Friday, November 18, 2011

One last kiss


Freckles 2001 - 11/18/2011

I had Freckles put to sleep this afternoon. I'd watched her fade and struggle for the last year or so... ten and a half years take their toll on a bunny even though she was always very healthy. She'd been unable to move around very much and in the last two weeks had begun to lose her balance and not be able to get herself upright once she tumbled over. She had a couple seizures, too, which was just too much for me to bear. A local vet suspected E. cuniculi based on her symptoms, so we treated her for that for a while, but there wasn't any improvement.

Anyway...

It's so hard to make that decision, but it was easy for her. She had an incredibly long life for a bunny and she knew nothing but love. She was the kissiest bunny I've ever known and was kissing me still this morning as we shared a couple last moments of love and comfort. This is my favorite photo of her from many moons ago.

 As pet owners, we are so fortunate, I think, to have the option of that final kindness for our pets.

26 comments:

pla725 said...

Freckles knows she was loved. I understand. I lost two rabbits to EC. I was difficult to watch them decline and there was nothing I could do other than make them comfortable as possible.

Anonymous said...

Farewell to your very beautiful Freckles. A sweet companion like that wants nothing more than love and the compassion to know when it's time to go. With you she had both.

Mary said...

For years, I've known Freckles. She was a bunny most fortunate to have your care and love.

Hugs
Mare

Deb said...

So sorry for your loss, but grateful for you sharing the times you spent with her.

Sister Solidarity said...

Oh Laura, I'm so sorry to read about Freckles. You did the compassionate thing, but I can feel your pain in your writing. Big Hug, Donna

donna lynn said...

That's me up there, by the way. I guess my id differs depending on which account I'm signed into. Hugs again, donna s.

KGMom said...

So sorry to read this, Laura. I always loved the Freckles' stories and the pics. Such a cutie. I didn't realize she was a kisser...or even that bunnies kiss.

Murr Brewster said...

It's so hard, so hard. And I believe we should be able to do it for each other, too.

You got me thinking about when I was going to take my beloved Larry in one last time, and first--we got a banilla ice cream cone to share. There's only a thin mental membrane between the present and old grief.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I'm so sorry you had to let Freckles go. She knew she was cherished.

Julie Zickefoose said...

The luckiest of bunnies. It is amazing to me what you can discover about an animal that, were it living wild, might make it for three years, but kept in comfort and safety has the luxury to reveal to you an incredibly rich life and personality. Holding you in my heart, Laura.

Caroline said...

Laura, I am sorry, is is so hard to let them go.

Beth in NYC said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Freckles and I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet her. She was a very cute little girl and lucky to have you as a mom. I'm thinking about you all today.

Wren nests in... said...

(((Laura)))

Susan said...

I'm so sorry about Freckles. She was beautiful!

NCmountainwoman said...

We are indeed fortunate to have such wonderful animal friends. How wonderful that you could give her love throughout her life and peace and dignity at the end of her days. Thoughts are with you.

RG said...

Awwwwwww ... how hard. Our big boy Baxter finally got the same symptoms and ended the same. Now, finally, it is just all happy memories.

Randa said...

I'm sorry about your bunny. How nice that she was part of your life for that length of time.

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I'm sorry Laura. It was you and your obvious love for your bunnies that let me open my heart to our Buddy when Molly brought him home. There's nothing like a bunny kiss.

Erin said...

I'm so sorry to hear that:( It's never an easy decision but it sounds like you did the right thing. My thoughts are with you!

Michelle said...

Hugs from all of us

Lisa said...

So sorry for your loss :(

dguzman said...

Oh Laura. It's so tough. Hugs to you, friend.

Susan Gets Native said...

Aw, man! I missed this...
So sorry, Laura. It's one of the hardest decisions to make.

Freckles is, and always shall be, immortalized on that magnet you gave me. :)

Coco said...

So sorry for your loss. I love this blog and I subscribed for your bunny posts. You're right she knew nothing but love.

Larry said...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. It is something only a pet owner can truly understand. It is always a tough decision.

TimberLove said...

soft husky woooos,

RA