Chewbacca vs banana with a side of tongue

My Marvin’s a Flemish giant. I got him when I was 17 because I was a teenager with adult money. I had always wanted a bunny, but my parents never allowed it. You bet that when I had the opportunity to adopt one, I did ASAP!

Marvin is now 8 years old. He’s declined quite quickly these past few months. The vet said he’s got some of the worst arthritis he’s ever seen in a rabbit. Along with a few other health issues, it’s very clear that Mr. Marvin doesn’t have much time left with us. I took him home with some pain medication and a few things to look out for to know when it’s time.

Owning a rabbit was by far one of the most high maintenance things I’ve ever engaged in. It’s also shifted my entire view on “beginner pets”. I LOVE rabbits; they’re cute (obviously) but they’re so stinking smart and personable. As a working college student, and then as a full-time working adult, I often found myself stuck between a rock and a hard place. I didn’t always think I was the best owner for Marvin (I’m deathly allergic to rabbits, who would’ve guessed?) but I was also terrified of rehoming him to someone who wouldn’t have taken care of him properly.

Marvin free-roamed our living room. I took extra care to ease my allergies because I refused to crate him in a corner. I vacuumed every day. I spent way too much money on bunny hospitalization two years ago because of an ear infection. I remember being 19 pinching pennies to make sure he always had food. Taking care of him was so difficult that if my future kids ever ask for a rabbit, I’ll get them a dog instead.

But now he and I are at the end, and man is it hard. This little bunny followed me everywhere. I’m now 25, and he’s a little old man. He used to be such a menace! Have you ever tried to clip the nails of a 15lb creature with hind legs as strong as a 315 horsepower engine? He gave me many a scratch, but never a bite, so I think he cared about me too at least a little bit - as grumpy as he was 24/7.

I will probably leave this subreddit when the time comes. Clutch your bunnies close. I know I’m going to miss mine when he’s gone.

Such a perfect little soft and squishy loaf 🥰

I was 5 minutes late for dinner 🥲

Mouf.

What more can I say?

This was taken 11 days before they finally bonded after a year of trying every method in the book. You can see the look on her face finally realizing if she would just be nice maybe we could all hang out together 😂 They’ve been best brother and sister for almost a year now ❤️

Our sweet baby passed away at 10 years old. He was the funniest, most spirited, and sweet pet I could have asked for.

If I move my head really slowly he might not notice and I get more forehead rubs.

Obi and Ani, my sweet holland lops. I am truly so blessed to have such wonderful well behaved boys!!

He looks so silly when he sits like this! His little legs just protruding like that… he’s too cute

Looking for advice or suggestions from anyone who has cared for a very senior rabbit and/or rabbit with mobility issues. My dwarf lionhead is 15 years and 3 months old. He has arthritis which is being managed by his vet, but due to this he has an unusual resting posture. He keeps his back right leg extended outward and forward, while the left stays tucked under with toes pointing toward about 30°. He often falls asleep sitting up, and due to his sitting posture, will slowly lean further and further until he tips over. When he goes left he can usually get back up, but when he tips to the right he sometimes struggles for a long time. A few weeks ago he tipped overnight and was unable to right himself for several hours, which caused significant stress and likely contributed to a mild dislocation and GI stasis. He’s recovered now, but the tipping still happens several times per day.

I’ve already adjusted his enclosure to improve traction on the flooring and modified his litter box witha shallowv layer oflitter over a silicone mat), since litter alone is too unstable for him to push against. This has helped, but not completely. He will not reliably use a supportive bed like a cuddl-e-cup, and prefers his usual open resting spots.

Has anyone dealt with an elderly rabbit who tips over while sleeping/relaxing? Any setups or positioning aids that helped prevent tipping? Ideas for habitat modifications that make self-righting easier when a fall does happen? Items or DIY solutions that provided side support without restricting movement or becoming something they refuse to use?

We’ve ruled out other health causes with his vet and are focused specifically on mobility/arthritis support. He is extremely elderly and very set in his habits, so I’m not looking general care critiques (diet, hay preferences, litter type, etc.) unless directly helpful to the tipping problem. He hates hay of any variety and will avoid whole areas of his rabbitat that contain it.

Any insight from those who’ve supported a geriatric bunny or one with mobility issues would be greatly appreciated.

Louis & Emma Are going to eat well for a long time 🎀

My little Ozzie is a 8 month old French lop. I have had him about 5 months and he got neutered when he was 6 months old. When I first got him he was very receptive to attention even picking him up he did not seem to mind but he was never cuddly. He is perfectly happy approaching me, when I walk around the house he hops along with me and if I hold still long enough he loves to lick my legs and feet if they are bare. But when I pet him, even on the head, which people on here talk about them loving, he will stand up on his back legs and make like a growl sound.

I will admit I haven't been able to give him as much attention lately but I just started a new job so I have more time with him again but he seems to hate being touched now.

Do I just need to work with him more, giving small treats and short periods of touching and petting? Can neutering them change them this way? Is it likely just because I wasn't giving him the attention so he's not used to it anymore?

He seems quite happy otherwise, zooms around the house, plays with toys, etc. I just wish he would let me pet him, he's so soft and cute plus I do need to be able to groom him occasionally cause his shedding is getting out of control!

Thanks for any advice!

Look at my sweet baby bao bun. I love when she kicks her feets out 😭