Ophelia

It’s so hard and I’m sorry you’re going through this. I had to make a similar decision recently and in the end I went with taking her in, which was a hard thing to do (we booked and cancelled a few times, we were so confused as she kept perking up a bit). It went smoothly and peacefully and the vets were lovely but it was still very sad. For us though we had a worry she might suffer if we waited too long (she had heart disease and I didnt want her chest filling up with fluid). Our vets said better to go early than late, but it is still hard. It is clear how much you love her and whatever you decide will made from love. You have given her a wonderful life.
 
PS One thing that helped me feel a bit less sad about taking her in was a comment from someone else who had been through it, about how they had worked so hard to give their piggy a good life, and trying to give them a peaceful death was also part of that. I may be quoting that wrong but hopefully you know what I mean. All the best.
 
Spend some extra special moments with her even just sitting by her and sharing stories with her out loud about your favourite memories.
Have you decided if you are staying with her and taking Hamlet? 😥
 
She’s gone.

The vet said that if she wasn’t eating hay, it would lead to so much more issues. Upon listening to her breathing, she said she had fluid in her lungs.

We have put her in the run for Hamlet to see. We left vegetables for him but he hasn’t left the hay he went into when we took Ophelia out.

We will post more later.
 
PiggyintheMiddle said:
She’s gone.

The vet said that if she wasn’t eating hay, it would lead to so much more issues. Upon listening to her breathing, she said she had fluid in her lungs.

We have put her in the run for Hamlet to see. We left vegetables for him but he hasn’t left the hay he went into when we took Ophelia out.

We will post more later.
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Poor little fellow, his small world has been rocked 😔 I hope in due course a lovely down comes along and he will have a gal of his of own again. In the meantime, keep spoiling him, he will need it 🙏❤️ Rest easy at the bridge little Ophelia 🌈
 
Truffolo said:
Poor little fellow, his small world has been rocked 😔 I hope in due course a lovely down comes along and he will have a gal of his of own again. In the meantime, keep spoiling him, he will need it 🙏❤️ Rest easy at the bridge little Ophelia 🌈
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I’m spending time with him. He’s eating hay and had a long sniff and lick of the cavy cosy Ophelia had been in, before stretching out onto it. Then, I’m sure I saw this correctly, he popcorned. Now he’s eating hay again, out in the run.
 
PiggyintheMiddle said:
She’s gone.

The vet said that if she wasn’t eating hay, it would lead to so much more issues. Upon listening to her breathing, she said she had fluid in her lungs.

We have put her in the run for Hamlet to see. We left vegetables for him but he hasn’t left the hay he went into when we took Ophelia out.

We will post more later.
Click to expand...

BIG HUGS

You have done the kindest and most loving thing for Ophelia, even if it is the most heart-breaking. Hamlet knew that she was extremely poorly and has likely already taken leave from her so don't be upset if he doesn't react like you are expecting.

Be kind with yourself when the normal soul-searching at the onset of the post-death grieving process starts and whenever you stumble across yet another of the many little unthinking bonds that connected you in the coming days and weeks. I find the latter the most painful part because you cannot brace for it.

Ophelia couldn't have found a more loving and caring home and have had a happier life. You did absolutely the right thing and spared her a slow death in discomfort. In the end, we'd all rather have our own hearts bleeding than watch a beloved one suffer needlessly, wouldn't we?

Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
PiggyintheMiddle said:
There’s the guilt of allowing her to be put to sleep but when I think that she didn’t ask to die, she didn’t want to suffer either.
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I always found it difficult, making the decision to get one of my guineas put to sleep. Who was I, playing God? But relieving your piggies or other pets of unnecessary suffering - there are humans who'd wish for that too. Having fluid in the lungs is not comfortable, so best to relieve Ophelia of that. My dad died a couple of weeks ago and that's what he had too. Once he was given morphine, he didn't last long. And really, I believe that was best for him. Same for senior guineas who aren't going to recover.

Hugs to you all at this difficult time. 🤗🫂
 
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