Bonded rabbits are a joy to watch. They seem joined at the hip, sharing all their activities.

When a rabbit's companion dies, in our own despair, we sometimes forget that bonded animals grieve too. And like people, they react differently to this final change in their lives.

If possible, help your surviving rabbit understand what has happened to its companion by allowing it to view the body. Some sniff the body from head to foot, making soft noises. Some snuggle close until they are sure their friend will not return. Some accept the death quickly and hop away.

When my ancient cat passed away this summer, the remaining five cats were visibly shaken. They spent time with her as her life slowly ebbed and were with her when she died. For two days, they sought additional assurances from me. They needed more-than usual attention.

Allow your rabbit to grieve and understand its loss before introducing it to another companion. I made the mistake this summer of introducing another rabbit too soon to a grieving bunny and the result was a bitten nose requiring a trip to the vet for stitches.

Although our pets probably recover from grief faster than we do, they still need time to understand their loss too.

by Libby Donovan

San Diego HRS founding chapter manager