I guess, this is goodbye…

Just a few months shy of raising Holland Lops for a decade, we lost our last rabbit today. Reflecting and reminiscing the past 9 years, I cannot help but to realized how much these rabbits has helped me grew as a person. Many Holland Lop breeders came and gone but ultimately, not everyone will have the same experiences. I can only say that my experiences were very fulfilling and to a certain extent soulful. If you are aspired to be a Holland Lop breeder, you should always be yourself and enjoy the journey by defining it your way. All the past rabbits that graced Tru-Luv Rabbitry make up a bridge that paved the way to many amazing and wonderful friendships. They are the reason why I have an awesome bunny family consisting the many greats and champs of the hobby. Though a rabbit passes on, a family stays together forever.

It is almost a 10 years journey and through all the ups and downs, they were right there with and for me. They have given me so much joy and at the same time heartbreaks. How can you ever let go of such a strong bond?

Life isn’t perfect but these rabbits have been my pillars of strength and focal point in life throughout the “turbulence”. As each one of them left and passed on, it is as though life is telling me that I am leveling up in this game of life and moving up in the ladder of life. The last one seemed to mark my “graduation” in this life’s course and closes the chapter of this thick book 10 years in the making.

Truth be told, no one will ever know what these rabbits and people have done that changed my life for the better.

As such, I just want to take a moment to remember Tru-Luv’s Murdoch – the true symbol and legacy of Tru-Luv Rabbitry.

He was born together with Clarkie on the early morning of 17th December 2011. He was initially named Luv and since they were born during the Christmas season, they became the poster kits for the 2011 holiday season.

Hope and Luv

Hope & Luv the theme for the season!

SnoreeeEEeEEeeeee

Sheer Happiness!

As Murdoch grew, there was something very special about him and he reminded me of Miller’s Clark.

How can you not want to HOARD over such cute faces?

The older he grew, the more handsome he became….

Murdoch is another special one. He won 1st BJB in one of the recent shows and I hope he continues to produce beautiful babies for me. Third generation produced here.

Celebrating his 1st birthday and 2nd Christmas with us.

El Hombre Guapo

A recent photo of Murdoch enjoying his salad.

Chomp Chomp Chomp…

I came home yesterday evening to find Murdoch lying in the most awkward position. He had his back legs spread out like a puppy. I can see that he was excited to see me and then I realized that only his head was moving. I took a closer look and that was when my heart sank – Murdoch, my baby boy has lost mobility and senses of all his limbs. I still do not know what had happened in our absence but it seemed to me that he might have broken his back. It was also clear that he was in pain because I could see the fur around his eyes wet. I then placed him in a comfortable position so that I can try feeding him. As I offered him some greens, he chewed with so much enthusiasm as though telling me that he was alright. I sat down next to him and spent some quiet moments with him. I said a little prayer for him and he was gone…

I try not to think too much about his passing but the thoughts of him waiting for me to get home before breathing his last is heart breaking.

The fondest and most endearing moment with Murdoch was during the Natural Pet Success Story video shoot (Thank you Stanley Saw for this wonderful experience). Murdoch is seen on camera in his best behavior and sitting very still on my lap. In fact, that is Murdoch and he behaves very well all the time.

Like the many great Tru-Luv bunnies of the past, we laid Murdoch to rest on a rainy Tuesday morning. I believe that death is not the end but it paves the way to a new beginning. We planted a little tree above where he was laid to rest as a symbol that he will continue to nourish this plant. His death is not in vain but will sustain this plant. And in turn, the plant will sustain other life forms through its purpose in the ecosystem at large.

Indeed, the definition of a full circle – from cradle to grave…

I LOVE YOU BUDDY, SEE YOU ON THE FLIP SIDE!

BINKY FREE…