10/21/2023
Every day we hear heartbreaking stories of animals being abused, neglected, and abandoned. This page and the group from which it was created are strong advocates of the rescue, safety, and care of domestic rabbits and guinea pigs. We also object strongly to the backyard breeding of any animal. This story is sure to hammer home the terrible life that awaits a domestic rabbit that has only one use for a heartless human being - money. If you know of any breeder - backyard or otherwise - who treats animals in this terrible manner, call your local animal shelter. HELP stop the misery and death of innocent animals - not just in Florida but everywhere.
Paddington was a breeder's rabbit and lived almost his whole life in a small cage. He had a tattoo inside his left ear with some numbers on it, to identify who he was to the people who were using him to make money. The first 7~8 years of his life, he did not know love, or affection, or comfort. He did not have toys, or soft blankets, or companionship. When I brought him home almost 4 years ago, they told me he likely wouldn't live much longer; I told him that I promised to give him a good rest of his life, however long that may be. We all honestly expected him to pass within a year... but he didn't. He was the strongest, and most brave individual I have ever met.
Sweet Paddington passed away yesterday morning in our home. I stayed up with him the night before, laying with him in the soft, padded pen that we had set up for him these last 5 weeks. I told him repeatedly how much I loved him, and how much I'm going to miss him. I gave him so many kisses, and pets, and treats. He slept beside me when he could (there were times he was not doing well throughout the night). There were times he did happy tooth-crunchy purrs, and gave me lots of kisses. I comforted him, and myself, by saying that we were always going to be together - no matter what.
His death was as I should have expected. He did not want to go. As much as he was suffering and his health was continuing to decline, he did not want to leave. It reminded me of something I had read in a book about rabbit-care. It said that most veterinarians will tell you that rabbits more than any other species, tend to give up more easily when they are sick, injured, or in poor condition. But that there are a special few, who will fight against serious illnesses and absolutely refuse to give up against all odds - even when the battle is clearly lost. They found that these rabbits were the ones who had been neglected / abused during the first portion of their life, but later found a loving home and formed a deep bond with a person. They just don't want to leave. It made my heart hurt to think about this, and I wept, knowing how much he didn't want to go, even if he was suffering. How much he loved me, and how much he loved the life we had created together. It still hurts, a lot.
After he passed and the vets had left, Zach and I placed him in a little wooden casket lined with soft blankets. I added a few things for him to take with him into the next part of his journey. Some of his favorite cookies, a card, an amethyst, a carrot top, a piece of banana, and a sunflower. We sat there for a little while, grieving, and talking to him. Telling him how much he was loved. I shared some really great memories about who he was, and the wonderful things he did in life.
Paddington was everything to me. My whole world revolved around him for the last 4 years. I loved (and still love) this little man more than anything, and would have done absolutely anything for him; the last 5.5 weeks were a testament to that. I've been through a lot in my life, and have lost a lot of individuals that I have loved (and still love) very deeply. But can say with certainty that this is literally the most painful thing I've ever experienced. Words cannot describe the loss and sorrow that I feel. I miss him so much.
Our 4 year anniversary is 2 weeks from yesterday - November 2nd. We almost made it. So I've resolved that each day from now until then, I'm going to share a memory of Paddington with the world in order to celebrate his life and our anniversary. Today will be the first day and the hardest memory of all - of how he passed from this world.
(This photo was from the day before yesterday, when we were having some cuddles and he fell asleep resting his head in my hand.)
Rest peacefully, my little heart. I love you so much.
"Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while." - The Princess Bride
Lisa Johnson – Disabled Rabbits
