My beloved rabbit Ani passed away suddenly this afternoon. She was almost seven and moved in with me four years ago. Before that she was the pet of my niece, adopted from her high school classroom. However, since my niece discovered she was allergic to pet hair, Ani moved in with other relatives until it was suggested she stay with me.
From the start of our time together I wanted her to have as much fun and adventure as she desired. She had full run of the house and found favorite corners and hiding places where she could relax. She ventured outside almost every day to run on the lawn, dig deep holes, and follow the neighborhood cats with great curiosity. When one of those cats, Teddy, decided to move in with us, Ani trained him to groom her, running up to him and lowering her head. It took many attempts before he figured it out, but once he did they were solid.
Although I would have hoped for a few more years with her, I was prepared for this moment and I’m not too sad. I always knew our time together would be brief and I made it a point to indulge her with food and treats and most of all my attention. Unlike Teddy, who wants to be near me constantly, Ani kept to herself most of the day as rabbits do. But in the evening she would hop into the living room and announce with a slap of her back feet that she was in the room. That was always the best time of the day.
I will miss that sound, the gentle nudge of her nose against my leg, the sight of her leaping with joy, and all the rest for all the time I have left.
OMG Mike! I am sooooo sorry to hear this.😢 You never know what a rabbit’s life may have been like before they met you. I have had many a rescue animal die too early and suddenly and it’s been hard. I know you gave her a wonderful life! It’s great that she got on with Teddy—which is not always the case! You will be in my thoughts. [[hugs]]
Oh my god. So sorry Mike. You will miss her terribly I know. My heart breaks for you. Huge hugs. 💕
Oh Mike, I’m so very sorry! I know how much you enjoyed her company, and what a charmed life she led with you. I hope you and Teddy will be able to help each other adjust to the hole that Ani’s leaving has left in your hearts and lives. Much love from the Nuthouse.
So sorry Mike. Hug Teddy extra from me too and of course a big one for you. Thank you so much for sharing her with us❤️
So very sorry Mike. I hope Ani knew how much she was loved by Cuteropolis. May she rest well.
🙁
Dear Mike,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Ani had the best possible home with you, and I know how deeply you will miss her. I am glad that you still have Teddy in your life to give you love and company, but I know that it isn’t the same. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss Ricky, however dear Bibi is to me now.
You seem to have a very healthy view of things, but I’m sure there will be those aching moments as you adjust to a world without Ani’s physical presence in it. I wish you all the comfort you will need in those moments.
And, since “Happy Thanksgiving” seems an odd sentiment under the circumstances, may I say that I am thankful you had Ani in your life and that she had you in hers?
And I am, so very much, thankful for you and Cutetropolis.
This is written so beautifully, I don’t have much to add except- by sharing Ani with us Mike, you have spread joy in every direction. Thank you.
My thoughts, too.
Yep. What R&B’s Mom said.
So very sorry for your loss, Mike. Hugs to you and sweet Teddy in this difficult time.
Mike,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know that you did so much to give her a safe, happy life and she knew this too.
So sorry about Ani! I enjoyed reading about her antics when you first brought her home. Losing a friend is just awful.
Mike, I can’t say it any better than those before me whose lovely words hopefully let you know how much we appreciate and support you. So, I am sending you a huge, virtual hug from one animal lover to another.
You’ve a good heart.
Oh, I am so sorry! Such a beautiful bun and I know for certain that she had the best life with you.
Oh no! I am very sorry Mike 🙁 — but what a fantastic entrance she had! It sounds like she was announcing cocktail hour or something. Arghh, the loss of companion rituals. Perhaps you could start a similar hour foot thunk-thunk as a nod and blessing to the evening? Keep her spirit alive so to speak.
Oh noooooo. I’m so sorry to hear this. 🙁 Hugs to you Mike.
I’m so sorry Mike. She was a personage in my life based on your descriptions and reports. You gave her a wonderful home and she established a good relationship with Teddy Bear. I’m afraid it will be a loss for him too.
You’re a kind and loving person and I hope you can take comfort in remembering the lovely life you provided for her. But you’ll still miss her.
🙁 So sorry Mike. You gave her a good life.
😢😢 so sorry to hear about Ani. 7 years seems to be the average life span for a bunny. I know you gave her a nice life and Teddy, that became a friend to her. Losing any of our pets is so hard. You seem to be taking this well and seemed to prepare yourself. We all share in the sadness of your loss. Try to have a Happy Thanksgiving and remember Ani with fondness in your heart.
Oh, Mike, I’m so very sorry to hear this. If she could, I’m sure she’d say “thank you for the wonderful life”. ❤️
Oh no. I am so sorry Mr. Mike. I remember well when she was introduced to us. I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful four years she had with you.
I’m so sorry, Mike. You have such a big heart for all animals, including your passionate human reader anniemules. Thank you for giving Ani a good life and for giving us this wonderful sanctuary.
I’m so sorry Mike. I always loved hearing about Ani’s antics and she’ll be missed.
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s clear you gave Ani the best possible existence while she was with you. I wish your fans here could send you a similar sound effect to give you a good evening everyday.
Hugs of sympathy from both Duckies.
NTMTOM, so unexpected and sad right before the holidays, which will be challenging in and of themselves this year. May your fond memories of Ani carry you through difficult times ahead. Sending you and Teddy virtual hugs and foot thumps.
Oh I’m so sorry, Mike.
😥😥😥 She had a good life with you Mike. Thank you for sharing Ani with us alll…
I’m so sorry, Mike. I remember your previous posts about Ani. It sounds like she had a very happy life (and a great owner in you). Thank you for sharing her with us.
Mike, I am so very sorry. You gave Ani four wonderful years, and I know she gave you the same. Thank you so much for sharing her with us – she was a bright spot for all of us.
So sorry for your loss. Ani had a good home and a good human. And a good brother in Teddy. I hope her memory brings you comfort. I have lost some four footed family members myself, and I sincerly hope we all get to see our loved ones again some day.
May you find peace in your memories. You have my deepest sympathy.
So sad to read of Ani Bunny’s passing… it’s never long enough, is it? I hope there is comfort in knowing that she had a rich and happy life. Condolences to you and your family (2-legged and 4-legged) who loved her.
I’m sorry to hear dear Ani is no longer with us. I’m glad to have gotten to know her through you, Mike. Thanks for making her life and ours brighter.
So sorry to hear this, Mike. I’m glad you had the time you did with her. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Sorry for your loss, Mike. It’s never easy. You are a good soul and we are thankful for all that you do for us here.
Oh Mike – I am so sorry.
Sorry to hear of your loss of Ani. Though it hurts to lose them, I’m always thankful to have my furballs in my life and remember them more in joy than sorrow. I hope you have had a warm thankful holiday in spite of your loss.
Jan B. and Lily
So glad you got to share some of her joy and life, and so sorry it was not longer. Hugs.
I lost track of this email which I so wanted to comment on but instead posted something on a Nov. 27th posting. Reading everyone’s lovely comments makes me think someone’s cutting onions as we say here in Cutetropolis! Thanks, Mike, for sharing yourself in so many ways, it’s a joy and a blessing to have access to your wit, your charm and your integrity.