My Rabbit Ollie lost his brother fudge on Friday it was very fast and came out the blue.I have tried to talk to Ollie about it but do they understand? he just sits and looks and were his brother use to be.This is making it a lot worse for me as i am at the lost with out him aswell and am finding it hard to sleep and eat and am very down and think Ollie is picking up on it they had been together for 6 years.
Thanks Joanne
RE: loss of a brother
Hi Joanne
I am so sorry to hear of your loss (and Ollies). Most pets that are paired become very distressed when one of them dies, i have two guinea pigs together and im dreading that day!!
At 6 years old i think you have a couple of options..
a) if he was an outdoor rabbit maybe try bringing him indoors so you can give him extra hugs and kisses to try and make up for his brother not being there.
b) buy him some cuddly teddys and blankets that he can snuggle up to at night to try and make him feel safe and not alone
or
c) go to a rescue and try and get another bun around the same age as him.... at his age i probably wouldnt advise getting a baby one but its up to you.
I really hope you and Ollie feel better soon.. if you havent already done so leave a message for Fudge on the rainbow bridge thread.
Take care [sm=hug.gif]
XF
RE: loss of a brother
Hi Joanne,
IMO animals can understand what we say to them. Ollie does know that Fudge is gone but he probably has a much better understanding of death than we give them credit for. He will grieve, its only natural as you will.
He also may be receiving your feelings to. Dont try to hide them, remember Fudge together, maybe you could plant a little tree/plant for him?
Good ideas by XF, he probably will feel a bit lonely now Fudge is gone but if you are going to go down the getting a new rabbit route, make sure you leave Ollie to have a bit of time first.
Hugs to you and Ollie
xx
RE: loss of a brother
Hi Joanne,
This happened to me with my cats when they were just 6 months old, and Cosmo really missed his brother. The vet suggested I give him a few drops of Bach Rescue Remedy and it worked! He took it a few times then didn't seem to want it any more and really perked up. I don't know about rabbits, so maybe you should check with your vet first that it is safe for rabbits.
Lucy
RE: loss of a brother
Hi Joanne, Lucy's suggestion of Rescue Remedy is a great one. All animals can take flower essences, even babies, so it's perfectly safe. It would be a good idea to buy some to help with the loss of Ollie's brother. You can place a few drops every day in his drinking water.
Love and light to you and Ollie during this time.
Rosi X