A Very Sad Grieving Piggie

[TheAurora]

So you've probably seen on this forum that last night I lost Marmalade.

I've read through the very helpful guidelines on this forum to help his brother and life long companion Freddie - so hopefully I'm helping a little.

I've taken today off work to be with him and deal with my own grief.

Just thought some of you may have your own experience and advice for looking after Freddie whose refusing to come out from under a blanket (the blanket I gave him because Marmalade was wrapped in it last night and I imagine it smells of him).

 

[ayemee]

When Jackson passed away, Brillo wasn't really sure what to do with himself for the first couple of days. I found encouraging him to eat helpful. Seemed to take his mind off things. Just a lot of interaction seems to help. After a few days, things should begin to pick up, for both of you.


All the best. Again, sorry for your loss.

 

[TheAurora]

When Jackson passed away, Brillo wasn't really sure what to do with himself for the first couple of days. I found encouraging him to eat helpful. Seemed to take his mind off things. Just a lot of interaction seems to help. After a few days, things should begin to pick up, for both of you.


All the best. Again, sorry for your loss.

Thank you for sharing your experiences - very helpful.

I've decided to take him out from under the blanket and put him in the run in the sunshine. He can't resist grass and is behaving much livelier out there.

Now if only I could walk into the garden without crying my eyes out...

 

[mrs plop]

So sorry for your loss x

 

[ayemee]

No problem.

Glad he's picked up a little. I know how hard it is to lose a piggie. I was a mess for days.. time is the best healer.

 

[BonBon2010]

It's a shock when they suddenly become ill. I suspect Freddie knew he hadn't been right for a while, and you just don't know what happened before you got home. I have memories of a poorly guinea pig. Her two adopted sisters would take it in turns to sit with her, comfort her, and would lick her face.
I have never seen such a bond since, and It still brings tears to my eyes thinking about it nearly two years on.
Find him a small cuddly toy to cuddle up to, before deciding what to do next. Hugs x

 

[Guinea Slave]

I am so sorry to hear this. Its devastating is'nt it and something we all dread. Sometimes soft toys help in his cage perhaps? He probably senses your agony as well. Mine usually take a day or two, are typically a little quiet to start with. Hopefully you will feel strong enough to get him a friend at some point which will also help tremendously although I always find that bit so hard as you feel so terribly guilty.

I feel your pain, just give yourself time. It hurts like hell I know :-( hugs to you both x

 

[TheAurora]

Ohhh the cuddly toy sounds like a great idea. Thanks BonBon2010 and Guinea Slave

 

[aimzer]

So sorry to hear for your loss. I am in the same situation. I had to put my little Honey to sleep on Monday. I am finding it so difficult to come to terms with. I am now constantly worrying about her friend she left behind Daisy and if she will be ok on her own as I don't really want another piggy right now.

I am the same, can barely look at their new run I bought without crying as Honey only had the chance to play in it twice. So heartbreaking.

I put a little teddy in with my other girl Daisy but I'm not sure she likes it. She is eating fine though. (touchwood) Although she has stopped squeaking at veggie times. She still comes to the edge of cage on her hind legs but doesn't squeek anymore

 

[Guinea Slave]

I am the same, can barely look at their new run I bought without crying as Honey only had the chance to play in it twice. So heartbreaking.

I was like this in the spring. I had lost two gorgeous guineas over the winter and in the spring when I put my four remaining herd out on the grass for the first time I cried my eyes out as the last time Bella and Biscuit had been in their too. It helps me when I know other people feel the same and its not just me being stupid. I just focussed on my remaining little ones to help but it still breaks my heart for each and every animal I have lost.

Hugs to both of you. xx

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry for your loss. it is very normal behaviour for a grieving piggy. Just make sure that he is eating and not losing weight; otherwise you would have to get a new baby friend asap as an emergency. Hopefully, he'll come out again in a few days' time.

My Dizzy lived in Minx' cosy for the whole week clinging to her fading scent until I took her dating on the following weekend when she met Mr Right; not the neutered boar out of the three that I would have chosen (he was a mismarked red dutch like Minx and was too similar for my comfort), but she and Llewelyn were madly in love and it was such relief to see her get her sparkle back!