I write this wracked with grief, with a pain that wells up from so deep inside, it comes in uncontrollable waves. Sadly our little rabbit Alfie passed away.

He was an absolutely amazing little character. One of the most laid back, relaxed little souls you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting. He’s a rabbit that’s been through more than any rabbit should but has seen more than any rabbit would.

Alfie was a special bunny from the off, we adopted him after he was found dumped in a soaking wet field. Full of the snoofles (never to recover from them) but also full of love. From the first cuddle, we knew he had to come and join our family.

We will always remember his honking noise as he’d run around the house looking for a slipper to “cuddle”. Or the times he would hop on the sofa to snuggle between the pair of us. We’ll also always remember when he met his Jess, another taken too soon. We were worried that they’d not get along. But it was love at first sight. The first time that we introduced them they ended up eating next to each other and snuggling after the meal. The best first date.

After that, he was always distracted by her but would take great pleasure in hopping on your shoulder to try and nick some chocolate off you. And if he thought there was dinner about, you’d need to be careful as the little black and white bowling ball would be after it.

Then there was the sun. Alfie loved the sun and would in a heartbeat spot a patch of sunshine and flop in the middle of it.

There’s a great pleasure watching a soul really enjoy the important things in life. Food, friends and enjoying the warm sunshine on their back.

He was equally happy outdoors exploring the garden, he’d find his perfect patch with just the right amount of grass and just the right amount of sunshine. There he’d stay, almost indefinitely, or until the grass wouldn’t grow fast enough for him, whichever came first.

Along came Mikey. Mikey is a Collie. He likes rabbits. Well, he liked looking at them at least. That was until Alfie decided to turn and charge him down giving him a bop on the nose. From that point on Mikey would sit and watch but never too close. Always afraid that Alfie would put him in his place again.

Mikey would spend his time watching or being nearby with Alfie. Whenever Alfie wasn’t there he’d be worried and go looking for him. Only relaxing when he’d find him again.

Then came his big adventure. He hopped into his cage and into the back of a campervan, with his pal Mikey. Not many rabbits get to say they’ve been to so many countries.

We travelled from the UK to the Eastern side of Poland to his new place on a balcony, with a view he absolutely loved. So much so he would turn his toilet around so he could watch the world go by.

As a disabled bunny, he was always ill to a point. Therefore we were always in and out of the vets trying to keep him happy and comfortable. Well, aside from getting him snipped… He quite frequently would need doses of antibiotics to help him recover from particularly heavy bouts of snoofles.

We made very good friends with the vets in the UK (thank you White Cross) and Poland with them all wanting to do the very best for him. With some vets offering to help in their free time, all down to his character. With their help, we tried many different approaches to help manage his illness and keep him the happy little one that he was.

For the most part, we did well but you always ask yourself could we have done more. Could we? I don’t know. Probably. That’ll weigh on me particularly, with the little voice in my head telling me I could’ve, should’ve done more.

Alfie melted the hearts of everyone who met him and we’ve all lost something special with his passing but gained so much from one little soul.

He reminds me we should really focus on the important things he loved. Friends and family, good food and enjoying the simple things like the feeling of the sun on your skin. There’s no need for anything else.

Rest well little chap. We love you.