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| It's OK. That's a hard thing to deal with, loss of first pet. Yes, the unexpected are the most shocking, but in the end, I'd rather the animal go quickly, without prolonged pain and suffering. We hope she went in her sleep, just passed away, calmly.
18 year old are still emotionally young.......(remembering myself)...so tears last longer. Even us more mature folks still can fill a bucket with tears, but have come to accept life passing as the natural order. bunnyboss..........(who used to raise rabbits) |
| Oh I'm so sorry.... as Sheepieboss said though, at least there was no sickness or suffering. You must have taken very good care of that bunny for it to have had such a long happy life with you! *hugs* |
| Hi,
I'm so sorry about the loss of Bandit. Please give your daughter a hug for me and pass on my condolences. It's so hard to lose a friend who has been with you for such a long time. Stew my bunny passed away a few years ago and I still miss my furry friend. He lived to the old age of 10 just like Bandit, or perhaps even older as you are unknown of his definate age when you got him. My vet told me that was very old, although when you're grieving saying that doesn't help much as human nature dictates we always want a "little more time". It sounds like Bandit was much loved in your home and perhaps in time your daughter can take solace that she gave him a wonderful life and home. Take Care Marianne |
| Thanks, everyone. I knew I could count on my forum friends to understand, and just hearing your words of comfort means a lot.
My kids have not been exposed to a lot of death in their lives, so the feeling of inconsolable grief is pretty foreign to them. You're right, Marianne, when you said that when we're grieving, the explanation of old age is just not a good enough reason for us. That's exactly how Sarah was. Bandit was much loved and well cared for, and will be missed. Thanks for your understanding! Chris |
| Chris,
I'm so sorry to hear about Bandit! No matter their age - the loss is still devastating! My heart goes out to your daughter - that is a very difficult thing to deal with at that age! My thoughts and prayers are with Bandit and your entire family! Bandit has joined many friends at the Bridge! Hugs! Kristen (Presley & Sydney) |
| Chris,
We're sorry to hear the loss of Bandit, he sounds like he was loved family memember, and I know how hard is the loss of a pet. Our toughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dani, Saul, Lennon and Sofa. |
| ohhhhhhhh im so sorry for your loss.sounds like your one wonderful mom all around.nothing worse than our babies griefing,nothing we can do,but hold them and let them know we will meet back up w/ all of beloved pets that have gone to heaven. We also have a bunny,he is a rescue,he is so sweet he is a blk polish mini something.He loves being held,and just is a sweet bunny.He is my daughters new buddy.Pets are so wonderful for so many reason.They teach us how to love unconditionally,how to how fun,and they teach us how to let go when it is time. Your daughter sounds just like her mom,loving all animals and having respect for animals is a true gift,I want to thank you for bring such a wonderful person who loves and respects animals,her grief will finally be soothed,and one day she will be rescuing another animal in need. God bless. |
| Thanks, Kristen, Saul, Dani and Tanya. Every day gets a little easier, but I still find myself wanting to go in to say good morning to Bandit. Before Sarah left to go back to college yesterday, she said the same thing. I know she'll rescue some sort of pet when she's on her own, no matter how hard it is to lose one. The upside to owning a pet far outweighs the downside.
My son, who's about to embark on his own life, said he can't wait until his life is at the point where he can get a dog. We've had a dog all their lives, and it would be unnatural for them to live without some sort of pet. Drez has spoiled us all. After her, there's no way any of us could ever live without a sheepie. Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts and concerns. They really do help. Chris |
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