Chocolate&Coconut
Junior Guinea Pig
I've just received some utterly heartbreaking news...
For the past 3 weeks I've been away from home living at university, so my family have been looking after Pascal and Rusty. They are considered the whole family's pets, and everyone shares responsibility for looking after them. The other week, my sister informed me that they'd taken Pascal to the vets as his breathing sounded rattly and he was sneezing a lot. They said he had a URI, and prescribed him antibiotics, which he is still taking. He has been very good with taking them and is recovering very well.
However, the other day my sister rang me to say that Rusty was suffering from the same symptoms and that he seemed to be slightly off his food. Both pigs were taken to the vets on Thursday (yesterday), and my family were informed that Rusty also had a URI that had reached his lungs. He was given an injection at the vets yesterday and then returned to the vets this morning for a second injection. Apparently, he hardly touched food or water during the night, and syringe feeding was unsuccessful, but the vet this morning said he seemed a little better. Unfortunately, despite my family's best attempts, he still hardly ate or drank anything throughout the day today. And about half an hour ago my Dad rang me to say that Rusty passed away in his arms.
I'm absolutely devastated and also in shock... I can't believe how quickly he deteriorated. It seems really odd. It's so strange not actually being there with them and not being able to do anything. The poor thing was only around a year old, and had only been with us for a month since we rescued them both. I'm now really worried for Pascal, as the pair had such a close bond and did everything together. I know it's obviously really early days, but when I spoke to my Dad we've agreed that we will look into finding him a new friend soon, and in the meantime give him lots of attention.
So rest in peace Rusty... you were only in my life for a very short time, but I will always remember how gorgeous you were and how cheeky you'd become as you got to know us.
For the past 3 weeks I've been away from home living at university, so my family have been looking after Pascal and Rusty. They are considered the whole family's pets, and everyone shares responsibility for looking after them. The other week, my sister informed me that they'd taken Pascal to the vets as his breathing sounded rattly and he was sneezing a lot. They said he had a URI, and prescribed him antibiotics, which he is still taking. He has been very good with taking them and is recovering very well.
However, the other day my sister rang me to say that Rusty was suffering from the same symptoms and that he seemed to be slightly off his food. Both pigs were taken to the vets on Thursday (yesterday), and my family were informed that Rusty also had a URI that had reached his lungs. He was given an injection at the vets yesterday and then returned to the vets this morning for a second injection. Apparently, he hardly touched food or water during the night, and syringe feeding was unsuccessful, but the vet this morning said he seemed a little better. Unfortunately, despite my family's best attempts, he still hardly ate or drank anything throughout the day today. And about half an hour ago my Dad rang me to say that Rusty passed away in his arms.
I'm absolutely devastated and also in shock... I can't believe how quickly he deteriorated. It seems really odd. It's so strange not actually being there with them and not being able to do anything. The poor thing was only around a year old, and had only been with us for a month since we rescued them both. I'm now really worried for Pascal, as the pair had such a close bond and did everything together. I know it's obviously really early days, but when I spoke to my Dad we've agreed that we will look into finding him a new friend soon, and in the meantime give him lots of attention.
So rest in peace Rusty... you were only in my life for a very short time, but I will always remember how gorgeous you were and how cheeky you'd become as you got to know us.
