This is such a hard blog post to write… Felix and I had to put our bunny Quincy down this past Friday.
I think many of you follow me on instagram and have heard this sad news already, but I wanted to share it officially with everyone.
Back in July, I picked Quincy up from our bun sitter’s house on Sunday afternoon. It was clear something was wrong; Quincy couldn’t sit up without assistance and it looked like he had a stroke or something. At that point we thought it was the end.
Luckily, it wasn’t. We were able to get some extra meds for Quincy’s E. Cuniculi which flared up and started taking him to get acupuncture treatments to relieve his arthritis.
Acupuncture was the best thing to happen to Quincy. It helped relive so much discomfort he was having, due to his old age of 12 (at a minimum – he’s adopted so we don’t know officially).
These last five months with him has been ‘bonus’ time.
Quincy started having more bad days than good days. During the last 2 weeks, Quincy wasn’t able to really sit up on his own or even hop around by himself.
We sadly knew it was time to make the decision.
I just hate that I had to make the decision to let him go. As Quincy’s caretaker, I know that it’s my job to make this decision, as it was a quality of life issue. But I really hate that I had to make the decision, ya know?! I feel like it’s not mine to make, in the grand scheme of things.
Quincy’s appetite and mind were never lessened by his physical ailments. He was always happy to have his meals and treats in the evening. This is also what made it so hard… Besides his arthritis failing him, he was alright.
During Quincy’s hard times, I always got closer to him, as he solely relied upon my assistance to sit up, help with eating, and cleaning him up after any accidents. Phineas didn’t seem quite as attentive as he usually was – so I imagine he knew.
Quincy was laid to rest in my front yard on Friday morning. Friday was a sad, sad day. I spent pretty much all weekend sitting around, dazing off watching movies and doing a bit of knitting.
My focus is now taking care of Phineas now that his buddy is gone. They were inseparable. I don’t think he knew what was going on Friday, but he seems to be slowly aware that Quincy isn’t coming back and is a bit more lethargic than he usually is. Its just so sad…
Quincy was a great addition to our household and gave us so much joy. He will be sorely missed. If you made it to the end, here’s the best, silly video of Quincy for your enjoyment.
Felix wrote a wonderful tribute to Quincy over the weekend and has some great photos and a few videos too if you want to see some more.
So sorry to have to convey this sad news. A heartfelt *thank you* to all of you who sent me kind thoughts over the weekend (via Instagram) – they were much appreciated.
In: Bunny
I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear furry friend/family member. It is heartbreaking when we have to say goodbye. You gave Quincy a loving home – try to hold onto that. We had to make the same decision about our family dog. He had arthritis too and it got to the point where his back legs didn’t work properly so I can understand how you feel. Thinking of you at this sad time x
So sorry Liz – I know how much you loved Quincy. xo
Dear, sweet Quincy. I know he’s at peace. He’s hopping around on the rainbow bridge with Baxter.
[…] // Edit: Liz wrote her own goodbye post, over on her website. […]
I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs.
Hugs. It’s the hardest thing to do. Xxx
I’m so sorry about your bun. He looks so much like my old rabbit. Making that decision was so hard, it took me a year until I was sure I had done the right thing – with some distance it was obvious, he was so sick, but in the moment all I wanted was not to have to.
I hope Phineas is ok – my old bun was sad and lethargic for a while after his companion left us, but did perk up after a while. It just took some time and attention for him to adjust.
Love to you all.
Oh, Liz. I’m so sorry to hear this (I somehow missed it on Instagram). It’s always so hard to say goodbye to such wonderful creatures and friends. Your decision was hard, but it was made only out of love for Quincy and he knows that. Think of him happily hopping away with his old chum Baxter again. It always makes me feel a little better imagining loved ones being reuinted with loved ones after they’ve left us. Hugs to you guys.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your fur baby.
Oh, Liz. I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Quincy was a legendary bunny and I loved reading about his and Phineas’ exploits. I’m sending you hugs and happy thoughts.
I’m so sorry to hear this Liz. I haven’t had any pets in years but I still remember how empty the house feels when they go. It must have been awfully hard looking through your photos but gosh he was a cutie… that one in the pan on the scales is just adorable. xx
Awww..I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It sounds like Quincy was a really lovely spirit. I think that although it is an incredibly hard decision to make, it’s often a gift to your loved one – to end their suffering. I had to do the same thing with one of my pugs last year, and while it was truly heart wrenching, I believe it was the right thing to do. Sending you and your family lots of love.
Sending all the big hugs. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Thank you guys all so much – this really means a lot to me. *tears* My poor bunny…
Having Phineas around to give all of my extra attention to has helped – as he needs more now that his buddy isn’t around and to keep him from getting sad himself.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Rabbits don’t reach the astounding age of 12 unless given the best of care times ten. Thank you for sharing Quincy’s story; that had to be tough, but those photos portray a magnificent animal with a dazzling sense of humor. Poor bunny nothing – that guy was LOVED.
Head scritches to Phineas.
I saw this on IG…I’m so sorry, Liz, that you have to go through this. *hugs*
I also read what Felix wrote and a couple more of his posts. I hope you’re feeling better!
Oh, Liz, I’m so, so sorry. It’s such a sad thing that pets have such short lives, but their lives really are so sweet. I know that you gave Quincy the best life possible and I know you made this hard decision with his best interests in your heart, and at the end of the day, that’s what really matters. Sending you lots of love!