My Bunny Almost Attacked :(

[nastooz]

Hey guys,

This is more of a vent than seeking for advice. I’m wondering if anyone has had a similar experience because my bunny (Romeo) and I are shaken up about what happened.
I took Romeo to the park yesterday. Keep in mind, this is a park where owners have to keep their dogs ON leashes. I always go to an empty area in the park because I don’t like people, dogs, children approaching us because Romeo and I are very much introverted (I get tired of the comments and stares. Yeah, I get it- I like to take my bunny outside. Big deal). Anyway, I do 360 checks every so often to make sure there’s no person/dog approaching us. I guess there was this dog that I didn’t HEAR or SEE because it happened so damn quickly. Every thing happened in slow-mo:

Romeo and I are sitting next to each other. All of the sudden, his facial expression changed INSTANTLY. From relaxed to fear.
A look behind us, and there’s just this big dog looking like he’s ready to attack.
My bunny starts running at FULL SPEED before I can grab him.
This dog starts chasing him, wanting to ATTACK.
My bunny is screaming this horrible, high-pitched scream. I’m yelling, running, trying to keep up so I can just protect him, grab him, ANYTHING.
After 2-3 minutes of this chase that feels like forever, I’m able to FINALLY grab my bunny. He is obviously TERRIFIED.

I’m holding, petting and soothing him. It took my an hour to calm him down. Even after he calmed down, he’s doesn’t want to leave my lap. He’s just so scared.

I feel TERRIBLE. I feel like I should have been more careful. But more angry because this was a ON-leash park. Why the heck do people think it’s okay to let their dogs just run freely?! I don’t blame the dog because it’s their natural instincts. But c’mon dog owners, please be considerate.

Anyway, thanks for reading this far. Again, I’m not looking for advice. I just want to vent.

Anyone have something similar like this happen to them? It’s so traumatizing. 

Thank you. Have a bunniful day. 

[Bam]

I’m so sorry this happened. Sadly, it only takes one inconsiderate dog owner who thinks the on-leash-rule applies to everybody else but them.

I’m glad he seeks comfort from you. Is he eating? Sending him many, many recovery vibes. It’s good that he’s sitting in your lap, shock can make them go cold.

[sarahthegemini]

I’m surprised your rabbit didn’t have a heart attack. Tbh it’s far too risky in my opinion to take a bun to a public park. Even dogs that are on leashes could break free.

[Mikey]

This is why you dont bring your rabbit to a public area without proper precautions If you decide to go to a different park with your bun, have a large pen set up for him that is atleast two feet high and big enough both you and he can sit in there. This will help keep other animals out, and will keep him in an easy to reach space should something happen where you need to act fast again

I am glad he is doing a little better after the accident. Make sure to give him lots of love and attention so he knows its ok and that he is safe. Make sure he is eating, drinking, and toileting normally. If it wont upset his diet, offer a treat or two throughout the rest of the day so he feels better (((((snuggle vibes)))))

[nastooz]

Thanks, everyone. I will be bringing a large pen from now on.

[Azerane]

I’m glad that he is safe I agree about bringing a playpen and also a cardboard box or similar as a hideout. That way if a dog does run up to the fence, he can dash into the box and hide which will help him feel more safe, and hopefully with him out of site of the dog, the dog will lose interest.

[Author]

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