Bunnymad UK

Introducing Snoop

Snoop joined us on Sunday 24th September. We adopted him from Foal Farm Animal Rescue. He was found roaming Dartmouth Park, in northwest London, back in May, and, following a health check by a local vet, taken to Foal Farm. He was adopted but, despite best attempts, didn't bond with the rabbit in that home, so was returned to Foal Farm. A few days later, we visited the rescue centre, and he bounded forward in his enclosure to meet us. We hoped he might be the one for Ebony, and applied to adopt him, but on the understanding that we would return him to the rescue centre if they were not suited to one another. A week later, we were informed we could collect him when we were ready. We collected him the same day, realising it was vital Ebony had a bunny companion as soon as possible.

One of the hardest things, after losing a rabbit, is to deal with the remaining rabbit companion. It's heartbreaking to see them alone. They will also be grieving, but they will, generally, be ready far sooner for a new partner than we are to find one for them. Rabbits are social creatures – companionship is a welfare need (read here why it's so important). The signs of loneliness may be obvious, for example losing interest in food, or more subtle. Ebony started to spend more time with us – although that was lovely, we knew it was out of character and a sign she was missing Dijon. Perhaps we could have waited slightly longer if she'd been happy to accept our cuddles (although of course we cannot be there for her 24/7, and offer the things another rabbit can do, such as cleaning her eyes and ears), but instead she rested alongside a soft toy rabbit.

Ebony and Snoop spent their 'bunnymoon' in the utility room (we will write about the bonding in a future post), fell in love, and the happy couple returned to our living room just a week later. 

They are already getting up to so much mischief together!