Adopting a bunny/bunnies dilemma

[selkie]

We lost our 2-year-old bunny 7 weeks ago. At first we said we were never going to get another one because out of all the pets we’ve had, this loss has hurt the most. But we have discovered we can’t live without a bunny.  So we went to a rabbit shelter to meet a few and see if one (or maybe 2) wanted us. The problem is, of the two we clicked with,  “one” that wanted us is actually 3 — a bonded trio of sisters. They’re all spayed and under a year old. We can’t adopt just one or two–they all have to come. The other one that we clicked with is around 5 years old and the shelter is a little concerned about his health. He’s going back to the vet for another check this week. He came up to us and snuggled against the bars of the cage for pets. The little guy brought me to tears. But I am afraid to adopt him because of his age (what if he dies in a year or two, after we’ve gotten good and attached?) and the possibility of him being in delicate health. We lost our first bunny because we were trying to move her to a healthier diet (on a vet’s advice) and it may have led to GI stasis, for which we are still suffering crushing guilt. The vet said we did all we could, but still, I have my doubts. I don’t think I would recover if I missed some symptom and it cost another bunny’s life. And with the trio, well, it’s moving from one bun to three, with all that entails. Do we just give up for now and wait for another bunny that may be more appropriate to come along? It’s really important to us that the bunny want us as much as we want it, and what if we don’t find others with the same connection we have with these bunnies?

[lillian]

I do think it is great that you are looking at a shelter for a bun!

For your first rabbit passing, do not blame yourself. As long as you know your rabbit lived a happy life, there is no reason to put the blame and stress on yourself ^_^

The 5 year old one seems a little frightening in my opinion, but, who I am, I probably would have taken him and all the buns in the shelter lol!

For the 3 bonded, kinda a difficult situation. You could always make your own little DIY cage for all of them to fit and work from there, but it would definitely be more of a challenge. Going from 1 to 2 buns, for me, was actually a lot easier than I had expected (despite them not getting along, go figure lol) but still proved a bit of a challenge.

I’m not sure what area you are in, but I would suggest try another adoption center if there is one? I know in my area, the SPCA does it, and there are 2 private bunny adoption centers. There is even an adoption center that goes to Petco on..Sundays I think in my area.

My first bun actually came from a private breeder cause I didn’t think about an adoption center. Of course, going to a stranger with show quality bunnies, I end up getting the runt that needed the most help in life lol, but was worth it in my opinion, so that may be another option if the adoption centers don’t work out.

[BB & Tiny]

I can understand the possible hesitation of bunny option number two, due to medical issues. At 5 I would hope he would have another 5 years or more. I can understand your reluctance to become attached again, but that is how life is.

I have lost a few pets through the years. I agree that the connection with a bunny runs quite deep. The mere thought of losing my best friends or even one and having to watch the other grieve makes me cry, even now. Had I known the emotional pain that can be associated I can honestly say I’d not of changed a thing. Both are dearly loved and we can only do our best. My best is providing them with love, a home and safety, no matter how short or long it may be.

To love is always a risk, only you know when you are ready to open your heart again. There will be some very lucky bunny who will find his/her forever home when you are !

I hope the guilt you are experiencing about the Stasis outcome of changing the diet, will ease as you realize you did the best of your ability and all we can do is learn. Sometimes the price of that learning is great, particularly when the life of a loved one is taken. I’m sure your bunny is looking down with love and concern that you are so sad.

Best wishes for the future !

[Bam]

First of all, don’t blame yourself for the death of your rabbit. If a vet recommended a new diet, they should have told you how to implement it and what to look out for and be cautious of. Because it’s not all that straight-forward with rabbits.

I have one rabbit who is (at least) 5 years, and he’s healthy so far. But since the 5-year old you clicked with has health-issues, I’d inquire more into the nature of those before I adopted. It is nice to help a rabbit in need, but since you recently suffered the loss of your rabbit, adopting a bunny that is in poor health may be very tough on you emotionally.

Taking on three rabbits is rather a lot, but a good thing is that bonded bunnies won’t need as much attention from you – not that you don’t want to give your bunny attention, but the demands on you making their lives emotionally fulfilled are somewhat less with bonded bunnies. That said, costs are higher, demands on space are higher, the amount of mischief three bunnies can get up to is higher. You could make a new thread with questions directed to those members of ours that have a threesome (or a multiple-some), and ask them about their experiences. Just to be prepared and to better be able to decide.

Anyway you go, I wish you so much luck!

[Mimsy]

I understand your dilemma. The 5 year old really pulled on your heart strings. I ran a ferret rescue for about 10 years and I can tell you that older special needs animals can bring a lot of love into your home, it’s not for everyone. Your heart may be broken. Hopefully the shelter is able to get a clear idea about what is wrong with him and if it’s something fixable you could consider him. if you really adore him maybe you could foster him instead of adopt. That way you can consult often with the rescue for the medical help and it won’t all be on your shoulders.

the girls sound wonderful too. I imagine on the good side, they have each other to keep them company, and then the rough side will be proofing since they may all have different inappropriate habits.

Next time you visit, there may be other bunnies that were sleepy the last time that you may click with as well.

Good luck, you will make the best decision for your family.

[selkie]

Thank you so much for your kind words and wisdom. It helps with the decision-making a lot.

A breeder offered us a bunny/bunnies, and they are beautiful, but we really want to adopt a shelter bun/bunnies if we can. The shelter is full to capacity, to the point they can’t accept new rabbits. No offense to the show bunnies, but the shelter bunnies seem to have a lot more personality lol We like that they are a little older, so you can really see what they’re like. They have been spayed/neutered and have had good vet care. So we are really hoping to find our match there.

[Boing]

“To love is always a risk…” Well said, BunLuv!

I would follow my heart, were I you. Anything else tends to lead to regret/ what ifs…

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