Meet Dutchess
Since 1996, Bunny Buddies volunteers have helped countless rabbits find permanent, loving homes, even when the odds were against them.
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My husband and I were thinking about getting a bunny, and we knew we wanted to adopt, but we didn't know much more than that. My research led me to a rescue group in Austin, who referred me to the Houston SPCA of all places. "They have bunnies?" I asked incredulously. I called the SPCA, who told me to contact a newly formed rescue group called Bunny Buddies.
That weekend we went to the shelter, intent on getting Precious, a quiet, gentle bunny that Nichole, a Bunny Buddies volunteer, had recommended through email. We spent hours at the shelter, meeting Precious and almost every other bunny there, with no fireworks. We asked if we could see the last bunny, a little black-and-white number, but no one on duty could get her out of her cage. She appeared to be throwing a tantrum, tossing shredded paper back and forth angrily. I opened her cage door and cautiously offered her a lettuce leaf. She paused in her tirade, looked at me with disdain, and slapped the lettuce leaf out of my hand! According to the card on her cage, her name was "Sweetie."
Back in the car, I asked my husband which one he liked best. Almost at the same time, we both said, "The black-and-white one — the one with the personality!"
The next day, I called Nichole, who asked if we were interested in any of the buns we had seen. When I said, "Actually, we liked Sweetie," I could hear her jaw drop through the phone! After she regained her composure, she arranged for one of their more expert volunteers to help us.
I remember meeting Janis Abel in the SPCA lobby later that week. I waited out front while Janis went into the back for what seemed like the longest time. I'll never forget the joy I felt when Janis returned with "Sweetie" wrapped tightly in a towel and placed her in my arms. (Imagine a bunny in a straight jacket!) While Janis took care of a few more things in the back, I just held my little bundle, cooing to her and telling her about all the toys and hay and fresh veggies that were waiting for her at her new home.
Not long afterwards, I learned that "Sweetie" was not far from being put down because she appeared to be unadoptable. Her family had left her at the shelter because they were moving, they said.
That was eight years ago this summer. At 9 years old, "Our Daughter Dutchess," as we call her, is now technically "geriatric" and hops with an arthritic limp. We attribute her long life to expert advice from the Bunny Buddies, excellent veterinary care from Dr. Antinoff at Gulf Coast, companionship from her mates Tiny Elvis and Lucky, and tons of loving-kindness from her permanent family. Except for momentary bouts of sweetness, she's still the meanest thing on four feet, and we wouldn't want to imagine life without her!
What about Tiny Elvis? See Meet Tiny Elvis.
Debbie Campbell and Wade Johnson
Houston, Texas, July 2005
Postscript July 2007: We said goodbye to Our Daughter Dutchess this month. We woke up one morning to find her unable to get around or eat. As soon as we could, we took her to Gulf Coast, where Melissa, Dr. Antinoff, and others who had cared for her over the years were there to help us.
That afternoon, it became clear that we were close to the end. Dr. Antinoff offered her oxygen, and we asked for the bunny equivalent of morphine. For a little while, she rallied just long enough to enjoy some banana and a few Critter Carrots, two of her favorite things in the whole world.
By early evening, she had started to suffer, so we agreed to the two injections that make up euthanasia. The first made her go to sleep, and the second stopped her heart. She spent the last hours of her life in her mommy's arms, surrounded by her family.
Of course, we feel a loss, but at the same time we're thankful. Thankful for the 10 years of joy she brought to us, thankful for the caring staff at Gulf Coast, thankful that we could be with her, at Gulf Coast, at the end, and thankful that she didn't suffer for long.
Who would've thought that the little menace who was almost put down at the shelter would live to be 11! She was the bunny who started it all (for us), and we will miss her. She leaves behind her human family and her longtime companion Lucky, who is still going strong at 12.