This is about my special journey with my hero, Andy

Andy, 3 years ago Andy, 2 years ago Andy, 2007 Andy, 2007 with grandson Andy, 2008 Andy, 2008

I was in the midst of a family crises. A huge void had just opened, and I remember being filled with irrepressible sadness. But when Andy came into my life, my life was changed forever. We went through a special journey together, a journey that required round the clock care for an extraordinary little bunny. When I looked into those big, beautiful eyes and saw his determination, I knew I had to do whatever it took to help him, regardless of the fact that I really had never had any experience with special needs animals.

When I first met Andy, he was living in a foster home. He had acquired an ear infection that seemed to be improving. However, out of the blue, Andy began rolling over uncontrollably. His foster mom was horrified. She called me in the hope that I would know what to do. I really didn't, but I came immediately nevertheless.

Getting prompt and accurate information proved to be a challenge. We first took him to an animal emergency clinic, but they offered little hope and suggested euthanasia. The cost was prohibitive to the few treatment options as we were limited to the funds of a small rescue organization. As much as we wanted to pay for Andy's treatment, we had to consider the needs of all the other animals at our rescue as well. I felt so very helpless. I just wanted to fix him! We needed a second opinion. Bundling him up, we headed to the workplace of my daughter-in-law who was employed at another animal emergency vet clinic. Thankfully, the one rabbit doctor the clinic had on staff happened to be in that night. The doctor examined Andy, and this time, he offered a better prognosis. He explained how an infection in the ear can damage a rabbit's equilibrium causing the rabbit to constantly fall over and roll to the side. The condition was known as head tilt. We were given some antibiotics and a lot of encouragement. But it was not enough for me. I needed more information, more encouragement. My life was hard enough. What could I do to help Andy? Could I possibly be capable of giving him everything he needed?

The very next day I managed to get a hold of a very experienced rabbit owner who had successfully treated rabbits with head tilt in the past. As my own personal veterinarian was not in the office this whole week, I desperately needed someone who would come alongside me, encourage me, and instruct me. This person was a truly wonderful support. She gave me a tremendous amount of hope for Andy. I began thinking that just maybe with some persistence I could offer him a good life.

Eventually I was able to get Andy in to see my personal veterinarian.  We put Andy on a regimen of Standard and other medications. After months of constant, round the clock care, this little determined bunny began to improved. The treatment was working. 

There were times that I did not know if I was doing the right thing. At first, Andy struggled, and it broke my heart. I did a lot of praying and crying during those times. I was growing more and more attached to

Andy, and I began to wonder whether all this effort was really benefiting Andy or benefiting me. It was true that caring for him was filling that aching void in my life. But it also seemed that after really bad days of constantly rolling, he would improve noticeably. It was as though Andy were telling me that he was not ready to give up. So, I continued giving this precious bunny my undivided attention. I learned how to handle him in such a way that he could not roll when I picked him up. At first, I was afraid I would drop him or that he would roll right out of my arms. The poor boy could not even stand up on his own. Nevertheless, in time I figured it all out. I even learned to keep him wrapped up in a blanket and in a soft, safe bed so that he could not injure himself when he rolled violently. Andy was patient with me and seemed to thrive on the attention.

I am very grateful for the encouragement and assistance I received from my husband during this time. Since Andy's constant care had to be the sole focus of my attention, I simply was not able to properly care for the other rabbits or my home. My husband's support both emotionally and in taking upon himself all that I could no longer do was invaluable.

After four months of ups and downs, I took Andy on a little trip to visit my son. Because of Andy's need for constant specialized care, I took him with me anytime I was gone overnight. On this occasion I awoke the next morning to find Andy standing in his bed! I could not believe my eyes.

That moment marked a huge turning point for both of us. For me, it was a moment of realization and assurance. I had positively effected a very grateful and special life. I realize just how much I adored this bunny, how much his care had helped me move through my own family crisis. I felt as though I really understood his will to live and his fight to improve.

Andy has been improving ever since. He is far from a typical bunny still. To this day his head tilts to one side, and every once in a while he will roll. He has a unique soft bed, and we use special bedding suitable for his unique needs, but Andy is healthy and strong. He lives a wonderful life with us. It has been three years since I first met Andy. When our journey began, he had no control over his body movements. Now, he comes to me and demands to be pet. Andy is a fighter, and he is my hero. The journey was long, but I believe it was worth every difficult moment, because Andy is now my very special buddy. He now sleeps next to my bed in his special bed.

The latest update is that Andy is still doing very well. He is still the love he has always been. As of August /27/ 09

This is the bed/cage Andy is in now. He is still doing wonderful. His head is still tilted and rolls occasionaly but is happy and healthy.

Update on Andy June 23/10

Update on Andy 6/10

He is doing just great. He is still his happy health self. His head is still tilted and rolls once in a while. He is my little hero.

12/17/10

Andy is still doing great and wants to wish everyone a

Merry Christmas.

Updated 6/26/11 on my guy Andy.

He is doing great and loves his

Craisians that he gets everyday.