Thursday 3 June 2010

Avon Valley Country Park

Photos Copyright: Maggie May

While my daughter, Deb, was here with our grandsons, from the East coast, we had several action packed days.
We were fairly lucky with the weather and managed to all go off together with Sam and the girls, as all the cousins get on so well and love outings together.
One particularly successful day was when we went to Avon Valley Country Park. This is a farm with rides and walks as well as animals. Something for all age groups.

This beast is one of the residents there.
The farm is in a lovely setting near the River Avon and we walked all along the edge of the fields where lots of different animals were grazing...... from sheep to llamas.

One of the things that happened to me was that I fell in love there..............
I made the mistake of going round Animal Corner, where there were rabbits and guinea pigs in need of urgent homes, as the farm take in rescue pets for resale.
Well a rabbit is a rabbit, isn't it? Nothing extraordinary about them.
Well then, why did a certain little rabbit tug at my heartstrings? This little rabbit was white with brown ears and rings around its eyes. It was tiny and had small ears. I had never seen such a beautiful rabbit before. It was different from all the others.
I went back and asked about it. It turned out to be a Dwarf Netherland. I was told quite firmly by Harry that I couldn't have it. The children wanted me to have it and I kept going back to look at it. My heart told me that I wanted and needed this rabbit, although I had been perfectly happy when I got up that morning to live in a rabbit free zone.
My head told me not to get the rabbit as I hadn't got a hutch or any equipment to put it in. In my mind I had named the rabbit Miffy and I thought about it constantly.
Eventually we all went home and Harry was hoping that I would forget about it.
I couldn't. I decided that I would have to get a Netherland Dwarf.
Two days went by and I had researched on the net just how to look after such a rabbit.
I rang up the farm again and told the person in pets corner about Miffy and asked if she was still there. She was......... but.......... when I told them about my plans to have an indoor rabbit because of my mangy fox and the fact that we wanted it in the house for company, they told me that I would have to get a baby rabbit because Miffy (who was a boy anyway) was 18months old and was an outside rabbit who would not adjust to life indoors.
I thought that would be that. It was Miffy I loved.
Deb, decided to take me to a rabbit breeder in the county, just to look at different types of rabbit. Not to buy, of course.
I thought I probably wouldn't be interested in any other rabbit but it would be an interesting afternoon out.
When I got there, I was looking for a Miffy replica. Well there wasn't one.
Inside the shed, was a little run with baby rabbits not quite old enough to leave the breeder all sitting together. They were minute and some had been reserved for £5. I was told I could do the same if I wanted.
There were none like Miffy but I was allowed to pick up several little ones that were still available. Three little ones, a smokey grey with curly hair (lion head) and a sort of patchwork one the same didn't really do anything for me. The breeder showed me a white one with red eyes that I really didn't like. Then I spotted a pure black smooth one who was really beautiful. It was a boy and I was told that it must live alone but would make an excellent house rabbit. I picked him up and cuddled him. He was a Netherland Dwarf crossed with a Lionhead but he was smooth furred with bright brown eyes. I paid my £5 deposit and thought that would give me time to get the cage and accessories and I would have to ask Sam to come back and collect it in a few days.
The breeder was taking my details and she then told me that it was due to be released in two days time, so that I could take it that day if I wanted as two days wouldn't make any difference.
I told her my predicament about the lack of a cage.
No problem. She had one that I could buy.
This little bunny was no Miffy so we thought of a suitable name for it and came up with Ash!
Now how is it possible that I could go from a white Miffy to a black Ash? Well you must believe me, when a rabbit gets under your skin, you just sort of love it.
Harry has got used to the idea now, even though he thinks I am slightly mad since chemo, but at least I didn't get a yearning for the longhorn cow. That might have caused a problem.







26 comments:

Ayak said...

Oh Maggie he's lovely. You know I'm a strong believer in pets finding their owners rather than the other way around. Even though you didn't end up with Miffy, I think you were destined to take Ash home. Enjoy the pleasure you will no doubt receive from this dear little rabbit.
xxx

Mickle in NZ said...

Ash is just beautiful. Little rabbits like this one make wonderful pets. and should he decide to wash your hand you'll find he has a very soft tongue -not at all like the rasping roughness of a cat's tongue.

I learn't this from visiting a friend who was "rabbit sitting" - the little sweetie was hopping around her living room, snuggling up to feet and hands when little rabbit felt safe. I walked back down the hill, home to Zebby, thinking "if only rabbits could purr......"

I'm with Ayak - Ash found you, just like Zeb found me. Oh, added bonus for you, I don't think Ash will snore,

with love, care and huggles from me, and background snores from Zebbycat,

Michelle xxx

Irene said...

Oh, I love it Maggie. What a wonderful thing to do. Now you have a pet all of your own to love and cuddle. Isn't he lucky to have you for an owner? Have lots of fun with him. He looks really cute.

Hilary said...

What a cutie. I'm a firm believer in heeding the call of something that tugs at you that insistently. This adorable creature belongs with you.. of this I have no doubt. Did you do the right thing in pursuing a rabbit??? You bet your sweet Ash! ;)

Mickle in NZ said...

HEDOPMAT word veri = worldwide interwebby translation for:

A super happy wee rabbit has been adopted by the human that he chose - He Dop (ash now adopted ) by a human that is also already a Mat (a Mother, with the added bonus of also being a Grandmother). Ash chose his Human, and Maggie chose her wee Rabbit so very well.

I'm smiling so, so much for you each and both!!!

Anonymous said...

I just love this story. And stroking and cuddling a warm furry animal is a great stress reliever isn't it?

Rosaria Williams said...

Just sweet and lovely this falling in love with Miffy! Good for you for getting a little rabbit to love around the house. It's a need to nurture that we have.

Akelamalu said...

He's lovely and obviously meant to be yours. :)

aims said...

He's adorable! I believe this was meant to be Maggie. Something to hold and love and cuddle all of your own.

We need these pets when we are ill. They lighten the burden on our heart that can't be seen but is surely felt.

One little note for you - When I bought the big blue barn, I found that the previous owner had owned a rabbit (and a cat and a dog). I threw out all the carpeting that was in here before doing anything else.

Sueann said...

Ash is adorable!! And when the heart calls; you must listen. Just saying!
Hugs
SueAnn

Suldog said...

That is one seriously hairy long-horned bull!

Debbie said...

Ash is GORGEOUS!!!! so happy for you! bunnies are great pets!! enjoy!

Alyson | New England Living said...

I know what you mean! I was just like this with my dog! You just fall in love and can't get them off your mind.

He is an absolutely beautiful bunny! I've always wanted a black cat, but can't since my husband and daughter have allergies to cats, but maybe a black rabbit would do instead! :)

Brian Miller said...

aww...what a pwetty wabbit....smiles. i want the cow...how cool is that!

Mean Mom said...

Lovely rabbit and much more manageable than the cow. Have fun with him!

SandyCarlson said...

I enjoyed that post! He is a lovely rabbit. I must get my daughter a mammal larger than the guinea pig. You inspire me. I love your attitude,and I am glad you have this guy.

Joanna Jenkins said...

That regal beast SURPRISED me when I scrolled down! WOW, what a guy :-)
jj

Bernie said...

Maggie you have only showed up on my reader and I see you have posted hours ago, I am sorry, I would of been here sooner.
I am still smiling over Ash and how you managed to convince Harry to get him. I know he has a good home and you both will enjoy having a pet. Hope you are well my friend.......:-) Hugs

Expat mum said...

Awww, you big softie. That's how I ended up with our pup! I hadn't intended to get a dog that actual day but I couldn't risk someone else coming and adopting her.
There's a farm near my mother's where the kids are allowed to comb those long haired cows. They are so mellow it's amazing.

Celia said...

You chose each other, now you have a furry little companion. He's lucky to have come to live with you. Ah, that silky fur.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Classic!!! Oh, Maggie, you are a RARE one!!!! And absolutely WONDERFUL! What's not to love about a rabbit!!! I'm with you! And I just want you to know that I laughed out loud over your final, clincher!! Long horn cow, indeed!!! Love your sense of humor!! Love you, Janine OX

Unknown said...

I love Ash! I think pets are such nice additions! : ) You are a perfect rabbit owner. You have so much love to give. I am glad you fell in love that day. Wonderful : )

Rose said...

Good for you, Maggie! Sometimes we just have to listen to our hearts. We once had a pet rabbit--actually, it was my daughter's--and he really was a sweetie. He used to hop up straight onto the edge of the recliner and watch baseball with my husband:) And yes, I think Ash is a better choice than a long-horned cow:)

Eddie Bluelights said...

Well well well - never thought you would get a pet again! But Ash is so cute. I must pop over and see him soon. Loved the way Harry did the Basil Fawlty act, "Maggie I forbid you to buy the rabbit! I forbid you" LOL . . . . and you did the Sybil on him and bought it!! ROFL.
Where have I been for the last two weeks? Golly, I'm tired!!
Love Eddie x

Suburbia said...

Ah! Caught your rabbit post. How lovely, so gad you decided to buy him :)

Chic Mama said...

What a lovely post and a beautiful Ash....I hope by now he is all settled in. X