On Sunday, one of our rabbits gave birth to a single kit. She didn't pull hair or make a nest. She didn't get her milk in. (I can feel that there are other kits in there, but so far she has not had anymore babies and the vet said there is really nothing that can be done except wait.) My plan was to separate this little guy from the doe since she didn't want anything to do with him yet, wait for her to kindle the other kits and then put him back in with the rest of the litter. I had been having one of the Angora does, Wooly Wilma, foster and feed him. Things were looking okay, I thought....
We went out tonight to check on him and he was not doing well. He was crying and he was cold. I knew there wasn't much that we could do for him. We tried to warm him up, we talked to him, prayed he would have a peaceful journey, and waited. It wasn't long until he passed away in Katzya's hands. I don't question why he died because I know that all life means death, the question is always: when? Evidently he wasn't meant for this Earth right now.
The hard part is looking back and wondering, did I do something wrong? Could I have done something different to save this one? The hardest part though is looking at the tears streaming down your child's face as she tells her little friend goodbye. Sometimes life is hard on a farm, but death is even harder.
What a touching post. I am sorry the little guy didn't pull through and I hope things go better for Mama bunny and the other babies when they get here. Death is always a hard topic, especially for kids. It never gets easier. Maybe that's to help us revere and enjoy the life we are given.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right Heidi. I work at a children's hospital and often times after a tragic event I am reminded not to sweat small things that are going on around me and instead be thankful for what I have. Death put another perspective on life....
DeleteIt is very difficult. My daughter was alone when our cat gave birth to a kitten with a terrible birth defect which would not allow it to live. I feel so sorry for your child. So sad.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words Kathy! It is so tough seeing death through a child's eyes. I do have to say I have raised this young lady with an extra dose of empathy and compassion for all creatures, which is why this was so hard for her.
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