Sir Francis was 9 years and 3 months old. He lived through a major infection and abscess, carrying on out of sheer stubborness. A month ago he seemed to not have as much energy. A checkup showed that his heart did not have a normal rhythm. X-rays showed an enlarged heart and the EKG and ultrasound confirmed mitral valve damage. He began having trouble breathing because of fluid in his lungs from the heart problem, so we knew that his time was short. We fixed up an oxygen tent out of his cage but he still had problems breathing. The Lasix and two heart medications could not overcome the damage. Tonight while we were giving him his medications he struggled some. This was enough to cause his weak heart to fail. When we put him back in the cage he slumped over and was gone in less than a minute. I tried to give him cardiac massage and artificial respiration but except for a few sporatic, feeble heartbeats there was no response. I just came back in from burying him in the backyard.

Francis was a member of our family, our little 'funny bunny'. He was 'alpha cat', chasing the other cats around the house with great glee. Francis was bonded to our large orange cat Tommy for 8 1/2 years. They were ambassadors for bunny-cat coexistence. A photograph of them appeared on the Ellen Show last year in the section "Unlikely Couples".

He lived a long life for a bunny, but 50 years would not have been long enough. We greatly loved him and his toughbuns behavior. He never knew that he was only 5 pounds. My heart cries out for him and I know he is not there.

Ken,oh,I am so sorry for your loss.Francis sounds like a wonderful bunny.What a lovely picture of him,he was certainly beautiful.You gave him such a good home and he knew that you loved him.I know it's so hard right now and that this pain is so fresh.My heart goes out to you and you will be in my prayers tonight.I pray your family will find some comfort in knowing that your little Francis had such a good family and that they loved him so much.He fought a tough fight and now he doesn't have to suffer anymore.I know that doesn't make you feel any better but he is safe and happy,he'll be waiting for you,hanging out with Daddy Cat at the rainbow bridge.My heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time.I hope it helps to know that you are not alone in your pain.We care and we are all here for you.Take care of yourself and write whenever you need to.Fly free dear Francis,you were a gift from God.Sincerely,Renee (Sox's mom)

Ken,

It's heartbreaking to hear about the loss of your (famous) Francis, especially after having been such a trooper, beating so many odds and living longer than so many. I know how, when that's their history, it seems so impossible that our furkids could ever really have to leave, and how it tears your heart in shreds when it finally happens, pre-existing/chronic conditions aside. In part, that's why I'm having such a hard time with Nissa's passing, as she was always so tenacious, too, going on far longer than any doc expected. I think it's often a mark of how much they love us and want to just stay with us, and how much our great love for them nourishes them. And Francis was obviously so cherished in your hearts, and always will be.

He looks so incredibly soft in this picture, sitting there next to his best pal, Tommy, and I'll bet he was so happy to live his life spreading the good word about inter-species relationships.....he makes me proud, too, for that great lesson! Yes, he deserved to be showcased on a popular program (as did Tommy). I'm sure he's still working his bunny-magic on the Other Side, helping to soften earthly hearts to live in harmony with all other souls, even if they look different. I know your heart will be crying, but I believe he'll still hear you, even if you can't tell.....he WILL be there, because you love him still. And we'll hear you, too, whenever you need to cry to us.

Oh, Ken, no...! Your sweet bunny rabbit Francis...I am so very, very sorry! This must leave such a painful void in your life and I wish I had the words to help and comfort you and your family. I know you will miss him. May you be blessed for giving this sweet gentle creature such a fine home, and a long, happy lifetime of love.

Ken,

I'm so sorry for your loss. What a sweet bunny. I know there are no words to take away your pain, but we are all here for you. Francis had a wonderful life filled with love and family and he is waiting at the rainbow bridge with a smile.

Take care.

Ken,
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet bunny Francis. What a good looking guy. When I was a kid, we had 3 bunnies and they never did get along with the cat. I am impressed!

I remember seeing the photo on Ellen now that you mention it. Your Famous Francis made America smile. Now there's a lifetime achievement! But his biggest achievement was the love he brought to you and your family I'm sure.

Take good care of yourself.
Love,
V

Oh Ken

Sir Francis was so handsome! I'm so sorry you lost him. I am so impressed with him and Tommy. (Tommy is gorgeous too). I'm not sure I even knew there could be bunny-cat coexistence. Bravo boys.

It made me smile to think of him as alpha-cat, chasing cats about. I love that you loved his 'toughbuns behavior'. We just treasure them so much, and miss them so when they go. I'm so sad you had to lose your 'funny bunny'.

Thinking of you, your family and Sir Francis
Lori

What a beautiful bunny Sir Francis was, and Tommy is a beautiful cat. I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. When we try everything to help them, be it medications or other, and our hopes go up every time we do this, it is so hard when we lose them, despite all of our efforts. Still, your efforts were because you love him so very much, and what a wonderful life he had with you.

Your Tommy will be missing his friend too; it will help you to hug Tommy, not only because he will help make you feel better, but because this is his grief as much as it is yours. I know that animals grieve their companions as much as we do, and they need us to comfort them as much as our holding our other animals really comforts us when we lose a pet.

I know that, no matter how much it hurts when one of our darling pets goes, when we know we did the best we could for them, and we know that love goes on forever (it is eternal), then we can at least find some comfort in that; still, the hole in the heart when they go never closes completely. I believe that we'll see our sweet angels again when its our turn to pass on, and that's one of the things that helps keep me sane through the pain and grief of each loss.

I hope that you can start to feel better soon.

Dear ((((((((Ken))))))))

I attempted to write out my post to you last night, but, the words wouldn't come. I felt so sad after reading your post.

I am so very, very sorry about the passing of your incredibly special guy, Sir Francis ....

I know that you (and Karen) have such wonderfully HUGE hearts, and you provide a wonderful, warm & loving home for all of your children. I just know how much your heart is breaking, and I feel your loss .

Please know that I am thinking of you. I know that Sir Francis will ALWAYS be with you - inside your heart. Our babies never really ever leave us.

Please know that I am thinking of you - if there is anything at all that I can do, please let me know.

God bless you & yours,

Denise & Ben

Thank you everyone for your kind words and sympathy. My heart is broken and the pain is great with this loss of my little funny bunny. Now I need time to let the tears flow freely and to heal this empty space in my soul. I will always remember the Irascible One . He brought much happiness and joy into our lives. His presence has changed us forever and we will always keep Sir Francis' memory in our hearts.

Ken,
I am so sorry about Sir Francis. You are in my thoughts and prayers this evening.
God Bless,
Steve