Sebastian is gone! Need advice!

[mocha200]

 

I took Sebastian to the shelter last Thursday. I thought it would be a relief to have him gone, as it is hard to take care of three babies but. I miss him terribly! When I was about to leave, I looked in the kennel and saw his scared face! It looked like he was thinking ” Mama where are they taking me!” Every morning when I feed the bunnies I think I should leave some lettuce for Sebastian, but then remember he is gone. Whwn I walk past his cage and it looks so empty!

I have been having nightmares that he died after I gave him to the shelter! I emailed the shelter and asked how he was doing and they said he was doing great and that they might keep him at the store so he is more apt to be adopted, But when I went to the store The bunny that was there was in a small cage with wire flooring. He had mats to help his paws but the bunny had dug them up and pushed them aside. When I read the email I felt like crying I missed him so much and as I write this it is hard for me to hold back the tears. I want him back! He had a big cage, good diet, and a mama who loved him. Now he might not get adopted for a long time! I know they are a good shelter but you never know what kind of people he might end up with! The only thing that’s holding me back from driving back there and taking him home (besides my parents, I haven’t told them how upset I am) is the feeling that I failed! I want to foster rabbits when I get older but if I can’t do it this time I never will!

 

I just miss him so bad! I don’t think I can hold the tears back any longer!

 

[Sarita]

Hugs. It is hard but you have to remember that when you foster the goal is to find a new home for him and also as you said you aren’t in a position to keep him.

Go ahead and cry – that’s perfectly okay. Maybe fostering isn’t the right thing for you to do right now – you are young and emotional (and there is nothing wrong with that by the way). Sometimes being young is going to hold you back from doing what you really want to do, but when you are older and in a financial position to foster and make decisions then you should consider fostering then and you will have more control over these types of situations.

[RabbitPam]

I think it might be comforting for you to talk to your parents. Not to beg to get him back, but to tell them how your are feeling. You are their child, and parents often wish their children would confide in them more. It may be helpful to let it out and let them talk it out with you. They may have advice or insights that actually make you feel a bit better, since they know you well. I agree with Sarita that it’s OK to cry, but also they will know something is wrong so you may as well give them a chance to be supportive.

A shelter checks out future homes when an animal is adopted. They do not want to see a pet come back again, so they will be very careful before letting him leave with someone. A new family who loves him and cares for him is a likely outcome. People who want to harm an animal don’t tend to go to a shelter, fill out the forms, and talk to the people in charge only to take an animal away with evil intentions. They give information on proper care and some even do home visits or check on the adoptive family a few weeks after the fact, so don’t worry. Just stay in touch as you are.

[Nova]

I agree with the above… that must be very hard.

After talking to your parents I would suggest visiting with him every few days and then “tapering off” the visits until you are both comfortable with your new living arrangements Of course until he gets adopted by his forever home. It will be a happy ending. It’s a tough transition. Time, though, is the buffer. It always buffs out wrinkles and kinks in journeys like this.

If it were *me* *and* there was a deep connection between myself and the bun, I’d probably kee him – which is the *only* reason why I don’t foster bunnies. I’d keep them all.

*Huggles*

[mocha200]

I can’t visit him because he is 2 and 1/2 hours away!
I will talk to my parents but they are a little overwhelmed at the moment from some things I can not mention, so I haven’t had a whole lot of time to talk. Which is another reason I miss him. My friends and family are busy and all I have are the bunnies atm.

He isn’t legally the shelters because I didn’t fill out a surrender slip for him yet. AHHH I want him back!

[AbbyGirl]

I’m sorry you’re so upset. It is hard to give up a bunny you had for that many weeks when you’ve bonded with them. If he’s at the store I can go check on him this weekend and let you know how he’s doing. I’m here if you need someone to talk to. You can pm me, FB email or FB chat. Just let me know! =) (hugs)

[mocha200]

Thank you! It is hard, I had him for 1-2 months. I don’t think he is going to the store until after his neuter (on friday) so i am not sure if they will take him right away or not.

[Elrohwen]

Awww, big hugs!! I think it will help once he gets adopted – whenever I’ve volunteered for shelters, I felt such a sense of relief when the animals went home with some happy family. It’s hard now because he’s just sitting in the shelter waiting, but I’m sure he’ll make some family very happy. And don’t be afraid to cry and let it out! Give your other two lots of snuggles.

[Nova]

Also don’t forget that rabbits, like most animals, are highly adaptable. There will likely be some confusion at first in their little bunny brains, but chances are you, the “intelligent human animal” will dwell on it longer than the bunny will. The bunny is probably preoccupied adjusting to his new living situation – making new friends, playing with new toys – all good things – and when he gets adopted it’ll be all carrots from there!

Let us know what your parents think when you talk to them? Will you maybe mention that you want him back? It’s worth a shot.. but that’s just my opnion if it were me … again, which is why i don’t foster buns :\

[Stickerbunny]

I would let the shelter have a few weeks to find him a home, personally – your parents were not interested in him living in the house if I remember correctly, plus you already have your own buns and the medical expenses of another is a strain when you are young. It’s hard to give up a foster, but in the end you helped them when they needed it and it feels good to know they are happy in their new home. Will the shelter let you know about how he’s doing in his new place when they adopt him out, or do they not follow up with owners?

[mocha200]

I feel much better today and realize that its a relief not to have another bun to take care of. plus, I don’t think I could bond 3 bunnies, Especially with out Petzy! Does any one know if she is ok?

[Beka27]

I have not heard from Petzy. I hope everything is alright with her.

You did not “fail”. If anything, you SUCCEEDED in fostering him. The plan was that you would care for him for a little bit until he was old enough to be neutered. This is exactly what happened… so you are a foster success story… NOT a foster failure.

It is okay for you to love him and miss him. I love every animal that comes thru my door. This is why I cannot let “extra” animals come to my house. I wouldn’t be able to give them up. You’ve shown, once again, your maturity and your dedication to rabbits. You did a great thing, Mocha. :o)

[lashkay]

Congratulations Mocha! You saw Sebastian through, did your part and achieved your goal of keeping him til his neuter. I’m sure the shelter will assure a bright future for him. I’m glad you’re feeling better, knowing you’re relieved of the burden of caring for one bunny too many. It takes time. HUGS

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’ve never fostered but I can imagine it’s very hard to let them go. When I was volunteering at the SPCA several times a week I got quite attached to the bunnies there and thought about them often and felt bad when I didn’t go spend time with them.

Bunnies are just too lovable, aren’t they?

[Author]

Messages