A Little Tribute to our Rabbit
We recently had to say goodbye to our beloved bunny - Putnum (Putnum Percival to give him his full title). He had lived a truly charmed and adventurous life, but it was time for him to go.
So I thought I'd make a little post full of memories of this very charismatic rabbit.
When he came to us he was a wee babbie, but was completely confident and self-assured. This photo was take on his FIRST day at our house. He'd been let out of his cage only about 30 minutes previously, and had had a little trundle round the dining room, then decided to have a relaxing lie-down.
For a while, he got on well with the guinea-pigs (although they were about the same size as him!). This didn't last long, and for the rest of his life they treated each other with indifference.
We soon discovered that he had a special passion for lying on cold, hard surfaces, especially the hearth. So relaxing!
And he was an excellent climber. This is a sofa bed that was in our study at our old house. And although we never managed to get photographic evidence, he used to climb on various bits of furniture in order to get onto the windowsills and look outside!!
Another of his passions was cardboard boxes, particuarly if someone kindly cut some doors and windows for him to play with:
He had a furry bed, which he found marvellously comfortable - worked well as a chin rest:
Putnum was one of the family, and insisted on being involved in everything, be it special occasions...
... or board games (he actually has his OWN card in most sets of cards - one specifically for him to chew while we played).
He was initially terrified of the outside world, since he was used to living indoors, but he started to enjoy his little trips out in our garden. He had to be on a lead because of the complete lack of fencing at our old house. Oh the fun we used to have trying to keep up as he'd suddenly bolt for a bush!
He liked to help out with chores and even decorating projects.
Then he had a lot of change to cope with as we moved house. Soon after we'd settled in we decided the time had come for him to have a rabbity friend of his own. And so he met Dora. He was VERY excited, but having lived with just humans for so long, he didn't speak rabbit very fluently. Luckily, Dora was endlessly patient, and taught him all she knew.
Within hours, he'd already fallen head over tail in love with her:
They settled into a peaceful life together, lazing away the days:
And sometimes, Dora would even let him visit her warren. He would even try to help, but his digging skills left lots to be desired.
Sadly, Dora died in the spring last year, and we knew he'd need another friend, so we introduced Honey. You may recall, this was NOT love at first site. It was a tricky few weeks of bunny bonding, but eventually, out of an uneasy truce, love blossomed:
He adored her...
... and she had to concede she quite liked him too.
He continued to enjoy his usual hobbies - scoffing bread and playing in boxes - sometimes simultaneously!
Sunbathing...
... and destroying bits of paper with enthusiasm.
Here he is on Christmas Eve, enjoying a lovely little box that became his favourite sleeping spot in his last few days, and some delicious shredded paper.
There will never be another rabbit quite like Putnum.