Is My Boy Lonely Or Happy Ish?

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ewelsh

ewelsh

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As some of you know, I lost my little boy Boris last Saturday, I am still lost and always will be. My concern now is his brother Dylan. Dylan is 7 years old 8 years old in August. Dylan is a blind guinea pig, he went blind at 3 months old. I had him checked out by a optic specialist vet in Wiltshire who said it was a one in 1000 chances of this happening no infections it just happened. It never affected Dylan as he had Boris to guide him. I have kept all food bowls, hay rack, toys in the same place every day, so he managed very well. Dylan like Boris has been a very spoilt piggie :) he loves his food and I have been told to watch his weight which I now do.
Now Boris has died I am getting a little obsessed, is Dylan happy or sad. He is eating and drinking, I have him in the kitchen now so he hears more movement and noises ( previously they were in the utility ) I still bring him out for an hour on his matt in the mornings but he stays in same spot as he has no Boris to follow, I also have him out for cuddles every evening and he snuggles in as normal.
Someone said get another or he will die of a broken heart! is this true? I worry at his age it will be too frightening for him, or am I wrong?

How do I know if he is happy or not? I honestly can't say if he is any different (a) Boris took up most of my time for the last 3 years, battling bumble foot , I'm ashamed to say I took more notice of Boris than Dylan. (b) Dylan followed where Boris went so he naturally isn't going to jump around as he used to.

Are there any signs I should be looking out for?
 
I'm so sorry for your loss of Boris, i'm afraid I have no advice only that you shouldn't feel bad for taking more care of Boris's needs when Dylan was a happy little pig. With Dylan being fairly old himself, I guess you need to think about whether you will want more pigs after his eventual passing, if you pair him with a younger pig again they will be left lonely in the end and you'll have to get more. It sounds like you are giving Dylan plenty of love and attention and he will be able to manage in terms of finding his way around the cage even without a friend.
 
Thank you Frankie for your kind words. I don't want any more piggies, losing them is too painful I can't do it again! This is why I am in such a panic over Dylan, the thought of him dyeing of a broken hearts just tears me apart. I would get a piggie if it meant Dylan wouldn't die of a broken heart.
 
It may be worth contacting rescues to ask if they have any older piggies and try Dylan with them to see how they get on. Fostering could also be an option - that way you aren't taking on long term responsibility and the foster pigs will be rehomed eventually. It is difficult with him being blind as it will be confusing for the little guy, not sure whats the best option for him would be.
 
Yes it's a hard one isn't it, I am in a dilemma. My little cat Libby loves Dylan and has become more interested in Dylan since Boris died. She sits on the matt with him ever so quiet and sits on the cage. If only she could piggie talk.
Before anyone panics, I would not leave Libby alone with Dylan even if she is the gentlest cat going.
 
I think getting in contact with some rescues and dating him with a older piggy would be good. That way he would have a friend to follow again.
 
I think @Wiebke would be able to offer you a lot of good advice seeing as she has lots of experience with piggy social behaviour and with sight troubled pigs too!
I do feel for you and poor Dylan, it must be very difficult!
 
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