Paddy

Paddy on TOP of his hutch.

I went out to Briarpatch--our indulgent indoor/outdoor rabbit complex one morning last week and discovered my BIG beautiful male Angora with an eye problem.  Well, it was more than a problem.  His eyeball was just short of hanging out, the bottom lid turned inside out and looking hideous.

I was SHOCKED.  I did not see any blood evidence of a wound anywhere and just could not imagine what was wrong.  I took him in to see our good country vet--a rare breed.  She looked him over and said she would need to sew the eyelid closed and leave it for 2 weeks to try and save the eye.

She had a new assistant and during the examination I learned that she raised rabbits.  So, I commenced to tell her the no-baby-saga. 

ME:  "I've been trying five years and regardless of what I try, my rabbits will not breed."

ASSISTANT: "I let the male/female get acquainted through a wire partition before I put them together."

ME:  "Did that.  In fact, they seem to be great buddies AS LONG AS THE PARTITION IS THERE."

ASSISTANT:  "I leave them together for 2 days."

ME: "If I did that the fur would fly and someone would be dead.  They're together 15 minutes tops.    By the time I take out my female they are mortal enemies."

ASSISTANT:  "Hmmmm.  Maybe he just doesn't like your female."

ME:  "I have four females."

ASSISTANT:  "Hmmm."

So, I leave Paddy in the capable hands of my country vet and her successful rabbit breeder assistant.

The next morning I'm sympathizing with a groggy Paddy and his pirate-like eye.  The vet is giving me instructions as she hands him over and almost as an after thought says, "Oh, and by the way.  Paddy is a female."

Wait..... What?

We all had a good laugh.  At least that explained the no-baby-bunnies at Rocky Creek.

My husband said they were going to have to revoke my "Farmers License" over this.  In my defense, I NEVER CHECKED!!  I took the Angora Breeder at her word.  Live and learn.

I went to check on Paddy (Patty?) 2 hours after I brought him home and he was dead.  Oh, that broke my heart.  I called the vet and she said, "You know, I haven't been able to get Paddy off my mind.  I believe he had a brain tumor."

So, it's just as well he passed on to a better life.  I envision him not in a rabbit cage--as wonderful as Briarpatch is--but in an open grassy field with lots of dandelions (which he loved), sunshine, blue skies and all the other bunnies I've loved and lost to keep him company.

PS  I know he was a she, but I didn't have her long enough to make the transition to the she pronoun.  He will always be a he in my memories. :)