alexr
Teenage Guinea Pig
I lost my lovely Barry (my avatar pig) a week ago. He was 8 years old. I adopted him when he was 2 with his late wife Beverley. Although he loved Bev, she was very dominant and he became much more chilled out after her passing a couple of years ago. He really came into his own as a solo pig and he was the most gentle, loving piggy I have owned. Over the last year, he battled with dental issues and then it was discovered he had quite bad arthritis, kidney and stomach issues. He was on a lot of medication. Unfortunately, a week last Monday, his urine test showed his kidneys had completely stopped working. The only viable option was to put him to sleep. I was heartbroken and really didn't want to have to make the choice to end his life. After a final night of cuddles, Barry took matters into his own hands. As we went to step out the door to go the dreaded appointment, he passed away in my arms. Somehow, I think he knew where we were going but wanted every last moment of being at home before he died.
It is a week on and I feel so depressed. I cry every day. However, at least I feel that myself and his vet tried absolutely everything to help him before it was realised that there could be no good outcome. She sent me a lovely sympathy card which was very nice of her.
Perhaps it was a little soon to adopt again but I got a rescue boar at the weekend who I plan to pair up with a suitable match. I just couldn't stand the piggy silence. The feeling of not having a piggy pottering about and wanting cuddles! My family of course have passed lots of unhelpful comments about me "trying to replace Barry" and "being disrespectful to Barry's memory." Yes, the new boy does look quite a bit like Barry (albeit a massive version) but he is his own character. Barry could never be replaced. I more see it as offering another animal in need the happy home that Barry and his friends before him had.
Anyway, sorry for offloading a bit here!
Alex x
It is a week on and I feel so depressed. I cry every day. However, at least I feel that myself and his vet tried absolutely everything to help him before it was realised that there could be no good outcome. She sent me a lovely sympathy card which was very nice of her.
Perhaps it was a little soon to adopt again but I got a rescue boar at the weekend who I plan to pair up with a suitable match. I just couldn't stand the piggy silence. The feeling of not having a piggy pottering about and wanting cuddles! My family of course have passed lots of unhelpful comments about me "trying to replace Barry" and "being disrespectful to Barry's memory." Yes, the new boy does look quite a bit like Barry (albeit a massive version) but he is his own character. Barry could never be replaced. I more see it as offering another animal in need the happy home that Barry and his friends before him had.
Anyway, sorry for offloading a bit here!
Alex x