Touched by an Angel

A year ago this month my precious Haven came to live with me. What a privilege it has been to have him in my life. For those of you that may not know Haven has a pretty severe head tilt and other ailments. He was a resident of the hospital warren at Heartland. Normally the hospital buns arent available for adoption but Jeannie (our director) trusted me enough to allow me to adopt Haven. The pic is from last April, this was a really good day for Haven and he was able to hold his head quite high.

Determined to make Haven's head tilt better we began a six month long routine of vet visits and meds. We did 3 kinds of antibiotics during this time, anti-parasite drugs, and herbal remedies to make him stronger. I put him through a lot trying to get him a little better. Not much helped. He looked at me one day and I could almost hear him say "ENOUGH, this is as good as it gets Mom" and so we stopped and just let him be. Now he only goes to the vet if something changes with his health. He continues to have weepy eye on occasion and we doctor that with the eyebright tea (great stuff)

Haven has always been allowed free range of my bedroom. We have a baby gate up in case he decides to wander too far. My house is two story and we cant risk Haven falling down the stairs so the baby gate stays up. Haven prefers to stay in his little corner and use his leaning box. We have an open playpen around for extra "leaning" support but it is never closed. He uses his puppy pads like a champ ( a litter box is just too big an obstacle for him).

Haven has good days and bad. He is an older bun and his back legs are weak but still work pretty good. I have noticed in the last 3 months he is slowing down a bit. ( I have slowed a bit myself) He has trouble scratching his ears and we do that for him. He has a bit of dry skin around his ears (no, its not mites) and we massage a little olive oil into to them for him. It always makes him feel better. He has put on about 2 pounds this last year and is spoiled rotten. I debated for a very long time after Nemo left about getting him a new bondmate. I decided against it. He doesnt need the stress. I think he is enjoying being a single bun and getting all the attention. He is a little beggar and wants a bite of whatever you are having. He will sidle up beside you when you are eating and look longingly at you for a taste. He used to pick up his food bowl and slam it against the wall when it was empty. He is a little character.

Haven has taught me so much. He isnt my first tilty bun and he wont be the last. There is a special bond that forms with special needs bunnies that is incredible. He is totally vulnerable and dependent on me. It is very humbling and I would fight tigers for him. My favorite thing is to lay on the floor with him. He stretches his long body along my chest and stomach and is content to just lay there and snuggle. He is indeed a doll.

Haven was abandoned at a feed store many years ago. Jeannie walked into the store before the "snake guy" got there. He was very lucky that day but really and truly, I am the lucky one.