December 09, 2007

The Bunnyman--1998-December 5, 2007


Last week I lost my dear bunny friend to cancer. He was diagnosed about 7 weeks ago, so I had some time with him before we had to have him put to sleep. Bunnyman was a throwaway bunny whose family didn't want to bother to care for him; they set him loose in the neighborhood to fend for himself. I had spotted him a few times before he showed up in my yard, where I found him contentedly munching on the seed that drifted out of my bird feeder. Bird seed was always one of his favorite snacks. So we took him in--bunnies on the loose generally meet a quick and grisly end in the talons of a hawk or the jaws of a dog--and he became our much doted-on little pet. House bunnies are wonderful pets; they can be trained to use a litter box and they're endlessly amusing when young, and quiet, peaceful and loving companions when they're old. They're subtle though, and the shelters and bunny refuges are full of unwanted and unappreciated little pets. In a few weeks, when I can do it without weeping, I will go to the Bunny Magic refuge in Maryland (www.bunnymagic.org) and choose two bunnies who are waiting for a home and who might otherwise go unadopted because they're white with pink eyes (an unpopular color combination) or because they're seniors or because they're missing an ear or an eye or were nearly starved to death in a backyard hutch and are shy and fearful.

In the meantime, I have kitted up Little House Needleworks' "Morning Berries" with the Crescent Colors threads. I've had this chart for a long time because I collect bunny needlework projects and now I want to stich this to memorialize the Bunnyman's too-short stay on earth. I will change the color of the bunny at the bottom of the chart to black though.

And those stitchers in my neighborhood RR (as in this picture of Carol's neighborhood) are getting a little black Just Nan bunny, who is happily passing from yard to yard, looking for dandelions. Every spring the Bunnyman and I would go into the backyard for a supervised romp and gathering of dandelions. He loved the greens, the bitter milky stems, the bright full flowers and even the seed heads.

12 comments:

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

I'm so sorry Glenna for your loss. I think it adorable that you are going to memorialize him and that you shall give more unwanted bunnies a good home and Mama.

Anonymous said...

Awww Glenna...I'm so sorry for your loss. In time you'll be ready for adopting another lucky bunny or two. Bless your heart!

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was such a handsome fella and I know you loved him dearly! Praying for you.
Your stitching is so lovely! I really like that chart you are kitting up to do.

Kathy said...

Sorry about your loss. It is never easy to lose a beloved pet. It will be good for you to do the LHN design as a memorial. We have to love those pets.

Jennifer said...

What a lucky bunny to have had such a loving home! I've very sorry for your loss, and I think it will be a wonderful tribute to Bunnyman to give a good home to more unwanted pets. I've said many times that the best pets are ones from shelters and rescues, and I think any bunnies you adopt will be lucky to have you.

mainely stitching said...

Dear Glenna, I am so very sorry!!!

I had rabbits when I was younger and Simon was the king of them all. A little Dutch bunny, forever in his "tuxedo" - he went EVERYWHERE with me, all the time.

I really am so sorry. Take care of yourself.

Katrina said...

Oh I am very sorry about your sweet bunny. I love the idea of adding him to your stitching. Any time there is a dog on a piece I am stitching I always change it to be my dog Shelby :-).

Wonderful idea to adopt a new bunny.

Annemarie said...

Dear Glenna, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. We had a bunny of the unwanted variety and I shall never forget him either. Take care!

Mindi said...

I'm so sorry for your loss of Bunnyman. The chart will be a wonderful way to remember him, and I look forward to seeing pictures of your new rescues when you feel able.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. :(

The chart will be a great way to remember Bunnyman.

Jeanne said...

I'm so sorry about your Bunnyman. Losing our pets is SO painful! I have always loved bunnies (and also collect patterns with them) but never had a pet one. God bless you for adopting some unwanted ones. I get teary-eyed everytime I think about our little dog being on "the list" at the shelter before we adopted her. There are so many pets that need homes. At least you can find comfort in knowing you gave Mr. Bunnyman the best life you could.

Michelle said...

I am so sorry for your loss of Bunnyman - he truly was a sweet character. Having lost Hamlet just a few days after your own loss (also from cancer), I know how much you must be hurting. I love the sampler you've chosen to memorialize him. I haven't found one for Hamlet. Big hugs and please let me know if I can do anything for you.