Evening update - and firstly thank you everyone for such amazing kind, thoughtful supportive words - and Mike - that is a fantastic image - I can't beat that.
So, you all want an update on things. Lillian is presently snuggled under the table with Henry practically 'growing' out of her. You couldn't get a piece of paper between them. According to my wife, when Lillian came home, Henry bolted in to the living room and spent - and wait for this, an hour grooming her. So much so, my wife gave Henry a syringe of water because she was so worried about him.
Lillian has eaten several times, cleared a plate of greens, pinched celery stalks out of Henrys mouth and cleared off some dried food. She has been to the toilet but I have not checked it yet. I only cleaned them out this morning.
Lillian seems quiet - hardy surprising, but she is clearly pleased to be back in what she regards as home for her.
When I observe the rabbits, it is quite intruiging to realise that actually, despite what some people think regading rabbits, they clearly identify and recognise and clearly they have the awareness and capacity to identify somewhere they feel safe at, comfortable at. I will never know Lillians past - I cannot dig that far, but she clearly harbours some deep uncomfortable memories about where she was and although we've now had her exactly 2 years, she has clearly made a decision that this is home for her and it is a place she feels safe. Henry just completes that equation.
Lillian is a little subdued - which is perfectly understandible. She has spent 24 hours in a very strange, bustling place, with bright lights, unfamiliar smells and sounds and been prodded, injected and her dignity abused with a thermometer! So she is behaving like anyone would - in my opinion. Again, quite intruiging.
She is to return to the vets tomorrow for some bayrtil and another medication, and we have meds to give her tonight to continue gut stimulation.
I'll be at work but the O/H is pretty thorough when she interrogates anyone so she'll ask all the right questions.
It's also interesting that we often place our greatest thoughts on the pet that is unwell, and yet conversely it is the remaining pet that actually also suffers in thier own way. Henry has been hit really hard - he cannot understand the events of yesterday and taking Lillian away and it has really thrown him. We think he probably refrained from eating much - he only nibbled when we were around, and has been looking and waiting for his wife-bun to come back. In much the same way we would feel an empty apce in our hearts when someone close to us leaves, rabbits and other animals very clearly display the same emotional bonds.
We'll take the coming days as they come. Hopefully Lillian will continue her recovery, assisted with the meds and the abundance of love and support from everybun here. You all selflessly give your thoughts and vibes and love for other rabbits and pets without a second thought - I am grateful beyond words. You have all contributed to several bouts of tears from me as I have read your posts and replies. They mean the world.
Thank you all - from the bottom of my heart. And Lillians.
Craig xx