The Case Of The Shrinking Rose Bush

Some mysteries are never solved. Where is Jimmy Hoffa? What happened to 2.0's missing navy sock? Are there puppies in heaven? What happened on the Mary Celeste?

Well, here's one that was put to rest around 7:30 this morning.
For several years, the rose bush Nearly Wild, situated on the corner of the pathway to the Upper Lawn, delighted us with a cloud of beautiful rose colored blooms throughout the entire summer. But over the last couple of years, it seems to have stagnated - not growing, hardly blooming. In fact, it has been getting smaller and smaller!  Roots too wet over the winter? Too much or too little fertilizer? Not hardy enough for a changing Maritime climate?
Or...

Note the nonchalant stance, the "I just happened to wander in here. I'm not doing anything. Honest."

Until - caught in the act!

Rabbit stew, anyone?