SHE stroked his velvety fur and peered into his large black eyes as the hutch door closed for the night.
But the next day, two-year-old Daisy Hunter's beloved rabbit, Crackles, was gone.
Police are investigating after the rabbit was stolen from a secured hutch in the garden of their home in Axminster Close, Bransholme.
Daisy's father, Craig Hunter, said: "To me, it's just a rabbit but to her it was like a friend.
"We are all absolutely devastated because, even though we only had the rabbit for a short amount of time, it was like it had become part of the family.
"I'm not exactly one for shedding a tear, but when I saw the look on my daughter's face as I told her the rabbit wasn't coming back, I felt dreadful."
Police believe thieves entered the rear garden of the family's home and took the rabbit from its hutch between 8.30pm on Wednesday, October 22, and 5.30pm on Thursday, October 23.
Mr Hunter said he would do anything to get Crackles back as his daughter is still very upset.
"I know it's not a massive crime, but my daughter is absolutely distraught and she is too young to really understand what has happened," he said.
"It was her pet and she was very close to it, so it was heartbreaking to tell her that the rabbit was gone.
"We are offering a reward for anyone who safely returns the rabbit and at this point, I would pay anything to get it back."
The rare Rex rabbit has black fur with grey and ginger patches.
Rex rabbits have unusually soft, velvety fur and are known for being one of the most gentle and playful of rabbit breeds.
Mr Hunter said: "He was very tame and had a good temperament.
"Daisy used to sit with him on her lap on the sofa and they would play together.
"We won't find another one like him. He was a very good rabbit."
The animal-loving family also own a German Shepherd dog and two guinea pigs, which belonging to sons Leo, eight, and Charlie, five.
Mr Hunter and his wife, Kayleigh, said the theft has made them feel helpless.
"We don't know what to do beyond just hoping that someone brings him back," said Mr Hunter.
"I just don't understand why anyone would do this.
"There were lots of outside toys in the garden and they are worth a lot more than a rabbit ever could be."
Mr Hunter believes the theft was planned because Crackles was safely locked in his hutch, which was hidden under an all-weather cover.
He said: "I've been told that the soft fur is very desirable, so either it's been taken by a breeder or by someone who thinks they can get some money from selling the fur."
Mr Hunter has already bought Daisy a replacement rabbit, but feels it is a poor substitute for the one they have lost.
"It's just not the same," said Mr Hunter.
"The new rabbit is adopted, so it is much more jumpy and aggressive, which is just not suitable for a boisterous two-year-old."
Police are appealing for anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the stolen rabbit to come forward.
Call Humberside Police on 101, quoting crime reference number 2076042.
