WARNING very sad christmas story
With Christmas approaching, it is reminding me of my lovely lionhead x dutch rabbit Cookie, who died last year on boxing day. I felt that i should share his story with you...
He was born on 4th April 2002 and was one of 10 baby bunnies. I first saw him in a little pen when I was searching for another rabbit after my mini lop, Bo-peep, had passed away aged 6. I was originally looking at one of his brothers, who was a light brown, but Cookie did a little leap-twist in the air and I was under his spell.
His little face captured the hearts of everyone he met. His fur was soft as silk and his heart as pure as gold.
Life was never boring with Cookie. He featured in my primary school photo, and once he scared us all by getting stuck under the shed (yes, under the shed!) and refusing to attempt to come out until 11:00pm! I could not stay mad at him for long.
A few days before Christmas, Cookie became very ill and his condition gradually worsened. We took him to the vet on Christmas eve, but the vet said that he had probably just eaten something bad and would be fine after a while. By Christmas day, he was unable to stand. On Christmas night, when it seemed everyone else was celebrating, I was in my room crying myself to sleep with Cookie in a box by my bed.
The next morning, the box was covered in blood. Cookie was still alive, but barely breathing. There was no other choice, we had to take him to the vet. I knew what they would say, but I held on to a glimmer of hope that something could be done to save him.
It turned out to be an internal tumour that had ruptured. It was probably hereditary, and there was nothing that could be done. He passed away peacefully and very dignified after the vet gently put him to rest. He was buried on a beautifully clear, snowy winter morning. He was just two and a half years old.
I have lost another pet since Cookie, but he will never be forgotten. His life taught me that rabbits really are intelligent, his passing taught me cherish every day with my pets.
I don't want to put a dampener on christmas, but i think that his story is one that teaches us to treat every moment with our pets as the last, because they could be taken from us at any moment.
RIP sweet Cookie. Your little life brought so much joy to mine.
