The night Bunzy died my heart shattered. I’d never known heartbreak like that; I still don’t.
Cleaning up his area, I didn’t know if I were going to get another pet, at least not for a while. How long does it take to grieve a pet? When is OK to get a new one?
Casually, I browsed animal shelters and Pet Finder for rabbits. I didn’t think I would, but again, maybe? It’s not that I wanted to replace Bunzy– there’s absolutely nothing in this world that could. But one thing Bunzy taught me was to care and love other animals. My house felt lonely. Something was missing and I couldn’t stand the silence.
It literally hurt.
On our city’s animal shelter website I saw the biggest ears on a rabbit I’d ever seen. I fell in love instantly. This black rabbit staring into the camera and my heart fluttered.
“Mom! I have to see about her!”
“Are you sure it’s not too soon?”
“No I’m sure. I think? Let me see.”
I got in the car and had a little talk with Bunzy. “Alright kiddo, if you think it’s too soon, let me know. I know you will.”
When one of the workers brought her into the room, I held her in my lap when and rubbed her head. She got comfortable, settling down as I rubbed between her ears.
“What’s the story on her?”
“Some kids found her at the skate park in a cage and brought her in. We can’t do a lot but we’re reaching out to rabbit rescues for help.” Mind you, it’s August in Texas. Whoever dumped this cutie patootie may they never know peace. How dare you?
She was found in the park the day after Bunzy died. I told them I wanted her. This was meant to be. In a weird way I think Bunzy brought her to me.
Now let’s get to the interesting twist.
Notice how I used her throughout the post? Well, a few weeks later I took her to her first appointment only for her to actually be a he.
“What’s the name?”
“Princess Angelica…”
“Do you mean, Prince?”
“Excuse me?”
It was on that day I found out rabbits envelope their parts for protection, which is why the shelter thought he was a she. All of this happened, by the way, while Prince’s “Diamonds and Pearls” played overhead.
“Could you be a happy boy or girl?”
So, Princess Angelina Contessa Lousia Francesca Banana Fanana Bo Besca III became Prince Angelo Constantine Louis Francisco Banana Fanana Beaux Besco III. And if you get the reference, congratulations it’s time for some retinol.
Beaux is different from Bunzy and it has taken a while to get adjusted to that, but it’s not his fault. He’s more vocal, grunting because he’s happy and playful, but also irritated and wants to be left alone (looking at you, Lady). He nips a lot but it’s out of love. It still hurts like heck though.
He likes parsley more than cilantro. He’s the size of two Bunzys, so most definitely not a dwarf.
But Beaux is lovely. He plays around with Lady and me. He loves his treats and knows when that jar is opening. Beaux has the cutest ears that he lets me play with. He’s curious about everything, even if that means a little wall destruction.
I’m happy for Beaux. He helped mend my broken heart and allowed me to carry on the love I learned from Bunzy. Thanks my Little Sugar Bear for letting me be your safe space. I love you.
