Thursday 9 June 2011

A Brave Spirit

Photos Copyright: Maggie May

My friend, Squirrel, who is far from well and is often so ill that she cannot leave her bed, had two rabbits and two guinea pigs. I thought the world of the rabbits but I'm a bit allergic to guinea pigs so I don't cuddle them, as my eyes itch and I get snuffly.
The Rex variety of rabbit is much larger than my two dwarf ones and they have fur that feels just like velvet. It is a superb breed.

On my last visit, Squirrel had only recently had Warren vaccinated and had contemplated having him neutered. He really was quite a character. Not the type to be picked up but having the run of the house and the small back yard, he did choose to come and sniff my ankles from time to time but was a very independent rabbit...... only choosing to do what he wanted to do.
He was a brave and fearless rabbit and he chased the local cats away.
His eyes were brownish black and not a bit like the redeye in the photo.


Some how or other, Squirrel recently acquired another rabbit. A dear little doe called Dusty, who was the same breed of rabbit but a different colour. More like chocolate.
Dusty, by comparison turned out to be so loveable and wanted to be hugged and nursed for ever.
I truly fell in love with her.


She just knew that the dashing, handsome Warren was a really desirable fellow and though she was too young to be let loose with him ........ flirted madly through the bars and of course, he was extremely interested in her.

Not long after this visit, Squirrel decided that she couldn't face having Warren neutered as she thought it would change his personality and she loved him just as he was. She didn't want to spoil that brave, inquisitive spirit. She decided that she'd keep them apart until Dusty was old enough to be spayed.
However, the inevitable happened........ and some how or other the cage was left open and Squirrel found them doing what rabbits seem to do quite easily.
I think you could say that he had had his evil way with her.

One evening not long after this incident, both rabbits had been tucked up in their two separate hutches on the yard outside for the night.
There is a communal walkway at the end of the yard but Squirrel had put wire fencing up to stop intruders getting near to their hutches.
However by morning, Squirrel's world had been turned upside down when she found the fencing had been torn down and Warren's cage ripped open.
Dusty and the guinea pigs were still safely in their hutch nearer the house.

It was later, that Squirrel was told by neighbours that around six in the morning, a man with a Jack Russell Terrier had walked past the fenced in rabbits and the dog had gone beserk. Before the man could stop him, he had broken into Warren's hutch and grasped him in his mouth, swinging him like a rag doll.
The man fell into the fencing and broke it while he grappled with his dog and he eventually managed to get Warren, who was still alive, out of his mouth and he put the rabbit back into his broken hutch to recover. The rabbit later pushed the door open and went out for what proved to be his last walk.
According to a neighbour, that brave rabbit was then finished off in a nearby park and carried away to be eaten by a fox. He had finally met his match.

We were all devastated to hear this and it has knocked Squirrel's health back quite a bit and now we are desperately hoping that Dusty will have kits. Then a little bit of Warren will live on.







19 comments:

CorvusCorax12 said...

how sad:(

Hilary said...

Oh Maggie, that's so sad. What a heartbreaker.

And I almost feel guilty for loving a particular JRT as I do. I know they can turn total predator on smaller creatures such as rabbits. I've seen Benny chase down squirrels many times, but the two times that they faltered and could have become prey for Benny, he just stopped and lightly mouthed the tail and allowed the squirrel to regain its stride, then resumed the chase. I would be sick if he ever hurt another creature.

Your friend must be so heartbroken. I'm sorry for this loss and I hope there will be babies in the near future.

Happy Frog and I said...

What a sad event, how devastating. She is lucky to have such a good friend as you around. Thinking of you and Squirrel and poor Warren.

VioletSky said...

Oh dear. I wasn't expecting such a brutal end. I hope Squirrel is feeling stronger.

Irene said...

What a sad story. I'm flabbergasted. Why did that man not have his dog under control better? I hope there will be little rabbits. I'm sorry for Squirrel. That must be very tough on her.

XOX

Debbie said...

how terrible!!!!!!!!:(

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

Such a sad story! Let's hope for good news with the kits and the spirit of Warren.

Clare Dunn said...

Maggie, please relay my condolences to Squirrel...

Love,
cd

Rosaria Williams said...

It's a doggy-eat-rabbit world out there, and no loving can protect the victims forever. Sad story. Only hope, that the deed indeed left evidence.

Akelamalu said...

What a terribly sad end for Warren. I hope there are kits and his spirit lives on. Squirrel must be devastated. :(

FeltByRae said...

Oh that is so sad, and it is such a shame the man did not have the decency to go to the house and apologise

Celia said...

So sorry for Squirrel, and Warren. Truly dreadful.

Joey said...

Oh my goodness... that breaks my heart! I hope she has some little ones to carry on.

I usually don't say this, but...
blast it!

Joey
:(

Along These Lines ... said...

A nice looking bunny

Jeni said...

Oh my! What a shame. I wouldn't have thought a Jack Russell would be large enough to do that kind of damage to the pen, but then again, as small as Sammy is, on the leash if he sees something he's interested in, he is pretty strong although I've never had him go whacko, out of control totally. Thank goodness for that! Hope that Dusty does have a nice litter and that at least one, resembles Squirrel.

Anonymous said...

Oh no, what a terrible terrible story. How awful of the dog owner not to own up to the incident. I'm so sorry for your friend.

Brian Miller said...

oh gosh...what a harrowing tale...poor little rabbit...

Rose said...

That is so sad! I do hope that Dusty will have kits; perhaps that will help to comfort your friend as well.

RNSANE said...

Maggie, that is one of the saddest stories I've ever heard! I'll bet
Dusty misses her partner. I do hope she manages lots of little Warren's for Dusty to nurture!