Dear friends,
I'm feeling very sad this morning. Got to thinking about and missing the bunnies, especially...
"Chief, Son of Bun". Never told you this Bonnie, but turns out "Chief" is a girl, so I called my little Indian girl "Poco", short for Pocahontas. The name "Chief, Son of Bun" always made me smile. All my bunnies were dearly loved but this one had really attached herself to my heart.
Anyhow, you all probably wonder why I let my beloved bunnies go. Well, several reasons; there was lots of lifting and cleaning, and not only was I feeding bunnies, but mice too. Oh I recently lifted the top on one of the bunny huts and found a stash of feed and enough fur to make another bunny. Also had the worry of my bad back, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
and something else! It was discouraging to constantly hear, "those d... rabbits. We can't go anywhere because you have all these animals".
and most of all, the heartbreak and sadness of animals getting sick or being injured or killed or wounded by a predator. Oh, the number of sick or hurt animals I have cared for over the years! Chickens, ducks, guineas, kittens (thrown out), birds, wild rabbits, squirrels, and even a baby opossum, once upon a time. After Weetie's horrible accident, well, sometimes I feel like my heart can't handle much more. Even now I am caring for a sick hen, and our old duck was near death when Poppy pulled her from the pond a couple weeks ago, waterlogged and half paralyzed.
We wondered if she was bitten by a snake. Guess we'll never know. After a few days care, we filled a big No.2 tub with water and put her in to make sure she could use her legs. She is back on the pond, back to normal, splashing and swimming like crazy??
One thing for sure; Mr. Murphy has the means to care for the bunnies. He loves animals, and he asked us for the bunnies. We didn't ask him to take them. I just wish I had kept Poco. But is she happier there with her family?
Okay, bet all of you signed off long ago...but if you're still here, thank you for listening. Blogging friends are extra special, aren't they?
Love,
Henny
I have no doubt it was a difficult decision to make, giving up your lovely rabbits. Life can just
ReplyDeletebe so trying. But they sound as if they are in a great place and will be loved and petted and admired.
It is a satisfying feeling to help nature along the way, but hard work. Glad to hear you could save the
duck and now working with a hen. Good luck on all. Lynn and Precious
That is so true Lynn. Thanks to you and Precious for your kind words.
DeleteIt's very hard to give up your beloved pets. I would love to have a dog but don't have a good place for one. I miss having a pet and I know you really do. Knowing they have a good home helps though. Take care!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. You are right about having a good home. That means everything.
DeleteA friend recently gave up her bunnies due to RA. Like you, she misses them. Heck, to some degree, I even miss the ones I had 45 years ago. I guess that's how we animal people are.
ReplyDeleteYes, absolutely. You know, sometimes I think about and miss pets I had many years ago. Thank you.
DeleteWe are always 100% behind you Henny..
ReplyDeleteI think all of us have experience something
in our lives to do with our pets and the
animals we love..!
Recently, l experienced three friends, one
being my neighbour, and three doggie friends,
one also my neighbors dog Bertie..the deaths
of the three dogs have upset me more than the
three friends dying..animals and pets are so loyal,
and tend to love there owners more..that's my
opinion anyway..! :).
And don't forget Henny, somewhen in the future
you may like to visit the bunnies, you may shed
a little tear..but at least you've seen them, and
you'll feel better for it..! God Bless!x
Thank you Willie. I appreciate that. Know what you mean about losing pets. My daughter gave us a cute mat for the porch. There are three Labradors on the mat and the caption says, "DOGS WELCOME. PEOPLE TOLERATED". We have it on the porch. :)
DeleteAnimals add so much joy to our lives, and so much pain. And work! Lots of work! How lucky all those animals were to have such a caring person like you in their lives. I can understand your hubby being annoyed about not being able to get away now and then because of the animals. They definitely tie you down. I'm sorry you miss your sweet Poco so much. She's a beauty and must be quite a sweetie. Take care.
ReplyDeleteOh they really do add joy and you're right about the pain too. Poco was a sweetie pie for sure. Thank you Kim.
DeleteYou have been such a good bunny mom. I know how sad you must be. I will miss your posts about yours as they always reminded me of the bunnies my children had in 4-h for years, each with its own personality and history. But things change (including our bodies), and I can relate to that, too!
ReplyDeleteYOU are extra special, Henny, especially your great big heart. I just wish I could give you a real hug, but here’s a virtual one that will have to do. {{Henny}}
Thank you Cynthia. I sure appreciate the big hug even if it is virtual. I felt that hug! Thank you.
DeleteOh my dear friend, I can hear the pain in your words as you write them. I know how much you love your sweet bunnies and all of your animals, especially Poco. Us animal lovers just can't seem to adjust and move on when we love a beloved family member and our animals are just like that. I understand. We're still having an awful time adjusting to life without our Chloe-girl. She was our baby and we both cry when we think of her. I want another dog someday but just don't think my heart could stand it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
That was such a hard decision for you to make, but maybe it is for the best. I am sure your bunnies are happy being together and in their new home. Do you visit them? Doing all the work and lifting of caring for them got to be too much for you, and now you may be able to travel. You were a good bunny mommy.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you can visit them? Glad to hear the duck is back in the pond and okay.
ReplyDeleteI'm not surprised that you miss them all. You have such a way with animals and they all just love you right back. I'm sure they are happy living where they are now. Could you go and visit them every so often?
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it was hard for you to let go of your bunnies . . . you are so tender-hearted and care so much for each and every animal on your place. Sometimes it's just time to let go and you don't own anyone an explanation. If anyone loves and cares for her animals more than you, I would like to meet them. Many are just as loving, but none are more loving. You found them a wonderful home. We also have to take care of ourselves and your back and your health is important. You did good, girlfriend :)
ReplyDeleteOh Henny, you don't have to explain anything! It takes an awful lot of work to take care of animals and that gets hard on you trying to do it all. That's neat to hear that "Chief, Son of Bun" was actually a girl and I love the name Poco or Pocahontas. I know how much you loved your bunnies and you gave them a wonderful life, but it is a blessing they can now have a wonderful life with someone else that loves bunnies. I'm sure Poco likes to stay with her bunny friends and family. It had to be a hard decision for you but it sounds like they are in a good place and maybe this lightens all your loads of work a bit. I always worry about you working too much and hurting your back or just wearing yourself out too much! I'm sorry you are sad and I understand but you made the right decision. It is so important that you take care of you! We all love you Henny! Sending you big, warm hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you for answering my "Why?" question. I'm sorry that you are sad but I am glad that you made a good decision for yourself as well as the bunnies.
ReplyDeleteI have had to face reality recently about my physical limitations too. It makes me sad too. but we deal with life's changes and carry on. Sending hugs.
I totally understand~ We have a dog (Rip) and bunny (Hucklebunny) and are soon getting a kitten. These along with the garden keep us home most of the time. The bunny is actually easier than the dog at times. We love our critters, but they do create certain nuances when wanting to leave home. Am glad you found such a good home for your little "fluffernugans" as I like to call them :-)
ReplyDeleteOur pets bring much joy, but also sorrow - and work. I understand your mixed emotions about this decision. I think in the end, it was a good decision.
ReplyDeleteHenny, I am sure Poco is quite happy at Mr. Murphy's. (but of course she misses you too). I can imagine she might have been lonely if only she had remained when the other bunnies went to their new home. We just get so attached to our animal babies and are never ready to give them up.
ReplyDeleteoh Henny, I understand all your reasons for sharing your bunnies with the neighbors...they all make sense. You do such a splendid job caring for so many critters ....be sure you take a little time to care for you and poppy too. You're a gem! Take good care!
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying. We only had dogs, but the last one, Mandy, we had for over 16 years and when she died i could not take having anymore. She broke my heart, she was the best.
ReplyDeleteI can understand why you had to let your sweet bunnies go over to Mr. Murphy's farm. Your health and well-being are very important but I'm sure you'll miss them for a long time. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI am sure it must have been a very hard decision to make, but deep down you know it as wise. You need to ensure that your maintain your health. Maybe an occasional visit would life your spirits.
ReplyDeleteIts so sweet of you to make sure that your bunnies found the perfect home. I am sure you miss them each time you are outside. I wish we could all be "forever young", and have as many furbabies as we desire. I recently got a new puppy and the first month was a struggle..reminded me I am no "Spring Chick". Take care and comfort in knowing it sounds like they have a great caregiver and will brighten the lives of many folks when they come for their supplies to your friend's business. So sorry for your understandable sadness.
ReplyDeleteI am sure you will miss the bunnies, they are lots of work. You sent them off to a good home:)
ReplyDeleteYes, I too understand, Henny. We have had animals to care for all our married lives. Now we have none (well, we do have the outside ferals). But it is hard as we miss having them inside with us to care for and love. But... you are right about not being able to leave them and forever remembering the misery of how awful it was when they were sick or lost to you. I know that the love was worth the pain... but perhaps as we age, we need to learn to let go.
ReplyDeleteI understand how you feel. I've always been sad when my dog passes away. It's hard taking care of animals and I know how you feel. I'm sure you will miss the bunnies, but so glad they got a good home.
ReplyDeleteDear Friend, I do know how you feel. It is hard to have animals to care for. I am attached to our five hens. Some people say "they are just chickens."... but not to me. They are my little hens.
ReplyDeleteI do know how you feel. I am sending a HUG!!!
Carla
Henny, I'm sorry you miss Poco. She is so adorable! I'm home all the time and can't wait to get some farm animals down the line. I'm glad to hear you saved the duck!! ♥
ReplyDeleteI sure understand how you grieve for them..and u understand how you need less lifting, etc. Plus, the dread of things happening to them. We had a little squirrel and had her may e a month...and she died. The girls and I cried like babies...and now every time something more grows wrong with one if my daughter's dogs, i end up just bawling. He cannot hear a thing, his heart has no rhythm, yet he still loves us all, and still as good natured as ever.
ReplyDelete