This is why rabbits and I do not get along

Last spring I finally gave in and dug up the azalea.  It had never been happy.  I amended the soil, I treated it annually with extra special care and attention.  It didn't care.  It didn't thrive.  It didn't put out lovely flowers. I had given it a good six years of my life and figured enough was enough.  So I planted a lovely variegated euonymus. 

I Know. 

What kind of trade off is that? 

I just wanted something that would bring a little interest and a little light to the corner by the yews.  Just something quietly dependable with a little personality.  Nothing loud or demanding.  Nothing that needed extra special attention or care.

Variegated Euonymus seemed to be a lovely fit.  It seemed to be everything I was hoping for. 

I put the garden to bed in the fall and didn't think about offering the euonymus any extra protection during the winter.  The neighborhood rabbits hadn't even tasted it once during the spring, summer or fall. 

How was I to know that come winter they would not just nibble, but would devour that shrub? 

Now I can't prove it was rabbits.  They didn't leave any evidence (and usually when they have eaten on shrubs in past winters they leave broken twigs scattered on the ground), but I have seen them damage enough things in my yard and garden that I am willing to accuse and convict them of this crime.  GUILTY until proven innocent! 

Three summers ago we had owls in the neighborhood and very little rabbit damage.  Two summers ago we had a feral cat slinking around the neighborhood and very little rabbit damage.  Last summer I didn't hear the owls or see the cat and the rabbit population increased. 

I wish I knew how to invite the owls or the cats back and am happy to take suggestions.