Tuesday, May 02, 2006

Rest In Peace Mister Bunny

Mister Bunny
Nov 1995 - May 2006

It's amazing how a little creature that was mostly quiet and weighed a little over 2 pounds could leave such a void. But it's true. Despite the fact that he hardly made much noise (apart from a soft grunting noise that meant he was happy or excited, or when he threw his dishes around, indicating to us it was time for a refill of pellets), our home seems to have a eerie sense of stillness and quiet now that he's gone. Yes, even in the midst of a toddler yelling and screaming and laughing and throwing his toys around, there is that sense of quiet, of something missing.

From the cute way in which he used to sneak over and steal a tortilla chip from the bowl back in our apartment in Ottawa, to the way he used to hide on top of the books on the bookshelves or jump up and run along the back of the couch . . . from the way he sprawled out in the sun and moved across the kitchen floor throughout the day following the sunbeam, to the time I taught him how to climb stairs and he delighted in the new adventures he could have on different floors of the house . . . from the way he grunted and ran to greet us, to the phase he went through where he used to chase and attack my white socked feet. From all of these things and more, he was a cute yet intelligent animal, a delightful personality, and a big part of our lives and daily rituals.

He'd been sick for the past several weeks, and despite our force feeding him and trying to keep him comfortable and multiple trips to the vet (with the hope that he would bounce back yet again like he had so many times before), he died on the morning of May 1st. He lasted long enough for Francine to sit with him and pet him, speaking softly to him, telling him it was okay to close his eyes and rest, okay to let go.

Yes, I cried when Francine called me at work and told me that he died just a few hours after I left for work. And I cried later on when I got home from work and felt the huge absence this quiet little creature left behind. I'll cry again in the morning when I come downstairs and there's no little black ball of fuzz to run around my feet and chase me. No happy little critter to say good morning to and pet while I'm having my morning breakfast. And I'll cry again, just because it feels good to let it out.

Mister Bunny wasn't just a pet. He was a member of the family. A rodent, yes. But one of us just the same. He played with us, came to work with us, was featured in the opening of our home movies and even guest starred in the Darth Tater series.

Goodbye Mister Bunny. You stayed in our lives far far longer than we ever imaged when we first met you. And in that time you left behind quite a legacy, and left our lives much richer.

We'll miss you, little one. We love you.
- Mark, Francine & Alexander

14 comments:

lime said...

awww dangit, ya got me wiping a tear away too. i'm sorry mr bunny is gone but glad he had such a happy home with a family who loved him so much

Magdalena said...

Mark I am so sorry to hear the news. I know how hard it is after you have had a pet for so many years to suddenly find them gone. But they are never forgotten. I still have dreams about my first dog, Kora who we had for twelve years, and she died about 10 years ago now. Maybe Mister Bunny will visit your dreams and remind you of all those wonderful memories.

Anonymous said...

*hugs* Your Mister Bunny can meet up with my Lakota and play, across the Rainbow Bridge.

Anonymous said...

Now you've got me crying and I didn't even know Mr. Bunny.

I know what you are all feeling, I felt it too when Watson left us. Even now, I feel his presence whenever I need him. Its comforting to know he is still with me in spirit.

I'm sure Mr. Bunny will do the same when he feels you need your feet chased or nipped to get you back in line or just to let you know he is happy and watching over all of you.

Dawn-Marie

Anonymous said...

I am soooo sorry to hear this Mark. You definitely get a hug the next time I see you.

lecram sinun said...

My condolences on the demise of Mr. Bunny. He sounded like quite the character.

Mantaray Ocean said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Although, I have never met Mister Bunny in person, I have grown to love him through your words. You have given him the most wonderful gift of all, imortality through your stories. For Mister Bunny will contine to live on in the hearts of us all. All one has to do is open the pages, and there is is. For encouragement, one needs to look no further than to revisit the story of Darth Tarter, and how his character gave you wisdom. (All one has to do is to look into those eyes of his to realise how special he was).

There is no greater gift, no higher honour you could have given him than your words.

Unknown said...

Very sorry to hear about this Mark.

Bob said...

Heartfelt condolences go out to you, Francine and little Alexander over the loss of Mr. Bunny. He will surely be missed by all who have come in contact with him.

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry, Mark. Losing a pet is tough.

Stephanie said...

You made me cry about a bunny. No worries, I've done it before (lil bun). I was absolutely devastated when "blueberry" our little beta died after 3 years with us. Yeah, it was a fish but I loved him. They really do become more than pets.

Anonymous said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family. Every pet is unique and special in it's own quirky way and leaves a distinctive mark on our lives. May Mr. Bunny live on in your hearts and thoughts.

Sincerely,
Michelle

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry...this is a beautiful tribute...

Karen said...

Mark:

Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr Bunny. I know how much a part of your lives he was and I know you all will miss him.

Karen