Properly understood, these dear creatures are gifts from God, given to bring us joy!
Our dear, sweet Tigger, 11 years, 8 months and 5 days, passed away peacefully at home Sunday evening December 17th, 2017.
We vividly remember a beautiful, sunny day, October 27th, 2006, when we made a drive North to the little town of Cove Utah. Our objective was to meet and pick up the newest addition to our family. We saw many bunnies, but upon resting her eyes on you, your mom knew you were the one! You were a beautiful tricolor Mini Rex with a thick, soft white coat and brown and black freckles. You even had a mustache that we found so charming! Yes you were definitely the one!! As you were in a cage outside, fattening up for the meat truck, we immediately paid $25 and quickly made our retreat home to introduce you to your new pal, Spice.
It took a few days for you to adjust. We were very concerned because you wouldn't eat or drink, but after a few days of love, and coaxing (and a water dish instead of bottle), you settled in to make this your permanent home.
Introductions to Spice moved slowly and were less than amiable. She loved you from the start, however, you needed some convincing! After much time and patience, the two of you became inseparable. You were a young, wriggly, energetic bunny that brought much joy to our home. You received your name, Tigger, partly because of the song that describes you...
The wonderful thing about tiggers
Is tiggers are wonderful things
Their tops are made out of rubber
Their bottoms are made out of springs
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun
But the most wonderful thing about tiggers
Is I'm the only one
The wonderful thing about tiggers
Is tiggers are wonderful chaps
They're loaded with vim and with vigor
They love to leap in your laps
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun
But the most wonderful thing about tiggers
Is I'm the only one.
Tiggers are wonderful fellahs
Tiggers are awfully sweet
Everyone else is jealous
And that's why I repeat
The wonderful thing about tiggers
Are tiggers are wonderful things
Their tops are made out of rubber
Their bottoms are made out of springs
They're bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy
Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun
But the most wonderful thing about tiggers
Is I'm the only one, yes, I'm the only one
Yes, you were bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy, and full of fun, fun fun, and were definitely one of a kind! Oh how we love our sweet boy!!
Spicey and you enjoyed spending time together especially under the bed where you would spend most of your days sleeping. You loved to stretch out in the sun in front of the sliding glass door to soak in some rays!! We finally resorted to placing hay, food, and water under the bed since it had become one of your favorite hangouts. Upon returning from work, you were always eagerly awaiting our arrival. We settled into a very comfortable, enjoyable routine. You loved your morning wheat grass breakfast, and couldn't get enough green salad for dinner!! Mornings were spent waiting for us at the end of the hall until we got up, receiving and giving loves, having breakfast, playing and chasing you around. Evenings were spent having dinner, (which we had a whole routine for) eating grandpa's apple sticks, watching a show, and receiving more love. When we opened the door of the refrigerator to fix your salad, you would hear the rattling of the plastic bags, and run in eagerly anticipating. Mom always took too long!! Upon completion, you would run around the dinner table and meet your mom, standing up on your hind legs for dinner. You would growl a warning if your dinner made it too far away from your mouth. At moms bedtime, you would have a little "night, night" treat, and then you would keep dad company while he worked. You were dad's little buddy, nibbling his toes, and scratching at his pillow when you hoped for attention.
With Spicey's passing, you became the center of our world. We would arrange our entire schedules to be at home and spend as much time with you as possible. Hay was shipped in from out of state (2nd cut Timothy hay) and only the best Timothy Hay pellets were yours for the eating. We loved everything that came with being your parents and would never trade the experiences and love we gained for anything!! As the years passed, your little body began to feel the effects of age. You had arthritis, but thankfully loved the medication that brought you relief. You thought it was a really great treat! Then, you developed other age related problems, and finally heart failure. It was our "gift" to be able to care for you during your final days. Many medications were administered, food was given, and love freely abounded. Even at the end, you were quick to give us kisses and love, one of your greatest talents!! Your heart finally gave out while in your mothers arms.
Know how very much we love you!! We look for you in your favorite spots, and call for you for dinner. We long to love you just one more time!! The peace that we receive, is in the memories we've created and knowing that we will see you again! We know where you are, running and playing with Sugar, Spicey, and Spanky, and that grandma will watch over you until we meet again. Your frail body will be made whole. We are so grateful for the love you freely shared, for your life without guile, for the joy you brought us. We are thankful for the opportunity that was given to us to care for you, and have you as a member of our family. Sending you unending loves and bunny hugs until we meet again....
Mom and Dad