IN MEMORIAM: DOLLY, THE LITTLE DISABLED RABBIT (2007-2014) The world seems less bright today, as a special little soul has left us. Dolly unexpectedly crossed The Rainbow Bridge yesterday leaving her husbun, mom, dad, grandparents, friends, and legions of fans devastated. Everyone at HC would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Dollys mate, Mr. Toes, and to Dollys human family. Dolly weighed barely more than two pounds, but has made an ELEPHANTINE impact on the hearts and minds of many - we all woke up to quite a terrible shock today at the news of her passing. In case you arent familiar with Dollys bunderful story, here it is: Dolly was adopted from Bird and Small Animal Rescue by Renee Thompson and Brad Coffin. on Nov. 30th, 2010 when she was about three and a half years old. Dolly was adopted to be a companion to Renee and Brads existing rabbit, Mr. Toes, and she became that and much, much more. She became their little girl, the center of their world, an advocate for disabled animals, and a celebrity - she gave scores of people a reason to smile everyday. Dolly was born with a degenerative condition that eventually saw her lose the use of her back legs. Dollys parents were advised by some well-meaning types to Put her out of her misery. Thankfully, Renee and Brad are special people who didnt give up on her. They knew her best, and knew that she was far from miserable, and had much living left to do! The second chapter of her life was just beginning. Dolly could not have picked two more loving, and committed parents! They took expert care of her, and have set the bar high for the rest of us pet parents with their glowing example. Instead of discarding a precious life out of convenience or misplaced pity, they adapted to Dollys needs. A wheelchair just her size was creatively made by her doting dad from parts of an old childs toy, and preemie diapers, a special diet, and special vet care were put in place to keep her comfortable and happy. Anyone who witnessed Dolly zooming about in her brightly-coloured wheelchair (or munching as many Dandelion leaves as she could get into her mouth at one time!) could easily tell that she was not in pain; she led a fuller life than many normal animals do! Dollys parents wanted to show this, to show that Different is beautiful!, and perhaps encourage other people with disabled animals to give them a chance, to not rush into needless euthanasia. So this past winter they created a Facebook page for Dolly that became an overnight sensation. Dollys page has over 11, 000 likes which is huge in and of itself, and even more so considering the page has existed for but a few months. Dolly and her family are truly adored around the world; they have fans from Avondale to Australia, from South River to Singapore. People were captivated by Dollys resilient spirit, and warmed by the love that Dollys parents and husbun showed her; they were greatly inspired by the lengths to which this little family went to make her feel included and happy. To Dollys dad getting up early every morning to change her diaper to her mom researching diets that can help disabled rabbits, to Mr. Toes letting himself be used a table for her to lean against when she was taking a break while out zooming in her chair - there was nothing her family wouldnt do for her. Dollys story was featured in the local media, and picked up by news outlets across the globe. One need only do a Google search of her name to show how far her message reached, and what an impact she had. You know why? Dollys was a message of hope amidst the cruelty we too often see in the media. We forget how good us humans can be, and needed to be reminded of all the love that exists by a little bunny and the people that went to the ends of the Earth for her. Thousands of people would log in daily to see the latest adventures of Dolly, and her husbun, Mr. Toes, and all would leave grinning from ear to ear at the latest pictures and videos of Dolly, and all the love that surrounded her. Dolly received more well-wishes on her page, and more gifts and cards in the mail than most of us can only ever dream about - they were all richly deserved. Dolly had everything a disabled bun could want or need! From fresh veggies from her Nannys garden, to electric massagers, toys, and soft blankies sent by her fans - she had it all and thensome. Her parents were more than capable of providing for her, but her fans delighted in sending her things, so Dolly would gratefully accept, and would always thank them berry berry much on her page. If you would like to leave a message of condolence for Dollys family, you can do so by leaving it on her page: https://facebook/dollyalittledisabledrabbit In closing, wed like to share a poem (author unknown) that reminds us of the amazing thing that Dollys family did for her. We have no doubt that Dolly knew how much she was loved by her parents, and that she loved them back with her whole heart. We think shed agree with this sentiment: I Love You Not only for what you are, but for what I am when Im with you, I Love You For the part of me that you bring out, I Love You For putting your hand into my heaped-up heart and passing over all the foolish, weak things that you cant help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find. I Love You because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life not a tavern but a temple; out of the works of my every day not a reproach, but a song . . . . .
Posted on: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:44:20 +0000
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