Coping with death of my first furry friend

Will Johnston, host of The Hits 9am-3pm radio show. Photo/George Novak

When I was a kid we never had a pet. I remember working on mum and dad for a solid month (an eternity to an eight-year-old) that what the Johnstons really needed was a guinea pig.

I was convinced that my sister and I had put the ground work in to finally crumble the 'no pets wall'. I'd even timed my run so it could've been a perfect birthday present.

But no dice. Not even close. Lego. Boooooo.

So I got my first pet when I was 25 and living in Whangarei. My sister was staying with us and we were running out of things to do. So we ended up in a pet shop.

I saw this tiny, grey, longeared little fluffy baby bunny. He was hiding in the corner and he looked defiant and scared all at the same time. I think I knew how he felt, which is why the word 'Murray' came out of my mouth. Once you name an animal you're stuffed! We had to get him.

Murray's chewed through power cords, eaten through the bottom of couches, ripped wallpaper off the wall and peed on countless people.

I've chased him round multiple houses and even told him off like a naughty child more times that I can count. But man do I love that little bugger.

I've syringed drugs in to his mouth when he's been sick, I've worried about him when I've been away. We even toilet trained him so he goes in a litterbox.

I've spent so many hours patting him and telling him my secrets, thoughts and hopes. I loved how he used to run over to you if you lay on the ground and start licking your forehead.

Most of the people who have met Murray have a soft spot in their heart for his little furry body. The love I found for Murray was the love I had been waiting to give to a pet all of my life.

Last week Murray passed away. He was an old bunny and it was his time. I feel like I've lost a part of my family. I'm just truly gutted. There's times when I forget he's not around anymore and I have a look outside for him and then get sad all over again.

Murray has left a bunny-shaped hole in Will's heart and home. Photo/supplied

Maybe this feeling is why mum and dad didn't want us to have pets. Though I don't regret it at all, no matter how sad I am now. Giving him love and getting it back for the past seven years has been one of the best experiences of my life. RIP Muzz.