Chloe was my second rabbit and was adopted from Furry Friends Foundation in late January of 2004. When she got to her new home (my bunny-proofed bedroom), she was nervous but soon started exploring and refused to be caged. Within the first two weeks of settling in, her real personality emerged. She seemed to be a timid, reserved little lady but as she got comfortable, she became demanding and dominating! Initially, I adopted her in hopes of bonding her with my male bun Scout, but the bonding attempts were all unsuccessful. Both rabbits wanted the upper hand and neither would back down. After a few more failed bonding attempts with other rabbits, I realized she wanted to be on her own. I didn't mind because I knew that I would keep her regardless.
She was my most beautiful rabbit for sure; white with black spots and
patches all over, long girlish whiskers, a pointed elegant face and a
soft round body. Our personality traits are very similar and I think
we developed an understanding between one another because of this.
She was always a bit aloof and seemed to enjoy her solitude. She was
very territorial and greeted everyone with her signature aggressive
grunts and honks. She wouldn't let you pet her unless she marked your
fingers under her chin first and was known for chasing people out of
her room if they smelled of another rabbit. She was a skeptical girl
but still enjoyed spending time in my arms receiving affection.
As these characteristics and habits of hers became more apparent, I
began to respect her for who she was and let her live as an
independent lady.
Although she was a solitary rabbit, I knew she was happy because
before every meal, without fail, she would run, jump and leap around
me, then under the bed (usually two laps), then back into her pen to
eat. Sometimes she'd jump so high in excitement for snacks that she
would grunt a little upon landing as if the wind was knocked out of
her. I'd often wake in the middle of the night to hear her running
laps around the room - over and over. But like all rabbits, she was a
hellion at times too. She chewed the baseboards of the walls in both
apartments she lived in with me, tore up the carpeting corners in my
current apartment, and would wake with the sun and start chewing
anything she could, possibly to wake me up for breakfast. I suppose
that's not being bad, that's just being a rabbit.
Throughout the two and a half years she lived with me, she always
seemed a bit susceptible to G.I. stasis. However, there was never an
instance that led to a vet visit until last Thursday. I got home from
work and when I went to feed her she was hiding under the bed and
uninterested in food. I gave her some leftover pain meds from Theo
(who went through the same thing the previous month), syringe fed her
critical care, and massaged her belly. I could feel a large gas bubble
that, even after two 45 minute massage sessions, wouldn't budge. I did
all I could without any change and she seemed increasingly
uncomfortable. I packed her up and took her in to Animal 911.
I didn't know how serious the situation was until getting a call the
next morning saying she'd taken a turn for the worse. I then went in
to see her knowing that this might be our last encounter. The nurse
brought her in wrapped in a pink towel and put down a handful of
parsley in case she felt like eating. She looked sad, tired and out of
it. Poor thing had a catheter in her left paw which she tried to shake
off as I attempted to feed her. She ate a couple tiny bites but that
was it. Her eyes were teary - maybe because mine were? Perhaps our
understanding of each other was present even under the dire
circumstances. Later that night she went into a seizure and then into
cardiac arrest. They began CPR on her but I had them stop even though
I had not made it to the hospital yet. I didn't want to prolong her
pain any longer. I can only hope that she was at peace and too
confused to know what was happening. She passed away at around 8pm on
Friday August 11.
My rabbit friends Matthew and Rachel said that I was welcome to bury her up at their farm in Galena. They have an animal cemetery there where other rabbits have been buried - some of which are also Furry Friends alumni. I really can't think of a better resting place for her.
This is the first time I've lost a rabbit and am thankful for all the
people that have been supportive and helpful. Especially Matthew and
Rachel (specifically to Rachel) for introducing me to Chloe and
helping me bring her into my life, Jon for helping me get through the
weekend and for allowing me to put up this tribute, to the people at
Chicago Exotics and Animal 911 who cared for Chloe and for doing their
best, to Dr. Gallegos for the kind, comforting and informative words
and for taking the time to talk to me, and to my friends, especially
Will and Lisa for listening to me cry.
Chloe is an irreplaceable rabbit to me that I feel fortunate to have
met. I see her as the sister I never had... only in rabbit form.
Although she was probably bound to have a shorter than average life, I
am still much obliged to have known her and would not have had it any
other way.
