There are many reasons to write a book, this one simply decided to be written.
During our Ostara celebration the dog went after a mother rabbit on her nest.
We got him out of the yard and hoped the mom was okay. Since mother rabbits don't often visit the nest (to protect the young) we avidly monitored the area for 24 hours, taking shifts, but she never returned.
I went to check on the bunnies after the sun went down and they were cold and stiff. I thought they were dead and cradled them in my hands (having worked in a vet clinic and volunteered at a wildlife rescue center made this second nature). I thought I felt movement and rushed inside.
I stuffed all 4 under my shirt to warm them with body heat as my husband and kids got the heat lamp and an enclosure ready.
We were able to revive all 4, but the smallest never fully recovered. It died the next morning.
I was able to get the remaining 3 to drink milk from a syringe, but there was a picky eater who died that night.
After 2 small burials, I am happy to report that the remaining 2 are doing well. They eat like crazy, are very active, their ears are now sticking up and their eyes are opening.
I have no intention of caging wild creatures and will re-release them into the wild once they are ready. I just want to give them a fighting chance.
It's always bittersweet caring for orphaned or abandoned creatures, but the main reminder here is to please check your yard before letting pets out.
I knew this.
I usually do it.
I let the world make me forget and that's not okay.
No matter what we're all dealing with, the natural world hasn't stopped. It's out there with all its joys and tragedies.
This pair of buns have so much life and personality. I see them as my little luck charms. My husband calls them miracles since bunnies don't often do well without their mothers.
They are a beacon of hope shining through the darkness.
Never grow out of climbing trees
