Our July-August story “The Love Bunnies” described a rabbit’s journey from loss to love—and the lessons it holds for humans. We asked readers to share love stories between the animals in their lives.
Here’s a sampling of the answers we received.
“Last fall, a cow ran away from a nearby farm and entered our neighbor’s field. Owen, one of our steers, jumped over the fence and nuzzled her. After we lured him back inside, the two frequently visited across the fence. We were able to get in touch with the cow’s owner, [who] allowed us to keep her. We opened the gate, and Owen guided her into one of our pastures. Our staff named our new resident Bonnie. Since then, Owen and Bonnie have behaved like sweethearts who go everywhere together.” –Bill C.
“I had a beagle named Betsy [when I was] growing up in a remote area of New Jersey. It was safe for her to roam and visit neighbors. When I moved to Manhattan after college, my mother asked me to check out a beagle that a couple couldn’t keep because he barked all day while they were at work. The beagle, named Val (for Prince Valiant), had won Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club’s annual show. He was high-strung and tried to crawl into the driver’s seat [while we went] through the Lincoln Tunnel! Once at home, he ran through the house for hours. But he bonded immediately with Betsy, who was seven years older, and followed her wherever she went. They were very close and developed a routine for play that my mother called the ‘children’s hour.’” –John S.
“A quick decision to transport a stray kitten to a shelter became a whole debacle when I realized the shelter was not yet open and that I would have to bring him home to my two dogs with high prey drives. I was terrified, but figured it might be fine for a couple of hours. That couple of hours turned into six months. Our kitten, Calculus, got the opportunity to be raised by two dogs. He became best friends with my younger dog, Tintin. Despite my fear, Tintin became a gentle giant with Calculus. He knew just how soft to bite down when they played rough, and let himself get pretend-scared.” –Reshma N.
“I would like to echo Petunia and Spruce’s story with my own companion rabbits, Winston
and Paloma. Winston found us shortly after we lost a solo rabbit and we knew it would be best for him to find a partner of his own to be truly happy. About 2 months after he found us, we also set him up in a bunny speed dating service. Unfortunately, he had a bit of trouble finding ‘the one.’ Either he was chasing away his suitors or his suitors were forcing a retreat of his own. Eventually, a timid black rabbit, who we named Paloma, entered the cage. A moment of calm ensued, and they sat cheek to cheek for 10 seconds—still ended in a chase, of course. We later learned that Paloma had some trouble finding a home. She was found outside, pregnant, and not very strong. She struggled with chronic respiratory infections from time to time. She also was not very personable with people. But, after some time with Winston, both of them opened up in beautiful ways.” –H.G.
“Guinea pigs Mango and Kiwi were lifelong cage mates for 3.5 years. Mango was curious, adventurous, and easygoing. Kiwi is more cautious but affectionate once trust forms. They both loved foods such as carrots and kale, but did not like foods such as mangoes and kiwis. The two of them got along well throughout. They often sat and slept next to each other in their big two-level cage. They ate their favorite foods together. They explored new places during floor time together. They climbed up to their mom (me) for their favorite papaya treats every night. They kept each other company during boarding visits and popcorned together when they finally came home. They were inseparable and happy together. Mango fell ill 7 months ago, which left him with only one eye. In Mango’s last days, he slept and hid more, and they began spending time in separate areas of the cage. Perhaps Kiwi knew Mango was not feeling well, so he left him alone to rest. Mango died in his lifelong home, with his lifelong best friend Kiwi next to him.” –Vicky C.
