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In Memory Of

Camille

Camille came to live with us May 21, 2003 when we received a phone call from Marin Humane Society about a frightened stray rabbit who needed socializing and a patient touch.

We named her Camille, because she was sucha feminine and pretty girl. At first, it was an effort for Camille to leave the safety of the back corner of her cage. But we saw in her eyes that she wanted to be loved and desperately wanted to be part of a family again. Within a few weeks, she was spending long, restful periods on our laps while we watched TV. Shortly after, she looked deeply into our eyes and we knew that she had decided that it was safe to love and be loved again.

But then one day something terrible happened...

While playing in her playpen, something frightened Camille. As she frantically raced around her pen to avoid some unkown fear, she broke her back. We heard her scream and raced out to get her. When we lifted her, her hind legs were almost entirely paralyzed. The prognosis was grim. In the next few days she rapidly declined and she was not expected to live. It was recommended that she be euthanized.
As we tearfully said our good-byes, she had a miraculous turn-around and her fighting spirit took over. Camille began eating again and displayed the incredible will to live and love of life that defined the essence of who she was.

Though partically paralyzed, incontinent and destined to live in diapers, she became an extraordinarily loving, confident and happy girl. All traces of shyness and reserve disappeared and she loved to be the center of attention.
She greeted visitors with unabashed enthusiasm and took great pleasure in hearing her name. Just in case you didn't greet her quickly enough, she would toos her bell toy to make sure hyou noticed her!

Camille became an integral part of our family. She lived in our living room and played in our office alongside the cats and dog. Attending to her special needs, such as changing her diaper three times a day, became a loving ritual and part of our daily routine. Feeling quite pretty with her little white paw mittens, and knowing she was our special girl, she looked forward to hear diaper changes. She would looked into the mirror and then turn around and give us bunny kisses on the cheek. She was both a joy and inspiration to us.

Over time she battled digestive problems associated with her paralysis and eventually needed ot have her rear leg amputated. But true to her incredible will to live, she was back home eating and giving bunny kisses within hours of the surgery!

Sadly, on Friday, February 6, 2004 the stresses of Camille's fragile little body suddednly took their toll. Despite rapid medical attention, love and he rown indomitable spirit she succumbed to an infection.

Camille will forever remain in our hears and minds and we feel blessed to have had her in our lives if only for a short period of time.
Camille we love you and miss you every day.