Meet Buster the Bunny

[alaina1]

Buster is my 8 month old Holland Lop (neutered). He is a very happy, snuggly, brave, chill rabbit. He loves to explore, jump on things, follow me around- and most importantly, he loves to groom me and snuggle. He will spend as long as possible just laying with me, grooming my arms/legs/face, and getting petted back (I can pet him anywhere except his tummy and bottom of his feet). He loves to smoosh his little bunny nose onto my ‘bunny’ nose, relaxing and snuggling, breathing together. He follows me around, licking my ankles, or jumping onto furniture to better reach me. He also enjoys his chill time, and will hop back to his room (my office), and flop on his favorite bookshelf. In fact, he flops all the time, almost anywhere in the house- he actually seems kind of lazy!!

My husband and I live a very active life, and have integrated Buster into that life- he comes camping with us (in our hard sided trailer, where he is very safe and happy). Buster never seems to get stressed, and doesn’t seem to mind change.  He gets exercise in an enclosed pen when camping, and will occasionally enjoy hopping on his leash. 

He also really loves my dog, Cody- an 8 year old Australian Shepherd. They don’t snuggle (Cody likes her space), but Buster likes to just be near her, flopping in the same room, or laying on my bed together. 

I have been told by other bunny people who have met Buster that he one of the friendliest bunnies they’ve ever met- he will lick/groom most people he meets, he will come up to greet people and will let strangers pet him even when he’s flopped out, and even down to his tail. 

The only thing that is stuck in the back of my head is- does Buster actually need a girlfriend? We are extremely well bonded, and I spend between an hour to 2 hours every day with him. He also has full access to the house when I’m home, and has an entire room to himself when I’m gone. My husband and I work 8-9 hours a day, and we work out a lot (ultra-running, mountain biking and skiing). I make my pets a priority, but I know how much love Buster has, and wonder if he ‘needs’ a companion when I’m gone, to snuggle and groom all day.

On the flip side- if I get him a hunny-bunny, will he still love me as much? I absolutely love that he grooms me, and see me as ‘his’ rabbit. What if he forgets me when he gets a girlfriend that hangs out with him more? What if the new bunny doesn’t like me as much, and pulls Buster away from me? Also, what if a new bunny doesn’t handle change the way Buster does?

There is an adorable Dutch bunny at the shelter nearby, and when I met her, she did seem snuggly (i smooshed noses with her, and pet her for like 5 minutes). She and Buster briefly met through cage wires and didn’t try to bite each other (the shelter would do the bonding for me- yay!). I’m so torn:  I want what’s best for Buster- is that a girlfriend? At the same time, I’m so afraid of losing my bond with Buster and losing the flexibility we have to bring Buster everywhere. Or, maybe new bunny would love camping too, and Buster wouldn’t be lonely when we’re off running in the mountains. But what if Buster isn’t actually lonely, and he’s perfectly content with me, Cody and my husband? He doesn’t show signs of loneliness- but what if I can’t really tell?

I joined this forum because I have found so much valuable information so far, and would absolutely love anyone’s honest opinion about what they would do. Obviously the shelter believes that all bunnies NEED a friend, but others have told me that Buster seems perfectly happy and they wouldn’t get a second bunny. Help

And, of course- Buster pics! 

[IsabellaRobyn]

Buster is sooooo cute and sounds like quite the laid back little man! I’m glad you’ve decided to join up! Regarding the bunny thing I will give you the same advice that many people gave me when the question first popped to mind – only get another bunny if YOU want another bunny. Don’t get one just because you think Buster might like one. Get one because you want another Looking forward to seeing more of you and Buster on the forum.

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