Saturday, July 05, 2008

In Memoriam


July 15 2004 - July 5 2008


I’m sad to report that Tidbit went to the Bridge today.

After her illness in May, she had a good month with us here at home, always happy, following us around, playing with her toys and eating like a horse. Then on Tuesday she was of her feed again, so I took her to the vet on Wednesday. Dan took her again on Thursday, since she resisted our efforts to medicate her.

She was doing a little better Thursday, even playing with her toys, so we decided to not leave her at the vet and to try to medicate her at home on Friday. As (bad) luck would have it, she started showing new symptoms that required a trip to the emergency pet hospital. They saw nothing so wrong that she couldn’t go home, and I had already left a message for her regular vet to expect us on Saturday morning. She spent most of last night in her favorite spot by my computer chair, but it was clear things weren't right with her.

Dan took her in this morning and they still had her under observation for her cluster of seemingly unrelated symptoms when things started to go very wrong. It seems she suffered a stroke or other type of deep rupture inside her brain.

Luckily we were only a few blocks away when we got the call and as soon as I saw her, I knew what the only right decision must be. I could’ve spent thousands of dollars and put her through hell to put off my own pain for a few weeks or months, but that’s not what love is about. She died in my arms while I petted her and told her it was okay to quit fighting.

If you never read the story of how I got her, it’s here. She cheated death four years ago when the shelter workers forgot to euthanize her on schedule, but you can’t cheat death forever. I still can’t believe it was less than a week ago that she was doing little binky dances for us in the living room and stomping her foot when I wasn’t quick enough with her breakfast. Nature gives prey animals a pretty unpleasant part in the food chain, they are also blessed with a quick exit when things go too badly wrong.















For now, I have her corner under the watchful care of a friend, until I’m ready to welcome a new bunny into my home. I always seem to end up with the strays and sad cases, so I’ll know when it’s the right time and the right bunny.

As for all her pals on the 7-bunny-7, Tidbit regrets that she won’t be flying home with them. She’s found her happy hay place where no one is ever late with breakfast. She will be missed.

40 comments:

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Aww, shit. I was hoping this wasn't where we were headed when you said she wasn't up for her usual Fourth of July picture this year.

I'm crying, and I'm not one to cry over a rabbit I'd never met.

Hugs to you guys. Tid became a part of my world, and I can't even begin to imagine...

Glenna said...

Oh, no! I'm so terribly, terribly sorry. Crying for your bunny. Thank goodness that it was quick, and that you could be there, but I'm going to miss hearing about Tid and wondering what she's up to. You're a great bunny mom; Tid was lucky.

Sarah said...

I'm so sorry. :(

RG said...

AW guys ... :<(

Tidbit was a part of a lot of people's worlds.

We will all miss her and wish you well. You done good ... some days are just stones.

the Bag Lady said...

No-o-o...
I'm so sorry for your loss.

Crap, can't see the screen right now...crying over a bunny I've never met.
And you did the right thing, as difficult as it was.

LauraHinNJ said...

I'm so sorry, Bunnygirl.

Sad hugs from us.

Anonymous said...

i wondered the same thing about her not being up for her photo :(

i am so deeply sorry. my heart sank when i went to check on the 7-bunny-7 flight and saw the news

words don't work :( i send hugs and love for you

d. moll, l.ac. said...

We are so sorry, Bunnygirl, we are crying little Tidbit shaped tears and will miss her. You did the very, very best you could for her and she was so lucky that you came when she called out way back in the shelter days.
Sniff, sniff....Lots of love,
Tyler, Sydney and Diana

Anonymous said...

so sad for poor Tidbit, but you did the right thing...

RoadBunner said...

Oh no! I am so sorry. Tidbit lived like a queen and was well loved. What more could a rabbit ask for?

pacatrue said...

My thoughts are with tidbit and her family.

Crafty Green Poet said...

I'm so sorry, its so sad to lose a bunny

Keithius said...

Oh no...

The buns send you lots of (virtual) hugs and nose nudges.

All of our thoughts are with you.

Jill said...

I am so incredibly sorry about Tidbit. I am sure you were the greatest pet a bunny could ever have. I will miss seeing her glamorous photos and the stories you wrote of her little antics. My heart goes out to you in your time of grief.

Michele said...

Oh, BG, I'm so sorry. I'm stunned by the suddenness of this sad, sad news. I thought for sure T's health issues were behind her. I'm so sorry.

My thoughts are with you and Dan at this time. I really like that you're keeping her corner set up for the time being. It's a little heartbreaking to see, I'm sure, but must give some comfort, too.

Poor little Tidbit. RIP, sweetpea.

Fez and the Gang said...

I'm so sad for the loss of Tidbit, but know that as you were her angel, now she will be yours. We never know how long they get to be with us. All of our thoughts are with you, and all the bunnies here are sending bunny hugs to her at the bridge.

Thomma Lyn said...

Oh, no!!!! My heart goes out to you, and I'm crying for precious Tid -- I know how very, very, very much she will be missed.

She had a wonderful life with you as a much-loved bunny, and you were the best bunny mom ever. Hold onto your memories of your sweet bungirl and let them comfort you at this sad time -- I'm here for you, and I understand.

Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.


~Rabindranath Tagore/

Sending great big hugs, and my kitties send you purrs and gentle headrubbies.

MaoMao said...

Awwwww, Auntie Bunnygirl, alla us Ballicai are so sad to hear about preshus Tid! We're tellyporting ofur to cover you in a big, purry-furry Ballicus Blanket. We know you'll miss her so muchies. We'll miss her, too. She was a wunnerful bungirl and an extra-speshul furriend.

Lots of love and purrs from MaoMao and the Ballicai.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

This is furry sad, we never met Tidbit but we know the pain you feel. You were a good bunny mom to not let her suffer for your sake. Godspeed Tidbit, enjoy the binkies at the Bridge.

Samantha & Mom said...

We are so sorry to hear of Tid's passing! Our thoughts and purrayers are with you! ((((hugs to you)))))
Your FL furiends,

sammawow said...

Oh, we are so sorry to hear about Tidbit today. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Purrrrrrrrs, China Cat & Willow

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

O, how sad. We's didn't know Tidbit, but we know how hard it is to lose someone that you loves furry much. I can tell she was very loved and had a wonnerful home. She was a beautiful little bunnie.
Love and purrs,
KC

Sweet Purrfections said...

We are so sorry that Tidbit has left you for the Bridge. Our purrayers are with you!

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are sorry to hear about Tidbit too. She obviously had a wonderful home and loving care for the past 4 years. And you loved her enough to let her go without undue suffering.

Stephee said...

I am so sorry for your loss.

The Island Cats said...

We are so sad to hear about Tidbit...we share your tears.

Wally, Ernie & Zoey

Kyle said...

For an animal that I never met, the news really hurt. I cant imagine the day my beloved lab will pass. She had a great loving family and had a blast living with yall, we will miss the picttures of her.

Deb Cushman said...

This is indeed sad news and our hearts go out to you! We just never know when it is our turn and bunny illnesses seem to turn on us quickly.

The Meezers or Billy said...

we are so very sad to hear about Tidbit. We had not met her yet, but she was beautiful. We are sure that she will guide another bunny to you when the time is right.

Anonymous said...

We bid our friend, Tidbit, happy binkies in endless fields of grass and wild flowers.

Fireflies in the Garden
by Robert Frost

Here come real stars to fill the upper skies,
And here on earth come emulating flies,
That though they never equal stars in size,
(And they were never really stars at heart)
Achieve at times a very star-like start.
Only, of course, they can't sustain the part.

The Lee County Clowder said...

We never knew Tidbit, but we are sorry to hear she is gone.

It is clear she was loved.

The Cat Realm said...

We are so very very sorry for your loss! We sure know how sad and awful it is to lose a loved one...
Karl and Mrs. OZ

Black Cat said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Tidbit obviously enjoyed a very happy life with you. xxx

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear for your loss.

The Taylor CatSSSSS said...

We are sorry for your loss. Tidbit was such a lovely bunny and a well loved member of your family.

Runner Leana said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Tidbit. She sounded like a very lucky and well loved rabbit.

Missicat said...

I am very sorry to hear about Tidbit. I am glad you had the time that you did together - she sounded like a sweet, pampered little bun.

Anonymous said...

We are so sad. We just found out. =*(

Vickie said...

I am SO sorry to hear this! I'm just catching up and feel so badly for you. I remember when we lost our two rabbits. A pet is a part of the family forever.

YowlYY said...

I was shocked to read about Tidbit's crossing of the bridge...it seems so wrong in a way. The last time I read here you were on vacation and she was doing great holidaying with the vets, and now this. I feel for your loss, your little white angel was a star, although I've never met her in real life I could read between the lines...The big consolation is that she didn't suffer, and when she went she was with you. Healing vibes to you, and Hugo and Miss Eve send binkies to tear a smile from you...smiles do help healing, they say...