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Lots of hugs, vibes and wise words for a broken heart appreciated please šŸ˜ž

Claire W

Claire W

Forum Donator 2025/26
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With a heavy heart, I sadly made the decision when Edward passed away in September 2022 that my 3 girls would be my last piggies for a while after I couldnā€™t give them the life they deserved thanks to my mental health but after losing Ella in October 2023 followed by Elizabeth 9 weeks later on Christmas Eve, that time has sadly come much faster than anticipated šŸ˜ž

Esme is off to her new home this weekend (I will leave any announcement down to Esmeā€™s new family when they are feeling ready) but my heart is breaking šŸ˜ž Iā€™ve never rehomed a piggy before and am currently feeling very upset šŸ˜ž Itā€™s also going to be the end of 16 years of piggy ownership and itā€™s going to be horrible getting in to a new routine which doesnā€™t include piggies šŸ˜ž

I know I am doing the right thing by Esme as her new family will give her something I canā€™t which is piggy companionship and not an anxiety filled mummy who rushes them off to the vets for every single little thing and hovering over them like a hawk but it doesnā€™t stop the hurt Iā€™m currently feeling. My head is all over the place šŸ˜ž

Lots of hugs, vibes and any wise words for a broken heart is much appreciated x
 
Sending you lots of hugs and thoughts Claire.
You are doing a truly wonderful thing for Esme and you should be so proud of yourself x
 
Claire,you have put Esme 1st which only a true piggie lover would do.I know how much you will miss her and it must be horrible.Sending you massive hugsxx
 
:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
HUGS!
That is so sad for you, but you are doing the right thing for Esme and yourself.
Try not to think of this as ā€˜The Endā€™ and more a quick breather.
Piggies have a way of turning up in your life if you need them and are ready for them.
Give yourself time and be gentle with yourself, ā€˜losingā€™ a piggy is always so terribly hard, whether they are popcorning over the rainbow bridge or off to a new home.
When you feel a little better and itā€™s not so painful, Iā€™m sure youā€™ll be able to remember all of the ā€˜Happy Todaysā€™ you have given ALL your piggies over the years.
I wish you luck making a new routine! A new hobby or craft is always something I like to do when Iā€™m at a loose end. Paper making, knitting, writingā€¦ the possibilities are endless!
I always like a nature walk when Iā€™m sad too! Seeing the little bits of beauty in everything, from a flitting bird to the way light reflects off a leaf.
Sending you healing vibes! And good luck wishes on your new journey!
Thank you for being an amazing person and for all the things you have given the world.
As for getting your daily piggy fix, the forum is a great place for that. Please stick about, weā€™d miss having you!
 
Esme knows she is loved and she will have a place in your heart forever. You are giving Esme the chance to have another piggy friend (or friends) and a happy future and have put her needs above your own. Take care of yourself while you are going through this difficult time x
 
Sending you hugs and my very best wishes Claire. You have been an amazing piggy slave and are doing the most selfless thing in letting Esme go to a new home where she will have piggy company. I hope you will stay on the forum, you are a much loved and valued contributor here. I also hope you will soon be able to look back on your piggy journey with smiles and joy rather than the sadness you feel now.
 
Sending you huge hugs - youā€™ve been such a wonderful piggie mum and they were all so lucky to have you. And what a lovely thing you are doing for Esme.
Thinking of you and take care of yourself xx
 
When I gave up my heart horse last year I had similar feelings to you. He was everywhere in pictures and memories but most of all he was my daily routine and I felt lost without that routine. One day when youā€™re least expecting it, your first thought of the day will be a happier one rather than an achingly sad one. You have given your piggies wonderful lives and they will have given you wonderful memories. Hold on for that day - it will come. Hugs ā¤ļø
 
You are so brave...I have to admit, braver than I think I would be in the same situation. My heart goes out to you. I hope you can feel all the love and care on here for you and Esme šŸ§”
 
Dear Claire W itā€™s so tough to make that decision ā€¦..but youā€™re thinking of Esme.
She has had wonderful life with you up to now and with her girlfriends and will continue to do so in her new home.
( it has been announced where Esme is going so I know she will have a wonderful life there)
In time you will feel better about this decision ā€¦.it is made selflessly and out of love ā¤ļø
 
Thinking of you Claire, I can only imagine how hard this is for you. You are however making the right decision, purely based on the benefit of little Emse, so for that reason you should be proud of yourself. And also proud at the wonderful home you have provided for your gorgeous piggies over the years, Youā€™ve been such a dedicated slave!
Itā€™s going to be strange not hearing the piggie wheeks in your home anymore, and not needing to worry over their health and happiness. But now instead you can take a deep breath, focus on you and enjoy getting updates on Esme happy in her new home.
I know it will be hard to see and hear about everyone elseā€™s piggies on the forum, but I do hope you stick around as youā€™re a much loved member on the forum. :luv:
 
Oh Claire, darling girl. Youā€™ve always put your piggies first but youā€™re doing the right thing. You're in aeroplane mode and strapping on the oxygen mask so you can survive before helping others.
No one is going to judge you, itā€™s your inner demons who are talking the loudest but they are wrong. Youā€™ve made a tough decision and believe me I know itā€™s hard to let go. Focus on you and think of all the love and care youā€™ve provided over 16 years to kid your contribution and support here.
Big love and hugs x
 
So sorry Claire, I can imagine how heart broken you are but Esme is going to a lovely home with loads of company, be proud you have done the right thing. I hope you will still stay on the forum, you give such good advice, we would all miss you, take care x
 
I've been thinking of you Claire. You are doing such a wonderful thing for Esme. If you are finding the forum hard at the moment don't leave us all together, take a break while you grieve and find your new routine. You will always be welcome here when you feel up to it.
 
Thank you so much everyone for the kind comments, Iā€™m in tears. Iā€™ve just left Esme at her new home šŸ˜ž Iā€™m feeling very sad but I know Esme will be very happy and well cared for and it was lovely seeing her surrounded by piggy friends. I canā€™t believe that my guinea pig journey has come to an end after 16 years šŸ˜ž x
 
You are grieving for Esme just as much as Ella and Elizabeth.
It is still a loss, even although you gave her a new home she will still have her place in your heart..
Allow yourself time to grieve and be gentle with yourself.
Hugs šŸ¤—šŸ¤—šŸ¤—šŸ¤—
 
Thank you ā¤ļø Today being the first day has been exceptional hard šŸ˜ž I automatically went to the fridge first thing this morning as I usually would to give the piggies their breakfast, same at their usual teatime šŸ˜ž Hub did some washing yesterday and as I came to fold it up this afternoon, I came across several pairs of my guinea pig socks. I didnā€™t apprehend how much my guinea pig merchandise would upset me šŸ˜ž x
 
Claire W said:
Thank you ā¤ļø Today being the first day has been exceptional hard šŸ˜ž I automatically went to the fridge first thing this morning as I usually would to give the piggies their breakfast, same at their usual teatime šŸ˜ž Hub did some washing yesterday and as I came to fold it up this afternoon, I came across several pairs of my guinea pig socks. I didnā€™t apprehend how much my guinea pig merchandise would upset me šŸ˜ž x
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It will take a while to get used to things like this Claire,hugs xx
 
I can only echo that time really is one of the best healers.
Eventually you will find your piggy merchandise brings you happy memories too, and you'll be able to look at photos and remember the happy memories instead of just the sad ones.
Until then, please look after yourself- we're all here for you. I broke the piggy cycle just over a year ago, and certainly understand all the crazy conflicting emotions you're feeling. ā¤
 
ScrufflesRules said:
I can only echo that time really is one of the best healers.
Eventually you will find your piggy merchandise brings you happy memories too, and you'll be able to look at photos and remember the happy memories instead of just the sad ones.
Until then, please look after yourself- we're all here for you. I broke the piggy cycle just over a year ago, and certainly understand all the crazy conflicting emotions you're feeling. ā¤
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Thank you. How long did it take you to stop feeling sad and remember your piggies with happy memories rather than sadness and how do you find it staying on the forum having no piggies? I just feel so empty and am missing my passed piggies and Esme like crazy x
 
Frankly, it took me about 5/6 months to feel totally at peace with it, but there was a definite improvement after 3 or 4 weeks when I started getting into a new routine. I still get some painful memories (particularly if I smell something which reminds me of critical care), but I can quickly turn them into happy ones now.
The forum has actually been incredibly helpful for me- it means I can get my piggy fix without too many of the sadder emotions. It's also been really validating to see other people's grief, as many people don't understand the devastation of saying goodbye to guinea pigs. Helping other people also helps me in a way :)
 
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