
TDR is excited to announce our new article series Compassionate Caregiver! In tandem to our monthly Featured Business series which highlights rabbit centered small businesses, I have found a need to recognize compassionate caregivers of pet rabbits as well.
2024 was a bittersweet year for me, from the emotional high of my daughter’s wedding to the emotional low of losing my elder bun Grilly. In October, I entered @bunmoms_anonymous monthly contest for the care I gave to Grilly. He was an elder bun with severe arthritis and immobility who on some days couldn’t even stand to eat his meals. I would hold him 3-4 times a day, up to 5 hours, wrapped in heating pad to help ease his pain. He was unable to even clean his ears or face which I did for him. I know not everyone has the time to dedicate like this so I am beyond thankful for our special time together.
The Isabelle Fisher Bun Mom of the Month is a celebration of the devotion that Bun Moms and Bun Dads have for their bunnies. On the last Monday of each month, all bun mom confessions are compiled, divided into categories, and voted on by followers of Bunmoms Anonymous in three rounds over three days until the Bun Mom of the Month is crowned. This award was created by Bunmoms Anonymous in honor of Izzy, bun daughter of Suzanne Fisher who passed on February 14, 2024. Izzy was a lovely bun that developed head tilt yet lived hoppily & courageously for several years all because of the loving and dedicated care she received.
I was inspired to enter after reading other bun parents inspirational stories and decided I wanted to spread awareness of elder bun care. Those of you that know my story, know that shortly after entering, my sweet boy crossed the rainbow bridge. We won the award anyway which was a beautiful tribute to my lil guy. Then December brought about another chance to become Bun Mum of the year as all monthly winners were automatically entered. Again we won. This contest was the catalyst to highlighting selfless bun caregivers and spotlighting the different needs that rabbits may have.
Not only do I want to honor those that give unconditionally to their rabbits, but help educate current and prospective owners about the realities of our pet rabbits bodies failing them not just in old age, but due to illness or even being born with special needs.
Compassionate Caregiver Guidelines
A person who provides care with empathy, respect, and dignity, and who strives to help someone live their best life is the definition of a compassionate caregiver. This is applicable to both humans and animals. I would like to think that most pet rabbit owners do this on a daily basis, however there are some people who go above and beyond in the care they give right up to the very end.
To be considered for compassionate caregiver recognition one has to either go above and beyond in the care they give to their rabbit or be someone who is educating other pet owners on certain specialized care learned from their own experience. You can nominate yourself or someone you know by direct messaging me on Instagram or using my contact page.
The Q & A format will be similar to that of the featured business series in hopes of bringing about more awareness and educating on topics such as diapering a bun, feeding by syringe, alternative therapies for arthritis and so on.
Final Thoughts…
So many times the selfless dedication of compassionate caregivers goes unnoticed and un-thanked. They can suffer from mental and physical exhaustion as well as anticipatory grief and should be recognized for their love and dedication. If you know someone who is a compassionate caregiver, give them a big hug today and ask what you can do for them.