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Lonely Piggie

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garethjolliffe

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Goodmorning all, I'm looking for some advice if anyone can suggest. We had 2 Guinea Pigs (5 & 4), unfortunatley the older one passed away yesterday. They were close piggies and are worried that Ginky will now be lonely, especially as she is very partially sighted due to cataracs in both eyes.

Has anyone has any experience of handling the situation themselves? We have thought do we introduce a new friend but are concerned that a young lively piggie may annoy the older one? Do we introduce 2? I have also considered a "homeless" piggie looking for adoption.

Your help would really be appreciated.

Many thanks,
Gareth
 
Hello Gareth, Can I first say how sorry I am for the loss of your piggie.

Expect Ginky to be a little quiet and reserved for a few days, she will be missing her friend and feeling the loss as you will be, so she will need a little time to grieve.
Lots of rescues offer something called piggie dating, were you would be able to take Ginky to a local rescue so she can choose a new friend to live with. This may be a younger piggie or an older piggie - rescues have lots of piggies available of all ages and are skilled in bonding piggies and would allow Ginky to pick out a piggie that she would get on with.

If you can let us know where you are living, hopefully someone can recomend a rescue local to yourself.

Once again, I am very sorry for your loss.
 
Thankyou

Many thanks for your advice, we live in Pontypool, South Wales. Our nearest main town is Newport.

So is it best to leave Ginky alone for a little while?

If you can advise of a recommended centre it would be appreciated.

Many thanks,

Gareth
 
Sorry about your loss!

We found Rosie a new friend on Monday. Rosie is 6 and had been living on her own since Georgie died 2 years ago.
We were a bit worried about how she would take to another Guinea pig after being on her own for so long, so we investigated and ended up going to a recommended rescue. We were able to sow date Rosie, and she got on like a house on fire with little Ruby, who is only 6 months old and very lively. We were able to take them home the same day.

It's like us, guineas have very different personalities and a rescue can help you find a friend that is similarly matched.

Hope it all goes well for you- and don't worry about Ginky being annoyed with a younger piggy, there is 5.5 years between our two and Rosie loves it ( Even if she does look a bit bemused with Ruby darting around all the time)

x
 
Hi, Gareth, and welcome to the forum!

I am sorry about your loss. Seeing your bereaved piggy pining is very upsetting!

Which country or county are you in? Here in Britain there is the possibility to "date" a single or bereaved sow at a good rescue, so she can choose her own new friend, be it a sow or a neutered boar of any age. The important bit is that they hit it off! I have gone down this route several times with bereaved piggies of my own, always with great success, whether I ended up with another middle aged sow or a younger neutered husboar who simply adored his older wifepig. Dating is well worth going a bit further for as you maximise your chances with the bonding being conducted under expert supervision and minimise the risks of ending up with two piggies who don't get on.

Your closest rescue is currently in Glynneath - Suzy offers piggy dating for both genders and runs one of the best rescues in the country. I have been there myself when I rehomed two girls from her!
http://guinearescue.blogspot.co.uk/
 
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Thankyou

Many thanks to everyone for your kind words, help and advice.

We have been in contact with Suzy at Glyneath Guinea Pig Rescue, and have an appointment to take Ginky down to see her and hopefully meet a new friend(s) in a week or so.

Thanks again to everyone, it really is appreciated.

Gareth, Nicola & Gaby......and Ginky of course!
 
Suzy has some really gorgeous girls looking for a new friend and a loving home, so I am looking forward very much who Ginky falls in love with!

Last summer, I dated my two three year old redoubtable cataract sows to find them a new neutered "husboar" of their liking, so I know that cataracts are no problem. Taffy and Tegyd are still the head sows, even though they have been joined by a few friends with their own problems in the meantime. :)

Best of luck!
 
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Sorry to hear your news - hope she picks a friend you like too
 
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