A little bun-venture

Those who know me, know that I am very torn about Relic being a free-range kitty. It's partly because I worry about his own safety, and partly because I know cats can be very hard on the local wildlife.

With Relic, it seemed we had lucked out in that respect. Several times I've seen him sleeping in the patio chair while the birds were at the feeder about three feet away. He never pays them any mind. And he seemed oblivious to the squirrels and occasional bun that came by.

But things changed on Monday. I'd just finished a long day of gardening (more on that later), and was in the house taking a break when I saw Relic strutting up to the back door.  And he was  carrying something....

I knew immediately it was too big to be a mouse. As he got a little closer, my heart sank.

I yelled out "Relic! You JERK! WHAT DID YOU DO???"

He immediately dropped it and came running to me... extremely unrepentant. One might even say proud. I ran to the poor creature and scooped it up.

A wee baby bun. By this time, Dave, who'd heard me yelling at Relic, came to investigate. "Is it dead?" he asked.

"It's still warm, but I think so," I replied. The little thing was so soft, but lifeless in my hands. I sat down in the chair, and stroked it, trying to figure out what I was going to do with it. I didn't want to leave it for Relic or another creature to eat.

Suddenly it gave a little gasp.  Did I imagine it? Was it just the last little bit of air leaving it's lungs. A few seconds later, another gasp....

Then it's wee little nose twitched...

Then the ears...

I searched all over his body and there were no puncture marks. Just a couple wet spots around his scruff where Relic had picked him up.

Then.... "Dave, I can feel his heart beating!!"

Dave went to get a box to put him in, and buy the time he got back, little baby bun was completely back from the dead and trying to hop out of my hands.

Once safely in the box, I gathered up some dandelion and clover for the wee guy to munch on while Dave got Relic in the house.

When Dave came back out, he took one look at my face and said "You know we can't keep him..."

I did know it... but the little guy was just so cute.

Luckily, a bun that size is already out of the nest and on its own. By releasing him, he had just as much chance as if Relic never found him. And it really was best for bun that I let him go...

..so reluctantly,  I set him free. And hopefully he can live a happy little fulfilling bunny life.

Bye-bye baby bun! Fare thee well!