I can only recall one loss of a rabbit to old age (more than 20 years ago). Normally, it's an illness, and I take them to the vets to be PTS. I always did that because of the fear that it could be distressing for them, or painful, and it felt kinder to make sure it was ok.
Dopey 1 is over 12 and a half now.
With old age, she will likely (hopefully) just slip away. She may contract an illness, which will mean I would likely take her to the vets. However, if it's old age, and I can see her winding down, I would, ideally, like to allow her to pass at home, but to be with her, and never leave her side.
But that terrifies me. I've done it with a person, but a person can have more interventions than a bunny (and also, said person was in hospital). I'm going to have to, until a point indicates otherwise, hold my nerve, and keep her at home- that feels fairest and best for her. But it's terrifying to not have any control over something this important. There is control in PTS, but naturally passing away gives no control. What if it is distressing or she suffers.
I don't know why I'm writing this. Can anyone relate to it? To those of you who have experienced both, what was it like allowing a bunny (or any animal), to just pass at home?
Dopey 1 is over 12 and a half now.
With old age, she will likely (hopefully) just slip away. She may contract an illness, which will mean I would likely take her to the vets. However, if it's old age, and I can see her winding down, I would, ideally, like to allow her to pass at home, but to be with her, and never leave her side.
But that terrifies me. I've done it with a person, but a person can have more interventions than a bunny (and also, said person was in hospital). I'm going to have to, until a point indicates otherwise, hold my nerve, and keep her at home- that feels fairest and best for her. But it's terrifying to not have any control over something this important. There is control in PTS, but naturally passing away gives no control. What if it is distressing or she suffers.
I don't know why I'm writing this. Can anyone relate to it? To those of you who have experienced both, what was it like allowing a bunny (or any animal), to just pass at home?