We just lost our beloved pet rabbit (Bolt) to a fox, we had him for 6 years, he had the run of the garden and house and was more like a cat really, came when called & loved nothing more than chasing a ball. A total one-off.

I am struggling with it myself, but my 11 yr old son is in absolute bits. He's an only child and Dad is working abroad for 2 weeks. The house is so quiet without Bolt running up and down the stairs and the other rabbit just sits bereft near his burrow (yes, he even dug up my garden...)

It's like grieving twice over - I'm gutted about losing him but even more upset for my son & dont know how best to help him come to terms with it. He even commented tonight that at least when the last rabbit died we had a body to bury in the garden.

Any ideas?

I am so sorry for your loss. I know some might think - but it's only a rabbit - but this one was part of your family.
We lost several pets when my children were young and even (sadly) family members. The only thing that seemed to help was a calm and open dialogue about death - but also a certain ritual. After all - if your son should lose an elderly relative, there won't be a body to bury in the garden.

But you can still set up a memorial site. Encourage him to draw a picture, perhaps write a letter or a poem - and to conduct a little ceremony in your garden - bury a box with some treasured possessions and memories. Allow himto mourn.

And then - and forgive - new life is a great way to move on. Give him a week or so and then involve him in choosing a new pet. Hope this helps.

Although it is hard at the time the death of a pet is a good thing for a child to experience. It is one of the reasons to get a pet for a kid. They need to come to terms with the loss and develop as well rounded people. It all helps prepare for the loss of a relative. I think the advice about a ceremony is sound. It provides a focus for the grief and allows you to bring closure. Ask your son how he what he would like to do.

Awww I do feel for you both, poor bunny too. I think the way he died is probably harder to cope with to, it's is easier when you know it's coming and can prepare a little for it but this was brutally immediate.

When our Duncan dog died in January, our niece who loved him and came to see him everyday, really suffered, we went and got another puppy as it seemed the only way the entire family would get over the loss. It worked.

I hope you can find a way through this as it's heart breaking for you and your child.

I think Finbaar's post is excellent.

I suppose a way to deal with your son's grief is to point it in the direction of the remaining bun - if your son concentrates on making sure that the remaining bun is not lacking for company or distraction, that might help.

Your son will possibly deal with the loss surprisingly quickly but the remaining rabbit may not. Could you keep an eye on whether it continues to eat and whether it continues to poop. It would be really sad if remaining rabbit were to become ill through the stress of the loss. Ideally, bun will need a new best friend and there are rescues full to overflowing with rabbits in need of a home. Some rescues will bond an existing rabbit with a new friend on their own premises.

Oh and the other thing is... once a fox knows where there's a meal - especially at this time of the year when this spring's litters are getting bigger and becoming more demanding to feed - he may return for the remaining bun.

Children don't seem to see death the way adults do - and with help, have much more acceptance. A long time ago my poor kids had to face up to the loss of two grandparents and also their father in a couple of years....a very dark time.

But the life saver for us was an impossible perky and fat little spaniel puppy just bursting with love. She took up all our time and energy and brought new life and hope into our family - for many years. Animals are really life savers for us all.

Thanks so much for the replies, Son literally cried himself to sleep last night, today has been a little easier as he has been out with lots of friends.

Bedtime tonight was tough & there were many tears about Bolt (mostly mine )- until the remaining rabbit had somehow managed to make her way up 2 flights of stairs & popped her head in at an opportune moment - made us both laugh a lot - she's never been up this far in the house before & he hugged her lots which she doesnt normally like but seemed to tolerate. So hopefully, she's now his new best friend. Ironically, we only got her as a companion for Bolt after his best friend disappeared. Will let you know how we get on but really appreciate the responses. Lx

poor Bolt

bunny knows you (& your son) need the comforting hugs you see!

keep strong OP

Life has changed for her too. It's easy to underestimate rabbits, I think. Their society is a very structured one and the loss of an alpha or senior rabbit - male or female - changes things for those who are left. I remember reading on Rabbits United forum about the son of a senior rabbit whose interactions with his owner - and other rabbits in his group - changed when his father passed on. He was another rabbit who suddenly started going upstairs to find people when the rabbit that had originally done that passed away.

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/sh...-Parsley-Piert

I'm glad Bolt's mate seems to be coping and while I know this thread is about your son (and you?!) coping humans can reason and rationalise... and be distracted by friends. It's a bit different for a pet - of whatever species...

Hope things go well for you all.

I send my sympathy.

When my old rabbit died we all found it hard, even our neighbour who'd throw food into his run.

This is going to sound horribly callous. Please take this comment as intended and from an animal lover.

It's good for him and character building. One day, not too far away, he will be able to talk about his rabbit with happy memories. This is a vital lesson to learn about bereavement,