TO LIFE:

A celebration of the rabbits that have shared themselves with us

Note: all email addresses have been removed to prevent harvesting and because they're so old, I'm not sure who may have the same addresses still.

From: Carrie D. Buzby

For all of my excellent bunny friends on the occasion of a new year -

Sapphire

my first bunny companion. It has been nearly two decades since we laid you to rest and still, I can but smile when someone moves a couch or a chair in my mother's home and I spy a tiny bit of baseboard, so long ago tasted.

Purdy

My littlest baby whom I raised when your mother died. I shall miss forever the sight of your little black lop ears bobbing up and down as you came hopping when I clicked and called you. Your short little life was filled with challenge, thank you for letting me love you.

Pongo

You and your brother Purdy can keep each other company and love each other. Sometimes I think Purdy left because he couldn't stand to be away from you. You were so tiny and frail. I'm so sorry you were my first attempt at hand raising orphans. Perhaps I could have done something better to keep you alive if I knew then what I know now. I love you very much and miss you.

Buttercup

Had I but known you would miss your sisters so much, I would have brought them all home to live with us. I have never seen a bunny as beautiful as you, though I continue to search.

Idggy

Oh, Idg, you are such a loving creature. We went through an awful lot together, didn't we. I tried so hard to keep your babies alive. The three who survived were beautiful. I know you are proud of them. I miss you Idg. You are the most excellent bunny!

Lucky

Well girl, I know you're at the rainbow bridge giving your fair share of orders. Thank heavens Idggy is there with you to keep you happy. Morgen misses you very much too.

Laurel

You know, Hardy still misses you too! I'm sorry that life dealt you a card that made you unable to develop well. We miss you.

Velveteen

You are such a little scoundrel! I hope there are no dangers at the Rainbow Bridge for you to get into. You are so curious and so determined. You are a beautiful bunny and I miss you very much.

General

General, there's hardly a day that goes by that I don't wish you were still here. We've went through alot keeping you alive haven't we. I know you were sick, but I miss those close, loving times when I would feed and sing to you and you would kiss my nose and cheek. Oh gentle creature, may your head always stay upright and your kisses always be sweet.

Hershey Kiss

I wish I could have gotten to you in time, maybe I could have saved you too. You are as sweet as your name and your kisses. May you hop happily at the Rainbow Bridge. We will be together again.

Yankee & Patriot

Little Yankee & Patriot, you were so fragile from the beginning. Your brother and sister still miss you very much. I know they are as proud of you as you are of them. I miss you, I love you!

Fluffer Puff

Oh gentle Fluffer. I still can't speak of you without tears. I wish you hours of play at the Rainbow Bridge. Someday I will hold you in my arms and snuggle your sweet little nose again.

From: Tracy Brown

Angel

My first.. We though you were a girl,boy were we surprized. You loved the cuddles you loved the hugs and we loved you for it. You'd go for rides in the car and steel the peanut butter cups and when we got babs you took her under your wing and let her bond with you and buster. Your soccer ball know deflated had a picture of the world on it so you could as my dad said " SC*** the world". You left so fast we'll always miss you may we meet on the other side.

Babs

A flee market reject.. Little did we know that spay leg would be removed. You out lived them all. I'm sorry for all the pain that you may have had from cleaning out the infection from the removed leg. The very large still born baby that you had ( it must have been thumpers) and the lesson that rabbits can get cervical cancer. We'll all miss you Miss Babs and may we meet on the other side with some keys that you can throw.

Buster

The Baby..Named after a cartoon show character you were the cartoon. Always clueless to what was around you. You loved the attention. I'm sorry for the time that Brian dropped you and your front teeth fell out even though they grew back my experience of feeding you babyfood was priceless. Your took care of Babs and she took care of you. And when we had to remove you from Babs you took to Flower to keep her company. Your cute little baby face will always be rememberd. May we meet on the other side.

Flower

Flur de le (sp). You were the flower of life. And boy what an attitude you had. The thumping the grunting. Fighting with Dad. You even took on the cat and dog. Still you had a feminine side that came out when Buster was near. Your grommed him and loved him. You left days after your friend Buster and were loved by all though you could take on all of us. You were one large mini. That loved her ears rubbed and to be pet the wrong way. Well miss your loving quality as well as your attitude. May we meet on the other side..

From: Andrea Midtmoen Fease

BunBun

A rescue from a grain store where it was threatened you would make a good meal, you were such a calm, regal bun. All white with pink eyes, loved to hop in Dad's chair. You were old when we got you, and only had 9 months before you died from cancer, but those 9 months were very special and we loved you dearly.

Buddy

Such a sweet bunny you were, rescued as a little baby with a scratched up nose from a mink, we almost lost you from that infection. You were our first real housebunny, our first neutered bunny and our best bunny pal. We never thought a wild bun would make such a wonderful pet, but that you were. We'll miss you always.

Sheba

Our first lop, we were told that lops were nasty and bad tempered, but you weren't. Sure, you thumped a lot and wound up with sore hocks, but that was so you could get a nice carpeted cage floor! You loved to wander and get into trouble. Those floppy ears were so cute, and we loved to pick them up and make you look like a straight-eared bunny - you seemed to enjoy that too! Those floppy ears stole our hearts and earned you a special place there.

From: Deborah Miles

MY TRIBUTE TO BUTTERCUP THE LOVE BUNNY
(January 1993 - July 17, 1995)

My love bunny
My little button
My little funny
Let me rub your tummy

Flippy, floppy, tipsy, toppy
Hippy, hoppy, binky, twinky

With a kiss you always greet me
With great love you always treat me
Jumping over the bunny gate
You wake me up when I am late

Always smiling
Helicopter ears a flyin'
Zipping, sliding down the hall
Causing trouble as you fall

Playing with your little sis
So hippy, hoppy; filled with bliss
Instigating bunny trouble
And for twins, it was double!

Your lovely little special face
Now is filled with loving grace
As God has sent you up above
To play with bunnies others love

Nutmeg is lonely and dreams of you
Me and Papa and even Bun-Bun too
Forever true is our love for you

Now as I fly in my one engine plane
I think of you and it's not the same
My heart wanders beyond the blue
Towards the Rainbow Bridge and all of you

I know it's time we say good bye
Your beautiful soul will grace the sky
My heart is sad and filled with pain
Until the day we meet again

At the Rainbow Bridge you wait for me
Wild and happy, flippy and free
Binkying and relaxing and having fun
Playing with other (PB'rs) loved ones buns

Now I send you all my love
My first and forever loved-one bun
You were such a wonderful, delightful surprise
You'll always be the love in my eyes

Once again, til we meet in flight
This fragile, human heart kisses you goodnight

Debbie, your mom

From: B. R. Curtis

Michelle Beres had her surgery two days ago and is doing OK. She would want me to remember her much beloved Fricassee. Fric was a special bunny who had a real zest for life. She left for the Rainbow Bridge so quickly that it is still hard for Michelle. Mich keeps Fric's ashes in a beautiful crystal container in the living room. Stew, Fric's companion, still misses her, too.

I would also mention my bunny Caramel aka FuFu. A sweet Holland Lop that was my first bunny, who led me to a life in Bunnyworld. 1986-1992

From: Beth Croghan

ISIS

What can we say, she was the Queen of the Nile and all she surveyed! We really missed you this Christmas, sweetie! She was such a grouchy, snarky bun, but she was my best friend for 9 1/2 years and Michael's for almost 4 years. We love you!

WIGGLES

I hope you forgive me for not being the best mom ever. I knew nothing of rabbits when I got her, but I gave it a shot. She started to trust me, let me pet her, etc. when she got sick. I took her to a "good" (ie. expensive) vet who gave her penicillin. I hope you remember I tried my best, but in honor of you, I continue to have rabbits. You gave me so much in our short time together. I love you!

From: Cathy Montiegel

Nutmeg Montiegel
September 14, 1990 - November 15, 1995

You were the love of our life.
A joy to behold and hold.
Without you,
There is a void that cannot be filled.

As our first bunny,
You taught us the wonder of rabbits.
We were happy, sad, and angry together,
As we struggled and triumphed in learning each other's ways.

Though gone from our home,
You will live forever in our hearts and minds.
You touched all who met you,
And have left a legacy of bunny love.

Walnut and Pewter, and Alan and I
Thank you for your guidance.
We look forward to being reunited,
Somewhere in time.

Til then we remain,
Your devoted bunny Mom and Dad, Cathy and Alan

Sharon, This was a wonderful idea and we thank you for suggesting it. Although we will be off-line on New Years' Eve; we will light a candle, share a toast "To Life" and be with all of PB in spirit.

From: Kenneth W. Albin

Sir Hillary was our first bun. We had him for a year before subscribing to PB. I wish I knew the things I know now. Hillary might have had a better chance at surviving his systemic infection if we knew more, and we will always feel guilty about that.

Hillary was an Alpha bunny with a capital "A". My SO still remembers the time he jumped on her, bit her stomach, and then relieved himself. I laughed so hard I had tears rolling down my face. For some strange reason, the SO didn't see the humor in it. ;)

Despite the aggressiveness, I thank Hillary for teaching us the value of bunnies as house pets. He had a sweet side that made him unbearably cute. Hillary was curious, intelligent, and bold.

To this day I look at Himilayan rabbits and think of the wonderful moments we had with Sir Hillary.

From: Beth M. Mammini

Thumper (1990-1993)

For my little angel bunny. I thought about having a rabbit for about 1 minute before I bought you. It was an impulsive decision, but the best decision I ever made. Your little wiggly nose and silly airplane ears got me through lots of rough times. You were my roommate, my traveling companion, and my best friend. I'm sorry I made so many mistakes, but I always tried to do what was best for you. I knew you were gone before the vet called me, it was like a piece of my heart disappeared. I still feel that way sometimes. I love you.

From: Judi Jordan

As others are remembering wonderful rabbits who have gone to the Rainbow Bridge, I too would like to pay tribute to a truly wonderful Bunny:

Hillary Bunaroo was my very first rabbit, she came into my life in the summer of 1984 and opened my eyes and heart to the wonderful little creatures with the big ears and bushy tails. She was a white rabbit with the most gorgeous blue eyes you've ever seen.

For Christmas one year I gave her her own Bunnikins dish to eat out off and she would love dog kibble, so every night she would sit in the living room with us munching her dog food, then up on the sofa she would jump and snuggle down with us as we watched tv.

I'm not sure how old Hillary was as she was full grown when we got her, we had her for 5 years, she died in 1989 and I still think about her and love her so much.

I love you Hillary, I hope you are being a good girl and I have your bunnikins dish here, I'll bring it when I come.

From: Marc J. DeMaio

Bundaar the first who we miss dearly: You taught us what buns are about. Kicking and cuteness, furballs and fun. We're sorry we didn't know more to give you a better chance.

From: Libby Moore

Eeyore - (December 1990 - Sept. 17, 1995)

It has been so little time since you left us, the hurt has not gone away. We remember the fun we had playing in the backyard with you - running with you and kicking your ball and you just chasing it as fast as you could - running with your ears flapping. I can't believe that was just this summer. We remember how you used to nudge us to be petted, and how you liked to break jail. We will never forget the day you jumped up on top of Dusty's cage and crouched high in the air, stranded, until we came home and got you down. Oh how you made us laugh! You were so like your name - gray, floppy eared and quiet. We miss you dear bun. Dusty misses you too.

Sniffles (aka Booger) April 1985 - Sept 4 1987

You were our first house bun. How little we knew... you were such a mischievious bun! You chewed your way through our house. You violated a Raggedy Ann doll. You chased Tom's bunny slippers (the girls). You were all boy. But you also followed us everywhere and sat with us on the couch. Between you and Eeyore, I bet the Rainbow Bridge is in an uproar. You left us much too soon, Sniff. We still miss you.

From: Kathleen Wilsbach

Bramble

You were my first connection to HRS, when I adopted you to make Clover happier. You were very patient teaching her about grooming and other aspects of bunny love. It made me so happy seeing the two of you side by side like a pair of unmatched bunny slippers. You were so fun and so naughty. You taught me the true meaning of bunnyproofing. You were a great dancer and leaper. I wish we had had more than 3 short months together. I will always treasure the time we had but I wish I had had time to get to know you better. I look forward to meeting you on the other side.

Melody

I still can't believe you're gone even though I held you while you slipped away and buried you this Friday. You were one of the sweetest bunnies I've ever known. I treasure the year we shared and feel privledged to have rescued you. Those who abandonded you at the shelter after three years of neglect must have been dense not to see the jewel you were.

From: Christil

Clover

My very first bunny. We were not together for very long but you were so gentle and trusting. I loved when you would sit in my lap and fall asleep. If only I had known more,you might have lived longer. I did my best for you with what little I could find out all those years ago but still I would have given anything to save you.

Blackberry

My second N.D. and close friend for so many years. My litle fireball. You were so little but so full of spunk. I'll never forget how you would chase the dog until she cowered under the couch. You were never afraid of anything and you gave me courage to face my own hard times. You loved to ride on the train and even crossed the country with me. I loved the way you would spread out to get as much of you petted as possable. You brightened every day my little love.

Both of your pictures still hang on my walls and I will always hold our memories close to my heart and there you will stay until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge. Take care of each other my sweet little bunnies and thank you for all the love & happiness you gave to me.

From: Vicky Allen/Rob Lowe

Poppy and Bebs

you know how special you were and still are to me.The candles were for you. I miss you both so much. Pops - if it wasn't for you all the rescue buns wouldn't have come to me - thank you. Bebs - my beautiful hand-reared graceful baby - you weren't here long enough, hope you are friends with Pops. Maybe Chocky is your rainbow bridge boyfriend?

Chocky and Bebe Thing (and Bebe Things brother or sister)

very special buns who were mistreated and homeless, untill brought to me. It would have been lovely if you could have stayed here longer. Choc's - you were lovely, I hope you didn't think I was going to leave you at the vet's, I was so looking forward to you coming home and running with the others in the sun. Everyone at the vets said you were special and they were so right. Bebe Thing - You had been treated so badly and put up such a big brave fight for such a tiny bunny. I hope you didn't think I kept you alive for too long, you seemed happy to keep trying, until you kindly made the decision for me.

From: Karen Wolczanski

Smokey 18 December 1992 - 31 July 1995

I remember when you came into our lives; we were unsure and you were a beautiful little girl
I remember how we learned together; what you loved (fresh clover, walks outdoors, quiet times in bed); what I loved (cuddles) and what we shared (giggles, secrets and snacks)
I remember the games we played (untie the shoelace, tag, find the snack, guard your breakfast and kidnapping the candy apples)
I remember watching you and learning the true meaning of what it is "to really be"
I remember watching you with your mate Prince and I learned to be more confident, supportive and loving with my mate.
I remember you trying to tell me something; looking into my eyes and trying to say something. I wish I had understood.
I remember your last days with us, your pain, our panic. I remember holding you and wondering and praying that it was only a temporary thing. I remember the frantic midnight ride to the vet. I wish I was there with you when you decided to cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Smokey, you taught us alot, and even with your passing we learned. Prince, Raven, Jessye and Truffles have an entire play room, decorated with you in mind.
Prince is still a sad little man now, but we are sure that you still sneak back and visit him sometime. We give him extra love and remember you each time we hug him.
And we know now that you are with others at the Rainbow Bridge. Play peacefully, binky joyously and love frequently. You will remain in our hearts until we can join you and continue our journey together.

From: Sharon Ross

To BunBun birth date unknown - to July 28,1992

You were the gift that ended the dark winter of depression in my life.
When you came , I was in an abusive relationship with a man who was constantly pressuring me to have children. You hated him, and he became so jealous of my bond with *you*, that he went away. He has since had no successful relationships, and to this day, I shudder to think of what kind of father this man would have been.
You then led me to the life-partner, a sensitive bunny-loving kind of guy, who had been right under my nose all the time. Good choice BunBun.
Since I was 19, I'd had a hard to diagnose problem with my right leg that caused me a lot of pain and was beginning to threaten my ability to walk. Who knew that crawling around on the floor with a rabbit every day would be the cure. It has never bothered me since those first painful days when I was trying to play with you.
You were never an affectionate rabbit. The only time you kissed me was that one time you came to lick off my tears after the bad man had left (and then you did a crazy hip hop dance around the room until you made me laugh), but you were my fierce protector, and you would not stand the presence of anything that made me unhappy.
Thank you for saving my life.

"Hey now
Are you listening?
It'll be
OK
I will love you
Till they take my heart away."

From: Helen Swann

Atilla the bun

You were our first bun, we chose you from a pen at the feed store (before we know any better). We started with a cage with tiny openings so the cats could not get to you. We did not need to worry. Once we let you out, you taught the cats humility, and allowed us to have other buns. You went so quickly, of snuffles. You died in my arms, I loved you so.

Bunjamin

Also from a feed store (we are slow learners). Until you were neutered everyone thought you were a boy. oops. You also went quickly, we took you to the vet, you stayed all day, got a clean bill of health, then died that night. Now I know what to ask for, and what to look for, but I didn't then, and I am sorry.

Tiny No Name

I got you from the shelter, I knew something was wrong and had a vet appointment for the next morning, but you did not make it through the night. You taught me to follow my instincts, and not wait for the next convenient appointment.