Should I Euthanise?

[Aoife]

I’m looking for some advice.
I have had 3 rabbits over the last 7 years, 2 together and another about 3 years after the first two. Over the last year sadly, 2 have passed away with the most recent being last night. I have always said that once one of my rabbits is left alone I will get them euthanised as I see it cruel to leave them on their own especially as I don’t have much time anymore. Although my last rabbit seems to be taking this most recent loss a little bad I am second guessing myself over whether I should euthanize her, I don’t know if I’ll have the will to, however she’s quite a shy rabbit as it is and seems very lonely and down in the dumps since her companion passed last night. Rehoming is not an option – id rather euthanise her than worry if she is being treated fairly in another home. So what should I do? Should I say goodbye to my rabbit?

[Jazlyn]

I haven’t had to deal with this yet, as mine are very young, but I know it can be tough on bunnies after losing a companion. Did you give the survivor time with the bunny after it passed? I know you’ve done this before but I’d like to be clear before trying to help. I’m very sorry for your losses. ❤

[tobyluv]

I’m sorry about the loss of your two rabbits. I assume that your lone rabbit is healthy, eating well, and had no problems prior to her companion’s passing. Of course she is sad at the loss of her companion, and feeling lonely, but I’ve never heard of euthanizing a rabbit because it was suddenly without a companion. I have had several bonded pairs of rabbits that lost their companions. Some do seem to be more affected than others, but they have all been fine, and I eventually got new companions for them. If you can spend as much time as possible with your bunny, make sure you have her favorite greens and fruits on hand, and maybe even get her a plush toy animal to lay next to (unless she is a bad chewer) she should cope with her loss and be okay.

[vanessa]

My bunny Guinivere lost her first pal Merlin. She moped for a month, and then started to look happy again. I adopted Lancelot and bonded them. Guin also has a stuffy that she loves. I wouldn’t euthenize a rabbit just because it has suffered the loss of a companion. Spend time with her, comfort her, let her grieve, and once you can tell by her behavior that she is no longer grieving, you will be able to decide if you should keep her as a single bun, or adopt a pal for her. I would get her a stuffy during the grieving period.

[Limit]

Posted By tobyluv on 3/21/2017 9:04 PM

I’m sorry about the loss of your two rabbits. I assume that your lone rabbit is healthy, eating well, and had no problems prior to her companion’s passing. Of course she is sad at the loss of her companion, and feeling lonely, but I’ve never heard of euthanizing a rabbit because it was suddenly without a companion. I have had several bonded pairs of rabbits that lost their companions. Some do seem to be more affected than others, but they have all been fine, and I eventually got new companions for them. If you can spend as much time as possible with your bunny, make sure you have her favorite greens and fruits on hand, and maybe even get her a plush toy animal to lay next to (unless she is a bad chewer) she should cope with her loss and be okay.

Agree with this. I would not ever put a healthy animal down, she will cheer up and she will be okay. You have the option of getting her another companion too, which can help wonderfully, or you can spend a lot more time with her so that loneliness fades

[DesertBunny]

I am sorry but this question doesn’t seem real. To euthanize a perfectly healthy bunny? Of course NOT. Take the bunny to a shelter if you don’t care any more. My little baby lost the use of all his legs and I did not euthanize him. He sat snuggled in a towel with me every night and he still groomed me and clicked his little teeth. The ONLY time I would ever euthanize a bunny is if they are in pain and there’ no relief or hope.

[Limit]

Posted By DesertBunny on 3/21/2017 10:41 PM

I am sorry but this question doesn’t seem real. 

I thought the same 

[jerseygirl]

Aoife, I am sorry about the loss of one of your rabbits.
Was it sudden or was he/she elderly or ill?

I think it completely normal for you to be questioning this decision, even if it’s something you always thought you’d do. It’s a good thing really, because things can be very different when actually going through them v’s a hypothetical perspective when all is well.
You’re also dealing with a very recent loss.

I think give things some time. How is your remaining rabbit behaving? Some will clearly be bereft, but they can adapt. She may surprise you yet. Keeping to routine is important, in my opinion.

I have come across many owners that feel it cruel to keep rabbits without rabbit companions. I personally think it comes down to the individual rabbit.
I have also read accounts of owners putting a companion down after it loses its mate. There were different circumstance that led to the decision. I respect that. At first, it was jarring and seemed such a foreign concept to me but I also realised I didn’t know all the details in what led to the decision. I don’t know if I could make that choice myself but do understand where these owners were coming from.

Do you have other pets that provide a bit of company for your rabbit?

[jerseygirl]

Just a reminder (in advance) for everyone to be respectful with your responses (including the original poster). It is obviously a sensitive subject.
For the record, I do feel responses to date have been respectful.

@Aoife, you are probably aware that this question would receive some passionate or reactionary responses. It can also be difficult to convey adequetely with just words and things can be easily mis-read a personal attack. I hope you won’t feel that way and that discussions can be open and helpful to you.

[Gina.Jenny]

When one of our girl guinea pigs had to be pts, her sister, Grace grieved really badly and the weight fell off her. Ten days later, I noticed that she had the clear signs of a mammary tumour. A trip to the vet confirmed this, and with Grace already so upset with grief I felt having her pts there and then was the kindest decision.

Is your bunny eating well? Although guinea pigs are different in many ways to buns, in others they are very similar, and like bunnies, piggies need to eating constantly to keep the digestive tract going. Also monitor if she loses any significant amount of weight. Grace had been quite a chunky girl, but in ten days, she dropped around a quarter of her body weight, leaving her with no energy to fight a growing tumour.

[Yoyo]

Posted By Aoife on 3/21/2017 5:11 PM

” I have always said that once one of my rabbits is left alone I will get them euthanised as I see it cruel to leave them on their own especially as I don’t have much time anymore. Although my last rabbit seems to be taking this most recent loss a little bad I am second guessing myself over whether I should euthanize her

. Rehoming is not an option – id rather euthanise her than worry if she is being treated fairly in another home. So what should I do? Should I say goodbye to my rabbit?
”

_____________________________

Clipped what I thought was relevant… Aoife,.. my sincere condolences go out to you, over your loss, but.. please.. take a moment to reconsider euthanizing your last remaining bunny.. as long as the bun, is in good health,.. I would like for you to consider that, before you do something so drastic.

Please hear me out,.. you admit, that your time, is limited to begin with,.. but.. that doesn’t mean the buns is.. they are sure to go thru some depression, but, that doesn’t mean, they should die, because of it..  

I understand your worry too, about the care, the last rabbit could get, in a new home, but,.. darling, PLEASE.. just take time, to interview some new prospective owners, many who, would gladly be able to give your bun, a safe, comfortable home… it CAN be done.. even if you find a shelter, that would accept the bun. Heck,.. if your in Va,.. I would happily take on your bun, just to help give her a few more golden years, that she deserves.

[Q8bunny]

Please don’t. As long as she is healthy, it is totally normal for her to grieve. We grieve when we lose loved ones. It just takes time to seem like our former selves again. If she’s a shy bunny, her grief is probably compounding the shyness too. Give her a chance at life. We would all wish for that in this sad situation.

[Bam]

I’m sorry that you lost one of your buns.

As for the other one, I’d not eutanize, because you never know. I do understand that you want what’s best for her and don’t want to see her quality of life deteriorate – but as long as she isn’t suffering intolerably, a period of grieving is perfectly normal. It could very well happen that her shyness improves now she’s on her own with you and needs you for company. We sometimes hear stories here of how the remaining bunny in a couple becomes much more social, active and courageous after the bonded mate has passed.

I’d give her a stuffy and extra attention and see how it goes. In my opinion, there’s no rush to make a decision like this.

[Roberta]

No, bunnies adapt quite well. A soft toy will help her over the worst of the grieving. If you have other pets they often bond to them. There is absolutely no reason to pts a healthy little rabbit for being sad.

[jerseygirl]

I just remembered something else I wanted to ask. Were your rabbits housed outdoors or indoors? If they were housed outdoors, bringing her to live inside should help a lot.

[Limit]

Posted By jerseygirl on 3/22/2017 5:24 AM
I just remembered something else I wanted to ask. Were your rabbits housed outdoors or indoors? If they were housed outdoors, bringing her to live inside should help a lot.

This! When I lost smudge Binky came indoors to live and she was definitely grieving but she managed just fine afterwards and enjoyed the added attention Great thought Jersey!

[vanessa]

Good point about outdoors/indoors. Guin came indoors after Merlin died. I brought all my bunnies indoors after that. For Guin, coming indoors allowed a lot more personal interaction with me, and that’s how we bonded. Before that, while she was with Merlin, I was their feeder, but nothing more. Bunnies do grieve. I could see her depression, it was sad. But it only lasted a month. She took comfort in the extra attention from me, she fell in love with her stuffy, and is now super cuddly with Lanceot, and best of all – she absolutely loves me. She is happy, cute, cuddly, demands my time and attention, an absolute joy.

[Aoife]

Hi everyone thanks for all the replies and condolences I’d just like to point out a few things
-Unfortunately getting another rabbit is not an option, also rehoming her is not an option. Because of where I live rabbits aren’t the most popular pets and there are no shelters which I could give her to, not that I would I just wouldn’t trust her with anyone else
-Moving her indoors is also not an option, for both myself and herself, she is currently an outdoor bun
-She doesn’t have any health issues however she is quite obese and is very reluctant to be let out to play. She doesn’t like to be handled obviously and overall is just very shy
-She is a bit of a chewer, she’s had toys before and within a week they are just destroyed!
-Unfortunately my other rabbits death was very sudden, he seemed perfectly fine the day before and Yes, I gave her plenty of time with my late rabbit before removing him from the area, I’m aware they need time to process and understand what has happened
-I am really sorry if this comes across rude, that is honestly not my intention! But the fact I am thinking about this subject is simply not because I do not care anymore, I have spent 7 years caring for these buns, as I’m sure many of you have and even more, because she is obese she sometimes has some trouble cleaning bottom which obviously causes so much panic during the warmer months when the flies come out? often I would be out 3-4 times a week just cleaning their hutches and their bottoms themselves all while being a student. Currently I am still a student and have a job so when I say I have no time I really don’t unfortunately, I wish I could move her inside and spend nearly all day with her playing with her but unfortunately that’s just not an option I can choose at this stage in my life?

[vanessa]

I’m curious – why can’t you move her inside? What about a cage in yrou bedroom with evening play time in your bedroom?

[vanessa]

OK – here’s my honest (most respectful) opinion. I dont’ want to look at this thread again because it makes me upset and angry. You made up your mind a long time ago to euthenise the rabbit, and I can’t agree to euthenizing a healthy rabbit just because you don’t have time to spend with your pet. I believe that when we get animals as pets, we have made a lifelong commitment to them. Not just when it suits us. Many of us are students. Many in countries where rabbits aren’t popular pets. Many are teenagers with difficult rules from parents. I also thought it was impossible to bring my bunnies indoors. But it was either – figure out a way, or they die from flystrike. I figured out a way. I believe your bunny needs to be in a home where it can live indoors away from the flystrike danger, and where she can bond with her human. She is obese and needs to exercise. Bonding with her will go a long way toward helping her exercise. Her diet also needs to be adjusted. Bringing her indoors will make it easier to give her a stuffy. You could even give her a stuffy outside, but it would probably need to be washed every week or so. I wash my bunny’s stuffies about once a month. Rabbits are high on the shelter/euthenise list for various reasons, including your reason. I feel there is no way to answer yoru question, because you have a rebuttle for everything. You can’t give her attention while she grieves coz you have no time. You can’t being her indoors coz you aren’t in that place in your life. You can’t let her live coz you think having a single bunny is cruel (many of us have single bunnies). You can’t rehome her coz there are no shelters and you wouldn’t trust anyone with her. While I disagree with euthenising a healhy rabbit, I also feel sorry for her that she is in he home she finds herself in – outdoors with flies, no attention, nothing to help her grieve. If you feel that you are not in a position to care for her, which it sounds like you are saying, then I think you should rehome her. Advertise her to a loving home. Screen applicants. That’s what I do when I sell baby birds. I screen every caller, and turn down more than I accept. I want to be sure that my baby birds are going to their forever home, not just the whenever-it-suits-me home. That’s all I have to say.

[Boston's Mama]

She does not need to be pts – she needs love and attention. Somewhere she can be inside and have company of humans to help her through
A snuggle toy and love.
A rabbit rescue would be your best bet as it sounds like you can not ( will not ?) provide the things for her she needs
Or advertise her – find her the home she deserves.
It saddens me that this is a topic at all

You wouldn’t put down uncle because Aunty passed away …

[Q8bunny]

I’m going to make one last comment because I think it’s pertinent and because the former lawyer in me can’t resist. And then I will also stop looking at this thread because it makes me too upset – it’s a green mile thread, if we’re all honest here.

You say that you can’t surrender her to anyone else because you don’t trust them with her (the shelter, another person, etc.). Because no one will look after her as well as you do. And then you say that you will most likely kill her because of reasons A B & C.

If I were your rabbit, and I could speak, I would say:
“Please let me take my chances with someone else. Because it’s a pretty much guaranteed death sentence with you vs a chance that I will end up with someone who will provide me with a loving home and a good life.”

May the Force be with that poor bunny.

[Bam]

Could you surrender her to a no-kill shelter? It does seem unfair to have her pts. I do understand you want to be a responsible bunny parent and do the right thing here, but this is about her life.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m going to have to agree with the others. Every being values their life. Pets are a lifetime commitment and possibly you need to look harder to find a solution that will benefit your bunny.

[jerseygirl]

-Unfortunately my other rabbits death was very sudden, he seemed perfectly fine the day before

Do you live in a region where rabbits are affected by calici virus? It only comes to my mind because it is a hot topic amoung rabbit owners where I live. Of course, rabbits can pass suddenly from many different causes, and is often difficult to discern what, even with autopsy.

She doesn’t have any health issues however she is quite obese and is very reluctant to be let out to play. She doesn’t like to be handled obviously and overall is just very shy

because she is obese she sometimes has some trouble cleaning bottom which obviously causes so much panic during the warmer months when the flies come out

What is her current diet, Aoife? Maybe some modifications with it will help with the poopy butt and weight. Energy levels also.

[Tony's Mum]

Aoife- I’m guessing by the name you’re in Ireland? If so, the DSPCA will take rabbits that are being surrendered. I was up there before I bought Tony (I was planning on adopting but didn’t qualify because I’m renting), and they take exceptional care of the bunnies, they’re all really happy and well socialised. They don’t charge for surrender afaik, they just require a bit of a heads up. So if I was you, I would call them and inform them that you have a rabbit to surrender, and then bring her around whenever you’re ready. It’d be cheaper, kinder, and easier than getting her PTS. And you can be sure she’s in good hands. they are EXTREMELY careful about who they rehome to, and the buns they have get the best care.

Please consider this.

[sarahthegemini]

Posted By DesertBunny on 3/21/2017 10:41 PM

I am sorry but this question doesn’t seem real. To euthanize a perfectly healthy bunny? Of course NOT. Take the bunny to a shelter if you don’t care any more. My little baby lost the use of all his legs and I did not euthanize him. He sat snuggled in a towel with me every night and he still groomed me and clicked his little teeth. The ONLY time I would ever euthanize a bunny is if they are in pain and there’ no relief or hope.

That sounds adorable

I agree – an animal should only ever be euthanized if they are suffering and there is no relief, i.e if there is no treatment. [edited by forum leader]

[Paige]

Hello Aoife
It may be overwhelming to ask for help and everyone disagrees with your opinion. I’m very sorry about your last rabbits and I understand that you’re in a tough situation. We BB members will always be here for you but we will give honest opinions. Could you please give your lovely bun more time? Losing life partners is hard for people but we thrive after we recover, please give your bun some time to recover so she can thrive the rest of her life.
Like others have said, you could interview people to take her in, and they would probably be kind enough to let you visit your bun sometimes. They may even get her another partner.

[Luna's Mom]

It really sounds like you are just tired of taking care of her. If there is a will, there is a way. It doesn’t seem like your will is there. She probably wouldn’t be over weight with a corrected diet and exercise. I personally think it’s would be very selfish to kill her. I have over compulsive anxiety and have a large dog that sheds like crazy and drives me nuts and I mean NUTS! The easy thing to do would give him to someone else and let them deal with it, but I love him and he’s a good boy and I brought him here so it’s my responsibility to care for him until he passes and deal with his hair how ever I can manage. If you love your bunny and truly care about her suck it up and take responsibility for her. Get her on a good diet, exercise her, and love her. When I was 23 I was a single mom with a 3 month and 19 month, worked full time, was taking classes, and we had a cat and a dog. If you really want to take care of her you can make time for her. If not let someone who will love her and care for her have her. It’s just WRONG to take the life of a animal that is healthy.

[LBJ10]

This thread has been quiet for awhile. How are you feeling now Aoife?

I just wanted to say that I think you are very brave for coming here and asking this question. It takes courage to seek advice for such a sensitive topic, especially somewhere like this where people will have differing opinions. Although I don’t agree, I can certainly understand the reasoning for wanting to euthanize her. As you probably already know, we all love our bunnies here and think of them as our children so (for us) the thought of euthanizing a healthy animal is unheard of. I’m not saying you do not love and care for your bunny. It’s obvious that you do. I’m simply saying that I think there may be some cultural differences playing out in the background here, so it would be important for everyone commenting on this thread to remember that. However, the fact that you are second guessing this decision that you made long ago tells me that you don’t 100% agree (with yourself) either.

So let’s look at this for what it is. You have a rabbit who is older, but not really old. You have experienced changes in your life since you first acquired your rabbits that now limits the amount of time you have to spend with your remaining one. Your rabbit is grieving and a little chubby, but is in otherwise good health. Here’s what I see. I see someone who loves their rabbit, but is being honest about the amount of time they can spend with them. I also see someone who is worried about their rabbit’s wellbeing and just wants to do what’s right for her. Ask yourself though, is euthanizing her really the most humane solution? In my opinion, I think there is another solution. One that is more desirable. That is, take the time to find her a new home. I know you don’t have a lot of time. BUT, ensuring she gets a fighting chance at a good life is worth the inconvenience of posting an ad and screening potential adopters. Maybe there is someone out there who has an older rabbit looking for a friend? You won’t know if you don’t look.

I guess what I’m saying is give her some time. Take the advice given by others and give her adequate time to grieve. If she goes downhill or her health deteriorates, then that would be the time to consider euthanizing her. BUT if she perks up and is doing well after an appropriate grieving period, then take the idea of euthanizing her off the table. Instead, make the decision between keeping her and bonding with her or taking the time to find her a new, loving home. Like I said, there could be someone out there looking for a friend for their older bun. You’ll never know if you don’t try. There is certainly no need to rush this decision, so do give it some time. I think things will be much clearer for you after a few weeks.

[Abel]

I would say let her live her life to the very end. All life is certainly previous, and I think your bunny would love to embrace time with you. Maybe it may be the loss of your rabbiy that makes you think that, maybe due to the grief or loss, but you vould always find a family friend or neighbor willing to care for her until the end. Or for a time, until you can embrace her once again.

I would say enjoy the time you have with her while you can, since she’s a healthy rabbit.

[SeeShmemilyPlay]

Just out of curiosity, why can’t she be inside? It really would help her grieving. I disagree when people say you’re being selfish by maybe wanting to put her down– the exact opposite. I think you’re trying to to the best thing. You have great intentions, but this specific solution just isn’t the way to go about it. Bringing her inside would definitely help with her grieving, and probably be easier for you, too, rather than having three passed bunnies.

[Pongo]

If she’s still eating and drinking and peeing and pooping I would not a put a perfectly healthy animal down.

[Pongo]

It’s just not right todo something like that if she’s healthy if she’s struggling and in pain then yes but if she’s healthy and surviving then no and if your afraid she’s not getting enough attention give her to a shelter that’s not a bad thing shelters take good care of their animals this is coming from a second year vet student if she’s healthy don’t put her down

[Author]

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