Entering the Mourning Process

[adc037]

Today my 5 year old pig Lilly (calico) passed away. She left behind her cagemate, Mellow (gray). Mellow is about 2 years and was with Lilly for only a year. In that time they got really close and I'm afraid of how Mellow is going to deal with the loss, and I've never gone through this either. I'm aware they need to go through this process, but I would like to try to make it easier for her. What are things I can do to support Mellow and hopefully prevent her from going into deep depression? I am currently not interested in getting another piggy so soon, unless it is detrimental to Mellow's health and stability.
Thanks for your help!
RIP Lilly

 

[Pigwhisperer]

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's not something that has happened to me but you might find this thread helpful:
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[G&C]

Loosing a piggy is heartbreaking, For both of you. The above thread is excellent but also remember that you know your remaining piggy better than us and what their behaviour is usually like so you will be able to tell if/when something is wrong. Mine when bereaved went quiet and stopped eating for a little while then picked up again. I wouldn’t delay too long in getting a friend for them, you’ll see such a difference in them.

 

[Flutterby]

 

[Merab]

Guinea pigs grieve but on a different time scale to us. Mellow will need companionship before you are ready but as has been said you know her so you will know when.
Having acquired new piggies when mine have been bereaved I know it’s not easy.
However - you are not replacing a piggy, you are getting a successor.
The new pigs will have different characters and find their own place in your heart.
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t ‘feel’ that you love them immediately because you are still grieving- it’s surprising how you suddenly realise that a new pig has firmly entrenched itself in your heart.
Human beings are capable of enjoying a new piggy while still grieving for the one who died.

 

[LeahsPiggies]

I am in your exact position. I lost my boy on Friday and he’s left his 2 year old brother behind, I am currently not ready for another piggie and it makes me sad to think he’s being ‘replaced’ but we must remember, that isn’t the case. No piggie can replace the one you’ve lost, but instead it gives your remaining piggie their happy life back and I think that’s most important as they have the need to be in pairs. I’m so sorry for your loss and I hope you’ll come to a conclusion soon x

 

[adc037]

I'm sorry to hear. Losing a furbaby is such a difficult situation. I'll be thinking of you and your piggy. And you're right, I know Mellow needs a companion and I feel sad because I think of it as replacing Lilly, even though I know it's not.

 

[adc037]

Loosing a piggy is heartbreaking, For both of you. The above thread is excellent but also remember that you know your remaining piggy better than us and what their behaviour is usually like so you will be able to tell if/when something is wrong. Mine when bereaved went quiet and stopped eating for a little while then picked up again. I wouldn’t delay too long in getting a friend for them, you’ll see such a difference in them.

Mellow is my vocal pig, but she hasn't been wheeking when I go by or open the fridge. She has also been shivering, even if I have her wrapped up in a blanket and cuddling her. The temperature inside isn't cold. Fortunately, she is eating her food.

 

[G&C]

Mellow is my vocal pig, but she hasn't been wheeking when I go by or open the fridge. She has also been shivering, even if I have her wrapped up in a blanket and cuddling her. The temperature inside isn't cold. Fortunately, she is eating her food.

The shivering might be that she’s scared? My boy when left behind was the same but it lasted only a day or two, he was just quiet/ not getting excited for food and would leave some of it -almost like he was waiting for the one who died to come back . It’s so sad. I’m sorry your going through this.

 

[Merab]

I am in your exact position. I lost my boy on Friday and he’s left his 2 year old brother behind, I am currently not ready for another piggie and it makes me sad to think he’s being ‘replaced’ but we must remember, that isn’t the case. No piggie can replace the one you’ve lost, but instead it gives your remaining piggie their happy life back and I think that’s most important as they have the need to be in pairs. I’m so sorry for your loss and I hope you’ll come to a conclusion soon x

So sorry @LeahsPiggies that you are going through bereavement too.