The Unlikely Hero Who Saved My Life
It's a day that will forever be etched in my memory - the day my 10kg Flemish giant rabbit, Dory, saved my life. The story begins at TruckFest in Peterborough back in 2002, where I first laid eyes on these magnificent creatures. Little did I know that one of these gentle giants would become a lifesaver.
Dory was just a baby when we brought her home, but she quickly grew into a large and voracious rabbit with an insatiable appetite for anything edible. She would chew through computer cables, furniture, and even the hose of my pressure washer - much to my frustration and amusement. Her size and energy were impressive, but it was her brain that truly surprised me.
One evening in 2004, I found myself slipping into a diabetic coma due to low blood sugar levels. My then-wife thought I had simply nodded off after work, but Dory's actions would prove otherwise. The usually docile rabbit became frantic, jumping up and down, thumping on my chest, and licking my face until her exasperated owner realized something was amiss. It was only when she started acting strangely that my wife picked up the phone to call 999.
While I still don't know how Dory sensed danger or knew what to do, it's clear that she saved my life that night. Her actions were nothing short of heroic, and her unwavering loyalty has left an indelible mark on me.
In the aftermath of my coma, Dory became a celebrity of sorts, featured in our local paper and even landing a spot on morning TV (though I declined the opportunity to be taken to London). She was eventually made the first-ever honorary animal member of the Rabbit Welfare Association, a fitting tribute to her selfless actions.
Dory's life was cut short at just two years old, but the impact she had on mine will never fade. Her antics and affectionate nature have remained with me, even as I've grown older. When Dory passed, the remnants of her destruction - chewed-up carpets and skirting boards - served as a poignant reminder of her life and legacy.
For Dory, every day was a gift, and she made the most of it. Her memory continues to inspire me to live each day with purpose and gratitude, knowing that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference in our lives.
It's a day that will forever be etched in my memory - the day my 10kg Flemish giant rabbit, Dory, saved my life. The story begins at TruckFest in Peterborough back in 2002, where I first laid eyes on these magnificent creatures. Little did I know that one of these gentle giants would become a lifesaver.
Dory was just a baby when we brought her home, but she quickly grew into a large and voracious rabbit with an insatiable appetite for anything edible. She would chew through computer cables, furniture, and even the hose of my pressure washer - much to my frustration and amusement. Her size and energy were impressive, but it was her brain that truly surprised me.
One evening in 2004, I found myself slipping into a diabetic coma due to low blood sugar levels. My then-wife thought I had simply nodded off after work, but Dory's actions would prove otherwise. The usually docile rabbit became frantic, jumping up and down, thumping on my chest, and licking my face until her exasperated owner realized something was amiss. It was only when she started acting strangely that my wife picked up the phone to call 999.
While I still don't know how Dory sensed danger or knew what to do, it's clear that she saved my life that night. Her actions were nothing short of heroic, and her unwavering loyalty has left an indelible mark on me.
In the aftermath of my coma, Dory became a celebrity of sorts, featured in our local paper and even landing a spot on morning TV (though I declined the opportunity to be taken to London). She was eventually made the first-ever honorary animal member of the Rabbit Welfare Association, a fitting tribute to her selfless actions.
Dory's life was cut short at just two years old, but the impact she had on mine will never fade. Her antics and affectionate nature have remained with me, even as I've grown older. When Dory passed, the remnants of her destruction - chewed-up carpets and skirting boards - served as a poignant reminder of her life and legacy.
For Dory, every day was a gift, and she made the most of it. Her memory continues to inspire me to live each day with purpose and gratitude, knowing that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference in our lives.