I think we can all agree that lockdown sucked... Timothy didn't think so though. Finally, this little tyrant was getting all the attention he deserves!
Enter Timmo
A few years into living with my boyfriend, we decided it was time to realise my dream of adopting a pet rabbit. Adoption is really important to me because I believe all pets deserve love and a happy life, so I didn't have any other requirements when we headed to our nearest adoption centre: the adoption section in Pets At Home. When we arrived, just one rabbit was waiting for adoption: Timothy.
WFH with a rabbit
Things you probably wouldn't want a coworker to do:
- Collapsing dramatically when he wants your attention
- Trying to steal your food
- Sleeping for most of the workday
- Throwing tantrums in the background of your video calls
- Watching you judgementally whilst you work
- Getting jealous of your laptop
- Licking your face
Things Timothy does: all of the above. 😅
Nonetheless, I wouldn't replace him for anyone! He's a great motivator for getting up on time in the mornings. (He definitely knows when it's time for his breakfast.) He actually naps most of the time I'm working, rather than causing too much trouble - with the notable exception of video calls. I think he gets jealous when I'm talking to other people instead of him... But when he really shines is when I need to destress and take a break. He's always up for a tea-break cuddle and his chill presence is a reassuring constant in the house.
The Mischief
Timothy is a troublemaker and he knows it. He also knows he's cute enough to get away with everything! A lot of his antics involve "redecorating" - i.e. deconstructing the carpet and furniture. Likewise, he loves any toys like willow balls that he can chew to shreds. Lately, he's obsessed with digging and pushing a blanket around the room. (It looks like he's trying to knead bread!)
He has an amazingly sassy personality too. You're not allowed to put shoes on near his rug or he'll tell you off with funny grunts. One of his favourite hobbies is sneaking into any of the forbidden rooms - turn your back for a minute and he'll be right behind you like a ninja! Honestly, he just wants to be wherever the action is and, given half a chance, be the one causing it!
The mishaps
I won't pretend looking after a rabbit is always easy. We've had our share of troubles! Rabbits have sensitive health and Timmo is no exception. Too many greens upset his stomach and have almost caused bouts of stasis - a very serious condition in which a rabbit's digestive system stalls. So can changes to anything else in his diet. Similarly, despite no clear cause, he's suffered from sore hocks and fur loss on his feet at times. (Thankfully, they're on the mend now!)
Many people don't realise rabbits can be litter trained. Admittedly, it won't happen overnight but it's actually a really easy process! However, pre-neutering, rabbits have a habit of expressing their "opinions" in various toilet-related ways... (a.k.a. scent-marking) So for anyone wondering - yes, neutering is the best way to reduce bad behaviour from hormonal bunnies!
The Snuggles
A bunny's love is hard to earn but all the more precious for that fact. Unlike a dog's immediate loyalty, you have to earn a rabbit's trust with patience and respect. Every day, I'm grateful for Timothy's friendship. He loves being near us all the time: flopping by my boyfriend's feet when we eat dinner and running straight over for hugs if we sit on his rug.
On extra-special occasions, he's even fallen asleep in my arms whilst I pet his ears. When he's dreaming, he'll start leaning over to one side, with his nose twitching away, suddenly kicking his legs in his sleep. I often wonder what he's dreaming about - running in the garden or chasing flying bananas...?
No matter what the world has planned for the coming year, it's comforting to know that Timothy is always around to give us his love.
P.S. If you're considering adopting a rabbit, feel free to reach out for advice! There's no such thing as "an easy pet" - all animals should be respected as life-long commitments, so be sure to research thoroughly and check you're in a good situation financially before getting pets. Where possible, adopt, don't shop!
About the Creator
Hazel
Loving owner of a bunny called Timothy: https://www.facebook.com/timmythebun/ :) I hope you'll enjoy my pet-keeping tutorials and more!
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