On 3/14 Tramp lost his bonded mate, Lady. They were both nine and a half and had been together since they were only a year. Tramp was very much the dependent bunny, so I’ve been chronicling his coping as a way to help others who are in my position. You can check my post history for the first grief diary.
Tramp had a bad start to the week, honestly. He was so depressed, I could feel it every time I came near him. I’ve honestly never seen him so lethargic, I actually brought him into the vet, thinking something was wrong like a UTI or URI. Nope. He’s just medically sad. I’ve been spending every waking second with him, going as far as bringing him to my office with me. He doesn’t love that. It isn’t the worst thing ever but he’s not a big fan. Still, I feel that proximity in an unfavorable environment might be more helpful than being lonely and sad at home.
On Thursday night, we had a nice break through. We decided to play a game with Tramp where we make a fort with the sheets in bed and he comes into it and just loves it. He smooths the sheets, plays in the blankets, checks out all the stuffies. He even fell into a very deep sleep, snuggled against my partner’s leg. Since then he’s been getting actual good sleep every day, next to one of us, knowing that he can trust us as much as Lady, I think. I think he’s still sad but the introduction of the fort has been another way we can bring him joy and encourage feelings of safety. More than anything now, I think he’s lonely.
We are in the process of attempting to get him a friend. Right now the oldest fixed gal at the shelter is 4, I would honestly prefer someone older for him. There’s a six year old who just got fixed last week and another that is going fixed this week. We’ll be taking him on bunny speed dates when the hormones die down. The waiting is driving me bananas because I know a new friend will help him heal and I just want my boy to have the best life ever. I’m honestly refusing to do anything outside of the house other than work, errands and the occasional 40 minute walk now that the weather is breaking in Michigan. My life is on hold and everyone knows it because until Tramp has the option to say “oh I want to hang out with my bunny friend instead of you”, I’m not going to hang out with a human friend instead of him.
If anyone has any advice on how to support him in these lonely times until he gets a friend I would say greatly appreciate it.
Overall, he is doing better. Less sad, more lonely. I think big component in his healing has been finding new things to do that he loves(he loves to explore and play in tunnels, so fort is right up his alley) whole incorporating the people who love him in that activity. He’s maintained an appetite and he’s allowing more pets than ever before. But he’s definitely not mean to be a solo bun.
We’re currently looking through Midwest rabbit rescue, but if anyone in south east Michigan knows of a senior girl who is looking for a new home and a loving friend, dm me, I’m not opposed to rescuing elsewhere or from individuals if we can get him a friend sooner.
by samsam4short