I have some very sad news.

[Alexah]

I've hesitated writing this post all day today. Why? I'm scared to let people in when in the past I've made mistakes that have pushed people away. And I'm afraid of the response I may receive. I'm very afraid of that response. But please know that this decision was not made lightly and it was discussed time and time again before action was taken. I know that may not make a difference, but I did it out of love.

Some of you may know that I've been struggling with some physical ailments for some time. And during that time I've had to be placed on bed rest for more than a week at a time. Well, I was taken to the ER this past weekend due to severe abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, fever, and the like. I was admitted and finally came back home late yesterday afternoon. I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst that burst along with a handful of other cysts on my ovaries that may burst or need surgery in the future to treat.

That being said, I've had to rehome some of my rabbits. They were getting to be overwhelming for me to care for and I didn't want any of them to suffer because of my inability to care for them in the way they both deserve and need. I had eight and while each was properly cared for and loved, it was a lot of work, money, and time and it was unfair to ask my mom or friends to take on their care when I was incapacitated. And with the threat of surgery and recuperation from this week, I couldn't in good faith continue on as I had been.

So, I rehomed three of my bunnies. They all went to a friend's house where they will be loved and spoiled. She is a very good friend and has had rabbits in the past and I'll be able to see them, spend time with them, and still be a part of their lives. She may sign up on this site, but even if she doesn't I know she'll be caring for them as well as I did and that they're in good hands. They'll be on the same food and hay, will have huge NIC pens, and will spend most of the day out and about. I couldn't have hoped for a better home and while I'm saddened by the situation, I know it was in everyone's best interest.

I know my decision may not be a popular one on this forum, but I hope that people will be able to see that the decision was made out of love and not haste or irresponsibility. Had my health not just taken this turn, I wouldn't have needed to act on this, but it did and I did what I felt was the responsible, right thing to do in this situation. I hope others can see that as well.

William, Ruby, Potter, Hope and Faith are all still with me, but Silvie, Mariah, and Arlyn have been rehomed. I'm still very sad about everything, but I'm at peace with my decision. I'm sorry to disappoint everyone, but...well, I don't know what else to say...

 

[weedflemishgiants]

I'm sorry for your troubles and glad you found homes for your bunns. Hope things improve for you.ink iris:

 

[Maureen Las]

Hi Alexah,

I'm really sorry that you have been so sick. A ruptured ovarian cyst can be very serious. I also understand ,because of my own past, the worry and fear that comes with having pets and not being able to care for them because of illness.

I think you did a wonderful thing for your pets.! You found them a wonderful new home. No one here would EVER think there was anything wrong with that. it's a good thing particularly because you know who they went to.


I have 7 rabbits and cats and dogs etc. and If I became sick I would also need to find new homes for my pets. I have thought about that.

Please take care of yourself and don't judge yourself harshly.

You did the right thing

 

[Wabbitdad12]

I hope you get better soon!:bunnynurse:

To rehome some of your bunnies had to be a rough decision.I also think it show maturity and responsibility to make such adecision. Your interest was in your bunnies welfare. You made sure your bunnies didn't just go to anybody, but to someone you trusted,knew would take care of them and a place where you could still see them.

I agree you did the right thing.

 

[Pet_Bunny]

What a lovely friend you have. Hopeshe will sign up to the forum.

Your health is more important. I am amazed how you managed 8 bunnies and hope the remaining will work out for you.

Take care. :hug:

 

[TinysMom]

Sometimes the hardest decisions we have to make - are the ones that are best for our bunnies in the long run.

You have to do what you feel is best and then live with it and know you did your best.

I'm sorry you had to make that decision but you had to do what was right for you.

So go hug one of your remaining bunnies (or all of them) for me - and for yourself...

 

[MsBinky]

Alexah,

I am rehoming two of my girls because of my health. Sometimes, no matter how much we love them, the best thing for them is to rehome them. I know that I have been neglecting to take mine out as much as I should because of my asthma. It hurts me to see them in their cages. I had a cyst rupture a few years ago and I certainly remember the pain that went with that :shock:It sucked! I know how you feel, I certainly wouldn't be one to say anything against your decision. I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, and I really hope you feel better soon.:rose:

 

[juliew19673]

Hi Alexah! I'm sorry of the physical problems you had but hope this is the end of it.. And I can't fathom to think why anyone would feel that you had done anything wrong in this instance... Your first priority was to make sure that your buns were well taken care of while you cannot.. Secondly it would have been worse for them if they were ignored while you convalesce.

I commend you on your choice and can only imagine how hard it must have been for you.. Keep in mind when I was 15 and out of control my parents "rehomed" me to some family friends that had a farm in the middle of now where :grumpy:! It was the best thing to ever happen to me at that age, I grew to love being there and they werethe nicest of people and I learned to appreciate family, horses, chickens, etc.. So sometimes rehoming really is the answer! I did go back home at 17 with a new appreciation of what a Mom may have to decide in the best interest of the "child"..

 

[tort]

I hope you start to feel better and get yourself all nice and healthy. I also have to commend you on your choice. Not to forget your friend for opening her home to your little brood. You made the right choice and you still have the ability to be apart oftheir lives too.

You are in our prayers.

 

[LadyBug]

I'm sorry you're not feeling well, I hope you get to feeling better soonink iris:!

You did the right thing, I don't think anybody on here's gonna get ticked at you for taking care of your buns in the bast way possible, even when it hurts. :hug1

 

[NorthernAutumn]

I am glad that you made such a hard brave decision so well. I would hope that I would have the unselfishness and the courage to make the same choice for my guys if I truly wasn't able to care for them the way they need to be cared for.

Remember, that you haveNOT failed your bunnies in anyway. You have provided for them for every eventuality, and that is something only an unselfish, loving mom can do.Thank you for putting them first!

 

[Alexah]

I really want to thank everyone for your kind understanding and support. These past couple of days have been really difficult since I want my babies back, but I know that I made the right decision - based not only on my needs, but on their needs as well. I just miss them so much and despite knowing they're in good hands, I can't help but worry and wonder. Luckily my friend has been wonderful during this time and has sent me pictures and stories about how they're doing and what they're up to.

I'm still in limbo about things and I may wind up rehoming two more of my bunnies before everything is through, but I'm thinking things through carefully and these aren't decisions I'm making lightly. I love all of my rabbits dearly and I don't want to see any go, but I'm physically not in any way able to care for them all in the fashion they're accustomed. As of now, the bunnies still in my care are staying with me for the long haul, but if surgery or additional hospital time becomes an issue, things may need to change - if only temporarily.

I can't help but beat myself up over the whole situation. I feel so guilty for loving these bunnies and then turning them away. It's something I don't feel is appropriate or responsible under general circumstances. But even though this situation is different, I can't seem to wrap my mind around it. I have a lot of guilt and shame here and I know I need to let it go...it's just very hard.

So, that being said, I really am grateful to all of you. Just getting this out and into the open has helped me to feel better. It's still hard, but it's easier knowing you all are behind me on this. Thank you.

 

[pumpkinandwhiskersmom]

You did the right thing, imho. You know what's best for those you love, and you put them first in providing the best possible home for them. I think it's awesome that you'll be able to still see them and know how they're doing. If you don't take care of yourself, you can't care for any of your other buns. You are so wise to take each step cautiously, with much forethought. You're in our prayers. Take care of yourself, and I hope that you'll be feeling better in no time.

 

[Alexah]

Things are happening too quickly right now and I don't have time to think let alone feel anything. I feel so ashamed that I got sick and I hate that I have to go through any of this. Somehow it doesn't seem fair. Since the beginning of this year I've really been trying to work things out - with myself and with others. Why now is everything falling apart?

My friend just called and told me that the bunnies are acting very strangely. She'll be coming to pick up my bonded pair - William and Ruby (Ruby used to be bonded to Potter, but she decided she liked William better) - tomorrow and I'll be taking in one of hers so she can free up NIC pen space in the house. I feel terrible, but we're thinking that the others miss their "friends." And I've noticed that both William and Ruby have seemed a bit out of sorts as well since the others have gone. They were all in close proximity to one another while Potter and the babies were in a separate room and seem rather unfazed.

So two more of my babies are going and I'll be taking in one from my friend's house to possibly bond to Potter in the future. That will leave me with (hopefully) two bonded pairs and she'll have a houseful of bunnies to care for. My only consolation is that she lives not 5-minutes away and I can see my babies any time. Nothing feels right anymore...I'm going to go hug my sweethearts. I only hope they know how much I love them.

 

[pumpkinandwhiskersmom]

Of course they know how much you love them....I'm sure of that. Think of how sad they would be if you just began neglecting them because you were unable to care for them. You are doing the selfless, loving thing to make sure they're in the best possible place.

Please try not to feel guilty about getting sick....intellectually, you know that you couldn't do anything about it. I know how much emotions play in to feelings like this, though. And it does seem like every time you try to get your life in order, the bottom drops out. For me, I always think that the forces of evil (Satan, for me) hates it when we are becoming stronger, and all of the bad stuff is thrown at us to try to send us to a weaker place. You're doing so well, though, to keep on doing what you know is right for those that you hold most dear. Even though it doesn't feel like you are "winning", you really are.

Take care, and know that there are lots of people keeping you in their thoughts and prayers.

 

[Maureen Las]

Alexah
I was very sick for a lengthy period of time in the 90's. It put an end to my career as a nurse.

I also was very embarrassed that I was sick and could barely stand my life at the time. Thankfully, I had limited pets at that time so I didn't have to rehome but if it happened now I would.

I had to have my family walk my dog for me and also hire dog walkers as I was in an apt. I just hated everything.

I know how bad you must feel giving up your bunnies but like you said they are close to you and you can visit often.

I am sorry that you feel so sad although it is normal to feel sad to be losing them

Please try not to feel guilty ;there is absolutely no reason to feel guilty.
They are getting a good home !
Please try to take care of yourself so that you can recover quickly