Bunny People are Special People

This weekend, I learned that two bunnies who were very special to friends of mine passed away. When I say "friends," I'm referring to a girl I met once in passing and someone I have never met, but whom I feel I know well. I've bonded with both of these ladies on Facebook over our shared love of rabbits.

Even though we haven't spent much physical time together, I know all I need to know about these women by the way they love their bunnies. In my mind, anyone who is willing to share with the world how much they love the long-eared is a gem.

What is it about bunnies that brings people together? Maybe it's that so many people don't understand how amazing rabbits are. They don't know how loving they are, or that they have their own little personalities, just like dogs and cats. They've never seen a binky or had a rabbit kiss them on the face.

Likewise, they've never known the complete and utter heartbreak of losing one of these precious creatures. When I lost my Hemingway almost a year ago, my "bunny friends" understood what I was going through. None of them said to me "It's just a rabbit," or "you can get another one." They understood that Hem could never be replaced, even though I could open my heart and home to other bunnies. Today, they understand that there's still a hole in my heart that will never be filled by any other bunny because Hemingway was one of a kind.

The ladies who lost their bunnies understand what I went through, and I want them to know that I understand what they're feeling now. Alex, Fitzi, Paddington and I are sending so much love their way - as are my two "visitor" bunnies, Seraphina and Bianca (more about them in a future post).

I completely believe that Catherine "Picklez" and Huddy are doing binkies with my beloved Hemingway on the Rainbow Bridge today, and I hope that the humans who loved and cherished them soon find peace.

Bunny Therapy

I've been called a lot of things over the years by those who know me. Some of the names have been kinder than others. "Anal retentive" crops up a lot. So do "anxiety-ridden" and "uptight." I'm sure people have uttered other things behind my back.

It's true, I'm a worrier, and I know I'm not alone. All of us who get stressed out seek out ways to manage it. There's a glass of wine at the end of a long day. There are bubble baths. There's therapy (and I have to admit, having a psychotherapist for a boyfriend comes in handy).

And then...there are bunnies.

To me, there's nothing more soothing than walking through my door and seeing three sweet little faces looking at me expectantly. When I pick them up and snuggle them, whatever is on my mind melts away. Paddington is especially soothing, both by virtue of being very laid-back and affectionate and because his velvety rex fur is so soft.

I've read studies about the values of pet therapy in helping to ease anxiety and make people feel less lonesome, and I couldn't agree more. The bunnies are like long-eared stress balls - but don't worry, I don't squeeze them that hard. :)