Chapter 108 - Enzo's Last Hurrah
Merlot had been paying particular attention to Dad ever since Enzo left. One morning, she came over to beg for treats. As she stood up on her back feet to grab the treat from Dad’s mouth, she noticed his eyes were “watery.” She wondered, “Dad, what’s the matter?”
Dad explained, “Belinda just sent us a bunch of messages from Enzo’s fans. Some of them are very touching. It’s making me misty-eyed. I’ll read some to you.”
Merlot nibbled on her treat, but was “all ears” as Dad read to her:
Cheryl says, “I am also sorry that you had to make that horrible decision, but thought only of Enzo's well being. You did the right thing for him. It is the hardest thing to have to let go of one we love. Please keep on writing your blog. Through it, you and Belinda have taught us much! It is good to know that there is a community of rabbit lovers out there who are willing to share their experiences and knowledge.”
Glenn from Australia wrote, “I read and re-read your post and am crying as I write. I also know the pain of being a bunny Dad and losing your Boy. I lost my best friend Benny last March and still have been unable to accept it or move on. He was a rescue rabbit that we had for only 3.5 years and he was such a big part of my life. He passed after a seizure. I still miss Benny so, so much and am lost without him. The part that made me cry so much is when you said, ‘As hard as it is, the best gift I can give you is to let you go to sleep peacefully in my arms, knowing that you are loved.’ So beautifully said.”
Brittany says, “I will miss the endearing way Enzo spoke, and his precious way of getting treats!”
Mieke bun and her mom from Hawaii sent us a quote from Richard Adams, "My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today."
Sherri and her buns Irie and Thor mention you, “Enzo was such a wonderful little bunny. He took over Abigail’s duties as writer of The House of Buns and did an excellent job. He will definitely be missed. His romance with Merlot was a wonder to be held. She really became a trusting and confident bunny because of Enzo. And, as she fulfills Enzo’s wishes, she will write wonderful stories about The House of Buns.”
What Rebecca says makes me feel a little better because she has had similar experiences, “We have endured several losses of our rabbit family due to kidney failure. It has always been sudden and unexpected, and terribly devastating. Even with the best vigilance, diet, and veterinary care, things can go sideways without a sign.”
Eric shares a similar experience with his rabbit, Clare, “Clare’s death also came pretty quickly, although she was eight years old. First we thought it was just another bout of stasis. But, the vet said her kidneys were failing. Clare knew she was going to pass. When we were feeding her to keep her going, she had always accepted the syringe food. But on the last day at home, she refused. She actually shook her head ‘no.’ That was the first time we ever saw her do that. So, we took her back to the vet and said our goodbyes.”
Joyce reminds us, “When I am very sad and missing my babies, I look at pictures of my bunnies and that cheers me up. I also try to keep this saying from Dr. Seuss in mind, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.’”
Merlot agreed, “That’s true, Dad.”
Enzo’s last hurrah was to ask his fans send donations to his favorite rescue, The Rabbit Haven, in lieu of flowers. Auntie Heather at The Rabbit Haven had helped Dad get Enzo out of the shelter when he was considered a “medical needs” rabbit – which saved his life. The Rabbit Haven team also rescued Merlot from someone’s yard, which led her to the House of Buns.
Dad told Merlot, “Auntie Heather reports that over $2700 have been donated to The Rabbit Haven in memory of Enzo. She’s going to use the money to pay for medical needs of rescue bunnies. He’d be so happy!”
Merlot thought, “Tell everyone thank you for sending the messages and donations. I’m happy to know that my boyfriend Enzo touched so many lives around the world.”
Enzo's last wish was to raise money for his favorite rabbit rescue.
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