Goodbye, Scotty
Scotty, (? to April 26, 2005) and forever
You came into my life and changed it forever.
We had 8+years together.
We sure ran the gamut of emotions.
When Erika of Brambley Hedge Rabbit Rescue brought you to
me, I couldn’t believe she would trust me with such a badly injured animal,
but she did and for that I will forever be thankful.
Scotty, when I first saw you, everyone had been talking
about your burns, but I thought you had a spinal cord injury. Every
vertebra was visible from starvation, it was complete disbelief.
How could such a badly abused animal make it back?
As I worked with you, there was always the cross over
between horror and pure hatred for the person that did this to you.
It was the first and only time I think I felt pure hatred. I
hope I never feel it again.
As I looked into those dark burned eyes, full of fear, I
knew that I had to somehow get you to trust and to at least feel love.
I was overwhelmed.
You withstood the painful medical procedures that were
necessary more than once a day and I was overcome at your bravery.
When I fed my wild cottontail babies, I slowly got you to
drink the left over goats’ milk (probably a no-no, but I was desperate) and I
began to feel a touch of pride if only I could get you to eat. I’m sorry the
baby cottontail’s scream occasionally startled you, but I’m glad you
responded.
After awhile, you acted thankful for each bite of food and
for that I was humbled.
The first time you went to “Daddy” on your own hoping
he had a banana chip somewhere, I knew we had made it.
After that time, it was love & trust and play all the
way, I was so proud.
As I watched you play with your toys and tease the cats, I
was so happy and thankful that we had come so far.
Within months after arriving, you were so relaxed and even
a little bossy. Although you were afraid to be on the floor or ground, you sure
had many many hours teasing the cats on the bed or you liked just being carried
around.
Sitting at the computer or
watching T.V. was o.k. also. The
times you laid on my chest and fell asleep were my moments of pure joy.
What a beautiful rabbit you had become!
I will forever be a better person for loving you.
I learned so much.
You left 2 days before moving from the desert to the high
pine country, you would have loved it here.
I would have loved to have you here.
I brought your spirit.
Your 4“bunny buddies” are all doing so well, they have
a screened in back porch. Scotty,
you took a piece of my heart with you when you left, but you replaced it with a proud
little bunny print on my heart that will be there forever.
Scotty, thank you for trusting me but most of all, thank
you for your love. Also, thank you
to Erika & Ruth & Barbara..
Sleep peaceful, my baby boy. I love you.
Lorna Swiggers
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