RIP Tribe piggies

[Wiebke]

I have been blessed to get through the 18 first months of the pandemic with 27 piggies without any losses but I have had two horrible years since then when 20 of those piggies have left me, with the addition of a more recent older adoptee (Cai) and also Claire W's Edward who has spent his last weeks with me last summer - that means I have lost piggies at a rate of nearly one a month, only that it was not quite as regular as that.
Since the deaths have often happened in lumps, several times just days apart without much of a let-off, I have at some point lost the ability to keep up with my grieving and give each piggy their due tribute.

Today is the second anniversary of the start of my string of losses, which reflect my biggest adoption period in the years around 2017 with the usual older and some younger deaths due medical issues thrown in. I want to take the opportunity to formally remember them all.


2021

Hirael (Heeree)'Long Brow'
RIP 15th August, aged 4 (pts for neurological issues)
Adopted in March 2017 from Milhaven GPR (Keighly, West Yorkshire)




Alan (Dally) 'Coltsfoot' (kept his name)
RIP 24th August, aged 3 (died a few hours before the earliest emergency op date I could get for him after the weekend)
Adopted in October 2019 from Neville's Nest GPR (Leicester)




Beryn 'Candytuft'
RIP 26th August, aged 6 (natural death from sudden heart failure?)
Adopted in September 2017 from the RSPCA Bryn-y-Maen (Colwyn Bay, North Wales)




Gareth Rhonwellt (Gareth) 'Gentle Timothy'
RIP 2nd September, coming up to 5 years (natural death from suspected liver failure)
Adopted in July 2017 from BARC (Barnsley Animal Rescue Charity, South Yorkshire)




Meleri (Millie), early Welsh saint
RIP 4th October, coming up to 4 years (pts for neurological issues, triggered by Gareth's loss)
Adopted in December 2017 from a forum member




Gethin 'Dusky'
RIP 26th October, aged 6 (emergency pts)
Adopted in March 2016 from the RSPCA Walsall (Birmingham)




Pioden 'Magpie'
RIP 21st November, aged ca. 8 years (natural death from old age)
Adopted in March 2017 from The Potteries GPR (Stoke-on-Trent)

 

[Wiebke]

2022

Mererid (Merry) 'Margaret (Pearl)'
RIP 15th February, 9 days before 8th birthday (natural death from old age)
Adopted May 2014 from TEAS (Northampton)



Barri 'Summit'
RIP 26th April, coming up to 5 years (natural death with very quick decline)
Adopted June 2017 from TEAS (Northampton)



Tegwen Draenog (Teggy) 'Beautiful & Blessed Hedgehog'
(original name: Mrs Tiggywinkle aka Tiggy)
RIP 1st June, aged ca. 6 years (sudden death)
Adopted August 2017 from TEAS (Northampton)



Miaren (Mimi) 'Bramble'
RIP 24th June, aged 4 (pts for kidney failure)
Adopted December 2017 from forum member



Morwenna (Menna) 'White Seas'
RIP 29th June, aged 8 years (emergency pts)
Adopted May 2014 from TEAS (Northampton)



[@Claire W's Edward, ca. 7 years, pts August after ca. 7 weeks of dental care at the Cat&Rabbit due to becoming too frail for any further treatment]


Nye (Nye-Nye) 'Noble'
RIP 19th September (evening of the Queens funeral), aged 6 years (age-related natural death)
Adopted in November 2016 from The Potteries GPR (Stoke-on-Trent)



Dylan (Dilly) 'Son of the Sea' (kept his original Welsh name)
RIP 7th October, 6 years (emergency pts due to natural dying process not running smoothly)
Adopted in July 2018 from The Potteries GPR (Stoke-on-Trent)



Cai (original name: Kylo)
RIP 12th October, aged 5 (sudden death in the wake of devastating neurological event)
Adopted in October 2021 from TEAS (Northampton)



Breila 'Briar Rose'
RIP 19th December, aged 5 years (natural death with a very quick weekend decline)
Adopted in November 2018 from April Lodge GPR (Sandwich, Kent)



Hyfryd (Hyfi) 'Lovely'
RIP 20th December, aged 7 years, natural death from old age
Adopted in March 2017 from Milhaven GPR (Keighley, West Yorkshire)

 

[Wiebke]

2023

Llawen 'Merry'
RIP 19th January, coming up to 7 years (natural death from old age)
Adopted in October 2016 from Little Pip's Rehoming (Devon)



Hapus 'Happy'
RIP 8th March, ca. two weeks short of her 7th birthday (natural death from old age)
Adopted in October 2017 from Little Pip's Rehoming (Devon)



Tegeirian (Rhian) 'Orchid'
RIP 18th May, aged 3 years, emergency pts (severe symptoms caused by suspected inoperable cancer)
Adopted in May 2020 from Merrypigs Sanctuary (Stafford) after a 20 weeks wait due to the pandemic



Brathlys (Lissie) 'Scarlet Pimpernel'
RIP 11th August, aged ca. 6 years (natural death from old age)
Adopted in August 2019 from Gertie's Lonely GPR in Newcastle



I don't love my piggies any less just because I have a number of them and have coming up 100 piggies passing through my life in half a century in some form or other. Each loss is for me irreplaceable because each piggy is unique, with their own story and quirks and equally loveable.

Sadly, my last remaining oldie, Cerian, is also not well and will be joining her best friend Breila soon, whose death she has never quite got over... Fingers crossed that I can finally get a bit of a breather after that!

If I have mostly felt unable to post in the Rainbow Bridge section, it has not been because of disrespect but because my own pain has simply been too great.

 

[MartiDavi]

I'm truly sorry for your loss. I can't even imagine the pain you're going through, especially with so much loss in such a short span. Our furbabies hold a special place in our hearts, and your words really resonate with me. Each one of them brings a unique light into our lives, and saying goodbye is never easy, regardless of the circumstances. I hope you find the time and strength to heal from this, and I appreciate you sharing your beautiful memories and tributes. May they all rest in peace.

 

[piggieminder]

I am sorry Wiebke for all your losses, every piggy is so precious. Every loss hits hard, no matter the age of the piggy or the reason they have to leave us. Please take care of yourself as you grieve.
Sleep tight little ones.

 

[Freela]

I'm so sorry for your string of losses. It's so hard when it all piles on and you don't have a chance to process one loss before you're hit with another.

They are beautiful pigs and I know they had a lovely life with you.

I don't have anywhere near as many pets as you (right now we have two pigs and three hamsters) but I've found that the hardest part of having many pets is the ability for the losses to pile up around the same time.

((HUGS)) to you.

 

[Wiebke]

I'm so sorry for your string of losses. It's so hard when it all piles on and you don't have a chance to process one loss before you're hit with another.

They are beautiful pigs and I know they had a lovely life with you.

I don't have anywhere near as many pets as you (right now we have two pigs and three hamsters) but I've found that the hardest part of having many pets is the ability for the losses to pile up around the same time.

((HUGS)) to you.

Multiple losses (I call them stampedes to the Rainbow Bridge) are hardest to deal with, even for long term owners. We cannot grieve any faster or any less, after all, since grieving is the other side of how much we love and depends on how deeply we love.

 

[VickiA]

Oh goodness. What a roll call of wonderful Tribe members. I’m so sorry for this protracted period of heavy losses, Wiebke. We know that time with our piggies is always going to be limited but we always wish for longer. Big hugs xx

 

[Wheekallweek]

Aw, gorgeous lucky babies every single one. Of course I spotted our Tegeirian aka Rhian used to be Sammi! A gorgeous gorgeous piggy gone too soon, but so lucky to have you as her forever owner

 

[Wiebke]

Aw, gorgeous lucky babies every single one. Of course I spotted our Tegeirian aka Rhian used to be Sammi! A gorgeous gorgeous piggy gone too soon, but so lucky to have you as her forever owner

Rhian was the rumbliest sow I have ever met. The first year she was here she was constantly rumble-strutting at Gethin and Carys before she settled down more. She and Carys did become best of friends and often hanging out together. Her favourite hub was Cai for the year they had together. I am still somewhat upset about losing her so young to suspected cancer; whatever it was, it was too advanced to do anything about deep inside her body.

 

[munchmonster]

Each loss for me is devastating so I can't imagine going through so many losses in such a short time. Our time with them is precious and we treasure it while we can. Your piggies were lucky to have wonderful times with you . Take care of yourself and your piggies. Sending hugs
RIP all those that have gone

 

[Merab]

That is a lovely and moving tribute to each special piggy.
Such a ‘stampede to the Rainbow Bridge ‘ does take It’s toll on the heart and taking time to grieve is important.
Holding you in my heart

 

[Claire W]

I am so, so sorry for your losses, it’s hard enough losing one within 1-2 years never mind over 20 But each and every one of them have had a lovely life that would have been so much different if it wasn’t for you so please do take heart in that Remember them all with great fondness, you have some lovely memories xx

P.S thank you for your little mention of Edward, I’m just sorry that he has added to your sadness but you made his last weeks much better than I could have offered xx

 

[DavRz]

So sorry for all your losses .You must be a very strong person.

 

[h_and_piggies]

Sorry for all your losses. It’s very clear how deeply you care for your piggies and how much they all mean to you.

 

[YvonneBlue]

A lovely tribute to your rainbow bridge piggies. It is so hard when losses come so close together. I know it feels like the grief is never ending. Your piggies all had a wonderful life with you and many happy piggy days. I'm sure that there are lots of wonderful memories that will keep them alive in your heart.

I have lost 3 of my 7 piggies this year and have another 2 oldies that are very frail. I also seem to be having a stampede to the rainbow bridge.

 

[Wiebke]

A lovely tribute to your rainbow bridge piggies. It is so hard when losses come so close together. I know it feels like the grief is never ending. Your piggies all had a wonderful life with you and many happy piggy days. I'm sure that there are lots of wonderful memories that will keep them alive in your heart.

I have lost 3 of my 7 piggies this year and have another 2 oldies that are very frail. I also seem to be having a stampede to the rainbow bridge.

HUGS

Multiple deaths in a short period can really take it out of you, can't they?

I usually get the adoption itch badly and I must admit that my Cornish family has been my lifeline during the darkest time when I had to deal with accepting that my (very slow) Covid recovery had stalled and that I might never fully recover plus yet another 3 losses in just a single month (two just 5 days apart around their arrival). The birth of the baby boys has helped to balance it out for me and to give me something to get up for each day.

 

[Viennese Furbabies]

I'm very sorry that you have had to say goodbye to so many lovely piggies in a relatively short amount of time. So many piggies to whom you gave the gift of love and a great life.

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry you have lost so many beautiful piggies over the last few years Take heart you gave them all a happy and wonderful new start in life x

 

[YvonneBlue]

HUGS

Multiple deaths in a short period can really take it out of you, can't they?

I usually get the adoption itch badly and I must admit that my Cornish family has been my lifeline during the darkest time when I had to deal with accepting that my (very slow) Covid recovery had stalled and that I might never fully recover plus yet another 3 losses in just a single month (two just 5 days apart around their arrival). The birth of the baby boys has helped to balance it out for me and to give me something to get up for each day.

Yes, I found losing 3 piggies in as many months very hard. I just started to wonder what I was doing wrong and I lost some of the joy I get from having them. It's sometimes hard to accept that you couldn't have done more. I have been syringe feeding at least one piggy for most of this year and currently it's two. It would just be nice to walk into the piggy room in the morning not wondering if they have all made it through the night.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Yes, I found losing 3 piggies in as many months very hard. I just started to wonder what I was doing wrong and I lost some of the joy I get from having them. It's sometimes hard to accept that you couldn't have done more. I have been syringe feeding at least one piggy for most of this year and currently it's two. It would just be nice to walk into the piggy room in the morning not wondering if they have all made it through the night.

So sorry you are having a rough time, hope the girls recover soon. Syringe feeding and then regular trips to Northampton took its toll on me. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to believe I’m not worrying about them (at the moment and alls well),
I understand just how you feel

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, I found losing 3 piggies in as many months very hard. I just started to wonder what I was doing wrong and I lost some of the joy I get from having them. It's sometimes hard to accept that you couldn't have done more. I have been syringe feeding at least one piggy for most of this year and currently it's two. It would just be nice to walk into the piggy room in the morning not wondering if they have all made it through the night.

I fully empathise! Several losses in quick succession can make anybody doubt themselves. And it is often physically draining, as well as emotionally because especially older piggies with a slow decline need quite a bit of support towards the end of their lives.

 

[Gem789]

Wiebke,I'm so sorry you've so many of your gorgeous piggies in the space of just 2 years.You gave them the most loving home.I lost 2 piggies this year in the space of 2 months and I still struggle with that so I can't imagine how hard it must be for you.Big hugs xx

 

[anyar.dris]

@Wiebke I'm so sorry for all the losses you've had. I can't imagine how you are feeling. Losing one was enough for me to get heartbroken, let alone the multiple ones you've had. Big big hugs to you.You're piggies had wonderful lives with you.

 

[Janey]

I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure such a huge amount of loss over a short span of time. However, I am also so very grateful for your wonderful offer to take on Meleri and Miaren; you gave them both a wonderful life, it was such a massive relief for me in a time of crisis. Sending you lots of love

 

[Pound Shilling & Pig]

So sorry for your losses. It is very hard when you have a lot of piggies and many of them have reached their senior years. I know this all too well myself as have had many losses last year and this. It is in no way disrespectful not to post in Rainbow Bridge, sometimes grief needs to be private and sometimes the RB forum can be just too sad a place to be. Our tributes to our pigs are always born in our hearts and whispered on the breeze, sometimes it helps to share them, sometimes not x

 

[Wiebke]

So sorry for your losses. It is very hard when you have a lot of piggies and many of them have reached their senior years. I know this all too well myself as have had many losses last year and this. It is in no way disrespectful not to post in Rainbow Bridge, sometimes grief needs to be private and sometimes the RB forum can be just too sad a place to be. Our tributes to our pigs are always born in our hearts and whispered on the breeze, sometimes it helps to share them, sometimes not x

Thank you. That has been the worst run of losses by a mile, ever. Thankfully, it cannot happen again (simply because I no longer have the numbers).

 

[Wiebke]

I’m so sorry you’ve had to endure such a huge amount of loss over a short span of time. However, I am also so very grateful for your wonderful offer to take on Meleri and Miaren; you gave them both a wonderful life, it was such a massive relief for me in a time of crisis. Sending you lots of love

Millie and Mimi have certainly made their presence felt during their time with the Tribe. They didn't get on (too much competition) but both have found happiness in a stable group and with a gentle husboar. Plenty of memories there!