I'm Beginning To Question If My Pigs Are Happy With Me

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LydiaMinx

LydiaMinx

Teenage Guinea Pig
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I'm starting to doubt whether I'm giving my boars the best life they can have :(

My boys live separately, but are able to chat and see each other, although I know this is no substitute for actual companionship. I simply don't have the financial stability to adopt 2 more pigs (one for each) and when taking into account the price of the cage, bedding, hay, food, and potential vet bills - I don't have the money to insure I'll always be able to provide what they need if things turn pear shaped.

Because of uni, work and family commitments slowly building up on me, I'm spending less time with them then ever. I try to add more toys if I know they won't get handled or get floor time but obviously it isn't enough and it makes me feel terrible. I've never not cleaned them out or forgotten to give them fresh food or water though, which I take comfort in!

I've also let the care of my pets go recently after having my cat and best friend of 14 years pts 2 months ago (to the day, actually), I haven't felt the same since and I know that sounds ridiculous, but I feel like a part of me died with her.

I'm really questioning if its fair to keep my boars any longer, I don't know if this is some horrible rut I'm in at the moment but I want what is best for them and at the moment, I really don't feel I'm it :(


Sorry for this really depressing rant, has anyone else felt like this? I really want what is best for them and I just feel like a totally crappy owner at the moment :(
 
I would say you are grieving still and have not come to terms with losing your cat. It is only natural you feel different as you have lost a dear friend. I really think you should give yourself some time as it is very early to make any sort of decision. When feeling depressed one does lose interest and motivation. Sadly that is the way depression works and you do sound pretty depressed to me. I am truly sorry for your loss and I know nothing I can say will be of any use as you are hurting so much right now. Please allow yourself time to deal with losing your dear friend. Your boys are being fed and watered and kept in the right conditions and that is what is important. Many pigs that have fallen out live happily as neighbours so you really must not feel guilty about that.
 
I'm so sorry for your loss and the way your are feeling right now. I can't really help as not been in that situation but I agree with the above. I really hope things get sorted for you soon. You are in my thoughts x
 
Stick it out I had the same doubts when I first seperated my boys. I considered giving them up at one point but i cant. I believe very strongly in once you have a pet you never give it up. But still I did worry. My boys lived as neighbours I tried to rebond them many times and they had supervised floor time together for half hour at a time so they could socialise still even if they wouldn't live together. Stick it out make some extra effort to give them some cuddles and lap time it will help both you and them :) I have bonded with mine much better now than when they lived together. And you give them everything they need and care so don't feel bad thru could be living in a far worse home
 
I agree with the above. Give yourself time. I'm sure your boys are happy, they are healthy, warm and fed well. It may not feel like you are doing a good job but I can tell just from you saying what you do for them that they are still at the forefront of your mind and are very well cared for. Guinea pigs are easy to please most of the time (with veggies of course!) so I wouldn't worry too much!
 
((Hugs)) you sound depressed to me too. If this feeling does not lift soon then see your doctor.
Dont make any rash decisions like rehoming your boars while you are in this frame of mind x
 
So sorry for your loss. I am sure your piggies are happy. Like everyone says I would give it some time before you decide what to do. Also maybe try talking to someone about your grief. Hope you are feeling better soon.
 
SO sorry for the loss of your beloved cat. I can totally understand how you feel. I felt the same when my 10 year old rabbit died. For a long time, I just did not care about anything else. As has been said above, you need to give yourself time to grieve. You will begin to feel better eventually. Your two boars have the necessities to keep them happy. And at least you are worried about them which shows that you care. Some people in your position would neglect them completely. Don't give them up.
 
My boys live seperatley because of a fighting incident but they live side by side and have floor time together occasionally. I've felt like you too that I haven't been giving them enough attention but I know that they are both very lucky. Maybe over the christmas break try and fit in more time with them and that may make you feel better :)
 
Thank you all so much, It's lovely to have a group of people who don't think I'm mad for being heartbroken over Cookie. I've started forcing myself to do extra bits for the pigs again, so baby steps I guess :) I'll get there!
 
Ahhh! Bless you LydiaMinx. You will find people on here are not judgemental at all. We are all animal lovers so it is very easy for us to see how upset you'd be.
Glad things are a little better for you. Happy New Year to you x
 
LydiaMinx said:
Thank you all so much, It's lovely to have a group of people who don't think I'm mad for being heartbroken over Cookie. I've started forcing myself to do extra bits for the pigs again, so baby steps I guess :) I'll get there!
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We all have our doubts and our times when we struggle to stay on top of things. Just the fact that you have got these doubts is a sure sign that you are a very loving and caring pet owner who is always putting their pets' wellbeing first - and because of that you are still a very good home for your two boys, even if it is not the perfect one that we all dream of being able to provide!

It is tough to get over the death of a beloved childhood pet that has been around for as long as you can remember. Your feelings and experiences are very normal for a grieving process; but it is hard to recognise the signs when you have never had to deal with a bereavement before. Hang in there and take it day by day! Life is not about being perfect; it is about sticking it out, working through the troughs and coming out the other side again being stronger for it. ;)
 
I get devastated when I lose one of mine, and doubt whether I should keep animals at all. But concentrating on taking care of the others, and thinking how I might feel if I handed them over to a rescue (not a chance!) makes me happier in a few days.
 
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