I know there are many horrible things happening in the world at the moment, and in the great scheme of things, losing a family pet is not really high on the list, but it was still a very sad day yesterday when we had to take my youngest son's guinea pig to the vet to be put to sleep. She had a stroke and was in great distress. I bought the two guinea pigs just over four years ago. The boys were going through a very boisterous phase and I wanted to bring some calm into the house.
Having the two girls was a great move: we all loved them and they never failed to make us laugh and cheer us up. We often let them run in the house, and they grew tame over time. Their favourite activity was grazing in their outside run, nibbling windfall apples and sunbathing.
Syrup's companion Minnie will be lost without her soul mate, they were like two peas in a pod. In fact, when the vet's nurse told me that guinea pigs grieve for their partners, and we'd need to give her extra tlc, I really had to reach for the tissues.
So, while it's not the end of the world, it does feel like a tiny piece of our family jigsaw is missing and we all have heavy hearts today.
How very sad. Love to you all.x
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read this. My little man has loved looking after the guines pigs at school and has been badgering us to let him have a pair at home. Your post is making me consider it. M x
ReplyDeleteI'd really recommend them as pets. They are rewarding, and also very gentle creatures.
DeleteSo sorry for your loss. Our lost pets take a piece of us with them.
ReplyDeleteIt's alway sad when they leave us, we had 2 little guinea pigs from a shelter nearly 5 years ago. The male died after a couple of years but Eleanor is still going strong! As sad as it is, our children need to learn about the cycle of life, we now have a pet cemetery at the bottom of the garden, we always give our pets a grand send off! :) x
ReplyDeleteYes, we have buried her in the garden. My son is handling it fine, it's me that keeps wobbling.
DeleteDid you find that Eleanor pined or is she okay on her own? I've heard various opinions about whether they need to have a mate.
She has gone from strength to strength! I think Drake used to take the lions share of the food! She doesn't seem to mind being on her own, he died I think 3 years ago now :) x
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI'd just like to say that I've been following your blog for a few weeks now and am enjoying it a lot. I'm so sorry to hear of the sad loss of your family pet.
We too had two guinea pigs at one time and like yourselves we became very attached to them. They had lovely personalities and were very affectionate. Sadly one had to be put to sleep when it developed several tumours and became unable to eat. The remaining pig happily lived alone from that time until it too succumbed to ill health some time later. It is probably worth seeing how your remaining pig copes for a while and I'm sure you would be able to tell if it was exhibiting symptoms of loneliness. As long as it continues to be given the love you have obviously been giving it I am sure it will continue to thrive.
In an ideal world I would love a guinea pig village as they are such adorable creatures and we still miss ours several years after they have both died. To anyone who might be thinking of getting one I would thoroughly recommend them as a pet for small children so long as they are supervised when handling them so they don't get dropped from a height or anything.
I like to think that our pigs had a good and loving home with us and a happy life and I think it helps to remember this when you feel sad at their loss.
Hi,
DeleteThat's such a lovely message, thank you so much for posting it. It's good to know that there are other guinea pig fans out there and very reassuring to hear that your survivor didn't pine for her companion. So far, so good, and Minnie is not showing any signs of loneliness. She is getting lots of attention and treats. I loved your comment about the guinea pig village. They are such happy little souls.
I'd also agree with your comment about supervised handling by small children. It's a very good point.
They are such dear little creatures - hope you can be comforted a little by knowing she had a good and happy life. In my experience the remaining one enjoys not having to share food and attention so I suspect Minnie will be fine. Karen x
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen. I was very reassured by your comment, too. I just showed my husband all the lovely things people have said on here, and he was also very touched.
DeleteSo sorry you lost little syrup, such a sad time for you, Lucey x
ReplyDeleteAww thanks Lucey. I'm afraid I am rather sentimental about my pets!
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