When I wanted a bunny (having owned many in my life) my husband asked me “what on Earth do bunnies do”? The thought of having a rabbit as a pet was something he had never thought about. I explained that just like a dog or a cat that the bunny would eat, sleep, poop, pee, play (not necessarily in that order though). Play? How does one play with a bunny is what he was thinking. Lots of ways, though her favorite is pretty much a game of hide and seek. She tries to play this with CCS as well, but CCS is a little too dense and just sits there staring at her.
My husband had to admit that our bunny has as much personality as our dog. She is a diva from time to time, especially if you move things around in her cage. For if you do, she takes them and drags them back to where she thinks they should be. She drags her bowl to the front of the cage in the morning and bangs it to let you know she wants her food. She squeals with delight when she sees she is getting apple juice (she gets a little after she gets the yucky medicine that tastes gross). She’s learned to knock over the trash can in order to hop on top it to get to the toilet (lid on) so that she can hop up to the counter where her hay is kept. She knows when I am playing with her and I am laying on the ground that if I hum she comes over and puts her nose to mine. 😀 She’s so much more than a little ball of fuzz.
Which is why the last week and a half have been sad for me. I can not tell you the number of people, (no comments on here, but a couple emails) mostly in real life, that have told me just to let my rabbit die and get a new one, that it is not worth it. I get comments like, “it’s not like it’s a dog” or “a $20 bunny is not worth any amount you have spent”. Of course I beg to differ.
Economically owning a pet, any pet, never makes sense. CCS has bad teeth and has to get them cleaned yearly as well as have fatty cysts removed. All quite costly. Yet no one tells me to kill my dog. LFB has already cost me a pretty penny. She has had to go to the Veterinarian 3 times in a little over a week. And we still might have to be having surgery anyway. LFB was having a good chance of keeping the eye on Monday but things took a turn for the worse on Wednesday and her eye became cloudy. So back we went to the Veterinarian. She has white blood cells dispersed thought out her cornea. If it is a reaction to the eye drops she started on Monday, she should be okay. If not, the eye will most likely have to go. And yes, that will be pricey. And yes, I will pay it. Because she is my pet, that I took responsibility for and love. So why would I let her die. ? 🙁
Because she is being poked and prodded several times a day she has been getting lots of little treats. She loves carrot tops and so I keep going down to the farm to get them. The only thing is, she doesn’t really like the carrot part of the carrot. So here I have all these carrots. I needed to be doing something with them, so I did.
This loaf is probably half bread, half cake. I only gave a thin layer of frosting because this was suppose to be more of a bread than a cake. If you want more icing, by all means, make more. This is fairly versatile, you could add nuts, pineapple, currants. I stuck to just the basic carrot and raisin.
P.S. If you look at the picture of LFB down below you can see her little white dot that is causing so much trouble. Thanks to those of you giving good thoughts to her.
Little Fuzzy Bunny’s Carrot Raisin Loaf
¾ cup flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
¾ tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ ground ginger
¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
zest of one medium orange
¼ teaspoon salt
1/3 cup Canola oil
2 eggs
1 cup finely grated carrot
½ cup raisins
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Butter and flour a 9-by-5-inch or 4 1/2-by-8 1/2-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, spices, zest and salt. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and eggs until blended, and then stir the egg mixture into the flour with a rubber spatula.
Fold in the grated carrot and raisins.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool until easy to handle, and turn out onto a cake rack. Frost when completely cool.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 TBSP unsalted butter
1 teaspoon maple extract
1 cup powdered sugar
In a bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with a paddle attachment, combine all the ingredients and beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes.
Spread the frosting on the top of the loaf.
Gina says
Having owned two bunnies (litter-box-trained, slept on our bed with us) I *know* how much personality bunnies have. They are the sweetest pets! I hope LFB’s eye improves and you don’t have to have it removed! 🙁
And as for the carrot loaf, YUM! Bookmarked, as usual. 🙂 I think I could give you your own category in my bookmark files. 🙂
Bridget says
Aww, Peabody, that’s so sad. I really hope she gets better.
christina b. says
i’m so sorry to hear about your sweet bunny – and that people are giving you such a hard time! hope things improve with the eye. i’ll be thinking of you.
Holly @ PheMOMenon says
I hope she starts doing better – she is such a sweetheart I’m sure. As for the people that are so heartless it is a good thing we already know exactly how much their advice and opinions are worth.
LFB’s carrot loaf looks wonderful and I love the little layer of maple-y goodness in the frosting! (PS – I made your mom’s jam and it is fantastic!)
Susan at Sticky,Gooey,Creamy,Chewy says
Don’t bother about what other people say. Just do what you feel you need to do. When our beloved golden retriever, Sophie, was diagnosed with cancer, we got a lot of the same unsolicited advice. She was a member of our family. How could we not do everything in our power to save her! We went through several rounds of chemo and several thousand dollars that gave us another year with her. Although, we eventually lost her, the time and money was worth it!
I hope everything works out for you.
Amy @ The French Kitchen says
I’m really sorry to hear about the trouble you’re having with your adorable bunny. Best wishes to you all.
On the (small) upside, I passed on an excellence award to your blog.
-Amy
Melissa says
“Because she is my pet, that I took responsibility for and love.”
Well said, Peabody. You’re speaking for all us doting pet-owners out here.
Lois says
Hi Peabody-
I absolutely love your site, and cried when I saw this- I just lost my bunny (Floyd) a few months back- he had the same type of stuff going on. They LOVE hawaiian punch (what I used instead of apple juice) and bananas are like crack to them- it’s so much fun to watch them smack their lips while eating them! I hope your little one can pull through. If you have any questions, you’re welcome to contact me. Good luck! I made plenty of carrot cake too, since he only ate the tops when the mood struck him 🙂 Good luck!
Zazzy says
My dog had an eye ulcer and it makes me smile to remember him sitting very still and patiently – with his eye screwed up as tight as possible to avoid the drops. I hope LFB gets better soon. Non-pet people have never made any sense to me. When you love, you do what you have to do.
Mary says
People can be jerks.
I hope LFB’s eye gets better! 🙂
Jennifer says
OK, I think it’s hilarious that your bunny isn’t fond of carrots! Seriously though, I do hope she gets better and keeps her eye. She is so cute!
Elle says
Yummy carrot cake, but I especially like the maple icing…mmmmm!
jess says
Awww, that’s so sad that people can be so mean. I can’t imagine having to put down any animal – and after getting to know my sister’s rabbit, I agree that they’re just as much fun as other pets. For me, our cats are like our kids … I’d never tell someone to let their child die … that’s just so uncalled for.
Lots of happy, healing thoughts for LFB!
Fruittart says
Have you responded with ‘I’m not asking *you* to pay the med bills for my pet, I am!’?? Yeesh. People blow money on worse things than loving care for a pet! 😉 I hope LFB’s eye gets better.
kamaile says
I feel your pain. We just had to put our cat down after spending mucho bucks to try and save her. Hope your bunny gets better. You make me want to get one.
jacquie says
i’m so sorry – both for fuzzy and for you. it’s so
hard when others don’t understand. and i very much agree w/ you – if we take on the responsibility of having a being as a pet part of that is then tending that comes w/ illness. and even w/ that i think we humans are the ones that are truely blessed when we allow other species into our lives. i hope it is “just” the antibiotics and that fuzzy is doing better soon. and if not, and it’s rougher course i’m glad you have each other. sending white light and good wishes.
Manggy says
Gosh, my brain’s going into hyperdrive again… Thinking of what the spot could be, if scrapings were done, if she’d really have to be blind or if you could just live with it, etc… I hope everything turns out okay. This is the first time I’ve heard of a bunny having so much personality (we don’t see them too often here). Your devotion to her is quite touching 🙂
Well, you already know how much I love carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, with any combination of add-ins… So naturally I’m in love with LFB’s cake! 🙂
Cate says
Oh my goodness maple cream cheese frosting sounds like my idea of heaven.
Cakespy says
This is the kind of loaf I like–leaning toward cake! The maple cream cheese frosting is a great choice too, classic but with a little twist. A delicious twist. Makes me wanna wiggle my nose a la Bewitched. Nobody else might understand, but I am sure that L’il LFB would. All my best thoughts to your little one!
snookydoodle says
Ha the bunny looks so so cute. The carrot loaf seems so moist and delicious and it quite a healthy recipe 🙂
Lisa says
People are mean. And stupid. And jealous. I’m with you. There are times when we choose to get extraordinary health care for our golden retriever, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. All pets bring so much to our lives.
Our Whole Foods lets your rip the carrot tops off of the carrots when you’re buying them, and leave them for the bunny owners. I love that.
Rosa says
All pets have the same value! Be it a donkey,rabbit, rat, bird, cat or dog, all have a lot of meaning for their owner. How can you think in economic terms when it comes to them?! Our cat had a very bad accident, a few years ago, and we did everything to save his life! Heck, wer had to spend a lot of money, but it was worth every penny! His love and company is priceless!
A wonderful cake! Yummy!
Cheers,
Rosa
clumbsycookie says
Hope little bunny gets better soon, she’s so adorable! Good that you’re giving her some treats, she deserves all those carrot’s tops. And you certainly deserve that yummy looking cake/bread!
HeartofGlass21 says
I was shocked, truly shocked to hear that people would suggest such things to you–animals are not disposable, it doesn’t matter how much they cost. That’s like saying you don’t have to spend as much to care for a $80 dog from a shelter versus an $800 dog. And I get up and go to work for less than the $10,000 they pay supermodels, but I don’t think that makes my work or my worth as a person less valuable.
I’ve been waiting, less seriously, for a good carrot cake recipe from you. Carrots are good for the eyes, hope the good vibes help the bunny. Even if the worst happens, please know she can still have a good quality life, though, it sounds like you and your husband really make her happy 🙂
Amy Sedaris, one of my favorite comedians/novelty cookbook authors, kind of randomly, is obsessed with pet rabbits and I heard she even has astroturf on her apartment’s floors for her bunnies. Great entertainers must think alike!
Lisa says
I’m with ya, Gracie.. our pets are our kids.. we do everything that has to be done to make sure they are healthy and living a good life. Don’t listen to those other people, they have no idea what the fuck they are talking about. You’re doing the right thing and it sounds like LFB is enjoying her new life with you guys. 🙂
The bread/cake looks SO GOOD!
xoxo
Miri says
This loaf looks divine! Love carrot cakes, and with a maple frosting it’s just perfect!
Debbie Green says
The carrot cake looks great. I like it better when it is made as a loaf instead of a layer cake. The frosting sounds delicious….
VeggieGirl says
Haha, I laughed out loud at your husband’s “What on Earth do bunnies do?” question 😀 Your bunny is incredibly cute, and incredibly lucky to be part of your family; and hooray for baking that SCRUMPTIOUS carrot cake!!
I’m definitely rooting for LFB – I pray that she’ll be 100% better as soon as possible.
CookiePie says
Well, your cake/bread looks absolutely beautiful. As for the people telling you to let your precious LFB die, they obviously just don’t get it. LFB is in your heart and part of your family, which just goes to show what a loving pet mama you are! I’m hoping for the best — hope she’s hopping around in perfect form in no time.
dawn says
LFB and I appreciate all that you do for her. You are a wonderful Mommy to both your pets. Don’t let other peoples crazy/useless comments get you down.
Kristine says
Poor, poor bunny. I really hope she gets better soon.
Jen Yu says
I LOVE LFB! She is soooo cute. I sincerely hope she improves soon. Having a good stress-free life in your home has certainly got to help. I have never had a bunny before, but I do have a pet (the infamous K-dog) and well, they are family… I hear ya. Funny that you made a carrot raisin loaf – I’m about to make carrot cake! I will be thinking of LFB and K-dog will eat a carrot on her behalf. xxoo
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer says
I hope the sweetie gets better soon – We grew up with bunnies and they are truely so incredible.
The loaf looks so yummy and I love the idea of the maple glaze.
Keep us posted on how LFB is doing.
Dana McCauley says
That loaf sounds like just what i need this second – too bad I don’t know where you live (also, I get the impression you don’t live anywhere near my geographic zone)!
I’ve recently banished anything but lovely carrots like the ones you show above. For a while I was seduced by bagged, cleaned carrots and then I actually stopped to think about how it tasted and realized that it was flavor free. Glad to see you are using the real McCoy!
Scott at Realepicurean says
I had carrot cake about 2 hours ago and said to my wife “I need to make some of this at home”.
Nice timing!
Bridget says
I just came across your blog, and first of all, let me say good for you! Why do people say things like that when it’s a pet who is sick? Would they say, “Well, why spend that much money for your kid to get well, you can always have another one”??? NO.
Good for you for loving your bunny no matter what. Please give the bunny a pat from me, I hope she’ll feel better soon.
bea at La tartine gourmande says
Yum, looks delicious! I hope your bunny recovers. Sad!
Agent Tiki says
I hope you’re little bun recovers quickly.
I, for one, applaud you for taking care of your bun so well. He is a family member who you love and I’d do the same if I were in the same situation. I’ve received comments along the same line when I took my hamsters to the vet.
Lynn says
Delicious carrot cake/ loaf. Hugs to your bunny. She’s definitely a keeper, so why would you toss her away? I hope she’s all better soon!
Mollie says
Lots and lots of happy thoughts to LFB!!!! People are dumb – but bunnies rule! 🙂
CB says
You know I agree with you 100%. My bunnies get my promise that I will take care of them for the rest of their lives. They are not 2nd class pets. They are my family. Hope LFB feels better soon. I have a recipe for bunny cookies on my blog. My bunnies love them! Hope you get a chance to bake some for LBF.
/Clara
tina says
Hello. This is my 1st time reading your blog. I am a nest lurker. Your carrot loaf looks amazing. Your bunny is adorable. I hope/pray that she gets better. Give her a BIG carrot top and a hug!!!
Katorade says
Here’s the thing, I’d like to think if the situations were reversed, my pets would do ANYTHING to make sure I was happy and healthy. It’s easy to tell even without language that my happiness is very important to them. How can anyone even think of not reciprocating.
Still thinking good thoughts that this antibiotic reaction is going to lead to more healing.
sarida says
LFB is beautiful, i wish her the best.
oddly enough, i made carrot, raisin, AND pineapple muffins today 🙂 i’m finally getting back to baking.
Stephanie says
we found a 4-week old abandonned kitten in the street one day and took it home with the intention of finding it a home (we already have two grown cats). that night we ended up at the emergency vet with the little guy as he was slipping in and out of consciousness and wouldn’t eat… ended up spending more than $500 for emergency services that luckily saved his life (he was just very undernourished), and then spent the next few weeks nursing him back to health. he has now settled in to the household and is growing like a weed and terrorizing the bigger ones. people told me i was crazy to spend so much on a kitten that we found in the gutter, but some of us just can’t sit back and watch another living thing die of neglect. so i pay on my credit card a while longer than i’d intended, so what? you can’t cuddle up with your bank account, and you can’t rub noses with your check book, and you can’t pet your credit card and hear it purr happily. 🙂
Hannah says
These adorable pictures tear me apart- I just want to give LFB a big hug! I love that it’s her carrot cake, too…
I know that things will get better, so you two hang in there. 🙂
MyKitchenInHalfCups says
Gad, Peabody there’s just no understanding some people. When we bring animals into our homes they become family and we care for them. It’s really very simple.
I always love dual personality bread/cake ;)) This one looks wonderful and I always can find a little spot for carrot cake/bread.
Garrett says
Awww, I had rabbits when I was growing up. This is really making me miss those days. I think people who haven’t owned smaller animals and grown to love them just can’t understand that they have personalities like any other pet. It’s worth it to pay a hefty sum to keep them happy and healthy.
mimi says
little LFB looks like a cutie, even with that poor little white spot! i hope you receive some good news on your next visit. and so sorry to hear what people have said to you about LFB! what is wrong with some people??!!
suburban farmer says
i had about 4 rabbits about 3 years ago they are truly enjoyable pets same as having a dog or cat and have a very unique personality’s
grace says
just let it die? you’ve got to be kidding me! some people just don’t understand. i’m still hoping. 🙂
HoneyB says
Sending good vibes your way…
Your carrot raisin loaf looks like something right up Grumpy’s alley – and I could slice and send that to work with him! His favorite cake is carrot cake!
Candace says
I can’t believe someone would tell you to just get a new rabbit… that’s just wrong. I know what it is like to love my animals like children, so I’m with you… do everything you can to keep FLB healthy!
rachel says
I can’t imagine why someone would take the time to e-mail you or worse tell you to your face mean things about your rabbit! Even if they thought that*, there was no reason to say that to you when you are clearly distressed. I shake my fist at them. Then eat another slice of bread!
*Which is totally wrong-it is your pet! I hate when people say mean things about our dogs.
Mrs. L says
A pet is a pet is a pet. Doesn’t matter what kind you love them all the same. I loved my little bunny. I had her trained to use a cat litter box and she would come when I called her. Her name was Beatrix. I’m sure our little fuzz balls would have been friends!
Emma says
Some people! I have a rescue rabbit and most people don’t understand why I was willing to spend almost $100 to get him neutered, and why his cage is several square feet rather than a tiny pet store box. Rabbits are like dogs though, my bun always gets up on his hind legs to beg us for treats!
jen says
how could you see that cute little bunny face and tell someone to kill it!
hopefully her eye clears up
nestra says
Sadly some people just don’t feel that spending money on any pet is worth it. We got a rescue puppy and were told that if it came down with parvo (very common where we are) that trying to save it wasn’t worth the expense.
He did have parvo (a week after he came home with us) and there was no question about what we would do. Luckily we caught it really early and he was fine but it horrifies me that someone would advise us to just write off an animal like that.
I hope your LFB gets better.
Ashley says
That loaf looks so perfectly delicious. The image of your rabbit knocking over the trash can to get up on the counter is really cute. And that’s awful that people would say that to you about your rabbit!
Erin says
It’s so hard when pets are sick. They really are part of the family, and you want to do what you can to mkae them feel better.
On a happy note, the carrot raisin loaf looks fabulous. I love the way you paired it with the maple cream cheese frosting.
LINA says
mmmmmm carrot cake is my ultimate favorite! cute bunny!
Ron Merlin says
What a great post. Peabody, you are the only one I would read a bunny story for……
lol
Patricia Scarpin says
Pea, the minute you take responsibility for another life, be it a pet or a child, you are supposed to go until the end of the world of needed be. Many people forget that, unfortunately. I’m glad you are not one of those, my friend.
And this loaf looks amazing. I would use dried cranberries instead of raisins, because I like them more. 🙂
elly says
I’m so sorry to hear about LFB but I will definitely keep her in my thoughts. I hope all goes well. The loaf looks wonderful, but how could anything with maple cream cheese frosting not?
Dori says
I can’t believe people gave you such cruel advice about your sweet little pet bunny. That makes me sad. We humans are supposed to take responsibility for animals we accept as pets, not treat them like disposable objects to be gotten rid of when they are “inconvenient.” Some people should not be allowed to own animals, I am convinced!
Anyway, I’ll be thinkin’ of LFB this week–hope she is feeling much better soon and that her medical treatments are able to save her eye. On behalf of the animals, I would just like to say, “Thanks for being a great pet owner!” LFB is a lucky bunny to have a home with you.
Deeba says
Poor little LFB. She’s precious & lucky to have you. Your post brought back memories of 2 sweet little bunnies I had as a kid. Woke up one winter morning to see the bigger one has slept on top of the little one at night…& crushed the poor thing. Broke my heart & I wept copious tears of sorrow. All the best to your little fella!
steph (whisk/spoon) says
she is so precious…looks like a little toy! i’m glad to hear hear that you treat her first-class, all the way.
katie102006 says
Not only dues the loaf itself looks delicious, but now it’s starred to make mainly b/c it has LFB in the title. 🙂 🙂
RecipeGirl says
We had a bunny once… full of personality as you mentioned that yours is. We had so many health problems with the little guy, and it was heartbreaking to have to make the decision to finally put him out of his misery. No more bunnies for me! I do absolutely love the little critters though.
Did your bunny get any of this delicious looking loaf?
Tartelette says
Anything “your” heart is set on is just worth fighting for. Period. Your little fuzzball is adorable. The pupps and I keep you in our thoughts.
Brooke says
Those people who are telling you to let your bunny die can go to hell. Seriously. My cat Roger has been having eye problems as well and I’ve spent a small fortune on him at the vet. I would seriously sell my house and live in a box on the street before I would refuse one of my pets medical care. You are an awesome bunny mommy.
Mallow says
Here’s what Gandhi had to say: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” As long as your fuzzy bunny acts like she wants to keep on kicking, then money isn’t really the point. I can’t believe the emails you got. Sometimes I just don’t like people very much…
kellypea says
Sooooooo sad, peabody. Poor bunny! I had several as pets growing up and know them to be pretty smart — definitely better about potty training than my dog was. The best of luck to you and hopes that you’ll not have to end up with surgery for her!
The carrot cake/loaf sounds delicious — especially with the maple in the frosting.
Poor bunny. 🙁
Deborah says
I’m with you – I don’t care what kind of pet it is – they all deserve love and care!! I can’t imagine ever telling anyone they should just let their pet die because it’s “just” a bunny. Horrible people.
But what a lucky bunny – looks like she’s being spoiled!! And you are getting spoiled in the meantime by having to use up all of those carrots!
Maria says
Poor little bunny!
The carrot loaf looks fabulous! I love raisins and the maple frosting really tops this one off nicely!
Jaime says
the loaf looks wonderful, as does anything w/cream cheese 😉
i’m sorry to hear that LFB’s eye has taken a turn for the worse 🙁 i hope that it gets better soon. i can totally see people saying things like that to you and at the same time i don’t understand why…b/c like you, i love animals and don’t see why a silly eye problem would be reason to let her go. i will send lots of good healing vibes your way that she gets better soon!
Joanna says
HI! I’m so sorry your bunny is sick. We have two and I could never bear to let them just die. They are a part of our family.
I hope she is feeling better soon.
Lisa magicsprinkles says
Oooooooh. Get better LFB! Eat carrots and apple juice and feel all the love and care that’s coming you way from all these caring, sweet bloggers.
Amy says
I wish you the best of luck with your bunny! Animals just seem to wiggle their way into our families and our hearts. Whatever mean things people have said, I hope that this outpouring of people letting you know that you’re not the only one that would do anything for your animals makes you feel better about the choices you have made. I know for myself, I would go without food before I’d have my dogs miss a meal and I wouldn’t even think twice about it or let anyone make me feel bad for it. Wishing your bunny a speedy recovery!
tiffany says
Poor LFB 🙁 I hope she pulls through. I can’t believe the nerve of some people telling you to put her down. She’s more than just an animal, she’s part of your family and you’ll do anything to keep her. Stay strong and I’ll be thinking good thoughts for your sweet bunny.
Emily says
Best wishes to your LBF from me and my two kitties. They’ve both have had extensive health concerns and I wouldn’t part without them for the world, despite the money (heck, it all adds up to bonus miles on the cc anyway). Take care of yourself as well. Having sick little ones can be very draining.
Emily says
Oops- meant to type LFB. Sorry.
Breadchick Mary and LB says
Peabody, I hope the cute bunny is doing better. Mom is letting me type this comment because even though when bunny rabbits are in the yard, I like to sit in the window and stare down at them the same way I do with squirrels, everyone’s animal companions are special members of the family. I hope the bunny’s eye is feeling better soon and don’t let the ugly people get you down.
LB
Cassie says
Oh man. LFB is in my thoughts! Emma sends her get well wishes too.
a says
Hey, hope your bunny is doing better. I made this over the weekend. Turned out really well. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Vivien says
i made these, taste awesomely moist and juicy with raisins