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Bunny Grief and Loss Support

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While we highly praise bunny unions, we must also tell you about the down-side of it all. When house rabbits bond, they enjoy a relationship that is often untouched by your human/lagomorph relationship with them. They begin to depend on one another for the basics and in truth, they form a love that is hard to break. The problem comes when one bun becomes sick or dies. As sad as you are at the loss of your bun, your other bunny is hurting much more. They are without the companion that they have learned to lean on daily and they don't know where to begin again. In tragic cases, the remaining "mate" may refuse to eat, become ill or even die over the loss of their friend. As romantic as that is in nature, you need to have a plan for when this happens.

First, you need to consider why your one bunny has passed. Was it a communicable disease? If that is possible, you need to get your live bunny to the vet asap for a check-up and possibly medication. If old age or a known illness has taken away your pal from a living bunny, it's time to compensate.

Lots of extra time is a must. You must closely monitor your surviving bunny. Is he/she eating well. Does the stool look ok? Are they getting enough water? Are you allowing them to grieve? If you see a health problem, call your vet. You may need to give them suppliments or medications. We find that a piece of towel with the old buns smell may be able to comfort your living bunny. If your bunny chooses seclusion, do not allow it to go on for more than a day or two. This may mean removing hiding places from their free roam space. This gives them a push towards you. Keep special treats on hand and don't feel bad if you give a few more snacks than you normally would. Sometimes a forced cuddling is in order if your bun is looking nervous. Do this while sitting on the ground so that they feel safe. A simple hug may make them feel comforted..and it won't hurt you either. Again, the biggest thing is not allowing your bun to permanently retreat. In a few weeks you may want to find a cute bunny at a rescue or shelter to check out. If you go to a shelter or rescue, make sure to take "precautions" if you plan to bring your bun to meet them. Make sure the animal is free of disease. Try to have them set up a clean room for the buns to meet...also have someone there stay with you to help you (as generally they will scuffle for a few even if the match is suitable). Ask for papers (health, spay/neuter, med history etc). Even if you decide to take this new bun home, keep them separated until you get your new bun to a rabbit vet. See "Rabbit Socialization" for bonding ideas.

Keeping an eye on your buns behavior closely over the first few days of loss may be critical in their survival. Be patient, be gentle and be kind.

For the Human Survivor:

Losing your bunny sucks. Generally, no one around you understands your loss because you were owned by a bunny. Some understand cat/dog loss better. Some others can't fathom being sad about a pet. You are not strange for missing a member of your family. Find at least one person to talk to about your loss that you are close to. We all have a friend who will listen even if they don't understand completely. Check out "pet loss" message boards online. You can get some great support with these and you don't have to feel funny about talking about your grief. The best publication that I ever recieved was when I lost Duncan, my first bun.....

Message From Valhalla

You were with me to the very end and even after I had "gone" you held me, and as my soul left my body and I looked down and saw you crying, I wanted so much to tell you that I understood. You did this for me.

I tried to tell you in my own way that it was time for me to leave, and I thank you for understanding. No other will take my place, but those I left behind will need your love and affection as I have had.

You still think of me, and there are times you try to hide your tear-filled eyes....but please...be happy and think not of sadness, but of how I made you happy and made you laugh at the funny and smart things I did.

There are no fences in Valhalla, for no one has the desire to "dig out".

There are no thunderstorms in Valhalla, therefore fear is never present.

There are no fights in Valhalla. Everyone is congenial.

There is no hunger. There is no thirst. There is much to explore. Many of us who are older take care of the little ones and guide them. It's fun watching them run with their ears flopping and their fluffy tails wagging.

We have four seasons in Valhalla, and most of us agree, winter is our favorite.

So you see, my loved one, I am very happy...

When it comes time for my friends to leave, I will meet them at the gates of Valhalla, and I will acquaint them with this beautiful and serene place, and I will take care of them for you.

Thank you for loving me, caring for me, and having the courage to let me go with dignity.

Jane S. Morris

While we can't officially say we are grief couselors, you are always welcome to email us (Greg and Courtney) to talk about your loss. We will always offer an ear and some support.

Rabbithaven123@aol.com