Death of Guinea Pig in Bonded Pair

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kelsbug

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My sweet 9 year-old guinea pig Daisy just passed away peacefully in her sleep 2 days ago. She left behind her partner in crime Bella, who is still eating and drinking but is definitely mourning the loss and not acting like herself. After 10 years of owning guinea pigs and going through the pain of sending them over the rainbow bridge, I simply don't think I can continue the cycle of adopting a replacement companion for the surviving pig when one dies. I would like my 5 year-old Bella to be my last pig.

Are there any tips for making a single guinea pig less lonely? I've tried putting a mirror in her cage which she is not responding to. I've also tried a small guinea pig-sized stuffed animal that she also does not seem to pay any mind to either. Is there anything else I can do to make her happier and more comfortable by herself? If there are no other options, I will look for a new home for her where she can be placed with a companion. I love her very much and would be heartbroken all over again if that is the only ethical option, but her health and happiness comes first. Thanks in advance for any help <3
 
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Bella sounds to be grieving and would benefit from some company. You may find that a rescue will “loan” you a sow as a companion for Bella and they will take that sow back when Bella passes. I’m not sure where you are but here is the link to the rescue locator in the UK Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
In the meantime we have a guide about how to care for a bereaved piggy Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
 
VickiA said:
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Bella sounds to be grieving and would benefit from some company. You may find that a rescue will “loan” you a sow as a companion for Bella and they will take that sow back when Bella passes. I’m not sure where you are but here is the link to the rescue locator in the UK Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
In the meantime we have a guide about how to care for a bereaved piggy Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Again, I am so sorry for your loss.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the suggestion. The idea of fostering or having a "loaned" guinea pig never occurred to me. I'm in California in the U.S so I'm pretty far away, but there are some good rodent rescues in my area. I will check with them.

Again, thank you for the help and the sympathy <3 She was a very good pig and we are definitely feeling the loss of her.
 
kelsbug said:
My sweet 9 year-old guinea pig Daisy just passed away peacefully in her sleep 2 days ago. She left behind her partner in crime Bella, who is still eating and drinking but is definitely mourning the loss and not acting like herself. After 10 years of owning guinea pigs and going through the pain of sending them over the rainbow bridge, I simply don't think I can continue the cycle of adopting a replacement companion for the surviving pig when one dies. I would like my 5 year-old Bella to be my last pig.

Are there any tips for making a single guinea pig less lonely? I've tried putting a mirror in her cage which she is not responding to. I've also tried a small guinea pig-sized stuffed animal that she also does not seem to pay any mind to either. Is there anything else I can do to make her happier and more comfortable by herself? If there are no other options, I will look for a new home for her where she can be placed with a companion. I love her very much and would be heartbroken all over again if that is the only ethical option, but her health and happiness comes first. Thanks in advance for any help <3
Click to expand...

Hi and welcome

I am very sorry for your loss. 9 years is a grand old age!

No piggy is ever too old for companion. A number of smaller good standard guinea pig rescues are now increasingly aware of the 'last standing piggy' problem and will help to work out a companionship solution for the duration of Bella's life. The RSPCA and the Blue Cross can sadly not provide this service due to policy restrictions.
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour

@VickiA has already linked in our list of vetted recommended good standard UK rescues.
 
kelsbug said:
Thank you for the suggestion. The idea of fostering or having a "loaned" guinea pig never occurred to me. I'm in California in the U.S so I'm pretty far away, but there are some good rodent rescues in my area. I will check with them.

Again, thank you for the help and the sympathy <3 She was a very good pig and we are definitely feeling the loss of her.
Click to expand...

Californian rescues are generally pretty open about helping out if you consider temporary fostering for similarly aged piggy.
Here is the list of recommended Californian guinea pig rescues: Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

If you are struggling to process and cope with your loss, you may find this link here helpful: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
Wiebke said:
Californian rescues are generally pretty open about helping out if you consider temporary fostering for similarly aged piggy.
Here is the list of recommended Californian guinea pig rescues: Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

If you are struggling toprocess and cope with your loss, you may find this link here helpful: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
Click to expand...
Thank you, this a great resource! I'll contact the California Northern Cavy Rescue today.
 
What a good age to get to... do sorry for your loss and I hope you can find a foster friend for Bella x
 
kelsbug said:
My sweet 9 year-old guinea pig Daisy just passed away peacefully in her sleep 2 days ago. She left behind her partner in crime Bella, who is still eating and drinking but is definitely mourning the loss and not acting like herself. After 10 years of owning guinea pigs and going through the pain of sending them over the rainbow bridge, I simply don't think I can continue the cycle of adopting a replacement companion for the surviving pig when one dies. I would like my 5 year-old Bella to be my last pig.

Are there any tips for making a single guinea pig less lonely? I've tried putting a mirror in her cage which she is not responding to. I've also tried a small guinea pig-sized stuffed animal that she also does not seem to pay any mind to either. Is there anything else I can do to make her happier and more comfortable by herself? If there are no other options, I will look for a new home for her where she can be placed with a companion. I love her very much and would be heartbroken all over again if that is the only ethical option, but her health and happiness comes first. Thanks in advance for any help <3
Click to expand...
Hold her lots! and bond with her by feeding her by hand! Sorry for your loss
 
So sorry that you have lost your little Daisy x
Sleep tight Poppet x
 
Welcome to the forum and so sorry for your loss.
What a wonderful age.
Please feel free to post a tribute to Daisy on the Rainbow Bridge thread.
Hope the plan to foster works well
 
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