Tuesday, April 21, 2009

A very special bunny man!


Opa (Grandpa) was a dear little bun that came to Heartland last fall after being casually discarded by his parent after almost 10 years. He was an elderly gent indeed. He had health problems, had been de-clawed (please don't ever do this to a bunny, there is no reason for it) and he suffered a stroke a few months ago. Despite all these challenges Opa was the sweetest natured little bun you would ever be lucky enough to snuggle. He was a source of great joy to all of us at Heartland and heartbreak as well.
Two of the terrific volunteers at Heartland; mom Amy and daughter Sarah decided in March that Opa should live out his twilight years at their home. Everyone at Heartland was so happy for Opa. We knew he would be loved and pampered like a bunny should be. Sarah would read stories to Opa and I am sure he paid rapt attention to his big sister and her tales and enjoyed every moment of it. There was just so much love. I know he soaked it up like a sponge.
Opa left for the rainbow bridge a few days ago. Although the time he had in his new home was short lived, it is so comforting to know how much this dear old bunny man was cared for during that time.
Amy and Sarah brought Grandpa Opa back to Heartland for his final resting place. It was recounted to me that as he was being laid in the earth, Heartland's resident horse Midnight also stood along with the mourners and seemed to be paying his respects to Opa as well.
Thank you Sarah and Amy for making Opa's last days so wonderful. You made such a difference in his life.
Godspeed on your journey to the bridge Opa.

6 Comments:

Blogger Heartland said...

I am very grateful for our friends here at Heartland. More than the many hours they spend here, the treats and toys they bring the bunnies I am most appreciative of the unconditional love they give them. The volunteers all wanted their snuggle time with Opa. And Opa loved that special treatment. Snuggling with Opa was therapy for us bunny slaves. The cares of the world would melt away for a while. He takes with him a part of our hearts and we will never forget him. And we will always be thankful for a mother and daughter and dad team who showered Opa with much love and attention. His life with them was golden. Their stories of his binkies are jewels to us. Goodbye sweet Opa.

5:23 AM  
Blogger Deb Cushman said...

This is a very sweet, but sad, story. Opa was indeed lucky that he found a second life through your loving group.

6:07 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am soo sorry for your loss

8:08 AM  
Anonymous Andrea said...

Thank you, Christina, for the thoughtful, beautiful eulogy to our sweet Opa. He was indeed an angel, and he has gone home. It was heartbreaking to see how sweet and grateful he was despite having been abandoned, despite the stroke that left him with a slight head tilt. His binkies were the most heartfelt thank you to Amy and Sarah. I'll miss you, little Opi.

6:25 PM  
Blogger RG said...

Opa is a great name for that guy, and he did have a long and finally happy life...

8:20 PM  
Blogger Heart of a Cowgirl said...

I cannot understand why someone would de-claw a bunny? (or a cat for that matter). That's horrible...

Rest in peace Opa. I'm so glad he found his people at last and was able to spend his last days with them. My soft spot is for the old guys and the special needs buns.

Thanks to everyone at Heartland for all the great work you do for the bunnies!

4:29 PM  

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