Holly came to me in November 2016 as a foster piggy. She was surrendered to the rescue as an unwanted baby of a few weeks old (from an accidental pregnancy) and the rescue paired her with Ivy, a very difficult sow who had been living with a rabbit. Here is their adoption thread on the forum Holly-Ivy-to-be-rebonded-sows-the-potteries-guinea-pig-rescue-stoke-on-trent.
At first actually they got along ok but as Holly grew, Ivy took against her and it was necessary to separate them. As a temporary measure I tried her with my sow pair Mollie & Mabel (but Mollie took against her) but my other sow pair Violet and Poppy were much more welcoming to her, so she moved in with them. Look Who Moved In With The Neighbours......
Holly blossomed into a lovely natured, small but feisty piggy. She was nicknamed our Pocket Rocket. She knew her own mind, but was incredibly welcoming to many other piggies over the years. She had numerous cage companions over the years as my sow herd grew and shrank. Her undoubted best friend over the years was Mabel, who we lost in 2018 to bladder issues. The two were often found sharing the same bed together.
Holly had so many scares, mishaps and health issues over the years including a dreadful bout of colitis that I thought would claim her life, Healing Vibes Please Holly Has Colitis
Hay pokes, respiratory infections, reproductive tract issues and bladder problems. She had countless procedures carried out at the vets and we jokingly commented that she needed her own space in the waiting room.
Little Holly - Is She The Most Unlucky Piggy?
Holly is not having a good day...
She was eventually diagnosed with IC in 2019 and from then onwards we had a constant battle with recurring flare ups. But she became the easiest piggy ever to syringe feed - her love of Emeraid was second only to her love of Metacam. She would happily climb the bars to beg for both. And lick the bars clean afterwards!
Sadly her health and weight were in a slow decline from late last year. She would go through phases of weight loss, bladder sludge and losing her sparkle, followed by incredible bounce backs. Lovely Holly is feeling better
Her final “herd” consisted of Ralph, Hazel and her. She was very firmly the top pig in the group but in a gentle way. As a trio they were adorable to watch.
Holly was due for review at the vets later this week, but sadly the sudden loss of Ralph last week seemed to affect her very badly and she took a serious downturn, so I brought her appointment forward. As I waited for her appointment I got her out for a cuddle and offered her a syringe feed. She refused her favourite Emeraid feed and gave me a totally unexpected nip on the hand to tell me to stop. She then snuggled under my chin as if to tell me we were done. I knew that finally she had decided that this was her time to go.
I am utterly heartbroken at losing this little piggy. She gave us so much love and entertainment over so many years. Sleep tight my gorgeous Holly x
At first actually they got along ok but as Holly grew, Ivy took against her and it was necessary to separate them. As a temporary measure I tried her with my sow pair Mollie & Mabel (but Mollie took against her) but my other sow pair Violet and Poppy were much more welcoming to her, so she moved in with them. Look Who Moved In With The Neighbours......
Holly blossomed into a lovely natured, small but feisty piggy. She was nicknamed our Pocket Rocket. She knew her own mind, but was incredibly welcoming to many other piggies over the years. She had numerous cage companions over the years as my sow herd grew and shrank. Her undoubted best friend over the years was Mabel, who we lost in 2018 to bladder issues. The two were often found sharing the same bed together.
Holly had so many scares, mishaps and health issues over the years including a dreadful bout of colitis that I thought would claim her life, Healing Vibes Please Holly Has Colitis
Hay pokes, respiratory infections, reproductive tract issues and bladder problems. She had countless procedures carried out at the vets and we jokingly commented that she needed her own space in the waiting room.
Little Holly - Is She The Most Unlucky Piggy?
Holly is not having a good day...
She was eventually diagnosed with IC in 2019 and from then onwards we had a constant battle with recurring flare ups. But she became the easiest piggy ever to syringe feed - her love of Emeraid was second only to her love of Metacam. She would happily climb the bars to beg for both. And lick the bars clean afterwards!
Sadly her health and weight were in a slow decline from late last year. She would go through phases of weight loss, bladder sludge and losing her sparkle, followed by incredible bounce backs. Lovely Holly is feeling better
Her final “herd” consisted of Ralph, Hazel and her. She was very firmly the top pig in the group but in a gentle way. As a trio they were adorable to watch.
Holly was due for review at the vets later this week, but sadly the sudden loss of Ralph last week seemed to affect her very badly and she took a serious downturn, so I brought her appointment forward. As I waited for her appointment I got her out for a cuddle and offered her a syringe feed. She refused her favourite Emeraid feed and gave me a totally unexpected nip on the hand to tell me to stop. She then snuggled under my chin as if to tell me we were done. I knew that finally she had decided that this was her time to go.
I am utterly heartbroken at losing this little piggy. She gave us so much love and entertainment over so many years. Sleep tight my gorgeous Holly x
Holly was a beautiful girl and I’m sure she is very happy to be reunited with Ralph!
Run free and munch with Ralphie 
