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Cotton, floated across the rainbow bridge
03-08-08
Cotton, was a New Zealand White rabbit, that was adopted by Kathryn
from For bunny sake rescue, South Jersey, A "huge" thanks to Wendy. Cotton was a great gal, who really enjoyed her unlimited supply
of hay, rabbit pellets, and a wide variety of vegetables. Cotton especially enjoyed kale and carrots. Cotton was on found
on the streets of N.J., brought to a local shelter, and then delivered to the rabbit rescue at the end of May 2004. Kathryn
adopted Cotton, 08-21-04, the actually day, Ben and I had to pick up "Brutus's " ashes at University of
Penn....
Cotton's coming, help ease Brutus's leaving.....Her former names wee Pina Colada, Whiskey Sour, and Bun-Buns. Cotton had the most beautiful shiny white
coat and large "red" eyes. Cotton was very relaxed and laid back, and just touching her fur on her back, you really
could feel the "cotton"...Cotton's stunning eyes, "red" always got people's attention!
Cotton, lived at The Gress Mountain Ranch, a "forever" home for
large & small animals at our animal sanctuary. Cotton, was a loving member of the Gress family, and got along well
with 2 Great Prys, Rocky & Kayla, an array of cats, and she tried hard to befriend, the other bunny Cocoa Puff.
Cocoa Puff needed to learn the "sweet" disposition" qualities, that made up Cotton.
Cotton, had another "big job." Cotton, was a "therapy rabbit" and
for most of her short life, about 4 years, she worked with "troubled youths", some really angry kids, kids who could not "pay
attention" in school, some anxious, and depressed adults, and truly a challenging population of people. I often thought,
"Cotton" what do you make of all these "crazy" people with some many problems." Cotton was resilient, off the streets
herself, she survived and had a great life, at the ranch, and then an active partner in Animal-Assisted Therapy, as a co-therapist,
with Kathryn.
Many people like and loved Cotton, two ladies, Miss Loretta, who
has been dedicated to helping the animals and a strong promoter for Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Miss Jessica, who nurtured
and cared for Cotton, holding and petting her, and even giving Cotton, her much needed daily bathing to keep up Cotton's hygienic
care and health.
Cotton, almost a year ago, was diagnosed,(I have to catch my breath,
and wipe the tears from my eyes and face, before I proceed )... Cystic mastitis and .Adenocarcinoma, "Breast Cancer", which
later spread to the uterus, and then to the lungs......We spay our animals, but still the dreaded big C, came.....Cotton,
continued to eat well, and even get around hopping, and did her last "therapy session" with some children, just a week before
her death...Cotton's last night, she wanted to stay in the "greenhouse-full of plants, and she went to the patio door, looking
out towards the sun....I told Cotton, that she didn't have to "hang on" for me....I tried to give her permission to pass over to
"rabbit heaven." Ben, brought her last request, "kale, carrots, and celery." The next morning, I had place her
in her cage, and I could see Cotton, was transitioning to her "rainbow bridge" experience. I stayed with Cotton the whole
time, and told her "I loved her" and how proud I was .... of her work to help heal people....Cotton had made a huge difference,
especially with "women's issues", ie...breast cancer....
Yes, rabbits, animals, can get cancers just like people...It's sad,
to know, these animals, have to endure such terrible diseases...but they do....Cotton, actually passed over "very peacefully."
But, you know, that was Cotton, sweet, beautiful, and a symbol of "peace." Cotton, I miss you terribly, as my heart cries
out for you.. but I am forever grateful and blessed that you came and shared your life with me and others.. Your beautiful
soul and "inviting Red Eyes" will be imprinted always.....KG
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