Wednesday, March 05, 2008

In Memory of "The Energizer Bunny"

Buttercup Love
October, 1993- March 5, 2008




Yesterday, I made the difficult decision to help the sweetest bunny ever over the Rainbow Bridge to hop free in the big veggie garden that grows there. He lived a good LONG life, 14.5 years is very old for a bunny! I said my sad goodbye last night; there were many tears, as I held him close he relaxed and I think I might have felt him sigh, as if he knew he'd soon be at peace.
This morning, I took him to my sister-in-law's house, she would bring him to work and Dr. Hudson would help him on his journey. Linda told me tonight that he went peacefully, and I had made the right decision. (Thank you for your help, dear Linda) It's never easy, but in this case, animals are luckier than we humans.
Buttercup spent most of his life outside in a big cage, and only was brought in when it was too frigid in the winter and his water would freeze. He'd go back outside in the late winter to enjoy the warmer weather. In his later years, I kept him inside a little longer into the spring. Last January, it wasn't cold, but he was having difficulty, I was sure he was near the end of his life, and brought him in the house to make him comfortable until I could bring him in to the Vet the next morning. But, as they say, the energizer bunny keeps going and going...and he rebounded! He was still fragile, but still managed to get a another good year of life, although indoors.
Over the past month, he began to weaken considerably, and was unable to rise from a prone position more often without my help, but his appetite was fine, and he was drinking water, and was excited to see me when I went in to take care of him. This last week had more bad days than good, and I knew it was his time. We can't tell if they are in pain, and I didn't want him to suffer.
When he lived outside, he was often visited by the neighborhood kids who gave him pieces of hay, or dandelions they'd pick. He was always so happy when I'd come to the cage to give him his veggies; he also loved the broadleaf "pig's ears" weed that grew in my back yard. And yes, bunnies have personalities...if he didn't like a veggie or food, he'd head butt it, or intentionally dump his food dish, to the delight of the squirrels when the foods were mixed with nuts or seeds. My niece Kathryn gave him his name when I got him, she was 3. I have her 3 choices: Caramel Cream, Buttercup, or Latte. (I had a brown bunny previously named Cappuccino). She said, "his name will be, Buttercup Love." Indeed, he was a love.
Buttercup hung on longer than anyone ever expected, and I'm happy he was part of my little fur family, he will be missed.






24 comments:

NH Knitting Mama said...

I'm so sorry about your loss. He certainly had a good long life, and it sounds like he was a spoiled little guy!

roxie said...

You are a loving and responsible pet parent. Buttercup is grateful. And your other fur family members will help comfort you. Did I see an abbysinian kitty?

Dianne said...

I'm so sorry you had to say goodbye to such a sweet little bunny. I'm sure he will meet you with little bunny kisses and nose twitches on the other side of the bridge.

km said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sometiemes it's hard to understand how long he did live...but for me. Wow. 1993...the fall I started college. Yesterday, 4 turned 5! TO say the least Buttercup has been through a lot of ups and downs with you. I know it will be hard for a while. I'll say a prayer for you.

vegasangelbrat said...

Know our thoughts & prayers are with you! Buttercup sure lived a long life and no doubt from your spoiling! Definitely a beautiful bunny, reminds me of the one we found.
I"m here if you need me..
Love ya!!

Donna Lee said...

What a tough/loving decision that is to make. My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It takes a strong person to help a dear loved one along to the Rainbow Bridge. We had to do the same with our beloved Chewy this past fall. Hugs to you!

Robin said...

I'm so sorry about your loss. It's SO hard to say goodbye to our fur-babies. Sounds like YOU made his life very special!

Lapdog Creations said...

Lots of good thoughts & vibes to you and Buttercup...

rita said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. No matter how many times it happens, it's still hard. You took good care of him and he knew you loved him.

And 14.5!!! My daughter's bunnies only lived 4 or 5 years. Buttercup was a very special baby.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about Buttercup Love. But it's good to hear that she had a long and happy (and hoppy) life. That's the part to focus on, and from this post I can see you did just that. Much love.

P.S. I'm a lurker - You're on my feed reader and I love reading your blog.

Grace said...

thinking of you during this time of sorrow!

Knittynutter said...

so sorry abot bunnykins, he had a long happy life. hope you are ok,
lost your email addy as my pc died,
mailme sometime,
Angie

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

So sorry about dear Buttercup! You did the right thing but I know how much it hurts to let them go. Buttercups long life attests to all the love and care you gave him!

jopal said...

Sorry about your loss. e had to do the same thing for one of our cats last fall. It is never easy! I just keep thinking that they are no longer hurting and that helps - a little.

Bluebird49 said...

I'm so sorry--I know you will miss him so much--I lost my cat 2 years ago, and I still miss him. I think I will always miss all the animals I've lost over the years--but we can help them, when possible, to not suffer!!

Devonshire said...

I'm so sorry that you had to make such a tough decision. Buttercup was a lucky bunny. He lived a long and happy life with you and I'm sure that both of you were blessed to know each other. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Such a sad time for you! Buttercup sounds like a wonderful bunny who brought a lot of joy into your life.

Bubblesknits said...

So sorry you had to say goodbye. Many hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

It's so hard to be a responsible, selfless pet owner, isn't it? My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pretty bunny, he was!

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy. However I admire your strength to do make has to be the hardest decision ever regarding someone you love. g

Anita said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of Buttercup, such a hard thing to do saying goodbye to a family member. My thoughts are with you.

Criquette said...

Oh, I'm so sorry about Buttercup. He looked like he was a wonderful bunny. I had a pet bunny when I was a kid - you are so right about their little personalities! I'm sending warm thoughts to you!

Miss Me said...

rest in peace buttercup love. you made a tough, but kind decision. my heart goes out to you.