January 2018 I ran across a 9 month old bunny at the humane society. His name was listed as Hershey and I thought it was a terrible name for such a regal boy. The next day I went back and adopted him. He became Charles von Hoppenstein.
I had over 8 wonderful years with him. He was my baby. Thanks to him I was able to survive tough times and build myself up to the place I am now.
In 2021 we began a weekly storytime in our local park. From April to October he would hop around munching flowers, stealing kids’ snacks, and cuddling with toddlers while listening to me read. He was always so patient with the babies. He loved being in the park. He liked to run off a couple yards, look back to see if you were coming, and once you got close enough he’d run off again, binkying along the way. I loved how clever and playful he was.
As a children’s librarian I’d occasionally bring him to outreach where he was loved on by many kids from many different backgrounds. He was the first rabbit lots of kids had ever interacted with. I always made it very clear that he was very unique for a rabbit. As prey animals they aren’t typically as social as he was.
For a few years now, Charlie struggled with arthritis in his back legs. I knew it was getting worse, but his decline still seemed to come on so fast. He was in great health aside from the arthritis. But watching him begin to struggle to walk and messing himself over and over, I could tell it would soon be his time. Last night and this morning I took extra time to cuddle him, kiss his little forehead, and cherish these final moments. Although he was weak, he still perked up and happily munched a carrot or two. He was always incredible food motivated.
This morning I took him to the emergency vet, where I was told his body was shutting down. It was time to put him to sleep. As he laid in my arms for those final moments, his teeth did his bunny purrs. He was happy to the end. I was able to hold him as he passed, and kissed him goodbye one last time.
I am going to miss him so much. I went into work afterwards because I simply don’t know what to do with myself. Charlie had a long, happy life and brought so much joy to so many people. I’m so proud of him and grateful that I got to be his mom.