When I was in 6th grade, I got my first pet — a rabbit named Riley. We originally thought Riley was a girl. Turns out he was a boy, good thing the name Riley can go both ways! My family had always had dogs, but this was my first pet of my own. The first pet in my room and that I took care of.
A lot of people think rabbits are a great pet to give to children! I would disagree. They can be difficult to take care of and they can be very destructive. Just ask my parents. Riley chewed up our base boards and the under part of my bed among other things. We still loved him though.
He was (and still is) the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. With his fluffy body and long floppy ears, how can you resist? Riley has been by my side through a lot. He lived with me at my parent’s house for 6 years and then moved out when I moved out! I had to bring him with me. He was my best friend, he still is. He may not say much to me, but he always listens and knows when I need him most.
About two months ago, I discovered this large abscess on his front paw. It was huge, I couldn’t believe I didn’t notice it earlier. It looked very concerning so we took him to the vet the next day. The vet was wonderful and very helpful; but didn’t seem too optimistic about the lump. She warned us it could be cancerous and that he would probably need surgery to get it removed.
Riley is roughly 8 years old which is pretty old in rabbit years, but I had never really thought about him getting sick or passing away so soon. I was instantly worried. The vet took a sample of the tumor and confirmed that surgery was needed. A few weeks after his surgery, we got the results back that the tumor was cancerous. My first pet, my baby, had cancer. I knew it was a possibility but he wasn’t acting sick so I didn’t think he was sick. The vet mentioned that often rabbits hide their pain as a natural instinct. Riley is family and now my little boy was sick.
Cancer really gave things a new perspective. I loved him so much before, but somehow I love him even more now. I cherish every possible moment with him. He seems to be fine now but regardless, he is old and sick. I know he won't live forever.
He is such a big part of my life and I honestly don’t know what I will do without him. He wakes me up in the middle of the night by jumping on my bed and crawling all over me. He is ever sassier than I am. He cuddles my face every night. He is my favorite animal. He has had a very good life and I am thankful for that... I just wish he could live forever.
