We adopted Kiki at the beginning of the pandemic. At that time, the whole family was home watching the rabbit learn to use the litter box and chew on new toys. But these days, I'm the only one here watching Kiki and Eeyore's burgeoning relationship all day long, and it's kind of therapeutic for me — my own live-action romantic comedy.
More than that, their bond captivates and touches me, making me forget for a moment that Rabbit is a pesky fountain of need, one that will chew through every cord if left alone.
The months leading up to Eeyore's arrival were an anxious and depressing time for me.
I went to three funerals for friends who died suddenly at young ages. One of her daughters had been in the hospital for a week with a stomach problem, and I was still dealing with the effects of an emergency hysterectomy and occasional pain, plus the effects of sudden menopause. Ukraine and Israel, where my family has ancestral ties, were both at war. And I'm an environmental journalist who covers a burning, melting, sinking world.
So maybe I was ready for a boost I received an email from my neighbor Karen saying, “I don't know if you heard, but I rescued a rabbit and I'm looking for its owner.''
As a former House Rabbit Society volunteer, Karen knew that many shelters were not set up to accept rabbits and that rabbits raised as pets lacked the skills to survive outdoors. .
When she couldn't find a home for the rabbit, Karen asked me if I wanted to adopt the rabbit and offered to foster and neuter the rabbit until she was ready.
Other than a fish that died quickly, we were a pet-free household until 3 years ago, when our kids begged for something furry after their cousin got a Pandemic puppy. . The children researched their options, presented a PowerPoint presentation explaining why they needed a bunny, and a few weeks later brought Kiki home.
Kiki was easy. Soft and kind, she moved into what used to be our children's play area. She moved her office there because she read a book that rabbits don't like being alone. Our kids immediately started asking for a second one. They pointed out that rabbits need friends and Kiki was probably lonely.
we said no. We had harmony in our house. Even during the pandemic, I maintained as much harmony as possible with my tween and tween children. Rabbits may like company, but they don't automatically get along either. And people looking for a rabbit companion should bring their pet to meet other rabbits and see if a bond develops, experts say. I didn't have time for that.
Moreover, despite Kiki's gentle temperament, rabbits are not the simplest pets. According to the Humane Society of the United States, “rabbits make great pets, but they require gentle touch, good knowledge of proper care, and a lot of attention.” This is one reason why so many people abandon pet rabbits bought as whimsical Easter gifts, rescue groups say.
But finding a second rabbit was one thing, and having one fall into our laps was another. I thought I should at least meet the little guy. I told her husband that if he kept her rabbit, he could name it after her. He said it might be best for me to investigate.
Turns out this “little guy” was huge, weighing 6 pounds to Kiki's adorable 3 pounds. I wanted to keep him because he had a cotton tail and big floppy ears. Her husband asked why. The children no longer begged for rabbits. Finally, in a way, things got easier.
I thought before answering. That would be a good deed, I said. We couldn't save the world, but we could save this rabbit. I don't know if I understand what that means, but her husband said okay and named their new pet Eeyore after the rabbit's hangdog face and floppy ears.
survive the early years
On Kiki and Eeyore's first date, they were separated by a cage. she became interested. He wasn't. For a second date, when touching is allowed, your rabbit expert will advise you on a new, neutral space. We chose the bathtub. she started. He accepted, albeit reluctantly. On our third date, we spent several hours together.
They then enjoyed a bunny moon in Karen's basement. They ate from the same bowl, drank the same water, and slept in the same toilet. A week later they came to us as a bonded pair.
Eeyore is not easy. His appetite sometimes requires him to go grocery shopping late at night for collard greens. He is afraid of loud noises. He was scared when Santa arrived in a fire truck, and only calmed down after Kiki calmed him down. When her snack bag is opened she chases Kiki away with her nose and occasionally takes a biscuit out of her mouth.
Also, when I try to brush him, he squirms out of my arms and sometimes scratches me with his big paws. When we went out of town and a neighbor fed him, he ran away in so much pain that he peed all over his oldest daughter's room.
But as I watched the two rabbits, I started to wonder if easy is overrated when it comes to love. It certainly seems that way to Kiki and Eeyore. Perhaps we can all learn something from them.
