When I was in third grade, I had a best friend whose mother was a rabbit breeder. My best friend would tell me all about the little bunnies she had at home and that some of them were for sale. When I had my first sleepover at her house and saw the tiny balls of fluff, I knew I had to have one.

I went home to my mom and shared how cute the little bunnies were and how badly I wanted one. After taking care of hamsters, I felt that I had proven myself ready to care for a rabbit. She said, “We’ll see.”

One day, when we were on our way home from school, I begged her to stop by the pet shop to see if there were any rabbits for sale. Lo and behold, there was an adult black and white rabbit sitting in a glass cage with a sign that read “FREE.” 

 I couldn’t believe it. What were the odds that I would find a rabbit for free? I begged my mother for it, and she said we had to see what my dad would say. I called my dad, and he gave me the green light. I walked home with the utmost excitement because that was the day I became a rabbit owner.

Oreo was my first rabbit and first big responsibility. I was used to caring for hamsters, but I had to educate myself about rabbits because they are sensitive animals that require more complex, attentive care. Oreo quickly became my best friend. I spent my afternoons after school sitting on my kitchen floor observing his every move, making sure that he was fed and had enough water, keeping his area clean and giving him adequate love and attention. My love for him grew, as did my love for being a rabbit mom.

I got Oreo in 2013, when I was only 8 years old. By my 13th birthday, he was still my best buddy. Five years in and my passion for caring for this rabbit had overcome my entire life. It had become second nature to do everything in my power to ensure that my baby was happy and had whatever he wanted.

In his later years, Oreo began having dental problems, as rabbits often do. The severity increased over time until he could no longer eat solid food. His system started failing due to his age, and in October of 2018, my baby passed away.

I was devastated beyond belief at Oreo’s passing. I was away on a trip when I received a call from my older brother saying that Oreo wasn’t looking his best. I told Oreo I loved him over the phone with tears in my eyes, knowing that his time was coming to an end. Shortly after Oreo heard my voice, he passed on.

After the passing of my best friend of five years, I never wanted a rabbit again. I felt that owning another one would be replacing my Oreo. I told my mom “No more rabbits,” and definitely none that looked like him: black and white.

Eight months passed by, and I was finishing eighth grade. I had accepted Oreo’s passing, but I remained firm in my decision to not get another rabbit. My mom, on the other hand, missed having a little friend hopping freely around the house.

One day, on my way home from school, my mom called me and said that she was coming home with a bunny. I couldn’t believe it; I had said that I didn’t want another rabbit to replace my Oreo. However, a part of me was still excited to meet this new friend after hearing about how tiny she was at only four months old.

That day, I walked into my kitchen and met Bella Rose. She was another Dutch, black and white rabbit, exactly what I didn’t want. I thought that it would be too painful to have another rabbit with the same colors and pattern as my Oreo. But when I saw Bella’s tiny ears, nose and face, I instantly fell in love.

Bella was with me through one of my first big milestones: middle school graduation. That summer, we took Bella on a road trip for our annual family vacation. She was getting more comfortable with me, and I got to see a fun, spunky side of her. She spent the vacation running around the room I was staying in, bolting quickly under the bed and out again. Once again, I fell in love with the joy of being a bunny mom.

Throughout high school, I had many achievements, milestones, hardships and life-changing experiences. Through it all, Bella was there. During COVID-19, Bella became an emotional support animal for me and brought happiness in hard times. When high school graduation finally came, I realized that Bella was with me through both graduations I had had in my life. She became my best friend.

I did everything in my power to ensure that Bella received the best possible care by giving her a large play environment in my room, researching the best foods for her to eat, finding a trustworthy veterinarian to ensure that she received the best care and giving her all my love and attention.

Starting college was already a huge life adjustment, but it was also the first time I would ever be apart from Bella since I was 13 years old. It was strange and difficult not having Bella as my roommate and to no longer be responsible for her care. I went home almost every weekend during my first semester to visit her and make sure all was well. 

As my time in college progressed, I adjusted to being apart from Bella, and my love for her grew. In the back of my mind, I always knew that, no matter what obstacles I was facing during this new chapter of my life, Bella was still at home waiting for me with a lot of love.

On Feb. 20, my Bella Rose passed away. While my heart is grieving for the baby I’ve cared for since I was 13, her passing has made me reflect on how much of an impact pets can have on our lives. Not only do they bring us joy, but they are also a constant in our lives through changes, challenges, life lessons, achievements and milestones. We grow as people with our pets by our side.

Being a rabbit mom has changed my life for the better. My love for rabbits has taught me compassion and patience. Rabbits are timid and have a quiet nature around others, but they show pure joy and are comfortable around those whom they trust, and all this is reflected in my own life. 

Now at 20 years old, I have been a bunny mom for nearly 13 years and am confident that I will always be a rabbit owner. To my Bella Rose and my Oreo, thank you for trusting me to be your person and give you all my love. You are forever in my heart.