An extraordinary pet rabbit, weighing nearly 10kg, is credited with saving her owner's life by alerting his family as he slipped into a diabetic coma.
A Gentle Giant Enters His Life
Simon Steggall first encountered the colossal Flemish giant rabbit breed at TruckFest in Peterborough in 2002. Amid the bustling stalls at the East of England showground, a tent filled with these enormous animals captured his heart instantly. He knew he had to have one.
He soon brought home a baby rabbit named Dory, who was already larger than most ordinary adult bunnies. She arrived in a cat carrier but quickly outgrew it. As a fully grown house rabbit, Dory reached a remarkable weight of nearly 10kg and was often walked on a leash like a dog.
Her appetite was legendary. While she enjoyed heaps of carrots, cabbage, and dandelions, Dory also developed a taste for household items. She was known for chewing through computer cables, furniture, and even the hose of a pressure washer.
The Night She Leapt into Action
The most astonishing chapter in Dory's story unfolded in 2004. One evening, while Simon was watching television with his then-wife, he began losing consciousness and slipping into a diabetic coma—a condition that can cause severe brain damage or death if not treated urgently.
His wife initially thought he had simply fallen asleep after a long day. It was Dory, the normally docile rabbit, who sensed imminent danger.
In a sudden burst of activity, the giant rabbit climbed on to Simon's body. She began "going nuts," thumping vigorously on his chest, jumping up and down, and licking his face repeatedly. This bizarre behaviour was the critical alert that made Simon's wife realise a medical crisis was unfolding, prompting her to call 999 for an ambulance.
Celebrity Status and a Lasting Legacy
In the aftermath of the incident, Dory became a local and national sensation. The Hunts Post, their local newspaper, featured her on the front page, and several national publications followed suit. She was even invited onto morning television, though the trip was declined when producers could not accommodate a giant rabbit in London.
For her heroic actions, Dory was made the first honorary animal member of the Rabbit Welfare Association. She spent her remaining years indulging in favourite treats and, unfortunately, the occasional cable.
Tragically, Dory passed away suddenly at just two years old. The marks she chewed on skirting boards and carpets served as small reminders of her presence, but the most significant mark was left on Simon's life. He credits her with saving him and has endeavoured to live his life in her memory.
The precise way Dory detected the crisis remains a mystery. Some experts suggest pets can smell changes in blood chemistry or hear alterations in heart rate. Whatever her method, Simon Steggall is certain: without Dory's intelligent and urgent intervention, he would not be here today.
