My sweet boy Ham

O

Orion

Junior Guinea Pig
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Some of you might remember me from months ago. My baby Ham has had a very rough 6 months. It started with kidney stones and blood in his urine. Then we were dealing with that and an advanced arthritis diagnosis. His stones got better. He kept losing weight. The vet suspected a URI. At this point, we were in the vet for an emergency visit once a week. Mostly because of my anxiety. Then he got mites. We got all of that treated, and he was finally cleared for 3 months between visits. I should have known it was too good to be true, with the luck we’ve had. He isn’t doing great now.

When he didn’t come out of his hide for dinner, I knew something was wrong. Ham has always lived up to his name, he eats like a hog. I mixed up some critical care and he ate one bite of it excitedly and then wanted nothing to do with it. I tried a carrot. Same thing. He doesn’t want to walk, though he will if he has to. His paws are colder than usual and so are his ears. He doesn’t seem to be in pain, though he is on pain meds for his stones. I think it’s just his time. My baby is 7 years old and has had a rough go the past little while. I held him for an hour and a half singing to him and kissing him, but he’s never been one for lots of love, so I put him back where I know he’s happiest. Times like these, I really wish him and his brother got along. They had to be separated. They’re bar buddies. I’m not sure he’ll make it through the night. I’m going to call the vet first thing tomorrow (it’s 2 am) and see what they suggest if he’s still hanging on. I’m hoping he can have a quiet passing in his home where he’s comfortable. I love him so much and I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. I got him and his brother at 11. They’ve been with me almost as long as I can remember. Always been my constant, the thing that gets me up. I cannot believe I could wake up tomorrow without the sounds of his wheeking for breakfast.

How do you guys deal with this? He’s been with me so long. I’m in a sort of denial I think. I can’t believe there’s a possibility I’ll wake up tomorrow without him. I love him so very much. I hate that this is an inevitable part of having pets.
 

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I'm very sorry. It's always heartbreaking to loose a piggy baby. And if this is your first loss like this, it's probably worse.
You're doing everything you can for your little boy.
Bringing him to the vet tomorrow, if it's necessary, and making the final decision is going to be even harder.
But you must always remember that it's the last gift of love. 💔

You have probably had a look around here already but if not, here is the link to a collection of threads that you might find helpful: End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner
 
Poor you and Ham 😕 It’s so horrible just waiting to see what happens…
I hope if he is to pass away, it is peacefully at home with you and his bar buddy there x
 
Update this morning, he’s still here. He seems to be doing okay compared to last night. He’s eating critical care and lettuce. I called the vet and we’re just going to see how it goes. I do think he’ll be going in the next couple days, but as long as he’s eating and not in pain, I’d rather him be at home where he feels safest and happiest
 
Viennese Furbabies said:
I'm very sorry. It's always heartbreaking to loose a piggy baby. And if this is your first loss like this, it's probably worse.
You're doing everything you can for your little boy.
Bringing him to the vet tomorrow, if it's necessary, and making the final decision is going to be even harder.
But you must always remember that it's the last gift of love. 💔

You have probably had a look around here already but if not, here is the link to a collection of threads that you might find helpful: End of Life and Bereavement Support Corner
Click to expand...
It will be my first loss. I’ve been so lucky to have 7 years with my first babies, I know most people with piggies don’t have that luxury. I plan to have guinea pigs for the long haul, so I know I’ll have many more losses in my future. I’m so attached to these boys, I don’t know what I’ll do when they’re gone
 
HUGS

Thinking of you. Ham is a very good old age. At 7 years, he has survived the vast majority of piggies. But that is no consolation.

Just focus on the now and make the best of what is left. Don't waste time on fearing the end; it will come anyway. The more quality of life you get out beforehand, the less you will fall over the cliff emotionally.

You never lose a beloved one entirely, unless you will it so. Getting over the physical gap in your life is the worst time but beyond that are your precious memories. My own special piggy Minx still comes to me to play her tricks when I am stuck in a scan again even after 20 years and makes me smile and happy at the darkest of time.
I think of my past piggies as my little furry guardian angels who are helping me to look out for my current crowd and who are still in my thoughts and my life even though I cannot touch them any more. Try to focus onto that - Ham will always be yours and be with you. You will never lose him entirely.

A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
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