Writing this breaks my heart...

I haven't been on in a while - so for that I'm sorry. but when things are bad for my bunnies this is the one place I can turn to for very bunny-related support, with people who understand.

Currently I am working for minimum wage on night shift, it's hard and I hate it. I did train as a teacher but I simply can't find work. Times are hard up here in the North and they're bound to only get harder. The job I have is killing me to have it, but at least I have a job. Currently me and the OH can only just scrape by. Daisy cost us £165 at the vets last week and that is going to make the coming month a real struggle.

I decided to go back to Uni for two years because I can't work for minimum wage forever, and I only got a year to finish my teaching induction, to become fully qualified and that has now slipped away. Doing this course gives me a pay cut of ~£300. I was struggling before, and this is going to kill my fragile finances. I am going to sell my car -that will save me some money, but not enough. I am going to cut my house insurance and hope I don't get robbed, cut my Sky, cut everything 'extra' I can, and that should mean I can afford month-to-month bills etc.

My concern is if anything goes wrong with the bunnies, and I can't afford to correct it. Or if I can't afford thier vaccinations when they come around. I considered insuring them, but the excess is pretty high and pretty much every vet visit Ive ever had with the rabbits apart from Daisy's has been below that. And seven bunnies insurance is a hefty price.

I really, really don't want to rehome them, but I really have to get over what I want, and think what is best for the bunnies. Alot of people here will probably think I am an absolute cow - I made a commitment to these bunnies and I should look after them and I feel this very much so myself, and even more so, because I am thinking about rehoming the bunnies, rather than my dogs. This is harsh, and I hate to say it, but the dogs mean more to me. Some of you won't understand that, but I hope some of you will.

This is a situation I really don't want to be in, but I can't just wait and hope it will go away. I don't cry often, I am quite the emotional zombie, but typing this has my really upset. Even thinkign about it is keeping me awake which is never good when I work night shift.


I would really love to hear any ideas or solutions people might have to offer.

Thanks so much,
Sarah.

I'm so sorry to read this and I can'timagine how difficult this all is for you at the mo. All I've seen of you is that you are determined to try and better yourself, it seems so crashingly unfair that it's almost impossible to do that and survive, let alone live.

I can't offer any help re: the buns, but I'm sure that others will have been there too. You have my fullest support in whichever way this goes, and I'm hope I speak for us all.

It's a situation that is being faced around the country, you are not alone

i agree with everything jay has said

You have tried so had to find a way around this no1 can deny that. And i think most people here will have in mind what is best for the buns, just like yourself.

We all know how costly having bunnys can be just to feed them, let alone vet bills!

You have my full support in whatever you decide to do......

.....here's hoping you win the lotto!

Oh I'm so sorry to hear this! Times really are hard at the min! I totally understand, as I've just finished Uni myself I know how hard it is to find a job, even supermarkets wouldn't hire me as I was "over qualified!"

Is there a rescue place near you that you could take the buns to and explain the situation to and hope you may be able to get them back when things pick up?

I'm not sure what else to say at the minute, but if I think of any other ideas I will come back!

Oh sweetheart, I am crying too. I so wish I could help you. I am sending lots of comforting vibes but I realise that it is financial help you need not spiritual. If I had the money, I would give you some.

Hugs and love

Jo xx

I wonder... would it help if you could get vet services from the pdsa? It could ease the worry of big vet bills and maybe make it possible to keep the buns? Would you qualify for pdsa or blue cross?

As the others have said, no one will blame you if you have to rehome the rabbits - or at least some of them. The financial situation is causing hardship for people who thought they were financially secure before. It may be worth starting to have a conversation with you local rescue as many have queues at the moment. It would be better to be offered a place for them and then not to need it than to be desperate with no options. But best of luck with whatever you choose.

woodwench wrote:I wonder... would it help if you could get vet services from the pdsa? It could ease the worry of big vet bills and maybe make it possible to keep the buns? Would you qualify for pdsa or blue cross?

This was my first thought

I have no idea to be honest - what sort of criteria do they use? Generally Im not eligible for anything!

And thanks everyone, for the support and help.

For PDSA you need to be receiving council tax benefit or housing benefit.

If I win the lottery I will send you a lump sum if it meant you didn't have to part with your bunnies

aww so sorry to read this,
i don't think anyone will judge you and you can only do what you feel is right it's such a hard decision to make and a hard situation you are in.
i can't offer advice just can only support you for whatever you decide to do for your bunnies and hope that all turns out ok.
as for the pdsa you need to be in reciept of council tax benafit or housing benafit and normally can only get one or two pets covered from my understanding.
if it's any help i managed to get cover for my buns at £6.57 per month each from P@H insurance you get discount if for more than one pet.
hope this helps and good luck.xx

I don't get either benefit.

I really did look into insurance, particularly PaH one, but every vet trip Ive ever had bar one has been below the excess or dental work which isn't covered.

I am emailing a couple of rescues - mostly for advice at this stage, and I'll see where I go from there.

I really don't want to do this, I love my bunnies so much.

Really sorry to hear this...
I believe everyone on this forum really cares deeply about their pets. We all take them on knowing it is for the long term. These are not good times for so many and sometimes '**** happens'. It is so commendable that you take it so seriously...
Hoping things can improve for you.

I know how I would feel love and I so wish, like all your other friends on here, I could do something practical to help. I read this post hoping to hear that a solution has been found and the whole situation has turned around.

Keep us posted, we are all here for you.

Hugs

Jo xx

Well, after some discussion with a local rescue, I am going to rehome Cid. Mostly because he is a single bun, and if someone out there can get him a partner, then it is better for him, and less worry for me.