Can I manage a new pet?
 

Just wondered if anyone had some advice. I am thinking about getting a baby rabbit I've had pet rabbits in the past so I am pretty experienced. The last few months have been very stressful. I got a rescue animal a beautiful little lop-eared rabbit but it ended up that the shelter had miserably failed in assessing her health. Somehow they had failed to notice that she was deaf and blind (she had a head injury) and although I took her to an excellent vet serious internal bleeding meant she had to be put down only 6 weeks after I'd got her. I've had to work through quite a lot of grief for her -she didn't stand a chance and I try and focus on the fact that at least she had 6 weeks in which she was so well loved and cared for - she died peacefully in my arms. That was on the 23rd of January.

I still really want to get another pet. A rabbit since I am a crazy rabbit lady. I've put a hold on a baby rabbit but I do have concerns about how responsible this is. I live with a severe pain condition and I live alone. I do have caregivers who could help if I was getting into difficulty but I still wonder whether it's ok to get another pet, one that will live for approximately 8 years. I'm only in rental accommodation so things could change at any time but the biggest issue is just physically managing to look after a house rabbit there's a lot more to it than many people might think. I'm just trying to figure out if I'm being selfish wanting to have another little animal friend when maybe I won't be able to see it through to the end i.e. if I became too ill to manage it. I don't mean this to be negative so sorry if that's how it feels I just wonder if other people have had concerns like this and how it's worked out for them? Thank you

I am very fond of rabbits but have never had one as a pet.

About 18 months ago my two much-loved cats died. After a grieving period, which I reckon is normal for anybody who cares about their pets, I got two new kittens.

As far as you are concerned if you feel ready for a new rabbit I would go for it. I have the impression that you have trusted care-givers so maybe talk this through with them and see what they think.

Thank you
 

Just want to say thank you for taking the time to reply and I appreciate your thoughts on the matter. Sorry to hear about your two cats it's so hard to lose an animal friend isn't it? I'm glad for you that you've got two new little buddies I hope they bring you a lot of happiness :)