A Practical Peacemaker Ponders . . .

Nutmeg, one of the three rescued house rabbits who live with me (see all bunnies’ photos at practicalpeacemaker.com), has died after a lingering illness. This post is for her.
I’d love to read any comments you may have about how your own companion animals have enriched your life. 

Our bunny Nutmeg died today,
Our orange, brown and white bunny with the soft, white-tipped ears.
A curious rabbit who thought things through,
Her alert dark eyes bespoke her intelligence.
She cocked her sweet head just so when she was listening.

She embodied a depth of character one might almost call spirituality,
As though she had already transcended life as a rabbit
But had to go through it one more time to make a few last refinements.

She approached the chewing of cardboard and baskets as a serious occupation,
To be done well and with enthusiasm, without stopping until the job was finished.
Especially fond of apple branches, banana slices, and parsley,
She happily crunched her way through all food offered, quietly grateful.
Chewing was for her a profound enjoyment, a way to affirm life.

I remember taking her to bunny massage class, held outdoors on a shady deck.
A pleasant summer breeze gently ruffled her fur while she was being stroked.
Her contentment was complete.
She fully inhabited silence.

Nutmeg is gone now, but she taught me these valuable lessons:
Explore the unfamiliar.
Eat plant foods and enjoy them.
Possessions are not necessary for fulfillment.
Intimate interspecies communication is not dependent on vocalization.
Simple things are the most important.
Pay attention.