[Petbunny] King Valentine ATB

[Binks the Bunny]

Oh Rhonda, I'm so very sorry!  Valentine was indeed a king and I will miss
seeing his sweet face in your cards at Christmas and Easter.  Sending you
and the other Welchkins lots of hugs.  I will light a candle for Valentine
tonight.

Nancy,
Bella, Carter & Sita


-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for folks with companion rabbits [mailto:PETBUNNY at LSV.UKY.EDU]
On Behalf Of Rhonda Welch
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:52 PM
To: PETBUNNY at LSV.UKY.EDU
Subject: King Valentine ATB

Please light a candle for my Valentine.  

King Valentine had steadily been going downhill since he was diagnosed with
bloat a few months ago.  He recovered briefly from bloat, began eating with
gusto, pootying, being his usual bratty little self.  Then slowly he showed
signs of continuing to lose weight even though he was eating.  Over the
course of the last week he began decreasing the number of pellets he was
eating.  On Sunday he refused his banana slice (his FAVORITE), then last
night he refused his daily serving of oats.  I was giving him oats in the
hopes he would gain some weight.  

This morning he came out of his condo when I opened the door and went
straight to the hidey box.  He was still there when I got home today.  He
was dirty, smelly (not a poopy butt smell) and weak.  I knew in my heart it
was time.  I sat him in the middle of the floor while I got his blankets,
called the vet, called Dale and got ready to go.  He spread out flat on the
floor and peed.  Valentine was always meticulous about grooming, he had
perfect litter habits unless he had a urinary tract infection.  Today, he
made no attempt to make it to his pan.  His right front leg was turned in
under his body and he couldn't stand up or hop on it.  I wrapped him
carefully in his favorite blanket and took him to the vet.  

He had an inoperable mass (tumor) in his abdomen.  I told Dr. Hempel (who's
been with us since Valentine was neutered eight years ago), I was more about
quality of life rather than being selfish and keeping him with me.  I didn't
want to see him suffer.  She told me I made the right decision.  I know in
my heart I made the right decision, but my heart is shattered.  

Valentine was, well, my Valentine!!  He was my bossy, bratty, thumping,
supervisor who kept me in line.  

I'll always love you Valentine..... you will forever be with me in my heart.
Everytime I see Pointed Ear Shakes I'll think of you.  

Love, 
Your Mom
    & Clem, Vanessa, Cassidy, Clancy & Cricket 

    ()()
   ( '.' )
_(") (")_ ***A bunny is an angel with long ears instead of a halo***