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September 1, 2008
Life With Punkin
This story reminds us why we choose to live with rabbits. Thanks, Debbie!
My first bunny, Eddie, was a product of my nephew Brian's pair of bunnies. When she died unexpectedly, I was heartbroken. But within two hours, my nephew was there, delivering a gift to me - a new bunny. Brian's parents had gotten rid of the female months before, so Brian went to the pet store to buy this new bunny for me. What a sweet gesture from a 13-year old. I named the apricot-colored little bundle of energy Punkin (though I often call him "Bunners"). That was almost ten years ago.
Life with Punkin has been wonderful! He has traveled with me extensively, mostly in-state, but even all the way to South Carolina and Arizona! He is a real trooper. When he was younger, he would guard the bathroom door while I was in the shower, and when I was on the computer, he would come and tap my foot with his head to let me know he was available! He was also very curious and loved to explore - I have pictures of him on top of his cage, inside a partially empty 12-pack of pop, up on a chair that was pushed under the table, and in many other incriminating positions!
A year ago in May, Punkin had a seizure, then another smaller one last fall. Since his first seizure, he has had many vet visits and health concerns. Last fall, he quit eating the large quantity and large variety of greens I had been giving him daily. At that point he went on Critical Care once a day and Rimadyl twice a day for possible arthritis. In January, for a while, he was hardly eating much at all. He was put on antibiotics and it cleared up, but that is when we started a twice a day regimen with Critical Care.
I have quit traveling with him (except to the vet) because it is stressful on him. I won't leave him with anyone else because we have our routine for feeding. If I have to go out of town, it is only for the day and I make sure I am here for his regular feedings. I am giving up things out of town, but for my Bun, it is worth it! After all, he won't be here forever and I want to do the best I can for him now that he is getting older. He deserves it!
Bun and I have become much closer in the last few years. We have a daily routine for feeding and even for attention time. At lunch time (I'm lucky I live so close to work that I can come home) and in the evening, I will lie down on the bed and he will come, looking for attention. I roll to my left, and he comes right up into the crook of my arm and puts his head on my shoulder. I whisper sweet somethings (they aren't "nothings" because I sincerely mean everything I tell him!), pet him and kiss him. He responds with tooth purrs of satisfaction. I always let him decide when we are done. Usually in the evening, when I am watching TV, he will take a break from snuggling to scratch those itches and groom himself, then he comes back. Even if he goes off to nibble or snooze under the dresser, he ends up coming back for more!
He is my daily blessing and my daily miracle. I love him unconditionally. Thank God for the makers of Critical Care because I believe he has pulled through and continues to be with me because of it. He still nibbles some greens, fruit, and hard little treats but not enough to sustain himself. He has a bad back (bone spurs), bad teeth on one side, and occasionally weepy eyes. He doesn't do the bunny 500 or binkies anymore. But he does follow me from room to room late in the evening, and I take that as a good sign.
Punkin is my sweetheart and I love him completely. He is a very special bun, as you can tell. I can't imagine my life without him. Bunnies are such sweet, tender little souls, and I feel so blessed every day that this little miracle graces my life!
Posted by Sue at September 1, 2008 9:47 AM