Two days ago I got up from my bed and had a shower, brushed my teeth, everything I would normally do in the morning. I then went to give my rabbits their breakfast. Upon entering the garden I instantly knew something was wrong - one of my rabbits was lying outside in the run in the pouring rain, only just breathing.

I took Hoppy to the vet and was told that she had an upset tummy, which caused her to collapse in the night outside. She was out in the cold harsh weather for more than 3 hours, just lying there. She became hypothermic. The vet told me that we could well lose her. They put her on a machine and warmed her up in the hopes that she would survive.

I spent that whole day worrying about her - she never left my mind for a second.

9 hours later, I was told that Hoppy had died.

I miss her so much and I just wish I could have done something beforehand.

But my main concern now is for her sister, Hazel. I have bought her an indoor home and put it in my room, so that I can keep her company.

But I'm looking at her right now, and she's searching for her sister, who is buried in the back garden with a small cross above her grave. I don't think Hazel has realised that Hoppy isn't coming back.. I feel so so so guilty and I just brake down when I see her all alone, confused. I can see her sometimes looking into the distance, staring, then searching again.

I miss Hoppy terribly, they were both nearly 4.. I think Hazel is going to have to live another 4 or so years without her and that breaks my heart so much.

Is there any advice anyone can give me to make this easier for her? I think she is the less socialable one of the two, so she isn't used to being picked up and hugged a lot.

We adopted them both from the RSPCA 2 years ago.

thanks in advance, it's good to know you're not alone in situations like this.. I just wish so much I could explain to Hazel what has happened.. I wish this was all just a bad dream

Oh, Jimmy, I just saw your post and I'm so sorry!!

I'm glad you have Hazel inside with you. Can she roam outside of her little house, so she can explore a bit, and be even closer to you? That might take her mind off things some. Also, I was wondering if another companion might be a good idea---not a replacement for Hoppy, but another bunny to get to know and to love. (and to rescue ).

The grief you are going through must be excruciating. Please don't blame yourself though. We all do---we see things we could have/should have done differently. But it's not human to be perfectly on top of things, so I hope you are gentle with yourself. If the cir%%stances had been reversed, and it was you who had passed on, you would want Hoppy to be ok.

You and Hazel will be reunited with Hoppy, when it's your time. In the meantime, Hoppy is in a realm of bliss, with no physical or emotional pain. It was probably "just his time" to pass on from his body. But I'm so sorry about your grief.

Keep in touch! Let us know how you are doing. I'm sorry I hadn't seen your post earlier.

Love,

Kathy