Coronavirus Quandary

katew

katew

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Nov 1, 2013
Messages
156
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Location
Oxford, UK
Hi
Really sadly we had to have our girl euthanised yesterday because of multiple health issues. This has left our boar, Alberto, on his own. He doesn't seem to be pining and we are giving him loads of laptime and tlc. I have read the thread on bereavement and will watch out for any changes in behaviour.

Normally I would be straight onto our nearest Blue Cross to get him a companion or two but they are shut because of Coronavirus. I have a feeling that the other rescue centres near here will also be shut but I will email them to check.

We live in the Oxford area - does anyone have any suggestions?

Many thanks
 
I thought the Blue Cross were still going ahead with rehomings because I remember thinking it was quite controversial. I think the best thing you can do in the circumstances is reach out to them so everything is in place when the lockdown ends to get a companion
 
I think all responsible rescues have shut for the time being. I know that we have. So I think all you can do for now is to keep him as happy as you can while he is on his own and line up contact with your nearest rescue for dating when we are past the worst of this crisis.
 
So sorry that you had to make the difficult decision to let your girl go.
Well done for thinking of Alberto’s needs while you are grieving
 
So sorry you lost your little lady, hope Alberto finds a new friend soon x
 
I’m so sorry for the loss of your little girl. As others have said, keep Alberto as happy as possible and look for a companion once the worst of the crisis is over.

If it helps, I had to help one of my piggies over the bridge on Friday but she has left behind two companions so at least they have each other
 
Thank you all so much for your kind comments - we are really missing her but she was so unhappy and at least she is at peace now. Alberto is sitting on my lap eating lettuce and chirruping so I think he is ok.
It is possible that Blue Cross may now be doing some rehomeing so I have registered with them - we will see. If they are rehoming I am trying to work out how I explain that guinea pig mental health qualifies as essential travel because the centre that has some piggies is 7 miles away. These are such odd times.
 
I'm so sorry for you loss, sadly I'm another in the same situation. We lost our Harold a week ago and poor Maurice has pined and become very sad. I have reached out to many rescues and all but a couple have closed but the ones that might be have a potential partner are too far for me to justify driving to(over 50miles!). Some local pet shops have guineas in stock but only stock girls (I find that very unsettling for the poor boys) but most are only open for essentials of supplies.
Let's hope we can get through this awful time quickly and safely, and good luck with your search 🤞
 
Please all remember that we are living in extraordinary and unprecedented times.
The fact you are still trying to do the best for your guinea pigs while dealing with your own grief is amazing, and shows what wonderful owners you are.

Be kind to yourself.
You can only do the best you can with what you have.
If it takes a few weeks (months?) until you can find a companion then that's ok.
It's not ideal, but then what about the current situation is ideal?
You clearly love your guinea pigs and they will be fine for as long as it takes for you to work something out.
You are doing a good job :hug:
 
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