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Donner’s Legacy

Oct 9, 2023

This time last year we welcomed 4 new bunnies to Kindred Farm, Donner, Pickles, Dirk, and Trouble (new name Treble).  They all came as single bunnies who were in need of some bunny friends.  But Donner and Dirk were never really accepted into the group or, as I like to think, they were just not interested in joining.  Donner found a quiet spot under a corner teepee where he would watch the goings on.  This seemed to suit him just fine. And of course, Donner and Dirk got extra TLC as we made sure they each got their own bowl of food and salad.  

A few months later we introduced another Harlequin rabbit into the group, but we could always spot Donner easily because he had a little skin tag hanging off of his nose.  

When we moved to our new farm this summer, it seemed that Donner and Dirk decided to join the gang.  Donner even found a friend in Cupid.  This made us all so happy.

This week, Donner was off again on his own and had to have his food and salad brought to him.  On Wednesday, he was very lethargic, and we brought him inside the office to monitor him.  I had a vet appointment for the next day at 11:00 but he passed in his sleep. This just happened to be my birthday.  I was content being able to mark his passing at the farm with some special moments with the other rabbits. If I wasn’t there, that’s when I really struggle.  

Donner has the legacy of being one of the first rabbits rescued by Rabbitat Rescue in 2012.  

As always, I am sad that I didn’t get to spend enough one-on-one time with Donner.  The rabbits at the farm are not that keen to be cuddled and fussed over.  To console me, I am thankful he got to experience life at the farm in his final days with fresh air, sunshine, rabbit friends and lots of digging. 

Myself and the volunteers at Kindred Farm are determined to create a beautiful natural rabbit habitat for our 7 bunnies. I will keep you updated on our vision and our progress.