Guilt / Loss of Rabbit

[Angel Delight]

Hi,

I'm new to this website. I'm losing my mind after my 13 year old rabbit was put down this week.

I'm not expecting anything from you guys, I just need to write down my feelings.

He was a lovely mini lop. For the first 10 years, he lived in my lounge. He had a hutch and every evening or all day over the weekend, the door was open and he was free to come and go as he pleased. He was a very affectionate and loving boy. I had him neutered as I also had a cat who he got a bit randy with!

After this, I moved in with my partner, my partner didn't want my rabbit to live in the lounge, so we put him in the dining room. All my stuff was also in there so there was no room for him to exercise. I still gave him cuddles and kept him clean and fed him well. I kept meaning to get him a run, so I could make space for him but it didn't happen. I was also arranging my wedding so I was so busy. He got out a few times but really he just liked to be stroked and sat himself near the door of the cage with his head resting by my knee. He came with us when we went away for holidays and he got exercise then.

About a year later, he moved to my parents, he was based in the living room and the cage was open every day but as he got older, he didn't come out. He went blind and deaf. We had a scare with him last year with GI which he recovered from and then, this week, he stopped eating and couldn't stand up or seem to move one side of his body. My parents got the vet to visit urgently and it was decided that the would be out down as he was in a very bad way.

I few years ago, a vet gave my some drops for arthritis which I didn't give him as he was jumping ok and he always stressed out when trying to give him medicine. He was already on some fibre pellets for his tummy.

I feel terrible. 1, I feel like I've neglected him, 2, I should have taken him to the vet when he stopped wanting to come out of his hutch as he may have had arthritis in the end. I should have tried the drops. 3, I didn't stroke him last time I saw him (which I didn't get to see him often) as I had an op and was told I wasn't to bend down. 4, I should have spotted his failing health and taken him to the vets myself. I wish I wad there at the time if the final vet visit so I could have asked the questions I wanted.

Thank you for listening.

 

[Shimmer]

So sorry for your loss.

13 is a really good age for a rabbit. He was obviously cared for and received medical attention when he needed it and not left to suffer - which is far more than many pet rabbits have. Please don't beat yourself up over the 'what if's' - although I know it is hard not to. You could still phone the vet if you need to talk through anything. I think anyone who cares for an animal always thinks they could have done more. Sometimes it is just not possible and we have to accept that we did the best we were able to.

Remember the good times. Allow yourself time to grieve. Maybe you could do a memorial service for him, such as lighting a candle, maybe with your parents.

RIP beloved bunny.

 

[MightyMax]

Hi,

I'm new to this website. I'm losing my mind after my 13 year old rabbit was put down this week.

I'm not expecting anything from you guys, I just need to write down my feelings.

He was a lovely mini lop. For the first 10 years, he lived in my lounge. He had a hutch and every evening or all day over the weekend, the door was open and he was free to come and go as he pleased. He was a very affectionate and loving boy. I had him neutered as I also had a cat who he got a bit randy with!

After this, I moved in with my partner, my partner didn't want my rabbit to live in the lounge, so we put him in the dining room. All my stuff was also in there so there was no room for him to exercise. I still gave him cuddles and kept him clean and fed him well. I kept meaning to get him a run, so I could make space for him but it didn't happen. I was also arranging my wedding so I was so busy. He got out a few times but really he just liked to be stroked and sat himself near the door of the cage with his head resting by my knee. He came with us when we went away for holidays and he got exercise then.

About a year later, he moved to my parents, he was based in the living room and the cage was open every day but as he got older, he didn't come out. He went blind and deaf. We had a scare with him last year with GI which he recovered from and then, this week, he stopped eating and couldn't stand up or seem to move one side of his body. My parents got the vet to visit urgently and it was decided that the would be out down as he was in a very bad way.

I few years ago, a vet gave my some drops for arthritis which I didn't give him as he was jumping ok and he always stressed out when trying to give him medicine. He was already on some fibre pellets for his tummy.

I feel terrible. 1, I feel like I've neglected him, 2, I should have taken him to the vet when he stopped wanting to come out of his hutch as he may have had arthritis in the end. I should have tried the drops. 3, I didn't stroke him last time I saw him (which I didn't get to see him often) as I had an op and was told I wasn't to bend down. 4, I should have spotted his failing health and taken him to the vets myself. I wish I wad there at the time if the final vet visit so I could have asked the questions I wanted.

Thank you for listening.

I'm so sorry for your loss

Feeling guilty is an absolutely normal part of the grieving process. However, that doesn't mean your guilt is justified, or that there is any reason to blame yourself at all. From what you have said you cared (and still care) very deeply for him.

What was his name? He sounds like a beautiful soul who kept you company for a long time. It's hard to be without them ..

Please stick around and thank you for joining the Forum :wave:

 

[Mrs. Bunnykins]

For a bunny to live to be 13 years of age is incredible....and no doubt mostly because of your excellent care. Most of us are still on a learning curve...me included. I've owned rabbits since 1995 and cared for those belonging to others since 2002. All of your 'what if's' are perfectly normal. Please try not to beat yourself up ...........I too have been guilty of this...and it doesn't help at all. Just as previously mentioned...view this sad episode as a learning curve. Be kind to yourself...and your bunny is now restored to full health at Rainbow Bridge.