Is it too soon to adopt another pig?

Hannah_xx

Hannah_xx

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I’ve seen a lovely looking Boar, called Newton at a rescue in Melbourne (Freedom for farmed rabbits). I enquired if he was still available and filled out an application form. They are happy with me and have said I can come down on Saturday!
But when I showed my partner last night, I had to walk off to cry. I only lost Patrick a month ago. Was it silly of me to already be looking for another boar? I don’t want Patrick to think he’s being replaced. I miss him so much.
The cage looks and feels wrong without a boar.
Is it too soon for the girls? Will they still be hoping Patrick’s coming back? Would a new husboar so soon be unfair on them?

I love the sound of Newton, he’s 2.5years old and has long hair. I’m just worried if I’m doing the right thing.

if I do go ahead, they asked if I want to bond at home or at the rescue. Is 2.10hrs too far to take the 3 girls for bonding?
 
Not too soon at all. But I really do know how you feel. I felt the same after losing Odin and even now I feel guilty loving the other pigs so much or spending time with our new guys because I miss my boy so much. I still have days where I struggle to even get out of bed because I miss him so much.

but then I think, what would he want me to do?
You gorgeous boy would want you to help this piggy. He would want the little guy to have all the love and care that he had :hug:

my guys always travelled the 3 hours to the vet really well, and we did it regularly
 
Follow your heart.
If your heart tells you that Newton belongs with you then go for it.
You won’t love him the same way that you loved Patrick but he will create his own space in your heart.
The wonder of the human heart is it’s capacity to love and the more we love then the more there is to give.
 
This is a heart and head feeling. . . covers all emotions. . Me now I think of the piggies I've had and loved and lost. . It hurts like hell and we all feel it.
my answer is go for it. .
I have 2 piggies . . Girls and they are so close it's beautiful. . One Florence had a horrible scare . . Cancer and we had it removed and I had time to reflect . She could even only 3 have died. . I was nearly down to 1 piggie from a year before 5. .
So i now have anothe pair. . Mavis and Moo. . Ok they not together but if anything happens . . I got piggies to help each other and me. . . . You not replacing Patrick you loving another piggie and caring about others.
 
No it's not too soon. You are not replacing Patrick. You are rescuing another piggy that deserves a better life. 👍❤

When my first boar piggy passed away after just 4 months of adopting him, my two sows started fighting for hierarchy and also started looking for Timmy all the times. They all didn't go along that much, (took 2 months for them to be bonded only for Timmy to be gone soon) but they still missed him and kept roaming in the living room wheeking for him. After just a few days, around 3 or 4 days, we got Bunny and the dynamics of them completely transformed. They were much happier having a baby to take care of. Meemee became the mummy of Bunny while Deedee was still the boss. As for me, I cried for a couple of weeks remembering Timmy all the time. He passed away in my arms and I couldn't erase the memory of him having his last breath. I still remember up to now the pain of that night everytime I think of him.
 
I'll seriously never get over losing Ivy (my 11th pig but she made such an impact) but George needed friends and the girls needed a home. Even as sow neighbours he's happier than being alone. He could spend all day in his comfy cage but he spends most of it out in a snuggle sack next to the bars to keep an eye on them... never missing a chance to come out and have a little rumble if someone looks interested! Even with Newton you won't forget Patrick - he has made a special place in your heart. Lou Reed said it best when he wrote, "There's a bit of magic in everything, and then some loss to even things out..."

I guess I have to give a word of warning - there's no guarantee the ladies will like Newton as much as you do. I was kind of prepared for sow neighbours rather than all in together but that was more because George is getting older and he's a bit territorial and he's a big boy at 1.5ish kg. The fact Zara hated his guts and was ready to rip his fur out as he scarpered away was a proper shock to both of us and I had to (1) really make sure that he wasn't going to be distressed by having her live here and (2) also ensure that the bars were strong enough between them for when she gets bolshy! It's a long journey to take your girls to the rescue (and I'm not sure if you have extreme weather conditions for a long drive?) but if you don't, would you be prepared to take Newton on any terms? If you want a neutered boar in the same cage rather than as a neighbour Newton might or might not be the one for them. If you're happy to bring him home, see how it goes, and maybe have neighbouring cages it's not so much of a gamble.

Gosh I do sound depressing! Sorry 💕
 
Hannah I’m so sorry, it’s a bitter sweet decision, you lost Patrick the same day I lost Ted. We have a new little boar called Hector who we will be hopefully bonding with the girls on Friday. It doesn’t mean I’m replacing my Ted, he was and will always be my number one piggie. Hector has cheered the girls up already and also found a new place in our hearts, he’s lovely and I know Ted would be happy we’ve given him a happy and secure home x
It not too soon for you either x
 
There is no doubt that you have enough love to take on the little fellow and as others have said it’s not a replacement for Patrick. It’s about giving Newton a good life. I suggest you go and meet him on Saturday and that will help you make a decision. I was going to adopted another pair of boars pre lockdown last year and visited the nearest guinea pig rescue. I wasn’t 100% sure at the time and decided to wait. 10 months later Scottie and Ronnie came into my life and I feel blessed to have them. There’s no rush for you to make a decision if you feel unsure. There’ll always be a piggie who needs a loving home. If you want this boy to come home go and get him but if you’re unsure it’s ok to wait until you feel ready. Sleep on it for a few days and come Saturday you will know what to do. Whatever you decide will be the right thing to do .
 
Newton is gorgeous.
I lost my 14 month old cat in an rta about 4 months ago. 4 weeks ago we adopted a 6 month old rescue cat. I felt just like you, that I shouldn't be replacing Bertie so soon. But little Sid has brought back some joy to our lives and although I still miss and love Bertie so much, it was the right decision .
Hannah you have so much love to give and I feel that Patrick has guided you to Newton, like Bertie guided us to Sid.
Sending hugs.xx
 
Aw, so pleased you are going to see Newton, I’m sure you’ll fall for him, just what Patrick would have wanted x
 
So pleased for you Hannah :) I felt the same really, that it was too soon for me to even think about another piggy after my Jess. Then a month later heard about my poor Jasper that was in dire need of a home (and food!) and I’m so pleased I took him on. Still think of my Jess all the time and no pig will ever replace her but I’m totally smitten with my boy now and it’s lovely to see him so happy with his lady!
All the best with your visit on Saturday, he’s absolutely gorgeous! :love: xx
 
Good luck for Saturday Hannah. I hope it all works well for you. 😊
 
rhymer said:
Newton is gorgeous.
I lost my 14 month old cat in an rta about 4 months ago. 4 weeks ago we adopted a 6 month old rescue cat. I felt just like you, that I shouldn't be replacing Bertie so soon. But little Sid has brought back some joy to our lives and although I still miss and love Bertie so much, it was the right decision .
Hannah you have so much love to give and I feel that Patrick has guided you to Newton, like Bertie guided us to Sid.
Sending hugs.xx
Click to expand...
Aw I’m so pleased you’ve got a new meowy friend around @rhymer :hug:Think some pics are needed soon! :D:luv:xx
 
Thanks everyone!
I’m worried now as it’s a little bit further than I thought, and have to drive through the middle of Melbourne which I think will add an extra hour of traffic! Making it more like a 7hr round trip!
Plus it’s going to be 33degrees, aircon in the car but still may be warm for them. Maybe it will be best if I don’t bring the girls and just bring Newton home and try bonding in our own time.
 
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