My Pet Rabbit Helps Me Live with Parkinson’s 

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by BioNews Staff |

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(Photo by Jean Mellano)

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” ― Anatole France

Dogs can help as emotional and physical support animals for humans with various disabilities and chronic illnesses, including Parkinson’s. These animals help make life easier for their humans and improve their quality of life.

Rabbits can’t be classified as support animals because they can’t be trained to help with physical tasks. However, they can provide emotional support by furnishing comfort and other therapeutic benefits to their owners through companionship.

Budgie Bunny

In 2010, my Budgie Bunny was found wandering in a park, fending for himself. Members of a local rabbit rescue organization asked me to foster him until his forever home could be found. That was 10 years ago. Needless to say, I failed at being a foster parent. As a friend once said to me, there are worse things in life to fail at.

Little did I know that five years after saving Budgie, I would be diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Now he is helping to save me.

How could a 4-pound fur ball possibly help someone with Parkinson’s? More than once when I was in the depths of despair, having a pity party for myself over my current health situation, I have crawled into a ball on the floor and started crying. Many times, Budgie would come over and give me bunny kisses. My tears would melt away, and I would be filled with gratitude to have such a great little buddy who seems to sense my emotions. I do not feel so alone having Budgie in my house.

What else has my bunny done to help me fight Parkinson’s?

Living with a rabbit has taught me some valuable lessons. Budgie has helped me to live in the moment. He taught me to be more patient. And he helped me keep laughter in my life.

Live in the moment

Budgie gets me out of bed in the morning. If I don’t feed him on his schedule, he will make a racket by pushing around his food bowl. If he wants attention, especially when I try to meditate in another room, he will create a lot of noise by working on a bunny construction project or thumping his hind leg. At times like these, I forget in that moment that I have Parkinson’s, and I become aware that Budgie needs something from me.

His life is so precious and he gives me so much comfort.

Patience is a virtue

Since rabbits are prey animals, they tend to be afraid of their own shadow and do not automatically trust humans. It takes a deliberate investment for one to build a relationship with a rabbit. Initially a bunny may be shy, afraid, independent, or hesitant to trust a human. I developed a lot of patience waiting for Budgie to be comfortable with me. It took him a long time to realize I wouldn’t eat him for lunch.

Now that I experience bradykinesia, a Parkinson’s symptom, I can become impatient with myself when I get dressed in the morning. However, the patience I developed while caring for Budgie has helped me to better cope with my slowness of movement.

Laughter is the best medicine

Budgie’s antics never fail to make me smile or laugh. Just this week, I forgot to put his litter box in his pen and he decided to use his food dish as his litter box. Much to my surprise, he didn’t even miss!

Instead of getting annoyed, I chuckled and gave my sweet bunny a few scratches behind his ears.

Laughter can alter dopamine and serotonin levels that are reduced in depression. Depression can affect up to half of all people with Parkinson’s at some point during the course of their disease. Budgie keeps me laughing, and laughter makes me feel good.

Although Budgie cannot provide physical assistance or balance and support like a guide dog, he does provide companionship and makes a great emotional support animal for me. Studies have linked pet ownership with reducing signs of depression in people with chronic illnesses and with reducing loneliness.

Having Parkinson’s can bring about many emotional and mental health problems. The calming nature of a therapy or emotional support animal (yes, even a rabbit) can help ease anxiety, release endorphins, and reduce stress.

“Rabbits will always have a special place in my heart. They are often discredited as being good pets because they don’t ‘do anything’—ask any rabbit owner and watch how they laugh!” – Shenita Etwaroo

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Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.

Comments

laura seymour avatar

laura seymour

I know my pets keep me busy and laughing at the things they do. My rescue guinea pigs are really funny. Yesterday, they ran around in there fenced in area like a bunch of little kids! It was so neat to see them! I just got 3 chicks which have grown to be big enough to be in a coop. Again, it keeps me busy and laughing. Best of all is our rescue dog, Harry, who has taken control of our house and routine so that he can keep an eye on us. He really takes care of us! Our own personal trainer (must have 2 walks per day) and caregiver. I know these pets have reduced depression in both my husband and I, and keeping busy with them and having those interactions keeps my mind off my PD for a while.

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 avatar

Hi Laura. So nice to hear you have rescue pets. Are you a failed foster too? I really think that rescue animals know they have been given a second chance for happiness and that they make the best pets! I have a friend who has chickens and each one has a name and each has a unique personality. I think all animals have personalities. Us humans just have to be more patient with some animals to see their true personalities

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Daniella How avatar

Daniella How

I am not a PD patient but a researcher and bun-mother, who has had many failed fosters. They've helped me through many physical and personal challenges. When they have the zoomies or binky, its a joy. You have to care and be responsible to a creature who doesn't understand all your needs, but as they are so fragile, you have to learn about theirs. I never get to eat toast alone, although my current bun is not a cuddler. Every precious moment of trust he gives, must be cherished. Budgie sounds like he landed on his paws. Hes certainly reached a grand old age. This story has given me fresh impetus to my work today. Thank you Jean.

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 avatar

Daniella, Thank you for tour comments. Don't you just love binkies? Seeing a rabbit do one is watching pure joy in action. And, I LOVE zoomies ( I call them bunny 500's LOL). Only another bunny owner could understand how much a rabbit can enrich our lives. Thank you for reading my article.

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Lori K. avatar

Lori K.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. All the best to you and Budgie!

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 avatar

Lori, thank YOU for reading my story and your kind words....!

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Sherri Woodbridge avatar

Sherri Woodbridge

Jean - I absolutely LOVED your column! I used to have a bunny also and adored it. I am glad you have your little companion and friend!

Reply
 avatar

hi Sherri, thnx for reading. as a former bunny owner, you must understand how my bunny keeps me laughing :-(

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Irene avatar

Irene

Hi my son has mental health disuse an tryed to suicide on a number off times he got a bunny named pepper who he adore and looks after resently we got an other bunny named rose and now we have 3 more due to rose being pregnant when we got her my son is always so calm when he he with his bunny and take great care of them I see a big change in him when he is with them I just happen to stumble on this sight and I love it as I myself love all animals so thank you for this sight

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 avatar

hi Irene
I am so sorry to hear of your son's struggles. Pets are wonderful and so perceptive, so I am happy your son may have found peace in caring for the bunnies. They truly are remarkable pets.

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Alice avatar

Alice

Thank you for so inspiring story! I wish you and your family health and more funny days with Budgie! Indeed, pets offer irreplaceable care and support. In my family I have two examples. We had a service dog that helped my aunt to recover from a stroke. You know even the simple activity like brushing the dog's fur is a perfect hand exercise that increase motor recovery. The second example is my personal experience. I have been suffering from migraines since my childhood, and my emotional support cat helps manage with the attacks. She even can predict migraines and notify me with some signs. It's a wonderful bond, I don't know what I would do without my pet. I also advice to all pets' owners not hesitate and make a certification for ESA or service/therapy dog (I've made mine there: https://certifymypet.com/). Though it's not obligatory, it helps in different situations, for example, when I bring my cat with me in another state and need to find an apartment. The existence of the document anticipates many questions.

Good luck and thank you for sharing!

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 avatar

Alice thank you for adding your voice in support of animals as helping us humans deal with the challenges in our lives. They also add so much joy to our lives and make us laugh with their antics and we all know that laughter is the best medicine

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Pam Lord avatar

Pam Lord

I've had migraines for 43 years and adding 8 years of severe osteoporosis that started when I was 57 crushing my vertebre to the point of losing 5" in height. (I hate being short, lol). Add 3 hernia operations in 6 years and it so often feels like pain has taken over my life. My cats keep me sane. They need me and I need them. The bond of love keeps growing. That we can love those who are not human is a gift. That they love us in return is a blessing.

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 avatar

Pam, I am so sorry for your struggles. The love from our pets is unconditional and they give us so much comfort. I am glad you have your cats.

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Marisa Cubriel avatar

Marisa Cubriel

I too am a failed foster parent. My lion head bunny has been with me for the last 6 years. She also wakes me up every morning with loud chewing so I’ll get up and bring her breakfast. I love her more than words can express. I can definitely relate to the strong bo d you have with your rabbit. Best of luck to you both.

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 avatar

Hi Marisa. Our rabbits certainly have us marching to the beat of their drummer! Sadly, Budgie is over 11 now and he has become incontinent due to arthritis. He still loves to eat and get into trouble and I am thankful for that .

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