A Warrior Bunny

Heartland Rabbit Rescue is where I volunteer. Our south warren is where all the adoptable bunnies live, waiting for their forever homes. Waiting to be spoiled, pampered and have the constant attention and adoration they deserve. Most of them will never know that feeling but all of them know safety, kindness, full tummies and get a chance to kick up their heels outside on nice days. They dont worry about being hit, being ignored and hands that hurt.

The north warren is where my heart is. They are the bunnies that will never be adopted. (well almost never, Sprout and Haven were adopted) They get few visitors and quietly live out their lives in large playpens. They get extra treats and green yummies and are normally not spayed or neutered for health reasons. They are Hannah, Snowflake, Kris, Emilio, Merlin, Putter, Charlie Brown, Wesley, and until yesterday there was Pearl.

Pearl came to us last year along with Merlin. She had weepy eyes and a runny nose. Her pretty white fur was covered in urine, a saggy dewlap and a used up body frame led us the believe that she was most likely a bunny used for breeding. She also had never known a kind touch in her entire life. She was a tiger, she bit, she growled, she lunged and slapped. She never stopped that behavior. She had never known love and affection and could only defend herself from the humans that might cause more pain.

A little over a week ago, her eye suddenly developed a bulge, leaked blood and pus. A rush to the vet discovered an abscess behind the eye. There was no other choice but to remove her eye. Pearl left for the bridge yesterday evening. Despite good care, meds and force feeding I believe with all my heart that Pearl decided to leave. Her eye was healing but her soul was damaged beyond repair. There was no telling what was going on in her body. Her little abused uterus could have been filled with cancer. We will never know. I think she decided that all the human contact was just too frightening and she had enough. Better to cross the bridge than have us keep touching her. No matter the attention we showed her, she just couldn't recognize the love we offered.

In the twilight a few days ago she had a little playtime outside. She, for just a minute allowed our director to give her a back rub. She didn't run away, growl or try to bite. I think she made her peace then. She laid down her sword and shield. Pearl is an example to me of how death is not the most horrible thing. Suffering is much more horrible. There are many kinds of abuse in this world. Physical and verbal abuse is what we hear about most. Imagine in your whole life that not one soul ever loved you. Not one soul ever gave you a hug, ever touched you with kindness. That seems the worst fate imaginable to me.

Hug whatever living breathing creature you care about today. Touch them lightly with love and pour it into them. Make them feel safe and wanted. Do it for Pearl.