[Petbunny] King Valentine ATB

[Strachan, S.C.]

Oh no! Rhonda I'm gutted to hear your news.  I'm so sorry it was
Valentine's time to go.  We shall light our bunny candle this evening
for him and we're sending you lots of hugs.  Its not fair.  There's too
many going to the bridge right now.  
Hugs,
Claire and Holly x x x 

-----Original Message-----
From: Forum for folks with companion rabbits
[mailto:PETBUNNY at LSV.UKY.EDU] On Behalf Of Rhonda Welch
Sent: 16 January 2008 00:52
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***