Peter Gurneys Death Article

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Racheylcg

I just read Peter Gurneys article on death. Its says that guinea pigs are unconscious for quite a while before death. It also says they do jolts and cycling movements with there legs. This really upset me and I dont want to go through it with my piggies as I love them so much. Its taken all the fun out of caring for them and cuddling them and I almost wish I'd never got so close to them or even got them at all because I'll be so sad when they die.Theyre both 1 and I know theyve got at least 2 years left but that seems like nothing.
He said that some owners want their piggies put down when they go unconscious because it puts them out of their pain. Is this possible? I'd prefer to have them put down when they go unconcious because I wouldnt be able to watch them struggle like that. Is that fair on them? Will there be enough time to take them to the vets for the injection before they start the movements? Sorry I'm so morbid, but this is really stopping me from enjoying whatever time I have left with them.

P.S. I've just realised I'm a hypocrite, because yesterday I was comforting someone on a thread just like this.
 
Hi Rachey,

I read this too and while it doesn't make comfortable reading I feel you have to enjoy your pigs while they are here. I think with PTS it depends on what is wrong etc, we all want our pigs to live to a good age but that isn't always the case. If my pigs were in pain I would PTS although it would be very hard to do so.

I've no regrets in loving my pigs and when I get more I'll do the same again, try not to worry enjoy them each day :)

Hugs,

Louise
:)
 
I have had two pigs go to the bridge now and one of them made the cycling movements that Peter describes.It is hard to watch and distressing, because as you say, when you love your pigs so much it's the worst thing in the world watching them go. On both occassions I held my Poppy and Max, wrapped in a blanket and cuddled them, talked softly to them and told them how much I love them. I don't know if they were aware of anything, as if what Peter says is true then they are unconcious, but if they did at least they knew I was with them. I'm not saying that anyone who has their pigs PTS at this stage is wrong of course - if I had a pig who was in obvious pain then I would have them PTS too.

I know the thought of them dying is very upsetting, but don't let that stop you enjoying your guinea pigs and giving them the love and care they deserve. The fact it upsets you shows how much you obviously care about them. Like the saying goes, "better to have loved and lost, than not have loved at all?"
 
Thanks, Louise.
I just wish I hadnt read his article, cause its not really the death itself that upsets me, its the unconciosness and movements. I'm talking about old age though, not ilness. I'd probably not see them unconscious if they died of ilness because I'm the kind of person who rushes them to the vet if they sneeze and if they had a painful, life-threatining disease like fly strike I'd have them put down straight because its so painful for them. I'm not saying I could save my pet from fatal diseases, by the way, I'm just saying I'd make the vet give her any op that had any chance of making her better.
 
I know it's difficult - I am dreading the end of my pets' lives and I can barely venture into the Rainbow Pets section without going all wobbly and teary eyed.

But, if you asked any if those owners who have recently had to post in Rainbow Bridge Pets, if they would trade the way they feel now for never having known their pet, I reckon you'd get a resounding 'No!'

Enjoy your piggies, it's why you have them :)
 
Hi

This is not directly related as such but I lost my Gran who lived with me and I was very close to to cancer about 3 years ago. I looked after her at home and it was agonising watching her go through the last stages, esp when she couldnt breathe very well and was on morphine through a drip. It was heartbreaking. Not long after that I lost my dog (had to be PTS) who I had had for 12 years. I was extremely down for a long time and couldn't work out what the point was of loving anything only to watch them and people suffer in the end.

However now I think that the only certainty in life is death - but that doesn't mean we shouldn't enjoy the life that is there. It is important to make the most of the time we have and try not to worry about death as it will come to us all and any death is going to be less than perfect in whatever way it happens. Pets are there for us to love and enjoy and please enjoy the time you have with your piggies. Life is not the end of the journey anyway and death is merely a ticket to another place.

((((hugs)))))

Nancy x
 
CobwebandPigpig said:
I know it's difficult - I am dreading the end of my pets' lives and I can barely venture into the Rainbow Pets section without going all wobbly and teary eyed.

But, if you asked any if those owners who have recently had to post in Rainbow Bridge Pets, if they would trade the way they feel now for never having known their pet, I reckon you'd get a resounding 'No!'

Enjoy your piggies, it's why you have them :)
Click to expand...

Absolutely.

We saw Scampy going through the "jolts and cycling movements with there legs" just before he died. We hadn't read Peter Gurney's article at the time and thought he was convulsing so the vet took him away. If we'd have known we wouldn't have let her take him, we could have been with him in his last few minutes :'(
 
Thing is, I've only ever had one pet die and that was literally a day after I got her, so I wasnt that upset.I just went to check them in the morning ans she was lying there, dead. I just really hope my piggies can have nice, peaceful deaths like that when they go, and thats why I'm thinking of PTS when they first go unconsciuos. That means theres no struggling and its easier for both me and them.
 
Hi Nancy,

I can really relate to what you say. I lost my dear grandad in September of last year. He was 86 and had been ill for 5 years with heart problems. After he died I felt very low and couldn't accept it because his brain was fine, he was a great artist and had a gallery shown of his paintings, it was his heart that give up but it just felt so hard to accept.

Then I got Sunshine and he turned my mood around, of course I've 2 daughters who do the same but there is something different about animals, they really do soothe you. I'm now getting over the loss and that is thanks to my pigs. I know my grandad is with me now and he gave me a great piece of advise on his death bed, he said don't let things worry you and just go out and get what you want in life. So I'm trying to live up to that.

I think pigs are great therapy as are most animals and I'm so glad they are here. :)

Louise
 
I know-a few minute sago I just had a cuddle with MIlly and I felt a lot happier. JUst one more question-whats they average age they die of old age at?
 
Hi Louise,

Sorry to hear about your Grandad... Its very hard, isn't it? It must be nice to look at his paintings and remember him.

Like you, I have children (well one bubbly and extrovert 4 year old daughter!) and you are right although they are lovely in their own way there is something special and calming about pets... It is very therapeutic to be surrounded by furry squishy things that need our love and attention!

Your Grandad sounds very wise, I think he gave good advice too. :)

Nancy x
 
The only thing is you can't really tell if they're "unconcious" or not. Poppy was doing the cycling movements but her eyes were still open. I had not read Peter's article at the time we lost her so would not have known if she was unconcious or not. It may be that she was unconcious and the movements she was making were involuntary, but her eyes were open.

Definitely agree with what Cobwebandpigpig said about whether or not I would trade my time with my pigs. My pig Poppy was 4 when she left us and although I was devastated to lose her, I felt we had given her a good life and loving home. My other pig Max was 1 year old and we had only had him 5 weeks when he died. I was heart broken and couldn't get over the fact we had had him such a short time. At first I said to myself no more pigs now, that's it i'm not having anymore as I never want to feel like this again. Since Max left us we have adopted 3 more piggies! I know that I will have to go through the pain of losing many more in the future, but I couldn't not give another pig a loving, caring home whilst i'm able to offer one.
 
Hi Nancy,

Yeah the past year has been hard. I've still got two Nan's left though. My Nan Betty was so heartbroken when he died they had been married for 60 years. I remember going into his bungalow and seeing a painting of a house with a garden I went wild for it and he gave it to me. I was so happy. I dont want the colour to fade so I've not hung it up, Nan still has all his paintings so we won't touch them yet.

Isn't the average age for a pig about six? Could be longer, all depends on how its cared for I suppose.

Louise
:)
 
(((hugs Louise)))

I have read that the average age for a Piggy is about 8 but thats just from the books I have been reading! ;)
 
SunshineAndTwinkle said:
Hi Nancy,

Yeah the past year has been hard. I've still got two Nan's left though. My Nan Betty was so heartbroken when he died they had been married for 60 years. I remember going into his bungalow and seeing a painting of a house with a garden I went wild for it and he gave it to me. I was so happy. I dont want the colour to fade so I've not hung it up, Nan still has all his paintings so we won't touch them yet.

Isn't the average age for a pig about six? Could be longer, all depends on how its cared for I suppose.

Louise
:)
Click to expand...

Sorry that you've had such a bad year :'(
I suppose that it depends on how you look after them is good, cauuse i have a bit of control over how long they live :), and I think its true, cause my next door neighbours are 3 and she doesnt look after them very well, and they dont look too good :(
 
I think like most animals it prob does depend on how well they are looked after and what they are kept on in terms of bedding etc... (ie not sawdust - I had a rat have to be PTS because I rescued him from someone who kept him on sawdust and his breathing was beyond repair and he was really struggling) and how well they are fed etc..

Like people I suppose! :o :)
 
Hi Rachey,

Thanks :D Shame about your neighbours pigs. I am so obsessed with giving them the right food, and weighing them. My Dad thinks i'm mad he even said you'll know if someone is wrong with them if they stop moving the next day! >:( Noooo we have to do all we can to help them. Me ol' fella isn't an animal lover!

Louise
:)
 
My Dads just plain crazy he actually has conversations with the rabbit-i mean I talk to him but my dad has conversations with him :D.I've just switched from wood shavings to hay, Nishka, so that should make a difference. I'm sorry too about my next door neighbours piggies, they dont have any hay to snuggle in and she gives them mealtimes(meaning they cant forage during the day). I hate to say it, but I dont think theyre going to last much longer :'(. I know what you mean about being obsessed, I even way the right amount of food out for them! I'm neurotic! Which is just as well cause MIlly was overweight when I got her and is the right weight now O0
 
Rachey it sounds as though you are doing everything you can for your piggies, I am sure they love you to bits.

Its very sad about your neighbours piggies... poor things :'(

Nothing wrong with having conversations with rabbits LOL - I used to tell my old rabbit all about my day and all my secrets! (When I was about 13 - not realising my mum and Dad used to listen at the door! CRINGE!) :D
 
:'( :'( :'( All I can say is that I have been very lucky and have been able to sit cuddling my boys as the have pasted away.....their deaths have always been very peacefull and it has been a great comfort to me to be with them right to the end. You can tell when they are unconscious if you just touch their eye and get no reflex. It is very peacefull and nothing to fear...... :'(

Diane
 
Oh I talk to my guineas! Infact Emily was playing winnie the pooh with Cuzzy earlier! She is now plaing Pokemon with him, he look confused...lol

I feed my pigs twice a day but they have unlimited hay and dried mix (tried pellets and they never touched them.) The pigs tend to eat some veg in the mornings then live some for the afternoon, they seem clever with that sort of thing!) Then of an evening they'll eat some then save the rest for in the night.

Louise
:)
 
Aw, thanks, NIshka!
Thanks for the advice, Hairdi, I'm just really scared I wont be their for them when they die, cause I really love them.
Also, I cant touch peoples(or animals) eyes, I'm REALLY squemish.
 
emilyj said:
I have had two pigs go to the bridge now and one of them made the cycling movements that Peter describes.It is hard to watch and distressing, because as you say, when you love your pigs so much it's the worst thing in the world watching them go. On both occassions I held my Poppy and Max, wrapped in a blanket and cuddled them, talked softly to them and told them how much I love them. I don't know if they were aware of anything, as if what Peter says is true then they are unconcious, but if they did at least they knew I was with them. I'm not saying that anyone who has their pigs PTS at this stage is wrong of course - if I had a pig who was in obvious pain then I would have them PTS too.

I know the thought of them dying is very upsetting, but don't let that stop you enjoying your guinea pigs and giving them the love and care they deserve. The fact it upsets you shows how much you obviously care about them. Like the saying goes, "better to have loved and lost, than not have loved at all?"
Click to expand...

I felt better after reading that article after Scampy died,as he did exactly that. As Marty has already said, if we had known prevously that was what it was we would never have allowed the vet to take him away and we would have just held him to the end.
 
Aww thats sad. I love giving the pigguns unlimited hay as they popcorn for it. Thats the most important food for them. The girls hay rack is only plastic and I put it in the hutch, only they started pooping in it!...lol So clean they are. I'll have to get a metal one. Sunshine sits in his! Mental! :)
 
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