"One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it brings."

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Feeling blue.

Yesterday was a sad day here.  Sweet Pea asked me to write a post to tell about what happened to her rabbit Cookie since she knows many people that read my blog know about him and have asked about him. 


Unfortunately Cookie our Holland Lop rabbit had to be euthanized yesterday.  I had just shared a picture of him and our dog Gracie at the end of last week.  He had been acting fine until Sunday when Sweet Pea noticed some changes.  He continued to eat, but seemed a bit quiet.  By Monday afternoon he definitely wasn't himself and we called a vet that specializes in exotic pets.  She suggested we try dissolving some rabbit food in water and feeding it to him and then to bring him in early in the morning.  It turned out he had something called GI stasis (where basically the GI tract stops moving) which can be caused by a number of things.  There wasn't anything that could be done at the stage he was at and it was obvious he was in pain.  The young woman vet we had was very kind and got choked up when she saw the Littlest Gardener crying.  When Sweet Pea got home from school I had to give her the bad news and she of course was heartbroken.  She is quite the animal lover and is very sensitive about them.  Cookie was like her baby.

 She told me he loved the Pink Flowering Currant that bloomed outside his hutch and the flowers that are in full bloom right now.  She wants to make a memorial garden for him around his hutch and include pink flowers and his favorite plant Hellebore.  Not sure how she knew those were his favorites, but they did spend a lot of time in the backyard together.

 To some people he might have been "just a rabbit" but a pet of any type can become like a member of the family and you get to know their little personality traits.  He was very social and loved to be pet.  I'll miss seeing him when I look out the back windows or hearing him clang around in his hutch for attention when I was working in the garden.

A lot of you commented on my Facebook page and that meant a lot to Sweet Pea.  I'm sure at some point she'll be ready to share her love with a new baby rabbit.
All words and photos in this post are property of A Gardener in Progress. Pin It
Posted by at 8:48 AM
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49 comments:

  1. AlisonApril 13, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    Big hugs to you and the girls! I've lost pets, including a cat who had to be euthanized, so I know just how you feel. A memorial garden sounds like a great idea.

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  2. DarlaApril 13, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    I am so sorry to read of Cookie's passing. Big hugs to Sweet Pea and the rest of the family....Of course she new his favorite flower...

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  3. Terra April 13, 2011 at 9:01 AM

    Sweet Pea sounds so kind hearted and how good an idea to make a memorial garden for Cookie.
    I must ask, what is the blue and white flower in the first photo? It is very striking.

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  4. Becca's DirtApril 13, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    Oh Sweet Pea I'm sorry about your pet bunny. I would be crying right along with her and the vet. So sad to lose a precious pet/member of the family.

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  5. LonaApril 13, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Sweet Pea I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. She was such a pretty little friend to have come into your life for a while. I am sure she would like you to remember her with some pink flowers.

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  6. Vegetable Garden CookApril 13, 2011 at 9:23 AM

    Oh how sad. Sorry to hear about the loss.

    I will have some American Chinchilla babies in about two months if you are interested.

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  7. Jean CampbellApril 13, 2011 at 10:21 AM

    So sad to hear about Cookie. Life isn't fair sometimes. A memorial garden is a good project with a currant bush for an anchor.

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  8. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    So sad. Cookie was such a cute rabbit. I'm sure she's going to be terribly missed. Hugs.

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  9. Gardener on Sherlock StreetApril 13, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    So sorry to hear about Cookie. Poor thing. Sounds like Sweet Pea and The Little Gardener know what needs to be done right now.

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  10. Lisa BlairApril 13, 2011 at 11:02 AM

    Aw - my heart goes out to you for losing your wonderful pet Cookie. Planting a memorial garden is a great way to honor him.

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  11. Catherine@AGardenerinProgressApril 13, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Thank for all the kind words :) I noticed something pretty cool this morning, a pair of Spotted Towhees seem to building a nest in the rhododendron that grows next to Cookie's hutch. I've never seen them nest in our yard before... new life!

    Terra - The blue flowers are Navelwort 'Starry Eyes', they grow in the shade of the rhodie.

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  12. Kit Aerie-elApril 13, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    It brings tears to my eyes to read this, especially so soon after 'meeting' Cookie in your earlier post. My condolences to you, Sweet Pea, the Littlest Gardener, and the rest of your family.

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  13. tinaApril 13, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    That is so sad for you all. Hugs.

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  14. Gatsbys GardensApril 13, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Catherine,

    I am so sorry for all of you, so difficult to lose a much loved pet. We have lost two Westie dogs and it was heartbreaking. I even named my current Westie after the first one.

    If you can get another rabbit soon, it does help.

    Eileen

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  15. FlowerLady LorraineApril 13, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    Bless your hearts. You just lost a little family member who will always have a place in your hearts and memories. Hope you find another little rabbit to fill the empty space left by Cookie.

    Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

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  16. Curbstone Valley FarmApril 13, 2011 at 1:28 PM

    I was so shocked read about Cookie yesterday on your FB page. Especially as I knew I'd seen a photo of him on your blog last week. However, I've had rabbits in the past, and I know how insidious GI stasis can be, and how quickly it can sneak up. I'm glad Cookie is no longer in pain, but I know your girls will be hurting for a while. Sending big virtual hugs to all of you.

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  17. BonnieApril 13, 2011 at 2:03 PM

    So sorry hear about your lose. Losing a pet is losing a member of your family. They are our special members. Hugs to all of you!

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  18. RURAL April 13, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    Oh I am so very sorry. No matter what type of animal you choose as a pet, they take part of your heart when they have to leave.

    So very sad.

    Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams

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  19. CatApril 13, 2011 at 2:17 PM

    Lots of hugs to you Sweet Pea. I'm sorry to hear about Cookie. What a lucky bunny to have had such a love in his life.

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  20. PondsideApril 13, 2011 at 2:26 PM

    The loss of a pet is never easy to take. I don't think that the word 'just' can ever be used in front of 'pet'. Your Cookie was a beloved part of your girls' lives and it's good that they can remember Cookie and mourn a little.

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  21. It's meApril 13, 2011 at 3:02 PM

    What a sad news of cookie...so sorry for you.......oh that sweet rabbit!.......love love Ria....xxx...

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  22. AnonymousApril 13, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    I am so very sorry about Cookie. I think Sweet Pea has a good idea to have a memorial garden. My deepest sympathy to each of you in your loss.

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  23. PolkaDotGaloshesApril 13, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    So sorry to hear about your bunny =( It is so hard to say goodbye, I lost my bunny "Basil" the same way years ago. What a sweet idea for a special garden, a wonderful way to remember your little friend...hugs xx

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  24. ProsperoApril 13, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Message for Sweet Pea: there's only one bad thing about furry creatures - one day, they leave us. I know this from experience and it is never an easy thing to come to terms with. Store all the love you had for Cookie, and one day, you will be able to share it all over again with another creature. That's how it works.

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  25. organicgardendreamsApril 13, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Cathrine, I am so sorry to read that you had to euthanize Sweet Pea's rabbit. That must have been hard especially for her. I am an animal lover myself and I know how much you can get attached to them. As you said it is almost like loosing a family member. I hope, that Sweet Pea will get over the loss soon.
    Christina

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  26. DonnaApril 13, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    Sorry for you and your family...pets are our family and we feel the great loss as if anyone in our family were to die...wishing you peace and healing

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  27. KimberlyApril 13, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    Catherine, I am so sorry to hear of this sad news. I'm certain I know the heartbreak Sweet Pea, you, and your entire family are feeling. I have lost pets...precious ones. I hope your sadness passes quickly and good memories linger. Hugs!

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  28. Rebecca @ In The GardenApril 13, 2011 at 7:30 PM

    Oh no! I'm so sorry for the loss of your precious Cookie, how heartbreaking for the girls. I am also an animal lover, and have memorial plants for dogs, cats & horses that I have loved and lost. Rest in Peace little one.

    Are you familiar with the poem 'The Rainbow Bridge'? I always find it helps when dealing with the loss of a pet.

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  29. Chandramouli SApril 13, 2011 at 9:23 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can understand how you feel and yes, pets do become a part of our family. Cookie has been an adorable pet to you and it was nice of your daughter to dedicate a garden for him. May god bless his soul!

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  30. Rainy Day GardenerApril 13, 2011 at 9:43 PM

    Catherine, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Cookie. The loss of any family pet is traumatic on the entire family. I'm sad for all of you and hopeful for mending hearts soon. Jenni

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  31. AnonymousApril 14, 2011 at 3:25 AM

    So sorry to hear about Cookie. The loss is very hard to take and for a child even more. It is so touching Sweet Pea is going to make a memorial with Cookies favorites. What a nice thing to do.

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  32. Mother NatureApril 14, 2011 at 4:37 AM

    Losing a dear pet is so heart wrenching. (HUG)

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  33. Catherine@AGardenerinProgressApril 14, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Thank you all for your kind words :) It really does mean a lot! Hoping we get some dry weather this weekend so the girls can work on the garden.

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  34. ~~RhondaApril 14, 2011 at 10:48 AM

    I am so sorry to hear about Cookie. Our pets are members of our families and I know your entire family is sad. Please tell Sweet Pea how sorry I am. Her idea of making a memorial is a good one. ~~Rhonda

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  35. AnnaApril 14, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    Such a sad part of being a pet owner Catherine and harder for children :( Hugs to all of you ((((()))))

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  36. PatApril 14, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    Well, you brought tears to my eyes.
    xx Patsi

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  37. KelliApril 14, 2011 at 2:09 PM

    A beautiful rabbit, and lovely post.

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  38. BethApril 14, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Catherine, I am so sorry. Cookie was just beautiful.
    Blessings to all of you, Beth

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  39. Bonnie KApril 14, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    I am very sorry about your bunny. She looked beautiful. I think a memorial garden is a wonderful idea.

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  40. Kritter Keeper at Farm TailsApril 15, 2011 at 6:06 AM

    oh that is very sad...i have 15 animals and each is like a baby to me. your bunny was so pretty too, but all bunnies are...that will be healing, the memorial garden...i hope you find some time to stop by...i am giving away a gift certifcate from white flower farm...hugs, kritter keeper

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  41. LaurieApril 15, 2011 at 6:43 AM

    I'm so sorry for you, Sweet Pea & The Littlest Gardener. It's so true that pets are family. It's only recently, 2 1/2 years after losing my dog, that I've been able to get another. Many hugs to you.

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  42. DesireeApril 15, 2011 at 7:53 AM

    Dear Sweet Pea and Littlest Gardener,

    We are so very sorry to hear about Cookie. We know how you are feeling because we have also had to say goodbye to our daughter's puppy this week. It is wonderful what you are planning to do to memorialise her and we know how much you are missing her.

    Hugs,

    Des & Linda xoxo

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  43. cathy@homeApril 15, 2011 at 10:52 AM

    Sorry to hear about Cookie

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  44. AnonymousApril 15, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    It's so devastating to lose a pet. I agree Catherine, they are like family no matter what kind they are. It's a hard part of life no matter the circumstances too. Cookie was such an adorable bunny, I'm sure it was easy to love her. I hope making the garden brings some peace. She had to know you loved her very much.

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  45. GingerApril 15, 2011 at 10:02 PM

    Aw Catherine I'm so sorry. Our pets are members of our family, too, so I understand. Cookie had a great life and it's such a sweet idea to memorialize that with a special garden.

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  46. Janet, The Queen of SeafordApril 16, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Catherine, I am sorry to come to this sad news so late in the week. Poor Sweet Pea. Losing a pet is so hard, tell her there are lots of folks out here that understand her loss.

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  47. LynnApril 16, 2011 at 8:21 PM

    I'm so sorry to read the sad news about Cookie. I had a Lop bunny once and he was the sweetest little thing. A memorial garden is a wonderful way to remember a loved one.

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  48. sweetbayApril 17, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    Oh no I am so sorry to hear about Cookie.

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  49. JayneApril 19, 2011 at 6:47 PM

    I'm so sad to hear about Cookie. I love the idea of a memorial garden. Please pass my condolences to Sweet Pea.

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