BEN

Some of you who read the blog have never met little Ben. I had the privileged of being with him only twice before he went to the bridge. He struck me and stayed in my heart. He was the smallest bunny I have ever seen. Maybe that was part of it. I have figured out why he hit me so hard. His little face struggling to breathe reminded me of my dear brother Forrest who sounded just like Ben when he tried to get his breath. I struggle to keep my emotions under control when I visit Heartland but the blog is a perfect place to let them run a little. Ben was a sweet, tiny little buns whom I will miss a great deal. He reminds me of the fragility of life and the huge impact some creatures make on us. I will think of him often as I will also think of the others that have left recently, Sweet Pea and Wilma. They were special as well. All of the Heartland bunnies are special to me. Godspeed on your journey to the bridge babies.


"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

Anatole France

May/December romance

Allen, a young, energetic guy and Wilma, one of our seniors have bonded. We did not know what was going on between the two neighbors until 3 weeks ago. Wilma (the white New Zealand), with eyes closed, had her nose pressed through the side of her cage with Allen( the chinchilla mix) doing the same from his cage. Their noses were touching as they seemed to bliss out. It was SO sweet. When we saw them do that again a few days later we knew we had to put them together. Being careful to move at a pace that was acceptable to both of them we gave them more and more time out in the play yard together. They were all smoochy face and snuggly each time. It was obvious that they were bonded.

Playtime outside tires out our Wilma fairly quickly and she finds a cool place in the grass to nap. Allen however, binkies until he is exhausted. Wilma watches with eyes half closed while athletic Allen bounces all over the place. There is at least 6 years difference in their ages, but it doesn't matter to them. It is not a bond that we would have tried, but we must honor it now that it has happened. We will never separate them. Bonded rabbits grieve when taken from each other. Wilma will live out her life in wedded bunny bliss to Allen. Anything other than that would be totally unacceptable.