Bereaved tonight

Hensa

Hensa

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
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Stepney, London
We had to have one of my guineapigs (Poppy) PTS unexpectedly this evening and we are devastated. I am also worried about her friend who is now left alone - they have been bonded together since 3 months
old. Any advice welcome - I have read the guides on the website but I am unsure how to find her another friend.
 
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s hard when things happen so quickly.

With regards her friend, the best thing would be to find her a friend through dating at a rescue. Be guided by her - in other words, if she’s really down and withdrawn then you may have to find her a friend as soon as possible and by other means. If she’s okay - still eating and maintaining her weight - then you can wait a little longer (but not too long).

I know they’re not yet open but you could get in touch with some rescues and get on their waiting lists.
Rescue Locator
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. If she saw her friend was unwell and deteriorating she might understand and not 'look' for her, but sometimes they call for the other one which can be upsetting. One of mine, when bereaved, sat on the highest point in the cage right into the late evening just waiting - she had seen that her friend had died because it happened at home but we think she was perhaps just processing things and looking out for another piggy.
Personally I try to keep the smell of the other pig in the cage a while, hoping this comforts the companion at night... so when I poop pick or clean out I leave an area which has the smell of both pigs. Eventually this fades over time. I don't know if this is the right thing to do but I guess it's what people do - look for something that has the scent of someone who has gone for comfort. I have also used a hot water bottle wrapped in fleece (safely against the outside of the cage) to create a warm bedroom area for comfort in the night. Now we have these snugglesafe microwave heat pads... they are also good.
Last thing is I spend a lot more time with the one that's left. I used to carry my George around the garden this past winter, tucked into my fleece top, and pick him little bits to nibble and talk to him about things. I had breakfast next to his cage and took my breaks with him. We started to have lap time with veggies and an old film - something we'd never done before. We became good friends and helped each other. I thought the change in routine would kind of reinforce that things were different now but it would also give him something to think about when he was alone at night. Rest in peace little Poppy 💕
 
Hensa said:
We had to have one of my guineapigs (Poppy) PTS unexpectedly this evening and we are devastated. I am also worried about her friend who is now left alone - they have been bonded together since 3 months
old. Any advice welcome - I have read the guides on the website but I am unsure how to find her another friend.
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Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss. You are welcome to post a Tribute to Poppy at any time in our Rainbow Bridge section if you feel it would help you.

Most rescues are currently closed for rescue dating but as long as your companion is still eating and drinking, then you have got a few weeks' time to wait until Lockdown conditions ease.
Here is the link to our recommended good welfare standard rescues locator; there are several rescues in the wider London area: Rescue Locator

Give the companion time to do their own grieving; guinea pigs don't feel less strongly than us but they generally get on with survival and life sooner than us humans so most piggies will pick up life again, if without their sparkle, after a few days. It is not easy for you to stand by with a withdrawn piggy but please give them their time to grieve, too, if they need it; some piggies just soldier on.

You can find more tips on looking after single piggies in various situations (including a chapter on bereaved piggies) in this guide here: Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
 
Thank you all for your responses, they are very helpful and I appreciate it. I am still very upset about the loss of Poppy, but I will definitely look into finding a new friend for Peach.
 
Hensa said:
Thank you all for your responses, they are very helpful and I appreciate it. I am still very upset about the loss of Poppy, but I will definitely look into finding a new friend for Peach.
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Give yourself time to grieve. That is a process you cannot speed up. You have human needs and they need to be looked after as well.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Just try to not putting yourself under pressure with having to instantly rush out and get a new mate or with having to instantly love any new guinea pig as much as Poppy because that will happen on its own in its own time once you are ready for it. And it will be very different from what you expect but not less valid in its own right. ;)
 
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