There comes a time in the life of all pet bunny owners when they must face the passing on of their little friend. Sometimes this may come suddenly after a brief illness or injury. Other times the bunny has enjoyed a long and happy life, and has come to the end of the path. Regardless of the circumstances, it is our responsibility as a rabbit owner to recognize that time and to provide a pain-free and lovingly peaceful end for our loved companion when necessary.
Whether to continue medical treatment or to assist the bunny in passing on is a matter of individual judgement. Most pet owners believe that their companion should be given every chance to have a happy quality of life. When the veterinarians have done all they can do and the quality of life has deteriorated due to constant pain, it is up to the owner to decide whether it is more humane to allow the bunny to continue living or to provide a peaceful end to the suffering. Your veterinarian can assist in this process by clearly outlining the prognosis and any possible help that can be given to the rabbit. No one wants to prematurely end the life of their dear companion, and every effort should be made to help them survive. The final judgement is one of the most difficult of any we are required to make, but it is a responsibility we can not avoid. Our companions lived with dignity and joy. They deserve the same conditions when it is time to pass on.
If the decision has been made to have the bunny put to sleep, the owner should discuss thoroughly with the veterinarian exactly how this will happen. Reach a consensus as to the most humane method of accomplishing this act.
Whether the end is a natural death or one assisted by a veterinarian, the majority of pet owners wish to be there to comfort the bunny. This not only helps to ease the pain and fright of the rabbit, but may help some owners in that they feel they are doing all they can do for the bunny. This may assist, in the future, in providing closure for the process. Saying goodbye happens both during the critical point of passing on and during the burial ritual afterwards. It is a heartbreaking but a warm and loving time of showing the value that this bunny had as a major part of the owner's life.
After the passing of the bunny to Rainbow Bridge, there will be periods of time in which strong emotions will flood the pet owner's life. Second-guessing whether medical treatment could have been improved upon is a common thought in those early days after the death of the bunny. It must be remembered that even veterinarians are human, and they do the best they can do with their current knowledge of rabbits. "What-if" mental games only torment the owner unnecessarily. Learn from the experience, but try to avoid negative ponderings of this type. Instead, rejoice in the time you had with the bunny and remember the good times you shared.
There will be a period of adjustment in the home after the loss of a rabbit. This time will vary considerably due to the nature and length of the illness/injury, as well as the temperment of the owner. After a period of grieving, some owners may wish to find another companion. There is no reason to feel guilty that you are trying to replace the former bunny. Each rabbit has his/her own distinct personality, and they will be cherished for their individual natures. They may fill your life, but a place in your heart will always exist for the one who passed on.
As a part of the healing process, many owners will turn to their own personal belief systems. These beliefs may provide comfort and help to ease the pain that we all feel when losing a dear companion. As beliefs vary greatly among bunny owners, I will refrain from being more specific about this except to suggest it as a method of helping the owner to reach acceptance and peace.
The Petbunny group can be turned to during times of crisis. Many of the members have had similar experiences with rabbit illness and death. They can usually understand the situation in a way that can not be found among friends and coworkers.
http://petloss.com
This page contains a wealth of information about the grieving
process. The candle ceremony and Rainbow Bridge material is
especially touching and helpful.
http://www.primenet.com/~meggie/petloss.html
This is an excellent essay on pet loss that will help to put the
experience into perspective.
http://www.lavamind.com/pet.html
The Virtual Pet Cemetery is a site where people can put up a
virtual memorial for their lost pet. Warning - have plenty of
tissues handy before you read these touching epitaphs.
http://www.rahul.net/hredlus/pet-loss.html
This a a *huge* resource page for people who have lost pets. It
includes the above sites as well as Usenet and private contacts.
Copyright 1996 Kenneth Albin. Reprinted with permission