Piggie died now I have one left on her own

ChloeThePiggieLover

ChloeThePiggieLover

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Looking for some advice from you guys. our 6 year old piggie Carolina got put to sleep the other day since she had a tumour and was way too poorly, i know it was the best for her but I am devastated obviously though I am happy she is at peace now. she was in a pair so we now have our other piggie Camilla on her own and I know it’s cruel for them to not have a friend to live with so I’m wondering when is the best time to get a companion for her? I have this awful guilty feeling when I think about getting a new one as if I’m replacing her so soon.. I also have no idea how this can work during corona virus? not even sure if you can buy new pets, just so worried about Camilla being lonely :( thanks
 
I am so sorry for your loss.
Camilla will need some time to grieve. For piggies this takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Keep an eye on her weight (weighing more regularly than the routine weekly weighing if you are concerned about her) to ensure she is eating enough hay and is generally happy. She will likely be ready for a new friend before you are though.
The best and safest thing to do is to contact a rescue centre and ask about dating. Some may not be able to do it now but some are slowly starting to open up again for bereaved piggy adoptions. It would be good to get your name down on their lists though.
You do need to be aware that if you go out to a pet shop and buy another piggy, that there is risks associated such as missexing and bringing home an already pregnant piggy. Also, as character compatibility is vital to a successful bond, by just bringing home a piggy, you will have no idea if the new piggy and camilla will be compatible and it may result in a failed bonding. If you can contact a centre about dating, it will enable her to choose her own friend which will result in a successful bond.
I will add in some guides below to help you

Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Enrichment Ideas for Guinea Pigs
Sows: Behaviour and female health problems (including ovarian cysts)
 
So sorry you lost her.
My Jess lost her cagemate of over six years Rupert last May and she was very sad after such a long time together. I felt bad thinking about getting a new pig as I loved him so much but she was utterly miserable. So got herself a new toyboy (neutered!) from a rescue called Luigi about a month after Rupert had passed away!
Hope you can find a new lovely friend for Camilla soon :)
 
So sorry for your loss of Carolina and good for you thinking of Camilla’s needs while you are grieving.
You are never going to be able to replace Carolina, she was unique.
A new piggy will be a successor who will find her / his own place in your heart.
That’s the thing about love, the more we give, the more we have to give.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve
 
Please don't blame yourself or question your decisions. I agree that Camilla will need a piggie friend soon, sooner than you may be ready for but take time to work through your grief. Be gentle and make give lots of love to your remaining fluffy friend.
 
Sorry for your loss, its very difficult to lose a piggie we love so much. You'll know when the time is right to get a new companion and as others have said it might be sooner than you think. When I lost one of my boy pair I saw a change in mood, sullen is the way I'd describe it. Just sitting waiting. So I brought a new little chap home within a week and after reading up on here about how to bond, they were great companions for a few months until the older boar passed peacefully. I ended up in the same situation again with the same lost look after a few days. Having learned alot during the first bonding session (and knowing it may not always be succesful) I took him to a rescue to find his own pals (I had him neutered first)...he now lives happily ever after with 5 ladies.
You mustn't feel guilty about doing whats best for your solitary piggie. My son was very attached to the boar we lost and thought we were replacing him (as if I didn't feel guilty enough!) so I made sure the new piggie was the exact opposite in colour and planted a bush to remember him by. They all bring huge amounts of love with them in different ways and you'll benefit from that too, as well as doing right by your current pig. All the best & I hope things work out in due course x
 
ChloeThePiggieLover said:
Thanks so much everyone, you all really made me feel better. I’ll make sure I can get her a friend ASAP.. thanks so much for the kind words ❤
Click to expand...
If you need extra support please get in touch, I'm sure that everyone would like to see how you and Camilla are doing.
 
I’m so sorry you lost Carolina, sending hugs. You are a very caring owner thinking of what’s best for Camilla, I’m sure you will find a lovely friend for her when the times right x
Sleep tight little lady x
 
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