Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Not Such a Good Day


Professor Moriarty

The children are at school, and they do not know... I have been to two vets with the Professor, and I will have to go back once more today. The Professor needs help.

I found him this morning, unable to walk. His hind legs were splayed out behind him, and limp. He let me scoop him up. I knew this was not going to end well. The x-rays show that a vertebrae in his lower spine is completely severed. He cannot move his back feet, or control any of his lower functions.

Waiting to see the second vet, Geoff and I combed his fluffy coat, pulling out straw and dirt. He can struggle to move himself, but when I hold him or pet him, he seems calm, and happy enough just to be loved. He sits still to be held or pet. Then when he does move, he cannot understand why he cannot do what he wants to do, how he wants to do it. His heart rate increases, he looks distressed.

He is not in pain. I have heard rabbits cry, and it is pitiable. And even though he does not seem to be in pain, it is obvious that he anxious. His eyes look sad. He seems to be fading.

I cannot say that I am an optimist. I know I am not as brightly cheerful as my daughter, but I do try to see the good, and to look past the challenges, life's heartaches. Especially lately, I have made a purposeful and hopeful push to emphasize everything that is right and good, but honestly it has not always been easy, because this has not been an easy year. It has been a blessed year, and we have enjoyed many wonderful things, but it has not been an easy year. And so, feeling vulnerable already, feeling a little too frayed, I find this event to be
too much...

The rest of this day, the rest of our obstacles... I really don't want to face.

28 comments:

nikkipolani said...

Oh dear, poor Professor. Poor Natalie and family.

ArtyZen said...

I know when you feel a bit better - later - you'll see some of those obstacles as stepping stones. I think chocolate sometimes helps. Do take care. Ax

tara said...

So sorry to hear about the sweet little rabbit.
We had that occur with a rabbit. I was going to make her a cart out of a thrifted barbie car.

Miriam said...

Poor sweet Professor - it is so hard when a creature we've accepted responsibility for, that we love and care for, is not well. Sometimes I think if only we could explain things to them, that might help them feel better, or at least understand what'a happening to them. But then I think enough with the words - a warm lap and the touch of a loving hand communicate all that's needed.

I'll be thinking of you all. Big hugs from all of us here at Mucky Boots.

claudia said...

This is so very sad! I had this happen with former rabbits in our family as well and it's really difficult to deal with.

Sabine said...

Oh no, it's so hard to see a pet being ill or disabled... I'm always frustrated that I can't talk with my pets, when something bad happens to them.
Poor little rabbit...

Anonymous said...

Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear about the bunny, Natalie. Sometimes life just seems to give us one sadness on top of another. Hugs, this too shall pass.

Love, Ruth

Emily Cole said...

OH my... I'm sorry the Professor isn't well. I know it's hard to see them struggle. Hugs to you!

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

This is very sad...my heart goes out to you.

dizzy_izzy said...

Im so so sorry to hear that! poor little guy. I hope the best for you and your family.

judy in ky said...

Oh Natalie, my heart is going out to you and this dear little creature. I wish I could take some of the sadness away. I know you are doing what you can to make him feel loved. ((hugs))

Yolanda said...

I'm sorry he isn't well. Here is me giving all of you a big hug.

stacyreno said...

Oh, I am so sorry. Love to all of you.

hoj said...

Hang in there Geoff, Natalie, William, Alex, Max and Maria. I know its hard. Just know your family who can't be near you loves you and that you are all in our thoughts.

Tonia said...

No no no!!! Gosh, my heart and thoughts are with you and your family. Ugh.
A big hug, chica.
Tonia

Karla said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your bunny. Sending you and your family hugs from Fresno.

CarrieMarie said...

oh, ugh! *HUGS* i'm sorry!

Susan said...

Sweet little bunny...I want to touch his soft fur. Big hug.

Mama Spark said...

Oh Natalie, after working with bunnies for the last almost 30 years I think I know what your vet will be saying. Once they lose function in the lower extremities, they are unable to go to the bathroom. Nothing good comes of that! I will pray for you and Geoff and the kids. Helping a family member move on is never easy! Gentle HUGS!!

Alison said...

Poor little Professor. How lucky he is to have you take the time, the money and the care to do what you can. And to comfort him.

Val said...

I'm so sorry. Hugs to you all.

Amanda at 32˙North said...

Oh, Natalie! I'm so sorry to read this!

Window On The Prairie said...

Ohhh...so sorry about your bunny.
Hugs,
Suzanne

Golden West said...

Wishing you well...

Jen (emsun.org) said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Professor. :(

Kara said...

Supersadface. So sorry to hear about The Professor. Hope your family is doing okay.

Rickey W Rudy said...

I happened to your blog via a comment you made about the fruitcake cookies on Pioneer Woman's blog.

I am so very sorry for you and your family for the loss of your bunny. God Bless Good Wishes

Jennifer said...

Forever love and comfort in having known such a profound and deep soul as The Professor; hugs to you all.