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Amour (love)
Thursday, January 9, 2014
By: Cassandra Stajich
Amour (love)
A loving rabbit
2013 was a year of many changes in our family. My son lost his paternal grandmother to Lewy Body Dementia, he also lost 2 cats at his dads house, one at mine, and a German Shepard at my mom's home, all to old age or incurable illness.
On top of the loses, a friend of mine became ill, and we took in her 14 year old daughter while she recovers. So now my son is adjusting from being an only child, to sharing his life with a foster sister (who we all love dearly). Even though they get along better than most brothers and sisters, at 11 years old it is quite the change.
My daughter came with a dwarf rabbit of her own, so we set out to find a companion for her rabbit (blizzy), and my son. That brought us to The Phil Collins of Rabbits, as the staff named him. I had read that it can be difficult to bond rabbits later in life, so the suggestion from the literature was to find a fixed rabbit of the same age but opposite sex. So Phil fit the bill.
Two weeks later after having Phil Colins with us (now named Amour), we couldn't be happier. Amour is so loving (hence the name), he will let anyone pet, hug, or cuddle with him as long as they want to. I have also read that this is an uncommon trait for rabbits as they prefer to be on the ground and not held or carried.
The beginning of the bonding process with Blizzy was a little bumpy, but the staff at the Humane Society walked us through the process, and I think we are on our way. They are not grooming each other yet, but they will sit in close proximity for longer and longer periods. We are hopeful.
The best part is that it has given the kids a common ground with each other. They both enjoy watching and playing with Amour and Blizzy, and for my son it has brought back the happiness he feels when caring for an animal. Not that Amour and Blizzy can replace the lost loves over the year, but it has shown him that we can find new relationships and a new normal. For that I am especially happy.
Thank you to the staff at the Humane Society of Huron Valley.
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