I’ll try and be brief. Ex and I adopted our baby bunny 2.5 years ago. She lived with her full time because she had a bunny prior, but I would drive for 2 hours every weekend to spend time with them. I quickly fell head over heels in love with our bunny.
But within about 3 months, she started having health problems. She was diagnosed with EC and had to have both eyes removed. I paid for the $2,200 surgery, and I upgraded her enclosure to a 8” by 8” space since she wouldn’t be able to free roam. She has lived a very happy hoppy life despite being 100% blind, and I loved her more than I’ve ever loved any other animal.
Ex and I broke up in October, it was largely mutual. She had always told me that she’d never keep our baby from me in the event of us splitting, and I told her I would always be around to share custody and help pay for the vet bills.
Surprise: the second we split my ex went back on her word. Now it’s been 3 months since I’ve seen my baby bunny and I’m beyond devastated. I can mourn a 2 year relationship easily, but I don’t think I’ll ever get over the loss of our bunny in my life. I feel so lost and heartbroken. It’s a pain I’ve never felt before.
She’s such a special bunny. She would often fall asleep in the crook of my arm or on my chest and then I’d notice her wake up and “look around” like “where in the hell am I??” No other bunny will ever replace her for me. It was a real soul connection and it’s just something I am trying to grapple with.
On my worst days I’d always think of her, and imagine how brave and sweet she is- being a totally blind prey animal but also being so trusting. Hold your babies close for me. Thanks for reading.
by Lana_Del_Gay-
14 Comments
I’m so sorry for your loss. My boyfriend didn’t miss his ex, by the time it was done it was time, but he definitely missed her cat.
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Please don’t quote me on this. But for some reason, at some point in my life I heard someone say that if you’ve paid monetarily, the majority of expenses on a pet, you can be legally entitled to it. Idk. Talk to a lawyer. You’re not doing this to hate on your ex. You’re doing this for the betterment of that poor baby. And as another commenter mentioned, their ex ended up neglecting the rabbit. So u can sort of fight for custody. At least I hope so.
I get where ur coming from man. It’s easy to say that you’ll still talk after a break when you’re still together. Cause u still see each other as someone you couldn’t fathom not being in your life. But when that break up happens, everything changes. Same thing happened to me and my ex. Although I’ve still done everything I promised her but she hasn’t. And that’s fine by me. I’m a man of my word and I kept my word. And she’s doing whatever she needs to do for herself. So you need to do what’s best for you my friend. I wish you the best. First talk to her in a genuine and approachable way about having the bunny. Then if not, see what you can do with a lawyer since you did pay for an expensive procedure.
You may have a legal case if you can pull up receipts showing you paid for the bunny and/or its care.
This is so horrible of her 🙁 I could never do this, I’m disabled and I’ve said to my partner what would u do if I suddenly passed away because when I first got a rabbit he said that he wouldn’t look or touch them etc now he’s head over heels in love and he replied he would still care for them, having a pet when u haven’t got kids is like u have a child imo and they do become more than just an animal, it’s a shame she’s done this because I would have felt better knowing if there was an issue someone could help or if she needed to go away she could rely on u for care, I’m so sorry this has happened to u, hopefully she will change her mind once she feels better
I’m so sorry, I hope things change and you get to see your bunny again. You should be the one to keep her.
Sending love and hugs. I’m sure she misses you too and shame on your ex for going back on her word.
I once had a nightmare similar to this, it was gut wrenching. I am so sorry she has denied you access to your baby, especially after caring for and paying for her life saving vet bills. I hope you can help her understand from your perspective, how cruel it is and unacceptable if she was the one denied access to her baby she loved so much. Its heart breaking to hear that she wont even accept the limited visits you have offered.
It depends on what state you live in I think but the one who pays the bills is the legal owner in most cases.
This is horrible, I really hope she gets a chance to see you once again. You deserve to.
This also makes me incredibly sad for the bunny. Given that your bunny had to lose her sight, I would think your Ex would want to continue to expose the bunny to your familiar voice, scent, and touch.
I am also saddened at the possibility (make that high probability) that your bunny is in distress with 120 lb dog barking.
This is not a good situation.
If your Ex insists on keeping her dog, you actually should swap the original arrangement. You should have full custody, and your Ex should be the one to come visit.
What a sweetheart ❤️ I’m so sorry this happened, this is so heartbreaking 💔 sending you love and I hope you get to see your baby one day.
I know it won’t make up for your loss but know that you’ll have no problem ever finding a lady anymore if you have photos of you and your bunny and/or you find room in your heart to maybe go to a shelter and save another rascal. I’ve sat and watched women’s reactions when my boyfriend says he has a rabbit (and critically they don’t know I’m his girlfriend) and they are always instantly attracted when they see photos of him and the bunny together. Nothing like seeing a strong man be tender. I can’t ease your pain but I hope I gave you a laugh.
I’ve been married for 16 years. I love my husband, but i just melt for my rabbit. I can’t imagine your pain. Your ex disgusts me. I’m sorry. I wish you the best of luck!