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A Very Sad Time :-(

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Hayley

Hayley

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Jan 18, 2014
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Location
Pinner, Middlesex, UK
Hi there,

As I start to type this post, the sadness I'm feeling at the loss of my pet is nearly too much to bear. I arrived home from work yesterday to find him lying in his cage, with his cage mate nuzzling up to him. It was a complete and utter shock, there were no previous signs of illness, other than the fact that he didn't seem quite as lively when I put his veggies into his cage earlier that morning. I was totally beside myself, as he was only 6 months old and the bond I had already developed with him was so strong. I am writing this to share my pain with you all, as I'm sure that anyone who has shared a similar experience will understand how heartbreaking it is to lose a beloved pet. I have all of these questions going round and round in my head, such as "why did it happen?" and "what could I have done to prevent it?". I know there's no use in blaming myself, as I really did try my hardest to give him the best life possible and the fact that it happened without warning suggests there wasn't much I could've done, although this doesn't give me much comfort.

As I'm sure you can imagine, my main concern now is to focus on caring for my one remaining piggy, Bilbo. I am fully aware that guinea pigs are social animals and he is very likely to feel the brunt of losing his friend, so I was wondering if you had any tips that could help ease his loneliness? I have checked him over thoroughly for any signs of illness and he seems fine, although I will continue to keep an eye on him for the next few days. I would consider getting him another cage mate, but I don't want to rush into anything too soon, in case they don't get on. However, I expect that this will probably be the best solution, so if you could offer any advice on introducing new piggies, it would be very much appreciated.

Would it be best to find another young boar piggy, considering he is still very young himself? Bilbo seemed to be the more dominant piggy, as far as I could tell. Otherwise, would you suggest that an older piggy that has already gone through the 'difficult' teenage phase would be better suited? I am a bit reluctant to get him neutered, as my friend's male piggy sadly died on the operating table when she chose this option, hoping to get a new female to keep him company. I'm also a bit concerned about the cost implications, as my husband was made redundant recently and we are trying to be frugal. Any suggestions or advice would be gratefully received!

I'm sorry for being a bit dramatic in expressing my emotions, it's still very raw for me, having only happened last night. I am hoping that I can gain the support of my fellow piggy forum buddies to get me through this difficult time.

Thank you to you all and much love to your piggies,

Hayley x
 
I'm so sorry, I had the exact same thing happen a few years back with my Woody, it was likely to be a heart attack and I think this is probably what has happened to your boy.

Have a look at this thread for Bilbo

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/looking-after-a-bereaved-piggy.110463/

Also check out our recommended rescue locator to see if there is a rescue near you who could bond him with a new friend when the time is right.
 
Hi Hayley I'm so sorry to hear of you loss, I know how much my boys mean to me and I've only had them just over 3 weeks. I think keeping a watchful eye on bilbo for a little while is a good idea before adding a new piggy, having lap time with him each day would be so he does not feel so alone.
As for adding a new piggy...the lovely people on here will be able to tell you where you nearest rescue centre is and they should be able help find the right piggy to be placed with bilbo when the time is ready for you.
Sending a huge hug x
 
Hi Helen,

Thank you so much for your reply, it means a great deal to receive your support and I'm sorry to hear that you went through a similar experience.

Thanks for sending me the link to the thread, I will definitely take a look.

I will consider going to a rescue centre near me, as I'm sure they will be able to give me lots of advice.

Thanks again for your help,

Hayley x
 
My3cuteBoys said:
Hi Hayley I'm so sorry to hear of you loss, I know how much my boys mean to me and I've only had them just over 3 weeks. I think keeping a watchful eye on bilbo for a little while is a good idea before adding a new piggy, having lap time with him each day would be so he does not feel so alone.
As for adding a new piggy...the lovely people on here will be able to tell you where you nearest rescue centre is and they should be able help find the right piggy to be placed with bilbo when the time is ready for you.
Sending a huge hug x
Click to expand...

Hi there,

Thank you for your reply, it means a great deal to me. I knew that I could count on my forum buddies to ease my sadness, I am so thankful to you for your support. I will focus on giving Bilbo plenty of love and attention, so that he knows he's not alone.

I am going to search for a local rescue centre over the weekend and find out whether they have any suitable piggies available.

Thanks again for the 'virtual' hug, it has really helped :luv:

Much love,

Hayley x
 
I am very sorry to hear this Hayley. It is not dramatic, losing a pet is always heartbreaking as they are part of our families. Big hugs being sent to you and Bilbo x
 
GloriousGuineaGirl said:
I am very sorry to hear this Hayley. It is not dramatic, losing a pet is always heartbreaking as they are part of our families. Big hugs being sent to you and Bilbo x
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, it means a lot. I just need to take it one day at a time, I shall keep focused on giving Bilbo as much love and attention as possible.

Thanks again & big hugs back to you,

Hayley x
 
Please keep us Hayley posted on how you and bilbo get on and with adding a new piggy :) xx

P.s sorry I was rushing when I posted my last message and I've just notice it was a little messed up in places eg it should of said 'would be good' etc.
 
I am very sorry for your unexpected loss! Sadly, heart attacks or acute heart failure can happen at any time, even at a young age. They usually affect seemingly healthy piggies and come out of the blue. I have lost two young ones to acute heart failure, so I feel for you!

Here is our recommended good standard rescue locator with rescues we can guarantee for that you will be in expert hands and won't have any nasty surprises. We cannot guarantee for the practices and ethics of any other rescues. It is well worth travelling that bit further! Please contact all rescues within your reach as to whether they have suitable piggies in; single piggies are often not being listed.

Alternatively, you could consider having your remaining boy neutered by a good vet (we also have got a piggy savvy vet locator on the top bar), so he could live with a sow or two. He is at a good age for that. The critical bit is finding a vet, as that really makes all the difference when it comes to mainly post op complications etc. You would also have to factor in a full 6 weeks post op wait until he would be 100% to go with girls (I have a surprise baby from a supposedly safe over 5 weeks post op boar living with me, just to prove that particular point), but cross gender bondings are the most stable of piggy bondings.
 
Hi Wiebke,

Thank you so much for providing me with your expert guidance and support, it really is appreciated. Although it doesn't take the pain of losing him away, I hope that he didn't suffer too much and it was quick for him. I believe he's up in piggy heaven now with your little ones, eating his veggies and causing lots of mischief! :wub:

I have used the rescue locator and I think I've found a place that isn't too far away, so I'll give them a call to find out if they have and single piggies available. I will have to find out how much it will cost to have Bilbo neutered, then decide what's best for him, as his happiness is paramount to me.

I've read the link that Helen kindly gave me on how to support grieving piggies and I think the tips are really useful.

Thanks again to everyone who has responded so far, you have helped lift my spirits and it's wonderful to know that there are people like you who are kind enough to care. I will keep you all updated on my progress and will hopefully have some good news for you when I've found Bilbo a new friend!

Thanks again,

Love Hayley x
 
Awww Hayley, so sorry for the loss of your little boy. To lose any pet is hard but when you lose them so suddenly and without warning it hits you like a ton of bricks. Everything is so raw and your heart is breakign at the moment. Don't question yourself there is nothing that could have been done.

We have a Rainbow Bridge should you wish to leave a memorial to your little one, it is full of tributes to piggies and other Furries who are now at the bridge. I have always found it a great source of strength to post in there. http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/forums/rainbow-bridge-pets.16/

Massive hugs and love to little Bilbo x
 
The pain of losing a beloved piggy never gets any less; the grieving process differs to a large extent whether you have to make the sad devision yourself, have a piggy dying in your presence or whether you find a piggy unexpectedly dead.

I wish you all the best for the coming difficult days when it all really sinks in and you have to adapt your daily routine in all the little ways. :(

Best of luck for your other little boy! Unless he is acutely pining and needs company asap, it is worth taking your time to check out all avenues. Please be aware that our recommended rescues are mostly volunteer run, so it may take a few days to get an answer back. Just persist! Piggies travel surprisingly well, so distance is not quite as large a problem provided you can arrange transport by car or train etc. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have in any respect.
Here are our travelling tips: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/travelling-with-guinea-pigs.109071/

You are also most welcome to post a tribute in our Rainbow Bridge section when the time feels right for you.
 
Hi Wiebke and Sport_Billy,

Thank you to you both for your replies, your kindness has given me strength. I got home from work this evening and Bilbo seems okay, he is eating his evening veggies now and although he doesn't seem quite himself (he's very quiet, when he was always the more vocal of the two), he doesn't appear to be in too much distress. I'm going to do some research tomorrow and contact the rescues I've found in my area. I will be patient, as I want to make sure I give Bilbo the best companion he deserves. Frodo will live on my my memories and I think I'll read the Rainbow tributes this evening, as I'm sure they will give me hope that things will get easier with time.

Thanks again for your kindness and I wish you and your piggies lots of love back in return.

All the best,

Hayley x
 
Hi everyone!

Following my very sad news a few weeks ago when Frodo unexpectedly passed away, I now have some lovely news to share with you all! I am now the very proud mum to little 8 week old Gizmo, who we adopted from a local rescue centre today. He is a gorgeous boy with lovely colouring, as you can see from the photo below! So far, he seems to be making firm friends with my other piggy Bilbo, but I'll be keeping a watchful eye on them for the next few days! Unfortunately, we had a few bonding dramas with another older male piggy that we tried introducing to Bilbo, which sadly didn't work out, as he is clearly a very dominant piggy! However, it seems like a great match with Gizmo and there are positive signs that they will become firm friends.

I hope you and your furry friends are well and thank you again for your support when I was coping with the loss of Frodo, it helped me to get through a very difficult time.

Much love,

Hayley, Bilbo & Gizmo x

image.webp
 
Gizmo is a lovely looking boy and hopefully will have a long and happy friendship with his cage mate Bilbo

Just read your post on loosing Frodo and like everyone on here know how sad you felt we have all had this overload of emotions when loosing our beloved guineas, - I too found by pouring my heart out on paper it helped - Sorry for your lost - sweet dream Frodo
 
Thank you, it was a horrible shock, as he showed no signs of illness before he died. I will always miss him & nothing will change that, but having Gizmo in my life certainly makes it a bit more bearable.

Thanks again for your reply!

Hayley x
 
So sorry for your sudden loss Hayley. Piggies may be small pets but big personalities and losing them can leave a huge hole in your heart. We've all had piggies we've loved and lost and it doesn't sound daft or soft to miss a loved one. So glad for Bilbo that you care enough to find him a new chum. Hope all works out OK.
 
Thanks Sara, that's really kind. Although it's a horrible thing for anyone to go through and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, it really helped me to speak to others on here who have had similar experiences. It's a shame that people who have never had pets can be quite heartless, they just don't understand that grieving for a pet can be just as bad as coping with the loss of a person! Still, I know that I was blessed to have had Frodo in my life, however short the time was. Gizmo and Bilbo are my focus now, I'm going to make sure they are the happiest piggies in the world!

Thanks again, much love to you and yours,

Hayley x
 
Thanks Vicki, your words mean a lot. As per my previous reply, it is wonderful to hear from people like you who care enough to reply and show your support.

Thanks again! Xxxxxx
 
Oh Haley, Gizmo is very sweet, I hope that the three of you can put the sad time behind you and enjoy the future.
 
So sorry to hear Hayley... I just lost a piggie and there's a huge radish-shaped hole in my heart. Hope you and Bilbo are doing ok x
 
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, my heart goes out to you too. Only pet owners know how hard it is to lose one, it really is rotten. Hope you have a good support network around you and if you need an understanding shoulder to lean on, you can always message me!

Take care and keep smiling

Hayley xxxxx
 
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