White and grey bunny with low ears on a grass surface in a cage

When Jasmine the rabbit arrived along with a new resident at my supported living home
I was so excited to get to play with her
But it soon became clear that Jasmine wasn’t getting the care that she needed
I desperately tried to help to support her owner to take care of her by teaching her about how to care for a pet like Jasmine

White and grey bunny with low ears in a black cage with straw bedding

When this didn’t work and Jasmine ended up having to go to the vets due to dehydration

White individual with pink shirt, orange hair, and a red background

I tried raising my concerns to support workers and was met with dismissive comments
She’s not your rabbit
It’s not your responsibility
We aren’t touching it
I was angered and frustrated by how they brushed off my worries and concerns

White and grey bunny with low ears in a rainbow tube

It was important to me that Jasmine had the best in life
But I knew if I didn’t care for her nobody would
I decided to take the reins and started looking after Jasmine myself
And for that I am very proud
Amongst the sadness frustration and anger
I also felt a lot of joy from looking after Jasmine
She became my best friend
I got excited about buying her new toys
And a new brush that ensured her fur was well groomed
The best thing was gaining her trust
And I still remember when she first ate grass straight out of my hand
But only one support worker ever supported me in caring for Jasmine

Indivudal sitting on the floor with yellow and white dress with her hands over her head

And sometimes being the only responsible adult felt like too much and I got overwhelmed

A white individuals blue eyes with tear rolling down cheek

Then one day out of the blue Jasmine’s owner told me
She was giving Jasmine away to someone else to take care of her
I was heartbroken and disappointed
That no one had listened to me when I first raised concerns
Maybe this could have been avoided

White and grey bunny with low ears with bright straw bedding and a red cage

I think about Jasmine everyday
And wish people were more willing to be a bit more caring