Ramses was a beautiful Hotot rabbit. She had prefect black eyeliner, so we gave her an Egyptian name. She had this distinct personality, as all pets do. She was truly royal. She expected things done her way. If she wanted petted, she would hop to your feet, drop her head, and say "Pet me now!" She always monitored my movements and put forth her two cents on what I should do. Scott (my beloved human companion) also fancied Ramses.
I got her a companion, a lionhead rabbit named Rocket. Rocket adored the very ground on which Ramses hopped. This was, naturally, as Ramses preferred it.
On Christmas Eve, I discovered she was sick with a respiratory infection. I live in a rural area where the vets are more experienced with cattle and horses, than exotic pets. She went on an antibiotic that I later learned causes intestinal problems for rabbits. She died two weeks later.
We were devastated. Scott couldn't sleep. I was overcome with guilt, because I didn't know the antibiotic would kill her until after it was too late. I did hours and hours of internet research to try to prevent this from ever happening to Rocket.
I think what amazes me most is that Ramses died in January, now it is August, and I still grieve her passing.
I have a new pet rabbit, Gigi. Rocket needed a companion. He became terribly depressed, just like his mommy, after Ramses died. Rocket and I love Gigi. She is spunky and silly. She's a great pet! I wouldn't trade her for anything.
However, I still miss Ramses in a furious way. She was my first rabbit. She was such a queen. I still struggle with guilt over my lack of knowledge that led to her passing. I recently contacted our local extension office and informed them I'd love to educate people on the care and health of rabbits. I would feel less guilty, I think, if I could prevent this sort of thing from happening to another rabbit and rabbit owner.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my grief in a format and with people who will understand. This means a lot to me.