Susan and Louie: A Cornwall Manor (Bunny)Tail

Susan and Steve moved to Cornwall Manor in 2010, leaving behind their life in North Carolina. The couple quickly fell in love with their new community. Throughout their marriage, they shared four dogs, each with unique personalities that became beloved members of their family. “We loved each one of them. They were wonderful additions to the family,” Susan reminisced.

In 2018, Susan relocated to her apartment in Bradley Hall. The transition was bittersweet, especially after Steve’s passing. Sweetie, the last of their dogs, provided Susan with comfort and companionship during this difficult time. After moving to Bradley, she missed the companionship of having a pet.

Susan has a love for classical music, sewing and quilting, finds solace in her hobbies and the small groups she joined. Every Sunday at 6 PM, she and her Bradley neighbors gather for Scrabble. “We have the best time together. We cheat and laugh,” Susan shares with a twinkle in her eye.

On a whim, Susan met Karen Wagner, a fellow Cornwall Manor resident, and they hit it off instantly. Karen has fond memories of a pet rabbit from childhood, and that prompted Susan to adopt a new furry friend. Several Cornwall Manor residents helped in the selection process, and former resident Anne Crawford picked out Louie, a dwarf rabbit that was a Dutch mix at The Bunny People in Harrisburg, which is a domestic rabbit rescue, adoption, and education organization founded in 1992. Anne chose Louie because he was alert and attentive.

In September 2021, Karen accompanied Susan to bring Louie home. Named after Susan’s sister, Louise, Louie weighs in at a petite 3 pounds. Susan quickly fell into a routine, making two salads a day for Louie, who prefers the fresh lettuce and carrots from Trailside Organic Farm, the onsite organic farm at Cornwall Manor. Louie’s diet is supplemented with food pellets, blueberries, grapes, cherries and both dried and fresh apples.

Louie lives a luxurious life at Cornwall Manor, gated to the kitchen and living room, where he receives treats and enjoys Susan’s attention. He loves napping and keeps Susan laughing with his funny, alert and compassionate nature.

Pets can bring a multitude of benefits to their owners, both physically and emotionally. Key advantages include companionship, reducing feelings of loneliness and offering love and support. Pets relieve stress and their presence can provide a sense of purpose and routing, which is beneficial for mental wellbeing. They also are great conversational starters and they provide a routine and structure and provide joy and entertainment.

Louie brings laughter and light into Susan’s life, proving that companionship can come in all shapes and sizes. As Susan continues to enjoy her hobbies and the company of her Bradley neighbors, Louie remains a constant source of happiness and comfort, enriching her days with his presence.