I did something last weekend, which I NEVER do, and something that I regret completely. I went to a breeder. Pablo and I wanted to get a baby Netherland Dwarf, like Lou, because we wanted to litter train the new baby. Luna was surprisingly happy to have a bunny around, and our vet suggested that we get another companion for her after losing her friend.
We went to a small ranch, where a couple and their son were selling Netherland Dwarfs (the smallest breed of rabbit), Holland Lops, Flemish Giants, and Lionheads. They also had Australian Shepherd puppies, and various birds. I didn't like how all of the animals were in cages, because that depresses me.
The directed us over to the area where they kept the bunnies, and we played with them and chose Egon. He was cutest baby bunny that I've ever seen in my whole life. I instantly fell in love with him, and took him home to the castle that we had gotten for Louis. Egon had all of the fancy rabbit toys and food that any rabbit could dream of. He seemed to help fill the hole left in our hearts for our beloved Louis, although no animal could ever take his place. Each animal is special to us in their own way.
The weekend rolls by, and we had both been under the weather, and were pretty much stuck at the house. We snuggled that little baby bunny like we hadn't snuggled an animal in our lives. He was comfortable with us, loved to sleep against my neck, and loved to explore. I was in love with Egon. Completely. Then he got sick. VERY sick.
Egon had diarrhea two mornings in a row, and I took him to work with me. Pablo's brother Danny took him up to the rabbit specialist that we speak to in Deerfield Beach. An hour after Danny dropped off Egon, for what I thought would be a quick diagnosis and fix, he passed away. He had a sickness that baby animals get, and the breeder hadn't picked up on it. We called the woman, who seemed to be running the operation, and she said that we shouldn't pay for him to be put to sleep (he died on his own), and that we can come get another one. She said she deals with it "all the time." Cold.
When you deal with people who use their animals' genitalia for a profit, you're dealing with some seriously disconnected "human beings." They don't see them as the beloved pets that we do. They see them as fucking dollar signs, and have NO problem using and abusing their animals for cash. I don't know why I thought she might have been more sympathetic, I really don't. I used to work next to a puppy store, and I would hear them throwing crates of sick purse dogs into the back of their store. Don't fool yourselves into thinking your puppy mill dog is a happy and healthy animal who isn't severely inbred and full of ailments. Save a healthy mutt. They're rarely inbred, have less health problems, and live longer. They're right down the street in your local animal shelter and are looking for a warm forever home. They know when you save them, and will love you infinitely.
I don't give a shit what anyone wants to tell me: They are all the same, in one way or another. These people don't love animals. If they did, they wouldn't be in that business. Plain and simple. They're right up there with the pieces of shit who give "Easter Bunnies" to their kids, then dump them off somewhere a month later. Same goes for people who get animals, then give them away when they're bored or tired of taking care of them. A pet is a commitment, which is why Egon's passing right after Louis' destroyed us.
I will ALWAYS have a place in my heart for both Louis, and Egon the Angel Bunny. RIP my two fine gentleman. My other beloved pets will take care of you in the great animal beyond. I love you both and will miss you infinitely. Love, Mom.
Egon 1-19-14 to 3-11-14.
My little angel.
