Healer Bunny
The Magic Bunny: RIP Simba
Recently we received a story from one of our readers about the journey with her rabbit since the day she bought him as a little kit. Her rabbit, whose name was Simba, recently passed. Gone to a faraway place, never to return. She shares her story with us.
It is remarkable the bond one can form with an animal, especially a pet rabbit. We are proud to be a part of such a close-knit community of rabbit owners who care so much about their pets. It is an honor to provide rabbit care information and the best quality pet rabbits and breeding stock and stories that keep our readers smiling.
In this story, the pet owner went on to explain how she acquired Simba and addresses that it is not the way to get a rabbit; which was at a Flower and Garden Show while a rabbit show was going on. She bought a little Cottontail for N6,500 and knew very little about rabbits but always wanted one. We completely support the fact that a rabbit owner should be responsible and prepared for a commitment before adopting or purchasing a rabbit, however, the fact of the matter is that doesn’t always happen. This is why the education of rabbit care is so important!
Upon bringing her new baby bunny home, she realized just how much she needed to learn about rabbit care. What she did not realize was that her new furry friend would change her life.
Eventually Mrs. A and MR. A went back to the marquee and looked at the rabbits again, this time the man behind the counter brought a second buck out of the cage and asked might they prefer this rabbit but Mrs. A kept looking at the little one she had first seen and was drawn to it. The second rabbit was returned to the cage and the first scrawny creature was brought out again, where it sat unmoving, even when the man prodded it to make it move. The man announced with some disdain, “It’s a Cottontail,” to which Mrs. A replied, “Is it? I thought it was a rabbit”…much laughter from the rabbit people present – Cottontail is a color, it means hair beneath the tail is white like a cotton ball, evidence of yet more ignorance… This is exactly how you should never buy a rabbit – it should never be an impulse buy, should not be bought unless you know the breed and any inherent problems and certainly shouldn’t be bought if you have nothing prepared for it. Having said this, the man, eventually told Mrs. A & MR. A that the rabbit’s name was Simba, the best N6,500 worth they ever spent!
Soon after Simba was purchased, his owner found out that she would have to have a major operation and would not be able to be mobile for quite some time. This is when the true loving relationship began and Simba became her support system as well as therapeutic rabbit.
The daily and nightly rituals of nuzzles in the world famous fleece were something they both adored and Simba couldn’t wait to give Mrs. A kisses and help take her mind off the ordeal she was recovering from. It seemed impossible to think how her recovery would have progressed without the help of this magic bun who came for this specific task and everyone proclaimed that Simba was responsible for the beautiful and pain free feet Mrs. A eventually ended up with.
Unfortunately once Simba’s owner was getting better, things turned for the worse for him. Simba had a deformed jaw and tooth problems—which stemmed from most likely being inbred. Simba’s parents did the right thing by taking their rabbit to the vet after noticing something wrong. Jaw and tooth problems such as malocclusion and tooth spurs are common in rabbits, which is something that should be known before you make the decision to become a rabbit owner.
Sadly, little Simba who had so resolutely helped make Mrs. A get better was to have nearly five years of stressful monthly check ups and many dental surgeries to keep him pain free, eating and alive. Mrs. A had also had a lifetime of pain & surgery but would have gladly swapped places with her magic bun; it just seemed cruel that her adored baby bun’s life would mirror Mrs. A’s life in this terrible way.
Unfortunately, Simba’s life ended after having gone through multiple surgeries over the course of five years. However, the lives he touched and the way he helped his owner heal made him a “magical bun” that will truly never be forgotten.
On that fateful Wednesday 21st May 2014, Mrs. A and MR. A had no inkling that their lives would be changed for the worse, forever. Simba was dropped off for his 20th general anesthetic and dental treatment. Mrs. A went to buy his special treats of apples, dried fruits and black grapes for his homecoming and when the vet rang saying, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry” and started sobbing, Mrs. A could not imagine what she meant. Then the horror set in that their beloved Simba had died, they still cannot bear to really think about that day.
Those amongst you who speak Bunnish will know what joy and also sadness buns can bring into your lives. These little creatures have a secret message for those of us in the know at how therapeutic they can be and how loving.
Although Mrs. A and MR. A made many mistakes in the purchase of that ‘bag of bones’ rabbit in Malvern, Simba made no mistakes, he was a magic bun sent to heal and they are sure that over the rainbow bridge he will be feted as a bun who, with a little wiggle of his nose, a slow blink of his beautiful eyes and his kisses on demand brought about a miracle and gave Mrs. A the beautiful feet she had never had and yes, the world famous fleece was wrapped around him as he left for the Rainbow Bridge so if you go there, you will recognize him.
We thank you for sharing this amazing story with us and thank you for being a responsible rabbit owner who took Simba to the vet when health issues were noticed. To all of those who are rabbit owners and to even those who are considering being a rabbit owner we hope this true story was helpful in explaining what the journey of having a rabbit can be like and how some things should be done as a rabbit owner.
Send us your story today: benjia_442@yahoo.com
