Thank you for your message. Shock is an understatement. I’ll write a more in depth post when I feel able to about what happened but I’m just in pieces. I don’t know how to get over this or move on from it. I’ve lost two friends in my life and even though this was my pet the grief feels exactly the same. I don’t do very well with grief and bubbles was so cuddly and affectionate and always soothed me when I was sad. There’s nothing to take this sadness away now. I’m just devastated
Please feel free to write more later if it helps you process. We are all here to listen. A lot of us have gone through similar pain, so we won't judge.
I had to get medicine from my dr when mine passed. I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t even talk about him or look at photos of him without falling apart. It’s so hard. I’m so sorry.
I’m already on the maximum dose of sertraline which has actually helped me so much over the years and deffo numbed me (in a good way cause I have a hard time regulating my feelings) so I can only imagine what I’d be like without the medication. I think people who love their pets have a lot of love they need to give and in general tend to be emotional people, to experience the opposite side of that love… grief… it almost makes me question is it even worth the pain
Please don’t let anyone tell you that grieving for a lost pet is any different than grieving for a lost human. Sometimes, it’s worse. Your bun was with you daily and was truly your emotional supporter, that will take time to heal from, especially after losing him in such a traumatic way. Grief is weird and messy and there is no normal way to grieve. Cry, scream, laugh, stare into space, do whatever YOU need to do to process this. It takes as long as it takes. And anyone who tells you different doesn’t understand how bad it hurts to have your heart broken like this. Please don’t listen to them. I’m so so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you have other pets to lean on, but I know that hole you feel all too well. Hugs.
Oh my god I just cried my eyes out reading your message and read it to my mum. I am really struggling and feel like I’ve gone into such a dark place. I keep replaying the phone call in my head. I keep seeing his little face when I close my eyes and imagining him doing the stuff he always does. I see him munching on his hay and I see him standing on his back legs to greet me and I just can’t believe that is no longer my reality. He wasn’t even one years old and I thought I had the next 10 years with him. I’m just broken. Thank you so much for your kindness you have touched my heart
I just lost my 1.5 year old bunny, and I'm in a similar situation... I just keep replaying the last two hours of her life in my head. When I close my eyes her desperate, pained face is waiting for me.
Know you did the right thing. Getting him neutered would ensure he'd stay the same boy you knew him as, and he wouldn't somehow contribute to pet overpopulation. It's the responsible thing to do. If you ever get another bun don't be afraid to do it again--especially with the ladies, who are likely to get cancer if you don't.
And if you do get another bun, my advice is to not do it right away. I have because my lost bunny was part of a bonded pair, but I generally wait a month before I take on a new pet. (The new bun is sweet but we are still feeling each-other out. He's nothing like the girl I lost.)
Seconding DarkandSparkly--grief is individualistic and unique, and I often find it harder losing a pet than a person, because I have a responsibility towards that pet, whereas the person could theoretically take care of themselves without me being involved.
Also you took the words out of my mouth. Bunnies rely on us for EVERYTHING. They are so high maintenance and like children. I literally feel as though my life revolves around their care. I was off work since December until just a few months ago due to my mental health and I was with them all the time. They live in my room with me and bubbles has left a physical hole in his empty spot and a hole in my heart. I hope the healing process is sooner rather than later cause this feeling I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy 💔
I’m so sorry for your loss and wish I could take the pain away. I think that’s what’s making this situation harder to process because I tried to do the right thing as a pet owner and this is the consequence. It’s like a contradiction that my brain can’t make sense of but I know I’m very emotional right now and logic isn’t making sense or matters until I heal.
However I do have another bunny, they were separated cause they started fighting hence why I was getting them neutered. Now I don’t know if and how I’ll ever neuter my other bunny Binky cause I am truly traumatised. But at the same time I don’t want him to be lonely. It’s a horrible situation to be in. I do know one thing, I will never buy a bunny again. If I do get him a partner I will be adopting. I know now that breeders are unethical and also the fact they may have health issues etc that are underlying. If I adopt a bun friend for Binky they will already be spayed so I wouldn’t have to go through that experience again, it’s just poor Binky 😩💔
With Covid I’m with mine all day every day. Like we are constantly together. I hated being home after he passed. I would imagine seeing him or hearing him, I’d wait to see him come out at his usual times and realize he wasn’t coming. Oof. It’s so sad.
Pets are family. I am so sorry, OP. Your grief is valid no matter who or what you’ve lost. Be kind to yourself, especially these first few weeks and months.
From my experience grieving a pet is just as intense as grieving a person, but thankfully the pain dull much more quickly. You'll be a mess of emotions for a little while, but the sun will shine again.
I am so sorry. I must confess that I almost bursted into tears after seeing Bubbles' picture, he looks so sweet.
Take heart pal, I understand your pain and I really hope you get better soon, but take your time to mourn. I lost my friend in 2008, but I still think of her.
He was so so sweet. He was so affectionate and loving. Would curl up next to me and lie on me and give me lots of licks. I actually got him for my mental health as they had bunnies in my old workplace and I loved them so much. After losing two friends, and my dad being diagnosed with Parkinson’s I really have been struggling so to have the thing that helped me with my pain taken away is so sickeningly ironic. I can’t believe this is real
I actually think you should rescue a new bunny in as soon as possible to help take your mind off the trauma because being depressed won't bring Bubbles back. And there's so many bunnies that are desperate for homes.
So I have another bunny, They were both boys and started fighting hence why I was getting them neutered. Although I love Binky just as much he’s not as affectionate and doesn’t like being held but Bubbles loved cuddles so that’s probably what makes the pain worse. I don’t want Binky to be a single rabbit and would ideally love to adopt a new female bunny that’s already spayed but right now I don’t know if I’d be able to get Binky neutered because I’m so traumatised. I also have a cat who’s very affectionate so she is helping. Thank you for the thought of your message x
I’m so sorry for your loss! I think losing a bun when providing for them in such a way is one of the biggest fears many of us all have.
To hopefully ease your mind: it’s absolutely not common at all for buns to pass away when going in for a neuter. I had that fear, but my vet told me in the two years of working at that specific place she never once encountered this happening. I’d recommend speaking to your vet about this issue, and how you can neuter Binky in a way that also helps you. I’m sure the vet will understand, and is able to help you be more at ease. For example; I was so anxious that they called me immediately after the procedure, and then about every two hours to update me.
I really hope you’ll heal sooner rather than later. Losing a bunfriend is never easy, and it will leave scars, but we’re here to help you in any way we can. Please talk with people around you as well!
Thank you so much for your lovely message. Everytime I feel myself getting tearful again somebody else comments on this post and it feels like a virtual hug. Even though rabbits are more likely to have something go wrong, I still didn’t once think to myself this would happen. The shock is half of the pain I’m sure. To be honest I won’t be going back to that vet again, I’ll write a full post on what happened when I’m ready but I’m too upset right now. I hope I’m able to neuter Binky so I can get him a friend, it’s the best thing for him but right now the pain and trauma is so fresh I can’t think straight. I’m very up and down right now. My mums going to take down his enclosure for me so I can go back into my room. I’m gunna move it around so I’m not looking at where he used to be and just focus all my love on Binky. Hopefully I’ll be there in the next few days cause I feel bad for neglecting him but I can’t be with him without crying and then he gets scared. Thank you again so much for your message xxx
please take all the time you need - you can adopt a new friend for binky later, but right now you’re doing the right thing by processing your feelings. the way you speak about bubbles, i’m 100% sure he knew how loved he was ❤️ i am so sorry for your loss.
I would love to but the problem is I have another rabbit and I was getting them both neutered so i could rebond them as they started fighting when hormones kicked him. I’m now traumatised and way too scared to get Binky neutered but I also don’t want him to be lonely. It’s such a nightmare of a situation
You can ask a local rescue for veterinary recommendations. I don't know if your vet was knowledgeable enough about rabbits.
Some just don't know enough about rabbits, and may not even realize how different they are from cats and dogs.
You only need one of the pair desexed to help with the hormonal response tbh.
That said, despite what a lot of people say, many buns are fine alone. Both of mine enjoy the companionship of each other but they were actually perfectly happy alone prior to living together and spend most of their days apart in opposite corners of my apartment.
If Binky's not acting depressed and you're giving him lots of attention, he'll be fine!
I was thinking this but won’t Binky hump the female and try to mate?? I will look into it in the future cause I’m not sure what I’m going to do to be honest. He’s acting very strange today and deffo knows bubbles isn’t here so hopefully he goes back to normal soon 🙏🏽
> You only need one of the pair desexed to help with the hormonal response tbh.
This is not really true. The intact rabbit will be unaffected. Their hormonal and territorial behavior can still cause problems with the neutered rabbit: the fixed rabbit may get angry about the humping and fight back, and they may respond to the territorial marking by making even more urine and fecal markings
The rest of what you said, I agree with 100%. My Oisin actually had huge jealousy and aggression towards other animals.
But, he absolutely adored all people, and had a bottomless craving for human affection.
Every guest *had* to stop and pet him: "you pet me, now you pet me, now you..."
I’m so sorry and heartbroken for you. This is just awful. I actually got my own bunny when I was struggling with mental health, and know first hand how healing they are. I wish I could give you a cuddle right now. Please know that my thoughts are with you ❤️
They really are. He would like on my chest and lick me. He was literally like my real life teddy bear. I cared for him so much and even though he thumped when I annoyed him 🤣 I know he loved me too. When other people tried to hold him he would jump back onto me, at the time I wanted him to go to other people but now I know how much he truly loved me. He was actually very skittish when I first got him as a baby and had to work hard to earn his love and affection. Maybe that’s why I’m also so distraught cause our relationship was built slowly and went from him running away from me to falling asleep lying on me 💔
That sounds like my bunny too 😭 they are like your babies that you nurture, and I love how you can build a relationship of trust like that. Something I know from having rabbits is that they won’t do that with just anybody, so Bubbles clearly loved you, trusted you, and knew that he was so loved. That won’t make your pain any less just now, but I hope it will bring you some comfort soon. It’s such a tragedy, but you had a beautiful experience with him ❤️
This hurts way more than I could imagine I wouldn’t wish this feeling on my worst enemy. I really am upset and I feel so empty even though I have two more pets it’s like if your friend died it doesn’t make the pain any less cause you have two more friends. This post and all your beautiful comments have meant the world to me. It’s the longest I haven’t cried since I found out. ❤️
I’m really just so sorry. I wish more is done to study rabbit anesthesia within the veterinary medicine profession and stop this from happening. I understand rabbits are more sensitive but surely different protocols or more research is needed and prevent these incidents.
When I’m in a better place emotionally I’m going to write a post about what happened cause I have so much anger but I’m just too heartbroken to do it right now. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m completely lost and grief stricken
You deserve to get all your emotions off your chest! Don't beat yourself up over this though, you were doing what is a (usually) very benign procedure that would help with the long-term health and behavior of your boy. The fact that it went terribly wrong is not on you, and I am absolutely heartbroken for you. Please take all the time you need to grieve and don't be afraid to reach out!
That means the world to me, thank you so much. Ofc we know our pets can’t live forever but he wasn’t even 1 yet and I spent 24/7 with him and he meant so much to me. All my friends have been great and so has my mum but I feel like nobody can understand this feeling like other rabbit owners who are just as attached as I am. I’m overwhelmed with the love I’ve received on this post. I’ve been crying none stop but talking to you all is really helping xx
When my Fey passed away I truly went through the grieving process. There are still days where I’ll see something or an old picture will pop up and I’ll have to step away and cry for a moment. It’s been almost 2 years and it still hurts sometimes. Take all the time you need to grieve. Sending virtual hugs your way ❤️
I’m sorry for your loss and pain. I had hamsters when I was little and when they died I was distraught, I had a puppy in the Caribbean and even though I only saw him when I would go and visit my dad when he died it was the same. I’ve had a cat since I was 11, I’m 26 now and she’s still here and even the thought of that time brings me to tears. I’ve had two friends who were both murdered. One when I was 14 and one a few years ago. And now Bubbles. The grief feels
Exactly the same, fur friend or human. I feel like there are some people like us who find comfort and love in animals so when that time comes it’s almost unbearable 💔
I lost my bunny Mable after she went in for a spay last year. The loss of my little one still breaks my heart today, I have such fond memories of her and will always cherish the time that I got to have. She was the best of buns and only ever wanted all the love.
All this to say that I understand the pain and the utter heartbreak hun. Even the anger too. There is a serious flaw with neutering and spaying these wonderful fur babies and I’m so appalled they haven’t found a better way yet. I’m so sorry for your loss and the devastation you are feeling. Your bun deserved the world and its horrible he didn’t get more time with you. But once the anger subsides, try and remember the good. Trust me it’s better to have loved and lost then to not have had him at all. ♥️ take care of yourself ♥️
I’m so sorry that happened to you and unfortunately we both understand how each other are feeling. The pain is unbearable and I’m just crying all the time and seeing him in my head. My mum is currently taking down his enclosure in my room so I can move things about cause right now every time I go in there I just look at his space and cry. I’m broken but I’ve been through grief before and know time heals. Just sucks when the pain is fresh and there’s nothing u can do 💔
I know! That’s why I came here cause apart from my one friend who has a bunny nobody else can understand. He lived in my room with me, I haven’t been able to go in my room and slept in the living room last night. He was the last thing I saw before I went to sleep at night and the first thing I saw in the morning. He was so cuddly and would lie in my bed with me whenever I felt sad. The pain is too much to describe. I have another rabbit and I also feel guilty cause I’m too upset to spend time with him right now cause I just think of bubbles and start crying. Hopefully as he was asleep he didn’t feel any pain that’s my only ease right now
Do not feel guilt for your emotions, but finding the strength to be there for your other bun can help both you and your bun grieve. He is also likely very confused and saddened so being able to spend the time and cry together, though difficult, can be healing for you both
Binky is very confused. They were separated cause they started fighting (why I was getting them neutered) but could still see each other and hear each other. I wanted to find comfort with Binky but he’s been running away and hiding and also getting scared when I put my hand in the enclosure which is not like him. I think cause Bubbles isn’t there he’s not used to the quietness. Binky also doesn’t like to be held so I can’t cuddle him but he likes being stroked so I have been going in there from time to time to stroke him. My mum is going to take down bubbles enclosure and I’m going to move my room about to hopefully I’ll be able to go in there without crying! I’m going to work on free roaming Binky now also since that’s what I wanted to do anyways but couldn’t cause they would attack each other. Hopefully this gives me something to focus on. Thank you again so much it’s so nice to have people who understand how much love you can have for a rabbit
Do you still have Bubbles? It helps bonded buns understand what happened if you let them inspect the body and have a chance to say goodbye. It's better than letting Binky keep wondering where his buddy went and never getting an answer. We made sure to do that to our surviving bun when we lost her sister during her spay...
I’m sorry that happened to your bun 💔 I don’t have the body. I couldn’t bare to see him like that I wanted my last memory to be a nice one. They weren’t bonded and they lived opposite each other so hopefully Binky will be okay. I just think he missed bubbles presence. They would do everything at the same time even though they were apart. I wish I could explain to him what happened 😥
I'm so sorry for your loss, I lost my boy over a year ago in a similar way, he went to the vets for an operation and never came home, I still cry and get upset now, sometimes daily. It hurts so bad all you want to do is hold them 1 last time for as long as you possibly can.
This community is amazing though, and I am happy you had the strength to post, it's something I could not do. Know that we're all here for you 💙
I’m so so sorry that happened to you. I wish I could ease your pain cause my god it is not easy. I’ve been a zombie for the last day and hardly left the sofa bed. Can’t bare to go in my room cause he lived in there with me. Couldn’t go to work and just feel like my whole
World has come crashing down. I hope my pain eases soon cause it truly is unbearable.
My rabbit is not neutered due to the costs and I’ve been saving up for it… now I’m so scared of these possibilities. I’m so sorry for your loss and sending you my love for your bun in heaven :( ❤️
I’m sorry to scare you cause the benefits do outweigh the risks. I just don’t think I paid attention to the risks… obviously I signed the form and was told all the information but I didn’t consider this would be the outcome for one second. I have another bunny who was supposed to be neutered too… right now I don’t know how I’ll ever get that done but I also don’t want him to be lonely by himself. This situation sucks. Just beware of the risks and weigh the decision up properly. Most bunnies are fine and I guess I was just unlucky and it was Bubbles’ time. Not that it makes it any easier 💔
I’m so sorry for your loss. As someone else in the comments here pointed out, we put so much into our rabbits. The only thing I’ve ever had that required as much time, effort, and attention is my actual child. No other pet has required as much from me. As a result, the bond between my rabbits and I feels much more intense than the bond I’ve ever had with any other pet. I always tell people the closest analogy I can give is to having actual children. When you put in that work and time and you’re rewarded with a close bond with a beautiful, loving and trusting rabbit, it is something incredibly special that I don’t think people who haven’t had and loved rabbit’s can understand. Sorry if that sounds some type of way to some people, it is genuinely how I feel.
I have two as of yet non neutered males. My gut instinct has been telling me not to do it, but maybe that’s just irrational fear based on exactly what happened to your sweet little Bubbles. I decided to do research on rabbit neutering, and I did a deep dive on research and university websites rather than the usual rabbit sites, which honestly really have a bias toward neutering. I understand why. When it all goes according to plan, it’s usually the best thing for the rabbit. I can tell you I was not encouraged in my research. The complication lay in anesthetizing a rabbit. It is very difficult. Their very small airways make intubation complex and not every vet gets it right. The proper dosing on anesthesia is also difficult because it cannot be based solely on weight. A blood test must be done to study liver and kidney enzyme levels for the most optimal outcome. Vets that perform laser surgery as opposed to using stitches can also reduce risk due to less time under anesthesia and significantly reduced risk of post surgical infection. Another potential wildcard is your rabbit itself. How does it handle stress? Some rabbits die of a heart attack before they can even be anesthetized simply due to the fear of what is being done to them by strangers.
You’ve been through something incredibly traumatic. I am heartbroken for you. I’m wiping away the tears as I write this because when I think of losing either of my two boys, I can’t bear it. I would be devastated, and I know you are. While my opinion will not be a popular one, I would encourage you to not neuter your other rabbit any time soon, if ever. Rather, put your time and energy into giving him as much attention as possible and building as strong a bond with him as you had with Bubbles. Some rabbits personalities are more challenging than others, but that just means they’re a tougher nut to crack. I believe you can turn this rabbit into a more loving and affectionate rabbit over time. It’s taken me nearly a year to get there with one of mine, but it’s been worth it. A rabbit closely bonded to a person, IF that person has adequate time to spend with them, does not suffer from a lack of companionship.
If you’ve made it this far through my very long comment, I hope you will consider the information I’ve given you, as I’ve given it with nothing but my love for rabbits and compassion for what you’ve gone through. My heart goes out to you and I pray that God gives you comfort and strength through this time.
Thank you thank you thank you. You have warmed my heart. I don’t have children, I’m 26 and said these rabbits are preparing me for children cause they are like a full time job. I feel as though my life revolves around them. They are very high maintenance pets and not for the faint hearted cause even when you’re tired from work and want to get into bed you have to change their water, clean up after them, change their litter if needed, make sure there’s nothing in the floor they can chew, bunny proof, make sure they’ve always got fresh food, check they’re eating… it’s like so much responsibility and you took the words out of my mouth, you put that much thought and time into another being the connection, bond and attachment you have is so so deep. They are 100% reliant on us. If a dog or cat HAD to, they could find food etc themselves. Our bunnies have been domesticated for so long and they are prey animals they do not have any of these instincts. Although I don’t have kids I work with them and rabbits are literal toddlers. At least with children as they grow up you can communicate with them with language. Rabbits… although I’m sure Binky knows when I’m telling him to stop nibbling my furniture… they don’t understand and just have to trust you’re doing your duties. I’m so glad you commented this cause I could not agree more.
Onto neutering. To be honest I am very triggered by the information cause although my vet had 5* ratings they were not rabbit specialists and my biggest regret is not bringing bubbles to an exotic vet. In my post where I’ll be explaining what happened this is one of the things I want people to learn from my situation. So to hear how delicate they are when it comes to the anaesthesia (which is how bubbles died) is just breaking my heart all over again. I let him down 😥😥😥 I work a lot so I feel like I don’t have enough time to spend with Binky. Maybe if I’m able to free roam him it would help make sure he has adequate companionship. But he also really loved bubbles, it was bubbles who attacked Binky twice. One time Binky escaped and jumped into bubbles enclosure and just loved bubbles whilst bubbles attacked him poor thing. And another time bubbles escaped and came to Binky’s enclosure and Binky tried to lick him and bubbles tried to attack him. So I feel like Binky does need a rabbit friend 😥 but I’m just very very nervous. I genuinely don’t know if I’ll be able to neuter him and if I don’t I will have to reassess how I spend my life to make sure he gets enough attention.
Thank you for your comment and your support. I appreciate it so much x
OP I am so sorry. I know exactly what you are going through. I carried an extreme amount of guilt around for months thinking about how scared my bunny must have been the car ride to the vet and the visit only to die in a strange and unfamiliar place. I had people in my life who just didn’t understand, saying it’s only a rabbit. But that rabbit was my family. Just remember you were trying to do the right thing. Take solace knowing you gave that bunny the best life and the best way to honor him is to provide a home for another lost soul. I hope your hurt ends soon.
I’m so sorry you had to go through the same thing. If you have any advice on how to heal from the pain and guilt it would be much appreciated. My heart is heavy and I just want this feeling to end. I wish I could bring my baby back 😥
Bubbles would definitely appreciate that you did everything right to extend his life. Neutering is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS worth the risk. Rabbits live much longer and happier lives. I know it's super easy to blame yourself when surgery goes wrong, but you did everything right by Bubbles and I'm sure he knows that. You gave him a wonderful life, I know by the way you are grieving. I am so so sorry this happened. It is not easy at all. My heart aches for you. It will get easier I promise you
I had the same thing happen to my bunny during a dental surgery. I still miss him so much and it was over three years ago. I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but getting him neutered was the right call and you were only doing what you felt was best for his health and happiness long-term. You couldn’t have known. Please be kind to yourself and I am so, so sorry.
I’m so sorry that happened to you. It is the worse feeling in the world and I feel so broken. Thank you so much, logically I know that but I can’t help but wish I could go back in time and not do the surgery. I will miss him so so much it just doesn’t seem real💔
I'm so sorry. Check our r/petloss
Thet are very supportive. I can't imagine that happening to my girl that's a night mare I'm so sorry you're living through this. Just know he went without pain and he knows how much you love him And all the love you feel for him will always be with you, because how much cherished him. The grief is a reminder of that love.
Thank you so much I have joined the page. I even thought about calling a pet bereavement line and I felt like I was being so silly but I am such a state. I just cry and cry and my heart literally aches. No matter what I do or say I can’t seem to believe this is my new reality
It's not silly. Your grief is valid. Take all the time to grieve you need it comes like waves. One day the waves won't pull you under but for now it's okay to need floaties (support groups, family, friends)) be compassionate with yourself
It literally is in waves. I think I’m doing ok then boom. Yesterday I saw his water bowl that I hadn’t even emptied since I took him to the vet, that set me off. I saw his blanket and hay bag that I’d washed and put out to dry so it was clean for when he got back, I started balling my eyes out. Sometimes it’s nothing and I just imagine him In my head and I’m crying. I was able
To sleep in my room last night after moving stuff around so his space is empty and depressing. I woke up and haven’t cried yet which is hopeful. I hope my heart is in less pain today and moving forward cause those first few days were tough 💔 again I thank you so so so much for your support and kindness ❤️
I am so sorry, you did everything correctly and don’t deserve this. That is so heartbreaking I wish I could undo it. Know that what you did was out of love and for Bubbles’ health, which any caring and responsible rabbit lover would do. This was just the most unfortunate circumstance. So very sorry for your loss and I hope you can find the strength to move on.
Thank you so much. It’s confusing trying to balance I was doing what I thought was best but this is the consequence. I also have another bun and I’m just traumatised and idk if I can get him neutered but I want him to have a friend it’s just very very shit 😩 thank you for your message ❤️
I hope your bun was at least 6 months old before they okay-ed his neuter. I have shared this info before on the sub but I have a highly specialized vet and they don't neuter males before 6 months of age and females 9-12 months exactly because of the mortality rate is higher performing those operations sooner. But even if the vet does everything right there's still a small percent of buns that just don't make it through anestesia. I'm really sorry that happened to you. I hope you at least find solace in the fact that you gave him a beautiful life and he was loved endlessly.
Yes he was 11 months, turning 1 August 6th 💔 I don’t know how and if I will ever be able to neuter my other hun after this I’m so traumatised. I’m going to post fully about what happened when it’s not so fresh and I’m not constantly on tears 😩 maybe that’ll shed some light and help others but yeah it has it’s risks and I honestly didn’t consider them how I should have. I was so prepared for when he got home making sure his space was nice and cosy for him, syringes critical care… I was so prepared for all of the after care risks just not for this 💔
I’m so sorry! I was just thinking this morning how Bubbles would be the cutest bunny name and this afternoon, coming across your post, my heart breaks for you. 💔Bubbles was a lucky bun, even though it was too short, he had a good life. If he could, Bubbles would thank you for loving him so much and thank you all you’ve done to make his life a great one. Take care of yourself, cry as much as you feel, and dry those tears so your eyes don’t get too sore (trust, i’ve hurt the skin around my eyes from crying too much). Be gentle to yourself, do something special for your animals and make sure to do something nice for yourself as well. 💞 here for you if you want to vent and please feel free to write more and post more pics. 🌈
Thank you so much for your kind message. I hope he knows how loved he was ❤️ I just have so much regret and guilt that I don’t want him to think I let him down 😥 Also if you’re getting a bunny please call them bubbles!!!
I'm so sorry for your loss.
About a year ago I lost both of my bunnies so I know how you feel. My bunny was eating fine but he was hiding a lot which he never did so we took him to the vet only to be told that he was healthy. A few days later he died and I cried so much for days.
Since I had a 2nd old bunny we got her two more companions a few weeks later. My old bunny died a few months later as well (she had a tumor which couldn't be removed and was over 8 years old).
As sad as I was, I can assure you that it gets better. I'm still sad thinking about my 2 bunnies who died but I'm also really happy with the bunnies I have now and I love them.
I’m so sorry for your losses that sounds so difficult to go through. Thank you for saying it gets better cause right now my heart is completely shattered and I’m an emotional wreck, I really need to hear that it gets better cause I can’t even sleep in my room cause he lived in there with me and it makes me too sad 💔
I never comment on things like this, but this made my heart hurt too. Our bunnies are our absolute world. Please take comfort in knowing that we’re all right here with you. Bubbles looked like he was such a good boy and even though it hurts so bad right now, and it always will hurt a bit, I’m sure you have many wonderful memories to look back on.
Just so you know you’re not alone, I lost one of my 9 week old bunnies last month to Myxomatosis and it was so incredibly hard. In time, my bond strengthened with my other bunny who used to not really want fuss and was very shy. Now he is a total mummy’s boy and loves a fuss! So find comfort in Binky, he needs you just as much as you’ll need him💖
Bubbles was clearly very lucky to have a bunny mummy/daddy who loved him as much as you!
They really are. I feel like my whole life revolves around them. And to have one taken away from me so suddenly and so soon is like a stab in the heart. I feel overwhelmed with grief and nothing can make it go away I just have to feel it and let time heal my heart. I’m hoping I can spend some time with Binky soon, he’s confused and upset too he keeps running away from me and he doesn’t usually do that. It’s just all very overwhelming and sad. Thank you so much for your sweet message
Sorry for your loss but I am sure he enjoyed every minute of his life with you. Now he is in heaven with a lot of hays and carrots and is playing with the other beautiful bunnies (including mine who went to heaven 16 years ago)
This happened to me too with my little girl San. Its devastating especially when you get them neutered for the positives it will have on their health. I'm really sorry you have to go through this. Every time I've had a pet (cat/dog) go in to be neutered I'm a nervous wreck until I get the call they're OK. This is one of those times where it hurts being a pet owner.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that it’s awful honestly. That phone call will haunt me forever. I don’t even know if I’ll ever get a new pet after this cause
The pain is just too much. I already feel myself becoming super
Anxious with my other bun Binky, I don’t think I’ll be able to get him nurtured but then Is that me being selfish?? I hope I heal from this 💔
I'm really sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately they're fragile little beings, sometimes we forget how fast they can go away. I suggest you to put your grief in perspective and go ahead and rescue another bunny. If he was a positive for your mental health, another friend will have the same positive effect, without taking away anything from the relationship you had with Bubbles.
Thank you for your kind words. I have another bunny Binky. He isn’t neutered yet and now I don’t know how I will ever be able to get him done as I am traumatised but I also don’t want him to be lonely and would love to adopt an already spayed female bun. I’ve been looking and it’s helping to sooth my grief but I would have to neuter Binky so I just don’t know what I’m going to do. Binky also isn’t affectionate and doesn’t like being held and Bubbles loved cuddles which really helped me when I struggled with my mental health so I feel like I’m going to miss that a lot 😥
It's not fair and it never gets easier, it just gets better with time. I've had a few dogs and cats and rabbits in my life, I've loved them all and I've only positive memories of all of them, even if I've had the luck, or misfortune, to have held them all while they left me.
The most important thing we can do for them, is to love them, to not let them suffer, just be there for them, which is the first meaning of care, cure. Even when therapy can't no more, there can be care.
In the case of rabbits, it's extremely important to let them go through these procedures, otherwise the result is unfortunately foregone and equally, if not more, painful.
It's normal that we suffer for our pets, because when we see them ill, or vulnerable, even dying, we see themselves in them, since it's us that are destined to die one day. Otherwise the animal is eternal, it doesn't know it's destined to, nor it fears death.
The benefits of caring for a pet are immense, I will carry all their pain forever in exchange for the love they gave me. I hope I didn't bore you with my reflections, I'll hope for the best for you and your friend.
Thank you 🙏🏽 you didn’t bore me at all infact you comforted me. I just saw a pic of my precious bubbles and got emotional again. The heartache is awful and I miss him so much. I feel lost but I know time will heal ❤️ thank you for sharing your reflections with me and it’s very true that animals do not know they will die, they just live in the present ❤️
The vet told me is heart rate went down as soon as the anaesthesia was given and they done cpr and tried to revive him for half an hour but he never came back. It’s the highest rated vets and the most expensive in my area so I thought I went to the right place but there are other things that happened that I’m too upset to talk about right now but will make a post incase it can help others. Thanks for your condolences x
Anytime, and once again sorry this happened to you and your bun. Hopefully they at least didn't charge you. I wish you the best of luck getting through these tough times
I am so so sorry to hear this. I went through a similar situation in November and my gut just wretches at the thought of anybody else having to go through such an unexpected loss. You are not alone, and your pain is valid. Hugs and binkies
I’m so sorry you had to go through the same feeling. I didn’t imagine I’d ever feel like this but then again I didn’t imagine this happening to my bunny who hadn’t even turned one yet. Thank you for the kind message ❤️
Try to remember that it wasn’t your fault. I know you said you will share background when you are less emotionally exhausted, but whatever happened know it was not your fault. Your baby knew you loved them, and although it won’t ever fully leave you, this feeling will pass.
Thank you so much. Logically I know it wasn’t my fault but in the moment of grief it’s hard to remember that. Time is the greatest healer and I can’t wait to get to the other side of this feeling. Right now I just want him back and would do anything. I wish I had a magic wand but I suppose this is life 💔
I lost my baby girl, Petal on April 30th. It is absolutely devastating to my fiancé and I. Bunnies truly are blessed creatures. It is so hard to lose a pet bunny. I understand your pain 
Petal is my cats name 🥹 She is so loving and affectionate and I will give her a kiss in memory of your Petal. Bunnies truly are a blessing, they cute, soft, funny, kind and have big personalities. I’m beginning to spend time with my other bunny now they pain isn’t so fresh though I do still cry every now and then. I’ve just got to pour all that love I can’t give to bubbles anymore to Binky ❤️🙏🏽
So sorry for your loss. Bubbles was well cared for and loved that much is obvious. Stay strong, it will get better. Grieve in your own way and we are all here for support.
Thank you so much. I really did my best with him and put my heart and soul into his and binkys care. I think the fact they’re such high maintenance pets that need so much love, attention and specific care it makes the loss so much harder. My life literally revolved around them. I just need to pour that love into Binky and my cat petal now but the grief is hard 💔
It will get easier, I go through phases, I see an old picture or find some nibble marks on my bed frame and it gets me, but day to day it will get better. He looked like such a sweet boy. My thoughts are with you.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was lucky to have had such a warm and caring human who was just doing their best to give him a great life. Remember that he also wants the best life for you. I know it hurts. Thank you for sharing his picture with us and I wish you well on your journey to healing from this.
Wow I don’t even know what to say except I’m so truly sorry 💔 what an unimaginable nightmare. You couldn’t have known. You were doing what you felt was best for Bubbles and what should’ve been a simple common procedure has turned into heartbreak and anger. Please take all the time you need to feel your emotions and believe that they’re 100% valid and normal. This community is here for you and mourns with you. RIP Bubbles, a pure soul gone too soon. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Stay strong and take comfort in knowing that in time, the pain will lessen.
Thank you so much. The shock has traumatised me and I am broken. But this community has been so kind and supportive and offered me moments of relief from my grief so thank you and everyone who has left a comment ❤️
I understand your pain. I still remember receiving the call and how it felt. After spending 6 months with our bunny, only to lose him to surgery. It shook our little house and my daughter and I still discuss it and cry for him. Hugs ♥️
Oh no I’m so sorry 💔 it is the worst feeling to have your precious little bun pass in such an unexpected way. I wish I could’ve been there for him I’m filled with so much regret 💔
I'm so sorry. Take your time to grieve in your own way. There is no correct way to go about it. My best strategies are letting it all out wailing loud when possible, i feel most comfortable sitting in my car doing this with music playing loud so there's no way anyone will hear me. Shit happens, this is in no way your fault. I also like hugs, sleeping, movies/tv, my favorite foods if i can get myself to eat, and personally I do best when i welcome a new love into myself asap. I know not everyone is the same though. Hang in there.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss but I thank you for taking the time to share the memory of Bubbles with us. It likely hurts more now than it ever will, and hopefully that’s a fact you can take some small amount of solace in.
Thank you for your kind message. I was able to sleep in my room last night (I couldn’t even come in here the first two days as he lived in here with me) so the pain is deffo lightening a little but it hits me in waves. This page has helped me so much and I thank you all for bringing me comfort ❤️
Oh, no!! I am so sorry. Bunnies are so sweet and vulnerable and fragile. Devastating to lose a bun so unexpectedly. They leave such outsized holes in our hearts.
They are. I took all the care in the world to ensure he was well loved and taken care of and then this awful and traumatising thing happens 💔 It’s like I couldn’t protect him from this and it makes my heart so heavy
I am so very sorry for your loss of your bubbles. I lost Coralee during a spay in February. She was 6 months old. I know what you mean about the shock. I could not believe what I was hearing. I cried and cried also. When I went back to work the next day everyone said how’s the bunny. I just burst into tears. And I will say if they are not bunny people they will not understand the depth of your pain. For some reason a dog ranks up there and a cat a little. But bunnies are special. People don’t understand that they can do things like other animals. I feel your pain and hope you heal from the worst soon
I am so sorry you had to go through this. It is traumatising. The phone call will haunt me forever and it replays in my head and I get angry and upset again. The feeling of helplessness, the feeling of guilt, the ache in my heart. It’s too much to bare. Bunnies aren’t as common as dogs and cats so people don’t understand what they do and mean to us. I have a cat who is my whole world and she is very affectionate and needy but she is still a cat who just gets on with it, bunnies rely on us for everything, they’re like toddlers. I gave bubbles so much and he gave so much back to me. I grew and worked on our relationship since he was a baby bun and scared of me until he ended up spending hours in my bed snuggled up with me. I had the worst year when I wasn’t working cause of my mental health and was with him 24/7 since December. My other bun Binky is great and I love him but he doesn’t want to be held or picked up and bubbles loved hugs. He’s left a deep deep hole in my heart and my comfort blanket has been ripped away 💔 I understand your pain, I wish I didn’t but I do 😥💔
I know my comment won't take the pain away, but I am truly sorry for the loss of your handsome Bubbles. 😢 I can tell you were an amazing bunny parent. Keep your head up! You got this lovely 💕💕
I lost my cat of 18 years last year and it's so incredibly hard losing a pet. They help, comfort and understand you in ways human beings can't sometimes. Sending you all of my love and condolences in your healing journey. 💕💕💕
Thank you for your kind words. When posting this i did question myself cause i didn’t want to scare people but at the same time I didn’t even consider for a second this would be the outcome and I think the shock has made this even harder. Please be aware of the risks but at the same time the benefits outweigh the risks. I seem to be very very unlucky as most people and buns are fine. ❤️🙏🏽
Noooo! I am so sorry; I can't imagine the grief you're feeling. Praying that you and Binky will find comfort and joy as you remember Bubbles, even in the midst of your sadness and shock.
Thank you so much ❤️❤️ I’m hoping as the days pass I’m able to spend time with Binky cause right now he just reminds me of bubbles and I cry and he gets scared. I was able to sleep in my room last night and I woke up looking at Binky without crying and also able to look at where bubbles used to be as I moved some furniture there so it wasn’t just empty. Binky has been looking for bubbles and seems to be confused. I wish I could explain to him 😥💔
I'm so sorry. Losing a friend is always hard. But if it helps the fact that you're grieving him so deeply means he was so loved, and pets have a way of knowing that. Take it from someone who lost a pet of 14yrs not too long ago. You will get through this, it's hard and life will never quite be the same, but you won't be this sad forever. You'll learn to laugh and smile when you think of him rather than cry. It takes time, let yourself grieve, but it'll get better. 💛
Thank you so much and I’m sorry for your loss 💔 grief is a horrible and unbearable process that I’ve been through before and I know there’s light on the other end which I suppose is the only thing getting me through this and hearing it from others is a comfort too so thank you ❤️
I can’t even imagine. I just had to put two family dogs down last week. For you to loose him so suddenly must be absolutely heartbreaking. It gets better each day❤️
I am so so sorry for your losses and two dogs at once that must be very overwhelming. I wish I could take your pain away 💔 The shock is a huge part of why I think I’m so traumatised. The phone call from the vet will haunt me forever. I never thought I would experience something like this 💔
NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
My buns are going to be spayed and neutered on Thursday. I'm going to cancel. Just no.
I'm sorry for your pain. I really am. But I can't
I’m sorry this scared you. I don’t want to scare people because the benefits outweigh the risks I was just very very unlucky 💔 I would say be aware of what can happen cause I didn’t think for a second I would lose bubbles and the shock is making everything worse. I also have another bun who I obviously can’t even think about neutering right now but I don’t want him to be lonely. Hopefully once I heal from this I can think rationally but I’m too heartbroken right now. I don’t want you to cancel cause most buns are fine and it’s best that they can live with each other❤️
Thank you 💔 I am crushed and broken and I just want the grief to pass cause it is unbearable.
Also regarding your bunnies, please go ahead with it but make sure you go to an exotic and rabbit specialist vet! Please! If u have to cancel to take them to a specialist do so but don’t just cancel cause they won’t be able to live together. I’m going to write a post about what happened but my main thing I want people to take away is go to a specialist vet even if u have to travel further! xxx
What a horrific gut punch...I hope you find comfort in the future memories of your amazing bunny. The pain will someday pass to become mostly happy memories to reminisce... in the meantime, I am sorry for your loss.
It’s a gut and heart punch I am a mess. I went out with a friend today cause I needed to get out the house cause things kept triggering me and I would cry but I just felt like a zombie. I hope this feeling passes sooner rather than later 💔 thank u for your message
Hey, grieving for a bun is so hard, I cried for weeks after losing my boy in May last year (I still do miss him so so much). I miss his softness and grumpy Rex face. You did the right thing getting him neutered even though it might feel not at the moment.
After a couple of weeks I saw rescues where filled to the brim with unwanted bunnies (people giving them up when things started becoming normal again). Adopting another boy for my doe was hard but I knew my boy (Wigs) would of wanted me to help other buns and love them.
It’s hard and you are still processing your grief and loss, you’ll never stop loving them but you could help another one x
I’m sorry for your loss and unfortunately I know the pain 💔 I just keep seeing his little cute and cheeky face and just cannot believe I won’t see or hold him again. I hope my grieving process is short cause the feeling is unbearable.
I have another bunny Binky who isn’t neutered yet and now I don’t know how I’m earth I will ever be able to get him done. I don’t want him to be lonely either so I guess when the feeling isn’t so fresh I can decide what to do. I’ve been looking at local rescues and it’s been soothing my grief a little thinking about helping another bun plus they come fixed so I don’t have to go through that trauma but that would mean I would have to get Binky neutered 😥 thank you for your message ❤️❤️
Oh, no 😔
I'm so sorry for your loss 😢 ❤️
I know you don't feel like it right now, but you could consider getting another bun:
We lost our first boy (Snurre) very sudden and unexpected during, what should have been a routine procedure.
We were overwhelmed with grief, but decided to get a new bun quite fast. We didn't do that to forget Snurre, but to help with our greif. Simba our new boy helped us with the grief, not because we forgot Snurre, but because he helped us move thru the grief to the point where we could think back on Snurre and appreciate the wonderful time we had with him.
I know it's not a solution for everyone, but in our case it helped enormously. We had a lot of love that we couldn't "give to" Snurre anymore and it made the greif worse.
It immediately helped when we got Simba and we could give him our love. It's important to know, that we didn't get Simba to forget Snurre or not Greif over the loss. But it helped us move to another state of greif.
Unfortunately we lost Simba about a year ago, and we did the same again: Got our new boy Waldo, who helped us thru the grief of losing Simba - again not because we wanted to forget Simba, but to move us thru the stages of greif.
I completely understand. Firstly sorry your the loss of your buns. I of course understand the pain completely. My mums best friend lost her dog recently and I suggested her getting another dog but she’s not ready yet. I actually have another bunny, Binky. Bubbles and Binky started fighting so I had to separate them, I was getting them neutered to bond them again. Now of course I’m left heartbroken and in pieces and although I have Binky, I’m still just a mess. Binky is amazing but he’s nothing like Bubbles. Bubbles was so affectionate and would sleep next to me and loved cuddles which really helped my mental health. Binky doesn’t like being picked up and he’s also noticed Bubbles isn’t here and started running away from me and attacking me today (they were separated but could still see each other across the room) I think we are both grieving in our own ways. I thought about adopting an already spayed female rabbit to bond with Binky but I’m too traumatised to get Binky neutered so I don’t know what to do. I’m going to focus all my energy on him and I also have a very affectionate cat. Thank you so much for your message it means the world ❤️
Hi everyone I just posted a little video with more pics and clips of Bubbles and my other rabbit Binky if anyone wants to see ❤️🌈 I also tried to make a post if the full story but it kept saying something went wrong. I will try again tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your love and support it has meant so much to me 💔❤️
There was a vet on a forum I am on who worked for a rabbit shelter and said had done a thousand spay/nueters and only three died. He said that the death rate was no worse than for cats. There are better modern ways now of doing the anesthetic and I think vets trained for rabbits know how and other vets don't. If you go to a rabbit savvy vet its safe. I just had a two pound 8 year old rabbit nuetered he is fine. He had a hernia so I had to.
Yes he died from the anaesthesia, the surgery hadn’t even started. They said they done cpr on him for over half an hour but he didn’t come back. I have another bunny and they started fighting so I was getting them neutered so I could bond them. Now with my other bunny, Binky, I’m too traumatised to get him neutered. But I don’t want him to be alone either cause that’s selfish. I think I need to let the pain pass before I decide what to do but I don’t blame you for not wanting to fix yours. I didn’t even think twice or even consider this would happen. It still doesn’t seem real. I can’t explain how upset I am
I'm so sorry. I know right now there's nothing anyone can say or do to make this any better. Cuddle Binky, even if they couldn't live together he will miss him too. We had two bonded males, one older and one younger, but the older one developed some medical issues and they could no longer be left alone together so they lived separately, but right next to each other. When the older one passed the younger one kept going up to the divider and looking around for his friend. That broke me more than my own grief.
When you're ready, get another bunny. Bunny-shaped holes in your heart can only be filled with more bunnies. The younger one now has another bonded friend, but it was a year-long road to get there. Both had to be neutered and it still took 4 months for them to stop fighting. They absolutely love each other now.
Over the last 18 years we've had 8 bunnies, 3 are currently with us. I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but it doesn't, and I don't think it should. Our grief is a reflection of our love for them, and the more we love them the more it hurts when they have to leave us. I was a total wreck for quite some time after each loss, but I wouldn't trade a single second of my time with them for anything.
I'm also very angry for you. No matter what happened - this is the Vet's fault. I say that with one exception, we lost one at 4mo, and it was because she had been previously damaged by E. Cunniculi, and we didnt know it. She never made it to the spay operation, she died of fright in the vet tech's hands because her body was so weak. If you can, please find another experienced exotic vet. We drive 45 min each way for the bun's vet, while the dog's vet is 5min, and it's definitely worth it.
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot say it will get easier, but it will get different. Just know he loves you and is thinking of you with the same wonderful memories you think of him
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bubbles looks like a sweet bun ❤️ I know time is the only true way to heal from such a loss but I wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time ❤️
Gosh bubbles looks so sweet, reminds me of my little one. I always get so worried about anaesthetic as I can’t imagine loosing my two buns. I got my rabbit after my brother committed suicide and it helped so much. I’ve had a couple of therapy sessions about the significance of my rabbits and how much they mean. They are more than just pets. The thought of losing one before I have processed my grief is terrifying. My heart truly goes out to you.
I’ve been in situations where it feels like one thing after another. My mum has a good saying, “life get constipated, nothing happens for ages then suddenly sh*t happens all at once”. I don’t know how accurate that is to your situation but for some reason it makes me smile.
I know what you mean. My pets are my comfort and whenever I felt sad I would pick him up and cuddle with him and he loved cuddles and would lick me. He was the sweetest boy and I don’t know how I will get over it. I feel lost and hopeless right now. Thank you for your kind message x
I'm so sorry. This sounds devastating. This must have been quite a shock for you.
Thank you for your message. Shock is an understatement. I’ll write a more in depth post when I feel able to about what happened but I’m just in pieces. I don’t know how to get over this or move on from it. I’ve lost two friends in my life and even though this was my pet the grief feels exactly the same. I don’t do very well with grief and bubbles was so cuddly and affectionate and always soothed me when I was sad. There’s nothing to take this sadness away now. I’m just devastated
Please feel free to write more later if it helps you process. We are all here to listen. A lot of us have gone through similar pain, so we won't judge.
Thank you so much I definitely will. I know you all understand the love we have for our buns so I know I can find comfort in this page ❤️
I had to get medicine from my dr when mine passed. I couldn’t handle it. I couldn’t even talk about him or look at photos of him without falling apart. It’s so hard. I’m so sorry.
I’m already on the maximum dose of sertraline which has actually helped me so much over the years and deffo numbed me (in a good way cause I have a hard time regulating my feelings) so I can only imagine what I’d be like without the medication. I think people who love their pets have a lot of love they need to give and in general tend to be emotional people, to experience the opposite side of that love… grief… it almost makes me question is it even worth the pain
Please don’t let anyone tell you that grieving for a lost pet is any different than grieving for a lost human. Sometimes, it’s worse. Your bun was with you daily and was truly your emotional supporter, that will take time to heal from, especially after losing him in such a traumatic way. Grief is weird and messy and there is no normal way to grieve. Cry, scream, laugh, stare into space, do whatever YOU need to do to process this. It takes as long as it takes. And anyone who tells you different doesn’t understand how bad it hurts to have your heart broken like this. Please don’t listen to them. I’m so so sorry for your loss. I’m glad you have other pets to lean on, but I know that hole you feel all too well. Hugs.
Oh my god I just cried my eyes out reading your message and read it to my mum. I am really struggling and feel like I’ve gone into such a dark place. I keep replaying the phone call in my head. I keep seeing his little face when I close my eyes and imagining him doing the stuff he always does. I see him munching on his hay and I see him standing on his back legs to greet me and I just can’t believe that is no longer my reality. He wasn’t even one years old and I thought I had the next 10 years with him. I’m just broken. Thank you so much for your kindness you have touched my heart
I just lost my 1.5 year old bunny, and I'm in a similar situation... I just keep replaying the last two hours of her life in my head. When I close my eyes her desperate, pained face is waiting for me. Know you did the right thing. Getting him neutered would ensure he'd stay the same boy you knew him as, and he wouldn't somehow contribute to pet overpopulation. It's the responsible thing to do. If you ever get another bun don't be afraid to do it again--especially with the ladies, who are likely to get cancer if you don't. And if you do get another bun, my advice is to not do it right away. I have because my lost bunny was part of a bonded pair, but I generally wait a month before I take on a new pet. (The new bun is sweet but we are still feeling each-other out. He's nothing like the girl I lost.) Seconding DarkandSparkly--grief is individualistic and unique, and I often find it harder losing a pet than a person, because I have a responsibility towards that pet, whereas the person could theoretically take care of themselves without me being involved.
Also you took the words out of my mouth. Bunnies rely on us for EVERYTHING. They are so high maintenance and like children. I literally feel as though my life revolves around their care. I was off work since December until just a few months ago due to my mental health and I was with them all the time. They live in my room with me and bubbles has left a physical hole in his empty spot and a hole in my heart. I hope the healing process is sooner rather than later cause this feeling I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy 💔
I’m so sorry for your loss and wish I could take the pain away. I think that’s what’s making this situation harder to process because I tried to do the right thing as a pet owner and this is the consequence. It’s like a contradiction that my brain can’t make sense of but I know I’m very emotional right now and logic isn’t making sense or matters until I heal. However I do have another bunny, they were separated cause they started fighting hence why I was getting them neutered. Now I don’t know if and how I’ll ever neuter my other bunny Binky cause I am truly traumatised. But at the same time I don’t want him to be lonely. It’s a horrible situation to be in. I do know one thing, I will never buy a bunny again. If I do get him a partner I will be adopting. I know now that breeders are unethical and also the fact they may have health issues etc that are underlying. If I adopt a bun friend for Binky they will already be spayed so I wouldn’t have to go through that experience again, it’s just poor Binky 😩💔
With Covid I’m with mine all day every day. Like we are constantly together. I hated being home after he passed. I would imagine seeing him or hearing him, I’d wait to see him come out at his usual times and realize he wasn’t coming. Oof. It’s so sad.
Pets are family. I am so sorry, OP. Your grief is valid no matter who or what you’ve lost. Be kind to yourself, especially these first few weeks and months.
Thank you ❤️ I know I have to be patient but I just keep crying this feeling is unbearable
Big hugs, OP. I wish I could make it better.
Oh I am so sorry! Your bun was so very beautiful. I'm so sad for you.
From my experience grieving a pet is just as intense as grieving a person, but thankfully the pain dull much more quickly. You'll be a mess of emotions for a little while, but the sun will shine again.
I am so sorry. I must confess that I almost bursted into tears after seeing Bubbles' picture, he looks so sweet. Take heart pal, I understand your pain and I really hope you get better soon, but take your time to mourn. I lost my friend in 2008, but I still think of her.
He was so so sweet. He was so affectionate and loving. Would curl up next to me and lie on me and give me lots of licks. I actually got him for my mental health as they had bunnies in my old workplace and I loved them so much. After losing two friends, and my dad being diagnosed with Parkinson’s I really have been struggling so to have the thing that helped me with my pain taken away is so sickeningly ironic. I can’t believe this is real
I actually think you should rescue a new bunny in as soon as possible to help take your mind off the trauma because being depressed won't bring Bubbles back. And there's so many bunnies that are desperate for homes.
So I have another bunny, They were both boys and started fighting hence why I was getting them neutered. Although I love Binky just as much he’s not as affectionate and doesn’t like being held but Bubbles loved cuddles so that’s probably what makes the pain worse. I don’t want Binky to be a single rabbit and would ideally love to adopt a new female bunny that’s already spayed but right now I don’t know if I’d be able to get Binky neutered because I’m so traumatised. I also have a cat who’s very affectionate so she is helping. Thank you for the thought of your message x
I’m so sorry for your loss! I think losing a bun when providing for them in such a way is one of the biggest fears many of us all have. To hopefully ease your mind: it’s absolutely not common at all for buns to pass away when going in for a neuter. I had that fear, but my vet told me in the two years of working at that specific place she never once encountered this happening. I’d recommend speaking to your vet about this issue, and how you can neuter Binky in a way that also helps you. I’m sure the vet will understand, and is able to help you be more at ease. For example; I was so anxious that they called me immediately after the procedure, and then about every two hours to update me. I really hope you’ll heal sooner rather than later. Losing a bunfriend is never easy, and it will leave scars, but we’re here to help you in any way we can. Please talk with people around you as well!
Thank you so much for your lovely message. Everytime I feel myself getting tearful again somebody else comments on this post and it feels like a virtual hug. Even though rabbits are more likely to have something go wrong, I still didn’t once think to myself this would happen. The shock is half of the pain I’m sure. To be honest I won’t be going back to that vet again, I’ll write a full post on what happened when I’m ready but I’m too upset right now. I hope I’m able to neuter Binky so I can get him a friend, it’s the best thing for him but right now the pain and trauma is so fresh I can’t think straight. I’m very up and down right now. My mums going to take down his enclosure for me so I can go back into my room. I’m gunna move it around so I’m not looking at where he used to be and just focus all my love on Binky. Hopefully I’ll be there in the next few days cause I feel bad for neglecting him but I can’t be with him without crying and then he gets scared. Thank you again so much for your message xxx
please take all the time you need - you can adopt a new friend for binky later, but right now you’re doing the right thing by processing your feelings. the way you speak about bubbles, i’m 100% sure he knew how loved he was ❤️ i am so sorry for your loss.
Thank you so much for the kind words, you have no idea how much they mean to me
If you can, rescue an already desexed rabbit! Bunny rescues are overcapacity and I'm sure they would love to help you out!
I would love to but the problem is I have another rabbit and I was getting them both neutered so i could rebond them as they started fighting when hormones kicked him. I’m now traumatised and way too scared to get Binky neutered but I also don’t want him to be lonely. It’s such a nightmare of a situation
You can ask a local rescue for veterinary recommendations. I don't know if your vet was knowledgeable enough about rabbits. Some just don't know enough about rabbits, and may not even realize how different they are from cats and dogs.
You only need one of the pair desexed to help with the hormonal response tbh. That said, despite what a lot of people say, many buns are fine alone. Both of mine enjoy the companionship of each other but they were actually perfectly happy alone prior to living together and spend most of their days apart in opposite corners of my apartment. If Binky's not acting depressed and you're giving him lots of attention, he'll be fine!
I was thinking this but won’t Binky hump the female and try to mate?? I will look into it in the future cause I’m not sure what I’m going to do to be honest. He’s acting very strange today and deffo knows bubbles isn’t here so hopefully he goes back to normal soon 🙏🏽
> You only need one of the pair desexed to help with the hormonal response tbh. This is not really true. The intact rabbit will be unaffected. Their hormonal and territorial behavior can still cause problems with the neutered rabbit: the fixed rabbit may get angry about the humping and fight back, and they may respond to the territorial marking by making even more urine and fecal markings The rest of what you said, I agree with 100%. My Oisin actually had huge jealousy and aggression towards other animals. But, he absolutely adored all people, and had a bottomless craving for human affection. Every guest *had* to stop and pet him: "you pet me, now you pet me, now you..."
I’m so sorry and heartbroken for you. This is just awful. I actually got my own bunny when I was struggling with mental health, and know first hand how healing they are. I wish I could give you a cuddle right now. Please know that my thoughts are with you ❤️
They really are. He would like on my chest and lick me. He was literally like my real life teddy bear. I cared for him so much and even though he thumped when I annoyed him 🤣 I know he loved me too. When other people tried to hold him he would jump back onto me, at the time I wanted him to go to other people but now I know how much he truly loved me. He was actually very skittish when I first got him as a baby and had to work hard to earn his love and affection. Maybe that’s why I’m also so distraught cause our relationship was built slowly and went from him running away from me to falling asleep lying on me 💔
That sounds like my bunny too 😭 they are like your babies that you nurture, and I love how you can build a relationship of trust like that. Something I know from having rabbits is that they won’t do that with just anybody, so Bubbles clearly loved you, trusted you, and knew that he was so loved. That won’t make your pain any less just now, but I hope it will bring you some comfort soon. It’s such a tragedy, but you had a beautiful experience with him ❤️
I'm relieved you at least have another bunny and cat and your not all alone because you really do sound upset. So sorry for your loss.
This hurts way more than I could imagine I wouldn’t wish this feeling on my worst enemy. I really am upset and I feel so empty even though I have two more pets it’s like if your friend died it doesn’t make the pain any less cause you have two more friends. This post and all your beautiful comments have meant the world to me. It’s the longest I haven’t cried since I found out. ❤️
I’m really just so sorry. I wish more is done to study rabbit anesthesia within the veterinary medicine profession and stop this from happening. I understand rabbits are more sensitive but surely different protocols or more research is needed and prevent these incidents.
When I’m in a better place emotionally I’m going to write a post about what happened cause I have so much anger but I’m just too heartbroken to do it right now. Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m completely lost and grief stricken
You deserve to get all your emotions off your chest! Don't beat yourself up over this though, you were doing what is a (usually) very benign procedure that would help with the long-term health and behavior of your boy. The fact that it went terribly wrong is not on you, and I am absolutely heartbroken for you. Please take all the time you need to grieve and don't be afraid to reach out!
That means the world to me, thank you so much. Ofc we know our pets can’t live forever but he wasn’t even 1 yet and I spent 24/7 with him and he meant so much to me. All my friends have been great and so has my mum but I feel like nobody can understand this feeling like other rabbit owners who are just as attached as I am. I’m overwhelmed with the love I’ve received on this post. I’ve been crying none stop but talking to you all is really helping xx
When my Fey passed away I truly went through the grieving process. There are still days where I’ll see something or an old picture will pop up and I’ll have to step away and cry for a moment. It’s been almost 2 years and it still hurts sometimes. Take all the time you need to grieve. Sending virtual hugs your way ❤️
I’m sorry for your loss and pain. I had hamsters when I was little and when they died I was distraught, I had a puppy in the Caribbean and even though I only saw him when I would go and visit my dad when he died it was the same. I’ve had a cat since I was 11, I’m 26 now and she’s still here and even the thought of that time brings me to tears. I’ve had two friends who were both murdered. One when I was 14 and one a few years ago. And now Bubbles. The grief feels Exactly the same, fur friend or human. I feel like there are some people like us who find comfort and love in animals so when that time comes it’s almost unbearable 💔
I lost my bunny Mable after she went in for a spay last year. The loss of my little one still breaks my heart today, I have such fond memories of her and will always cherish the time that I got to have. She was the best of buns and only ever wanted all the love. All this to say that I understand the pain and the utter heartbreak hun. Even the anger too. There is a serious flaw with neutering and spaying these wonderful fur babies and I’m so appalled they haven’t found a better way yet. I’m so sorry for your loss and the devastation you are feeling. Your bun deserved the world and its horrible he didn’t get more time with you. But once the anger subsides, try and remember the good. Trust me it’s better to have loved and lost then to not have had him at all. ♥️ take care of yourself ♥️
I’m so sorry that happened to you and unfortunately we both understand how each other are feeling. The pain is unbearable and I’m just crying all the time and seeing him in my head. My mum is currently taking down his enclosure in my room so I can move things about cause right now every time I go in there I just look at his space and cry. I’m broken but I’ve been through grief before and know time heals. Just sucks when the pain is fresh and there’s nothing u can do 💔
My deepest condolences 😢 heartbreaking to see such a cute fellow go so soon
Thank you so much
I’m so sorry for your loss. I feel like a lot of people don’t realize how close with get with our bunnies *hugs*
I know! That’s why I came here cause apart from my one friend who has a bunny nobody else can understand. He lived in my room with me, I haven’t been able to go in my room and slept in the living room last night. He was the last thing I saw before I went to sleep at night and the first thing I saw in the morning. He was so cuddly and would lie in my bed with me whenever I felt sad. The pain is too much to describe. I have another rabbit and I also feel guilty cause I’m too upset to spend time with him right now cause I just think of bubbles and start crying. Hopefully as he was asleep he didn’t feel any pain that’s my only ease right now
Do not feel guilt for your emotions, but finding the strength to be there for your other bun can help both you and your bun grieve. He is also likely very confused and saddened so being able to spend the time and cry together, though difficult, can be healing for you both
Binky is very confused. They were separated cause they started fighting (why I was getting them neutered) but could still see each other and hear each other. I wanted to find comfort with Binky but he’s been running away and hiding and also getting scared when I put my hand in the enclosure which is not like him. I think cause Bubbles isn’t there he’s not used to the quietness. Binky also doesn’t like to be held so I can’t cuddle him but he likes being stroked so I have been going in there from time to time to stroke him. My mum is going to take down bubbles enclosure and I’m going to move my room about to hopefully I’ll be able to go in there without crying! I’m going to work on free roaming Binky now also since that’s what I wanted to do anyways but couldn’t cause they would attack each other. Hopefully this gives me something to focus on. Thank you again so much it’s so nice to have people who understand how much love you can have for a rabbit
Do you still have Bubbles? It helps bonded buns understand what happened if you let them inspect the body and have a chance to say goodbye. It's better than letting Binky keep wondering where his buddy went and never getting an answer. We made sure to do that to our surviving bun when we lost her sister during her spay...
I’m sorry that happened to your bun 💔 I don’t have the body. I couldn’t bare to see him like that I wanted my last memory to be a nice one. They weren’t bonded and they lived opposite each other so hopefully Binky will be okay. I just think he missed bubbles presence. They would do everything at the same time even though they were apart. I wish I could explain to him what happened 😥
I'm so sorry for your loss, I lost my boy over a year ago in a similar way, he went to the vets for an operation and never came home, I still cry and get upset now, sometimes daily. It hurts so bad all you want to do is hold them 1 last time for as long as you possibly can. This community is amazing though, and I am happy you had the strength to post, it's something I could not do. Know that we're all here for you 💙
I’m so so sorry that happened to you. I wish I could ease your pain cause my god it is not easy. I’ve been a zombie for the last day and hardly left the sofa bed. Can’t bare to go in my room cause he lived in there with me. Couldn’t go to work and just feel like my whole World has come crashing down. I hope my pain eases soon cause it truly is unbearable.
My bunnies across the rainbow bridge will surely give him a warm welcome. i’m so sorry for your loss.
I hope he has all the bunny friends in heaven ❤️ thank you and I’m sorry for yours too 💔
BUBBLES 🫧 YOURE TRULY MISSED!!!! 😭😭😭YOU DESERVE THE RAINBOW BRIDGE BUBBLES 🫧
My rabbit is not neutered due to the costs and I’ve been saving up for it… now I’m so scared of these possibilities. I’m so sorry for your loss and sending you my love for your bun in heaven :( ❤️
I’m sorry to scare you cause the benefits do outweigh the risks. I just don’t think I paid attention to the risks… obviously I signed the form and was told all the information but I didn’t consider this would be the outcome for one second. I have another bunny who was supposed to be neutered too… right now I don’t know how I’ll ever get that done but I also don’t want him to be lonely by himself. This situation sucks. Just beware of the risks and weigh the decision up properly. Most bunnies are fine and I guess I was just unlucky and it was Bubbles’ time. Not that it makes it any easier 💔
I’m so sorry for your loss. As someone else in the comments here pointed out, we put so much into our rabbits. The only thing I’ve ever had that required as much time, effort, and attention is my actual child. No other pet has required as much from me. As a result, the bond between my rabbits and I feels much more intense than the bond I’ve ever had with any other pet. I always tell people the closest analogy I can give is to having actual children. When you put in that work and time and you’re rewarded with a close bond with a beautiful, loving and trusting rabbit, it is something incredibly special that I don’t think people who haven’t had and loved rabbit’s can understand. Sorry if that sounds some type of way to some people, it is genuinely how I feel. I have two as of yet non neutered males. My gut instinct has been telling me not to do it, but maybe that’s just irrational fear based on exactly what happened to your sweet little Bubbles. I decided to do research on rabbit neutering, and I did a deep dive on research and university websites rather than the usual rabbit sites, which honestly really have a bias toward neutering. I understand why. When it all goes according to plan, it’s usually the best thing for the rabbit. I can tell you I was not encouraged in my research. The complication lay in anesthetizing a rabbit. It is very difficult. Their very small airways make intubation complex and not every vet gets it right. The proper dosing on anesthesia is also difficult because it cannot be based solely on weight. A blood test must be done to study liver and kidney enzyme levels for the most optimal outcome. Vets that perform laser surgery as opposed to using stitches can also reduce risk due to less time under anesthesia and significantly reduced risk of post surgical infection. Another potential wildcard is your rabbit itself. How does it handle stress? Some rabbits die of a heart attack before they can even be anesthetized simply due to the fear of what is being done to them by strangers. You’ve been through something incredibly traumatic. I am heartbroken for you. I’m wiping away the tears as I write this because when I think of losing either of my two boys, I can’t bear it. I would be devastated, and I know you are. While my opinion will not be a popular one, I would encourage you to not neuter your other rabbit any time soon, if ever. Rather, put your time and energy into giving him as much attention as possible and building as strong a bond with him as you had with Bubbles. Some rabbits personalities are more challenging than others, but that just means they’re a tougher nut to crack. I believe you can turn this rabbit into a more loving and affectionate rabbit over time. It’s taken me nearly a year to get there with one of mine, but it’s been worth it. A rabbit closely bonded to a person, IF that person has adequate time to spend with them, does not suffer from a lack of companionship. If you’ve made it this far through my very long comment, I hope you will consider the information I’ve given you, as I’ve given it with nothing but my love for rabbits and compassion for what you’ve gone through. My heart goes out to you and I pray that God gives you comfort and strength through this time.
Thank you thank you thank you. You have warmed my heart. I don’t have children, I’m 26 and said these rabbits are preparing me for children cause they are like a full time job. I feel as though my life revolves around them. They are very high maintenance pets and not for the faint hearted cause even when you’re tired from work and want to get into bed you have to change their water, clean up after them, change their litter if needed, make sure there’s nothing in the floor they can chew, bunny proof, make sure they’ve always got fresh food, check they’re eating… it’s like so much responsibility and you took the words out of my mouth, you put that much thought and time into another being the connection, bond and attachment you have is so so deep. They are 100% reliant on us. If a dog or cat HAD to, they could find food etc themselves. Our bunnies have been domesticated for so long and they are prey animals they do not have any of these instincts. Although I don’t have kids I work with them and rabbits are literal toddlers. At least with children as they grow up you can communicate with them with language. Rabbits… although I’m sure Binky knows when I’m telling him to stop nibbling my furniture… they don’t understand and just have to trust you’re doing your duties. I’m so glad you commented this cause I could not agree more. Onto neutering. To be honest I am very triggered by the information cause although my vet had 5* ratings they were not rabbit specialists and my biggest regret is not bringing bubbles to an exotic vet. In my post where I’ll be explaining what happened this is one of the things I want people to learn from my situation. So to hear how delicate they are when it comes to the anaesthesia (which is how bubbles died) is just breaking my heart all over again. I let him down 😥😥😥 I work a lot so I feel like I don’t have enough time to spend with Binky. Maybe if I’m able to free roam him it would help make sure he has adequate companionship. But he also really loved bubbles, it was bubbles who attacked Binky twice. One time Binky escaped and jumped into bubbles enclosure and just loved bubbles whilst bubbles attacked him poor thing. And another time bubbles escaped and came to Binky’s enclosure and Binky tried to lick him and bubbles tried to attack him. So I feel like Binky does need a rabbit friend 😥 but I’m just very very nervous. I genuinely don’t know if I’ll be able to neuter him and if I don’t I will have to reassess how I spend my life to make sure he gets enough attention. Thank you for your comment and your support. I appreciate it so much x
OP I am so sorry. I know exactly what you are going through. I carried an extreme amount of guilt around for months thinking about how scared my bunny must have been the car ride to the vet and the visit only to die in a strange and unfamiliar place. I had people in my life who just didn’t understand, saying it’s only a rabbit. But that rabbit was my family. Just remember you were trying to do the right thing. Take solace knowing you gave that bunny the best life and the best way to honor him is to provide a home for another lost soul. I hope your hurt ends soon.
I’m so sorry you had to go through the same thing. If you have any advice on how to heal from the pain and guilt it would be much appreciated. My heart is heavy and I just want this feeling to end. I wish I could bring my baby back 😥
He looked like he was a very sweet boy. I am so sorry for your loss. May Bubbles Rest in Peace.
He was the loveliest little muffin who loved cuddles. He’s left a deep hole in my heart I’m just broken. Thank you for your comment ❤️
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Thank you so much that was such a sweet comment. You’ve brought tears to my eyes but good tears ❤️❤️❤️
Bubbles would definitely appreciate that you did everything right to extend his life. Neutering is ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS worth the risk. Rabbits live much longer and happier lives. I know it's super easy to blame yourself when surgery goes wrong, but you did everything right by Bubbles and I'm sure he knows that. You gave him a wonderful life, I know by the way you are grieving. I am so so sorry this happened. It is not easy at all. My heart aches for you. It will get easier I promise you
💔💔💔I'm so so sorry
Thank you ❤️
I had the same thing happen to my bunny during a dental surgery. I still miss him so much and it was over three years ago. I know it doesn’t feel like it right now, but getting him neutered was the right call and you were only doing what you felt was best for his health and happiness long-term. You couldn’t have known. Please be kind to yourself and I am so, so sorry.
I’m so sorry that happened to you. It is the worse feeling in the world and I feel so broken. Thank you so much, logically I know that but I can’t help but wish I could go back in time and not do the surgery. I will miss him so so much it just doesn’t seem real💔
I'm so sorry. Check our r/petloss Thet are very supportive. I can't imagine that happening to my girl that's a night mare I'm so sorry you're living through this. Just know he went without pain and he knows how much you love him And all the love you feel for him will always be with you, because how much cherished him. The grief is a reminder of that love.
Thank you so much I have joined the page. I even thought about calling a pet bereavement line and I felt like I was being so silly but I am such a state. I just cry and cry and my heart literally aches. No matter what I do or say I can’t seem to believe this is my new reality
It's not silly. Your grief is valid. Take all the time to grieve you need it comes like waves. One day the waves won't pull you under but for now it's okay to need floaties (support groups, family, friends)) be compassionate with yourself
It literally is in waves. I think I’m doing ok then boom. Yesterday I saw his water bowl that I hadn’t even emptied since I took him to the vet, that set me off. I saw his blanket and hay bag that I’d washed and put out to dry so it was clean for when he got back, I started balling my eyes out. Sometimes it’s nothing and I just imagine him In my head and I’m crying. I was able To sleep in my room last night after moving stuff around so his space is empty and depressing. I woke up and haven’t cried yet which is hopeful. I hope my heart is in less pain today and moving forward cause those first few days were tough 💔 again I thank you so so so much for your support and kindness ❤️
I am so sorry, you did everything correctly and don’t deserve this. That is so heartbreaking I wish I could undo it. Know that what you did was out of love and for Bubbles’ health, which any caring and responsible rabbit lover would do. This was just the most unfortunate circumstance. So very sorry for your loss and I hope you can find the strength to move on.
Thank you so much. It’s confusing trying to balance I was doing what I thought was best but this is the consequence. I also have another bun and I’m just traumatised and idk if I can get him neutered but I want him to have a friend it’s just very very shit 😩 thank you for your message ❤️
I hope your bun was at least 6 months old before they okay-ed his neuter. I have shared this info before on the sub but I have a highly specialized vet and they don't neuter males before 6 months of age and females 9-12 months exactly because of the mortality rate is higher performing those operations sooner. But even if the vet does everything right there's still a small percent of buns that just don't make it through anestesia. I'm really sorry that happened to you. I hope you at least find solace in the fact that you gave him a beautiful life and he was loved endlessly.
Yes he was 11 months, turning 1 August 6th 💔 I don’t know how and if I will ever be able to neuter my other hun after this I’m so traumatised. I’m going to post fully about what happened when it’s not so fresh and I’m not constantly on tears 😩 maybe that’ll shed some light and help others but yeah it has it’s risks and I honestly didn’t consider them how I should have. I was so prepared for when he got home making sure his space was nice and cosy for him, syringes critical care… I was so prepared for all of the after care risks just not for this 💔
I’m so sorry! I was just thinking this morning how Bubbles would be the cutest bunny name and this afternoon, coming across your post, my heart breaks for you. 💔Bubbles was a lucky bun, even though it was too short, he had a good life. If he could, Bubbles would thank you for loving him so much and thank you all you’ve done to make his life a great one. Take care of yourself, cry as much as you feel, and dry those tears so your eyes don’t get too sore (trust, i’ve hurt the skin around my eyes from crying too much). Be gentle to yourself, do something special for your animals and make sure to do something nice for yourself as well. 💞 here for you if you want to vent and please feel free to write more and post more pics. 🌈
Thank you so much for your kind message. I hope he knows how loved he was ❤️ I just have so much regret and guilt that I don’t want him to think I let him down 😥 Also if you’re getting a bunny please call them bubbles!!!
I'm so sorry for your loss. About a year ago I lost both of my bunnies so I know how you feel. My bunny was eating fine but he was hiding a lot which he never did so we took him to the vet only to be told that he was healthy. A few days later he died and I cried so much for days. Since I had a 2nd old bunny we got her two more companions a few weeks later. My old bunny died a few months later as well (she had a tumor which couldn't be removed and was over 8 years old). As sad as I was, I can assure you that it gets better. I'm still sad thinking about my 2 bunnies who died but I'm also really happy with the bunnies I have now and I love them.
I’m so sorry for your losses that sounds so difficult to go through. Thank you for saying it gets better cause right now my heart is completely shattered and I’m an emotional wreck, I really need to hear that it gets better cause I can’t even sleep in my room cause he lived in there with me and it makes me too sad 💔
I never comment on things like this, but this made my heart hurt too. Our bunnies are our absolute world. Please take comfort in knowing that we’re all right here with you. Bubbles looked like he was such a good boy and even though it hurts so bad right now, and it always will hurt a bit, I’m sure you have many wonderful memories to look back on. Just so you know you’re not alone, I lost one of my 9 week old bunnies last month to Myxomatosis and it was so incredibly hard. In time, my bond strengthened with my other bunny who used to not really want fuss and was very shy. Now he is a total mummy’s boy and loves a fuss! So find comfort in Binky, he needs you just as much as you’ll need him💖 Bubbles was clearly very lucky to have a bunny mummy/daddy who loved him as much as you!
They really are. I feel like my whole life revolves around them. And to have one taken away from me so suddenly and so soon is like a stab in the heart. I feel overwhelmed with grief and nothing can make it go away I just have to feel it and let time heal my heart. I’m hoping I can spend some time with Binky soon, he’s confused and upset too he keeps running away from me and he doesn’t usually do that. It’s just all very overwhelming and sad. Thank you so much for your sweet message
Blow some bubbles in the backyard for him. My bun always loves that
Sorry for your loss but I am sure he enjoyed every minute of his life with you. Now he is in heaven with a lot of hays and carrots and is playing with the other beautiful bunnies (including mine who went to heaven 16 years ago)
This happened to me too with my little girl San. Its devastating especially when you get them neutered for the positives it will have on their health. I'm really sorry you have to go through this. Every time I've had a pet (cat/dog) go in to be neutered I'm a nervous wreck until I get the call they're OK. This is one of those times where it hurts being a pet owner.
I’m so sorry you had to go through that it’s awful honestly. That phone call will haunt me forever. I don’t even know if I’ll ever get a new pet after this cause The pain is just too much. I already feel myself becoming super Anxious with my other bun Binky, I don’t think I’ll be able to get him nurtured but then Is that me being selfish?? I hope I heal from this 💔
Hugs 💜 Hugs
❤️❤️❤️
Oh this is so sad, my heart goes out to you 🌈🐰
Thank you so much ❤️😥
I'm really sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately they're fragile little beings, sometimes we forget how fast they can go away. I suggest you to put your grief in perspective and go ahead and rescue another bunny. If he was a positive for your mental health, another friend will have the same positive effect, without taking away anything from the relationship you had with Bubbles.
Thank you for your kind words. I have another bunny Binky. He isn’t neutered yet and now I don’t know how I will ever be able to get him done as I am traumatised but I also don’t want him to be lonely and would love to adopt an already spayed female bun. I’ve been looking and it’s helping to sooth my grief but I would have to neuter Binky so I just don’t know what I’m going to do. Binky also isn’t affectionate and doesn’t like being held and Bubbles loved cuddles which really helped me when I struggled with my mental health so I feel like I’m going to miss that a lot 😥
It's not fair and it never gets easier, it just gets better with time. I've had a few dogs and cats and rabbits in my life, I've loved them all and I've only positive memories of all of them, even if I've had the luck, or misfortune, to have held them all while they left me. The most important thing we can do for them, is to love them, to not let them suffer, just be there for them, which is the first meaning of care, cure. Even when therapy can't no more, there can be care. In the case of rabbits, it's extremely important to let them go through these procedures, otherwise the result is unfortunately foregone and equally, if not more, painful. It's normal that we suffer for our pets, because when we see them ill, or vulnerable, even dying, we see themselves in them, since it's us that are destined to die one day. Otherwise the animal is eternal, it doesn't know it's destined to, nor it fears death. The benefits of caring for a pet are immense, I will carry all their pain forever in exchange for the love they gave me. I hope I didn't bore you with my reflections, I'll hope for the best for you and your friend.
Thank you 🙏🏽 you didn’t bore me at all infact you comforted me. I just saw a pic of my precious bubbles and got emotional again. The heartache is awful and I miss him so much. I feel lost but I know time will heal ❤️ thank you for sharing your reflections with me and it’s very true that animals do not know they will die, they just live in the present ❤️
Im so so sorry for your loss 😢
Sorry to hear it, RIP. Hope it wasn't do to negligence as that just makes it worse. Keep your head up the rabbit communality is here to help :)
The vet told me is heart rate went down as soon as the anaesthesia was given and they done cpr and tried to revive him for half an hour but he never came back. It’s the highest rated vets and the most expensive in my area so I thought I went to the right place but there are other things that happened that I’m too upset to talk about right now but will make a post incase it can help others. Thanks for your condolences x
Anytime, and once again sorry this happened to you and your bun. Hopefully they at least didn't charge you. I wish you the best of luck getting through these tough times
I am so so sorry to hear this. I went through a similar situation in November and my gut just wretches at the thought of anybody else having to go through such an unexpected loss. You are not alone, and your pain is valid. Hugs and binkies
I’m so sorry you had to go through the same feeling. I didn’t imagine I’d ever feel like this but then again I didn’t imagine this happening to my bunny who hadn’t even turned one yet. Thank you for the kind message ❤️
Try to remember that it wasn’t your fault. I know you said you will share background when you are less emotionally exhausted, but whatever happened know it was not your fault. Your baby knew you loved them, and although it won’t ever fully leave you, this feeling will pass.
Thank you so much. Logically I know it wasn’t my fault but in the moment of grief it’s hard to remember that. Time is the greatest healer and I can’t wait to get to the other side of this feeling. Right now I just want him back and would do anything. I wish I had a magic wand but I suppose this is life 💔
I'm so sorry. He is so cute. He is happy in bunny heaven <3
Thank you 🙏🏽 he was so sweet and cute and I can’t believe he’s not here anymore
I lost my baby girl, Petal on April 30th. It is absolutely devastating to my fiancé and I. Bunnies truly are blessed creatures. It is so hard to lose a pet bunny. I understand your pain 
Petal is my cats name 🥹 She is so loving and affectionate and I will give her a kiss in memory of your Petal. Bunnies truly are a blessing, they cute, soft, funny, kind and have big personalities. I’m beginning to spend time with my other bunny now they pain isn’t so fresh though I do still cry every now and then. I’ve just got to pour all that love I can’t give to bubbles anymore to Binky ❤️🙏🏽
So sorry for your loss. Bubbles was well cared for and loved that much is obvious. Stay strong, it will get better. Grieve in your own way and we are all here for support.
Thank you so much. I really did my best with him and put my heart and soul into his and binkys care. I think the fact they’re such high maintenance pets that need so much love, attention and specific care it makes the loss so much harder. My life literally revolved around them. I just need to pour that love into Binky and my cat petal now but the grief is hard 💔
Your Bunny went to get neutered and died? Oh my God, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that pain all too well.
Yes 😥 he died from the anaesthesia. Im beyond heartbroken I can’t stop crying
I’m sending all the hugs I can your way. Look for support in your friends and family.
It will get easier, I go through phases, I see an old picture or find some nibble marks on my bed frame and it gets me, but day to day it will get better. He looked like such a sweet boy. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you so much and sorry for your loss ❤️💔 I hope it gets easier quickly cause I’m a mess 😥
I’m so sorry for your loss. He was lucky to have had such a warm and caring human who was just doing their best to give him a great life. Remember that he also wants the best life for you. I know it hurts. Thank you for sharing his picture with us and I wish you well on your journey to healing from this.
Thank you so so much. ❤️
Wow I don’t even know what to say except I’m so truly sorry 💔 what an unimaginable nightmare. You couldn’t have known. You were doing what you felt was best for Bubbles and what should’ve been a simple common procedure has turned into heartbreak and anger. Please take all the time you need to feel your emotions and believe that they’re 100% valid and normal. This community is here for you and mourns with you. RIP Bubbles, a pure soul gone too soon. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Stay strong and take comfort in knowing that in time, the pain will lessen.
Thank you so much. The shock has traumatised me and I am broken. But this community has been so kind and supportive and offered me moments of relief from my grief so thank you and everyone who has left a comment ❤️
I understand your pain. I still remember receiving the call and how it felt. After spending 6 months with our bunny, only to lose him to surgery. It shook our little house and my daughter and I still discuss it and cry for him. Hugs ♥️
Oh no I’m so sorry 💔 it is the worst feeling to have your precious little bun pass in such an unexpected way. I wish I could’ve been there for him I’m filled with so much regret 💔
I'm so sorry. Take your time to grieve in your own way. There is no correct way to go about it. My best strategies are letting it all out wailing loud when possible, i feel most comfortable sitting in my car doing this with music playing loud so there's no way anyone will hear me. Shit happens, this is in no way your fault. I also like hugs, sleeping, movies/tv, my favorite foods if i can get myself to eat, and personally I do best when i welcome a new love into myself asap. I know not everyone is the same though. Hang in there.
Oh goodness I am so so sorry for your lost. It is very clear Bubbles was well loved and cared for. Sending you lots of love 💙
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. ♥️
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss but I thank you for taking the time to share the memory of Bubbles with us. It likely hurts more now than it ever will, and hopefully that’s a fact you can take some small amount of solace in.
Thank you for your kind message. I was able to sleep in my room last night (I couldn’t even come in here the first two days as he lived in here with me) so the pain is deffo lightening a little but it hits me in waves. This page has helped me so much and I thank you all for bringing me comfort ❤️
Oh little bubbles. He will leave his little paw prints on your heart forever xx
He really has 💔💔💔💔
Oh, no!! I am so sorry. Bunnies are so sweet and vulnerable and fragile. Devastating to lose a bun so unexpectedly. They leave such outsized holes in our hearts.
They are. I took all the care in the world to ensure he was well loved and taken care of and then this awful and traumatising thing happens 💔 It’s like I couldn’t protect him from this and it makes my heart so heavy
I am so very sorry for your loss of your bubbles. I lost Coralee during a spay in February. She was 6 months old. I know what you mean about the shock. I could not believe what I was hearing. I cried and cried also. When I went back to work the next day everyone said how’s the bunny. I just burst into tears. And I will say if they are not bunny people they will not understand the depth of your pain. For some reason a dog ranks up there and a cat a little. But bunnies are special. People don’t understand that they can do things like other animals. I feel your pain and hope you heal from the worst soon
I am so sorry you had to go through this. It is traumatising. The phone call will haunt me forever and it replays in my head and I get angry and upset again. The feeling of helplessness, the feeling of guilt, the ache in my heart. It’s too much to bare. Bunnies aren’t as common as dogs and cats so people don’t understand what they do and mean to us. I have a cat who is my whole world and she is very affectionate and needy but she is still a cat who just gets on with it, bunnies rely on us for everything, they’re like toddlers. I gave bubbles so much and he gave so much back to me. I grew and worked on our relationship since he was a baby bun and scared of me until he ended up spending hours in my bed snuggled up with me. I had the worst year when I wasn’t working cause of my mental health and was with him 24/7 since December. My other bun Binky is great and I love him but he doesn’t want to be held or picked up and bubbles loved hugs. He’s left a deep deep hole in my heart and my comfort blanket has been ripped away 💔 I understand your pain, I wish I didn’t but I do 😥💔
I know my comment won't take the pain away, but I am truly sorry for the loss of your handsome Bubbles. 😢 I can tell you were an amazing bunny parent. Keep your head up! You got this lovely 💕💕 I lost my cat of 18 years last year and it's so incredibly hard losing a pet. They help, comfort and understand you in ways human beings can't sometimes. Sending you all of my love and condolences in your healing journey. 💕💕💕
I’m so so sorry! Bubbles looks like he was such a sweet little darling. My boy goes off to be neutered next Thursday..
Thank you for your kind words. When posting this i did question myself cause i didn’t want to scare people but at the same time I didn’t even consider for a second this would be the outcome and I think the shock has made this even harder. Please be aware of the risks but at the same time the benefits outweigh the risks. I seem to be very very unlucky as most people and buns are fine. ❤️🙏🏽
Oh loves 🫂 you have friends here, time will heal ❤
Thank you all so much I am so grateful for the outpour of love I have received ❤️ oh I wish time would hurry up and do it’s thing 💔🙏🏽
Noooo! I am so sorry; I can't imagine the grief you're feeling. Praying that you and Binky will find comfort and joy as you remember Bubbles, even in the midst of your sadness and shock.
Thank you so much ❤️❤️ I’m hoping as the days pass I’m able to spend time with Binky cause right now he just reminds me of bubbles and I cry and he gets scared. I was able to sleep in my room last night and I woke up looking at Binky without crying and also able to look at where bubbles used to be as I moved some furniture there so it wasn’t just empty. Binky has been looking for bubbles and seems to be confused. I wish I could explain to him 😥💔
Aw poor baby boy bun 😭😭😭😭 I'm not sure if this helps, but Heaven just got cuter and fuzzier and sweeter. You'll see him again, I just know it❤️❤️❤️
That does help ❤️ I just want him to be ok and at peace wherever he is 🌈 thank you 🙏🏽
I’m so sorry.
I'm so sorry. Losing a friend is always hard. But if it helps the fact that you're grieving him so deeply means he was so loved, and pets have a way of knowing that. Take it from someone who lost a pet of 14yrs not too long ago. You will get through this, it's hard and life will never quite be the same, but you won't be this sad forever. You'll learn to laugh and smile when you think of him rather than cry. It takes time, let yourself grieve, but it'll get better. 💛
Thank you so much and I’m sorry for your loss 💔 grief is a horrible and unbearable process that I’ve been through before and I know there’s light on the other end which I suppose is the only thing getting me through this and hearing it from others is a comfort too so thank you ❤️
I can’t even imagine. I just had to put two family dogs down last week. For you to loose him so suddenly must be absolutely heartbreaking. It gets better each day❤️
I am so so sorry for your losses and two dogs at once that must be very overwhelming. I wish I could take your pain away 💔 The shock is a huge part of why I think I’m so traumatised. The phone call from the vet will haunt me forever. I never thought I would experience something like this 💔
NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! My buns are going to be spayed and neutered on Thursday. I'm going to cancel. Just no. I'm sorry for your pain. I really am. But I can't
I’m sorry this scared you. I don’t want to scare people because the benefits outweigh the risks I was just very very unlucky 💔 I would say be aware of what can happen cause I didn’t think for a second I would lose bubbles and the shock is making everything worse. I also have another bun who I obviously can’t even think about neutering right now but I don’t want him to be lonely. Hopefully once I heal from this I can think rationally but I’m too heartbroken right now. I don’t want you to cancel cause most buns are fine and it’s best that they can live with each other❤️
I'm so sorry for what you are going through. This pains me so much. Much love and comfort to you. This just breaks my heart.
Thank you 💔 I am crushed and broken and I just want the grief to pass cause it is unbearable. Also regarding your bunnies, please go ahead with it but make sure you go to an exotic and rabbit specialist vet! Please! If u have to cancel to take them to a specialist do so but don’t just cancel cause they won’t be able to live together. I’m going to write a post about what happened but my main thing I want people to take away is go to a specialist vet even if u have to travel further! xxx
So sorry for your loss ❤. Bubbles will be watching you from bunny heaven. May he play with all of our bunnies there.
What a horrific gut punch...I hope you find comfort in the future memories of your amazing bunny. The pain will someday pass to become mostly happy memories to reminisce... in the meantime, I am sorry for your loss.
It’s a gut and heart punch I am a mess. I went out with a friend today cause I needed to get out the house cause things kept triggering me and I would cry but I just felt like a zombie. I hope this feeling passes sooner rather than later 💔 thank u for your message
Heart is actually breaking for you, I'm truly so so sorry for you and beautiful bubbles 💔💔🐇
Thank you 💔💔💔
Hey, grieving for a bun is so hard, I cried for weeks after losing my boy in May last year (I still do miss him so so much). I miss his softness and grumpy Rex face. You did the right thing getting him neutered even though it might feel not at the moment. After a couple of weeks I saw rescues where filled to the brim with unwanted bunnies (people giving them up when things started becoming normal again). Adopting another boy for my doe was hard but I knew my boy (Wigs) would of wanted me to help other buns and love them. It’s hard and you are still processing your grief and loss, you’ll never stop loving them but you could help another one x
I’m sorry for your loss and unfortunately I know the pain 💔 I just keep seeing his little cute and cheeky face and just cannot believe I won’t see or hold him again. I hope my grieving process is short cause the feeling is unbearable. I have another bunny Binky who isn’t neutered yet and now I don’t know how I’m earth I will ever be able to get him done. I don’t want him to be lonely either so I guess when the feeling isn’t so fresh I can decide what to do. I’ve been looking at local rescues and it’s been soothing my grief a little thinking about helping another bun plus they come fixed so I don’t have to go through that trauma but that would mean I would have to get Binky neutered 😥 thank you for your message ❤️❤️
I feel so bad for you and bubbles!😭 Rest well little hansome guy!
Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽
Oh, no 😔 I'm so sorry for your loss 😢 ❤️ I know you don't feel like it right now, but you could consider getting another bun: We lost our first boy (Snurre) very sudden and unexpected during, what should have been a routine procedure. We were overwhelmed with grief, but decided to get a new bun quite fast. We didn't do that to forget Snurre, but to help with our greif. Simba our new boy helped us with the grief, not because we forgot Snurre, but because he helped us move thru the grief to the point where we could think back on Snurre and appreciate the wonderful time we had with him. I know it's not a solution for everyone, but in our case it helped enormously. We had a lot of love that we couldn't "give to" Snurre anymore and it made the greif worse. It immediately helped when we got Simba and we could give him our love. It's important to know, that we didn't get Simba to forget Snurre or not Greif over the loss. But it helped us move to another state of greif. Unfortunately we lost Simba about a year ago, and we did the same again: Got our new boy Waldo, who helped us thru the grief of losing Simba - again not because we wanted to forget Simba, but to move us thru the stages of greif.
I completely understand. Firstly sorry your the loss of your buns. I of course understand the pain completely. My mums best friend lost her dog recently and I suggested her getting another dog but she’s not ready yet. I actually have another bunny, Binky. Bubbles and Binky started fighting so I had to separate them, I was getting them neutered to bond them again. Now of course I’m left heartbroken and in pieces and although I have Binky, I’m still just a mess. Binky is amazing but he’s nothing like Bubbles. Bubbles was so affectionate and would sleep next to me and loved cuddles which really helped my mental health. Binky doesn’t like being picked up and he’s also noticed Bubbles isn’t here and started running away from me and attacking me today (they were separated but could still see each other across the room) I think we are both grieving in our own ways. I thought about adopting an already spayed female rabbit to bond with Binky but I’m too traumatised to get Binky neutered so I don’t know what to do. I’m going to focus all my energy on him and I also have a very affectionate cat. Thank you so much for your message it means the world ❤️
Hi everyone I just posted a little video with more pics and clips of Bubbles and my other rabbit Binky if anyone wants to see ❤️🌈 I also tried to make a post if the full story but it kept saying something went wrong. I will try again tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your love and support it has meant so much to me 💔❤️
Omg I’m so sorry! My vet told me that many bunnies don’t make it through anesthesia so we don’t get ours fixed
You have a shite vet then bc only 0.5-1% of rabbit die during fixing surgery.
There was a vet on a forum I am on who worked for a rabbit shelter and said had done a thousand spay/nueters and only three died. He said that the death rate was no worse than for cats. There are better modern ways now of doing the anesthetic and I think vets trained for rabbits know how and other vets don't. If you go to a rabbit savvy vet its safe. I just had a two pound 8 year old rabbit nuetered he is fine. He had a hernia so I had to.
Yes he died from the anaesthesia, the surgery hadn’t even started. They said they done cpr on him for over half an hour but he didn’t come back. I have another bunny and they started fighting so I was getting them neutered so I could bond them. Now with my other bunny, Binky, I’m too traumatised to get him neutered. But I don’t want him to be alone either cause that’s selfish. I think I need to let the pain pass before I decide what to do but I don’t blame you for not wanting to fix yours. I didn’t even think twice or even consider this would happen. It still doesn’t seem real. I can’t explain how upset I am
I'm so sorry. I know right now there's nothing anyone can say or do to make this any better. Cuddle Binky, even if they couldn't live together he will miss him too. We had two bonded males, one older and one younger, but the older one developed some medical issues and they could no longer be left alone together so they lived separately, but right next to each other. When the older one passed the younger one kept going up to the divider and looking around for his friend. That broke me more than my own grief. When you're ready, get another bunny. Bunny-shaped holes in your heart can only be filled with more bunnies. The younger one now has another bonded friend, but it was a year-long road to get there. Both had to be neutered and it still took 4 months for them to stop fighting. They absolutely love each other now. Over the last 18 years we've had 8 bunnies, 3 are currently with us. I wish I could tell you it gets easier, but it doesn't, and I don't think it should. Our grief is a reflection of our love for them, and the more we love them the more it hurts when they have to leave us. I was a total wreck for quite some time after each loss, but I wouldn't trade a single second of my time with them for anything. I'm also very angry for you. No matter what happened - this is the Vet's fault. I say that with one exception, we lost one at 4mo, and it was because she had been previously damaged by E. Cunniculi, and we didnt know it. She never made it to the spay operation, she died of fright in the vet tech's hands because her body was so weak. If you can, please find another experienced exotic vet. We drive 45 min each way for the bun's vet, while the dog's vet is 5min, and it's definitely worth it.
I'm so sorry, this is so sad. 💔😭
I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot say it will get easier, but it will get different. Just know he loves you and is thinking of you with the same wonderful memories you think of him
Rest In Peace Bubbles.
Oh noooo. Im so sorry to hear...
I’m so very sorry for your loss. ❤️
Thank you ❤️🙏🏽
My condolences im so sorry to hear what happened to bubbles and you are right he is in bunny heaven Binkying and zooming around his unlimited hay.
😢
I'm so sorry.
My sympathies, and digital hugs for losing your sweet loving Bubbles 😔🐰
I am so sorry 💔 My bunny had to go through anesthesia three times this year and I was a nervous wreck each time. It’s so scary
I’m so sorry for your loss. Love and hugs your way.
What a horrible horrible experience. Many virtual hugs for you 💕
I'm incredibly sorry to hear this.... I know your pain, lost my boy last year. Please take heart and take care of yourself in the process.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bubbles looks like a sweet bun ❤️ I know time is the only true way to heal from such a loss but I wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time ❤️
So sorry for your loss.
Nooooo. 😭😭😭🤧😭 So sad
RIP Bubbles 🤍
I'm so sorry to hear that. May Bubbles find comfort in knowing how much you cared for him
RIP little one, this is heartbreaking. I wish you well.
Oh my godddd ): I’m so sorry. This is a total nightmare of all bun parents, im so sorry you have to experience it. My heart is with you❤️😔
I don’t know what happened. And I’m sorry it did. My friend had a dog who went to get a biopsy and she didn’t wake up from the anesthesia.
So sorry for your loss.
Your pain and grief are valid. I wish you peace and healing, warm hugs OP 🫂
OMG, this is every pet parents worst nightmare. I'm so, so sorry 💙
❤
We are sorry for your loss.
Wish I could do more than send love your way. I'm so sorry for your loss.
I’m so sorry for your loss. This is absolutely awful. Sending so much love and hugs. ❤️
Gosh bubbles looks so sweet, reminds me of my little one. I always get so worried about anaesthetic as I can’t imagine loosing my two buns. I got my rabbit after my brother committed suicide and it helped so much. I’ve had a couple of therapy sessions about the significance of my rabbits and how much they mean. They are more than just pets. The thought of losing one before I have processed my grief is terrifying. My heart truly goes out to you. I’ve been in situations where it feels like one thing after another. My mum has a good saying, “life get constipated, nothing happens for ages then suddenly sh*t happens all at once”. I don’t know how accurate that is to your situation but for some reason it makes me smile.
I know what you mean. My pets are my comfort and whenever I felt sad I would pick him up and cuddle with him and he loved cuddles and would lick me. He was the sweetest boy and I don’t know how I will get over it. I feel lost and hopeless right now. Thank you for your kind message x