How old is too old to bond a rabbit?
A rabbit is never too old to bond!
A rabbit is never too old to bond!
What if they've lost their friend and they are old, should you bother bonding them again? Absolutely!
They need, want and deserve companions no matter what age they are. Imagine getting blinder, deafer, more frail, less mobile and having no one to lean on, no one to rely on. No one to die next to?
We could spend a lifetime telling you why or even how, but instead we want to let the bunnies do the talking and tell their stories. Welcome to our #seniorsneedcompany Campaign
Hazel's story
At 11 years old, Hazel (lop) found herself having lost her 3rd companion. Now fully blind, going deaf and less active, she became withdrawn. Staying to her safe room, and not venturing far.
Hazel when first grieving was seeking out human contact more than usual, but she became increasingly frustrated and starting becoming defensive with her humans. Then her eye started to water, a realisation of what her friend had been doing for her all those years.
Her incredible humans acknowledged what she was asking for, another rabbit. Despite being at home with her all the time, it wasn't what she asked for. But they didn't want to have any more rabbits after so much heartache over the years. What would they do?
Reaching out to us, we had a solution. Swipe to see her now! Hazel came to be bonded to a middle aged gentleman bun, Brushie who we matched her with. He is kind, gentle and patient with her and doesn't ask too much. And the best part is that under our foster agreement, Hazel gets a friend but her dad's don't have to adopt any more buns.
How is Hazel now? She has a spring back in her step and is back exploring the hallway, eating more hay and using Brushie as her big pillow. She now has someone to accompany her to the vets for check ups and never has to feel alone or unsure.
Hazel's dad said: "Hazel definitely agrees with the latest campaign. She’s so much happier to have a companion."
Buddy's story
Buddy (lionhead) sadly lost his lifetime companion last year and his parents noticed a big change in him. At 9 years old, he is partially sighted but also struggles with his mobility after a long battle with EC. Surely he would be too frail and old now to consider a brand new relationship? Not to mention the added concern of the stress of bonding him with high EC levels.
Reaching out to us, we took a lot into consideration when matching him. Along came Bambi! We knew Bambi was the one for him, to create a relaxed and passive social dynamic which would allow him to enjoy his peaceful old years. She had also been exposed to EC but never shown any symptoms, which is important. She wasn't a senior, but her energy levels matched his and she was exactly what he needed.
Buddy came to stay with us and we bonded them together. Buddy did indeed have an EC flare up during bonding which we were prepared for, but the bond between them was a gentle one and Bambi supported him at every step of the way, giving him affection and kindly guiding him around. They left home together like two peas in a pod and the rest is history!
How is Buddy now?
Back to exploring, playing and feeling safe again with his friend by his side. Just swipe and see for yourself!
His parents said - "Buddy agrees with this weeks campaign, he is such a happy wee old soul with Bambi now. We genuinely believe Buddy would not still be with us today if it had not been for Bambi."
Bernard's story
In 2016 this handsome big boy was surrendered over to us as his care giver was moving overseas. He has lived his life as a pampered house bun, just him and his human. He loved people, he was a big puppy dog and we fell for him in minutes of his arrival. You could have said he was "bonded to humans" or was "happy on his own", because in a way he was and had never known otherwise.
Bernard was 9 years old when he arrived, had never been neutered and had never met another rabbit. What did we do?
We neutered him of course! And then he met our sanctuary group and was bonded with 7 other bunnies. The look on his face was priceless! True, deep happiness for the first time in his 10 years of life.
He melted into those new friends and used all of them as pillows, he slept contently for the first time in his life, never worried about being alone. This needy boy never needed to ask for attention again and was surrounded by love right until his last breath. He lived into double figures with such joy and passed of old age with his friends by his side.
Bernard was 9 years old when he arrived, had never been neutered and had never met another rabbit. What did we do?
We neutered him of course! And then he met our sanctuary group and was bonded with 7 other bunnies. The look on his face was priceless! True, deep happiness for the first time in his 10 years of life.
He melted into those new friends and used all of them as pillows, he slept contently for the first time in his life, never worried about being alone. This needy boy never needed to ask for attention again and was surrounded by love right until his last breath. He lived into double figures with such joy and passed of old age with his friends by his side.
Do you have a senior bunny who is in need of a companion? Get in touch with us and let our trained adoption advisors guide you through the process of matching up your bun to the right friend/s. We can support with bonding and advice and will be there to support you and your senior every step of the way.