I had two beloved pigs named Kaylee and Cassie. Yesterday morning, Kaylee died in my arms next to her sister. We let Cassie be with Kaylee for a while before burying Kaylee. Kaylee had an advanced URI that she'd been struggling with for about a month.
Our first guinea pig was named Kirby and was adopted with kaylee. Kirby died a year or two after we adopted him and that's when we got cassie. Kaylee was about 5-6 when she died and Cassie is now 3-4. We are wondering what we should do now.
Should we keep Cassie here where she's with her humans or give her away where she'll have new piggy friends. I just want her to be happy and I'm an emotional mess from losing her sister.
Hi and welcome!
Please do not make any knee-jerk decision while you cannot think clearly!
Take the time to read our guide. Give Cassie time to grieve for a few days, too, unless she stops eating and drinking and gives up on life (acute pining). You will know when she is coming out of herself and is picking up her life again; that is when she herself is ready for a new start; this is most likely before you are.
She is about halfway through her own life and can - if she stays healthy - easily live another 2-3 years or more.
Once you feel a bit more stable and have access to a good rescue, I would strongly recommend to talk to them. Perhaps they have a suitable similar aged guinea pig (sow or neutered boar) that they would be prepared to take back when Cassie dies and you do no longer want to continue with guinea pigs? That would be the best option and the first I would explore. Not all rescues may be willing, though. Your options very much depend on your local availabilities.
Companionship is very important for guinea pigs, much more than we think. My oldest adoptee is a 7 year old widow who became gradually depressed in the wake of losing the last of her life-long mates; she has just celebrated her 9th birthday with her new companion, a 6 year old widow of my own although they took a while to get together!
In the end, any solution has to be one that feels fair for Cassie but has to also feel right in your soul. In my own experience it is very hard to give away a piggy even when you can still remain in contact; you go through the whole grieving process once it leaves.
This guide covers both immediate and longer term aspects:
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Recommended UK rescues:
Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
Recommended rescues in some other countries:
Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations
We may be able to help you better if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can tailor any advice to what is relevant and available where you. We have got members and enquiries from all over the world. Please click on your username, go to account details and scroll down to location. This makes it appear with every post you make. Thank you!
