Support

[Teema]

Hi everyone, it’s been an incredibly difficult week for us. Our rescue piggie Thomas caught pneumonia a week ago, he declined very quickly despite our very best efforts and two visits to his vet, on the third visit the vet advised we get him put to sleep, it has been an exhausting time.
There are no words to describe him, loved is an understatement, he was completely and utterly spoiled by us and I have never known a guinea pig to be so attached to his humans the way he was, always falling asleep in our arms, desparate for cuddles and kisses, he was just the sweetest, we would have done anything for him.
As I said we are really devastated and shocked given how healthy, chunky and happy Thomas has always been that this is how it ended for him, I would have done anything to save him or to make his passing easier.
Just looking for some support I think, my partner and I are heartbroken but doing everything we can for our other wee senior piggie Penny, Thomas’ cage mate.

Ontop of all of this however, I had some dreadful comments made to me in my place of work when I mentioned we were giving our guinea pig round the clock care, up in the middle of the night to check on him, emergency vet visits, syringe feeding, medicine etc…comments such as ‘it’s just a guinea pig, put it in the bin’ ‘is it not cheaper to buy a new one?’ (in reference to the cost of our vet bills) and lastly something about a shovel which I don’t even want to repeat. I mentioned that this has been said to me and my manager is taking it very, very seriously and will be taking it further thankfully, but I just feel so angry and frustrated that people respond like this to someone else’s clear distress over their pet. It’s vile. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

Just having a really hard time. Thomas’ passing was so unexpected, he came into our lives at an incredibly difficult time two and a half years ago, (my grandmother had passed away and on the day of my gran’s funeral my other guinea pig, Poppy, passed away, I then lost my job and our landlord sold our flat).

Penny was grieving, we were grieving for my gran and Poppy, and Thomas came along at the perfect time to help us through all the grief and sadness and challenges, as I said he was so very attached to us humans and adored cuddles, kisses, being wrapped in a blanket to watch a film with us, he would constantly take naps with me, he really helped us at a very dark time in our lives as well as being the best little friend to Penny.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m so sorry for your loss and the comments that your work colleagues made. I wonder sometimes if people say these things because they haven’t stopped to think or they’ve nothing (nice) to say.

Thomas sounds to have been an amazing companion for Penny and for you.

Sleep well Thomas

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry you have lost Thomas. It’s such a shock when they pass so quickly. People just don’t get how these wonderful little creatures can wiggle their way into our hearts. My dad said to just buy a new one when I was nursing a sick piggy last year.

Don’t think of their negative comments. Just think of the happy life Thomas had. Take care

 

[ScrufflesRules]

I'm so sorry about Thomas
There will always be people with nothing nice to say, but we can ultimately only feel sorry for them because they obviously aren't aware of the unconditional love we have for our piggies and the joy they bring to our lives. ❤

 

[Wiebke]

Hi everyone, it’s been an incredibly difficult week for us. Our rescue piggie Thomas caught pneumonia a week ago, he declined very quickly despite our very best efforts and two visits to his vet, on the third visit the vet advised we get him put to sleep, it has been an exhausting time.
There are no words to describe him, loved is an understatement, he was completely and utterly spoiled by us and I have never known a guinea pig to be so attached to his humans the way he was, always falling asleep in our arms, desparate for cuddles and kisses, he was just the sweetest, we would have done anything for him.
As I said we are really devastated and shocked given how healthy, chunky and happy Thomas has always been that this is how it ended for him, I would have done anything to save him or to make his passing easier.
Just looking for some support I think, my partner and I are heartbroken but doing everything we can for our other wee senior piggie Penny, Thomas’ cage mate.

Ontop of all of this however, I had some dreadful comments made to me in my place of work when I mentioned we were giving our guinea pig round the clock care, up in the middle of the night to check on him, emergency vet visits, syringe feeding, medicine etc…comments such as ‘it’s just a guinea pig, put it in the bin’ ‘is it not cheaper to buy a new one?’ (in reference to the cost of our vet bills) and lastly something about a shovel which I don’t even want to repeat. I mentioned that this has been said to me and my manager is taking it very, very seriously and will be taking it further thankfully, but I just feel so angry and frustrated that people respond like this to someone else’s clear distress over their pet. It’s vile. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

Just having a really hard time. Thomas’ passing was so unexpected, he came into our lives at an incredibly difficult time two and a half years ago, (my grandmother had passed away and on the day of my gran’s funeral my other guinea pig, Poppy, passed away, I then lost my job and our landlord sold our flat).

Penny was grieving, we were grieving for my gran and Poppy, and Thomas came along at the perfect time to help us through all the grief and sadness and challenges, as I said he was so very attached to us humans and adored cuddles, kisses, being wrapped in a blanket to watch a film with us, he would constantly take naps with me, he really helped us at a very dark time in our lives as well as being the best little friend to Penny.

BIG HUGS

I am so sorry that Thomas hasn't made it despite the best of care. Pneumonia can sadly be still one of those killer diseases if you come up against one of the nastier bugs like pneumococcus or streptococcus or a bacterial resistance. Not yours or your vet's fault.

Please try to take consolation in that you have given Thomas the best of lives. Guinea pigs don't have a concept for a certain life expectancy; they measure their lives in happy todays - and you have given him plenty of those and have not failed him in any way.

I am very sorry about the comments at your workplace; especially as they come right on top of a family loss.
They speak of the sadly still widespread ignorance and insensitivity towards especially small pets - as if they do not count.

Any of us whose ownership of small pets goes way back has come up against that attitude not just at work but also very often in their families and also with close friends - and sadly often still do, especially amongst people who do not have pets themselves. Finding somebody who understood was rare in those days.
My mother used to drive me mad with her comments about 'Remember, they are just animals and not your children.' - even though it was her who introduced us to guinea pigs as our childhood pets. I don't have children but I still have plenty of love to give - why not to unwanted piggies? Yes, of course they are different from human children but we give each other something that is no less precious and valuable because it jumps the species barrier.
When I grew up, 7 years was generally considered the average life span of a dog; even then (and more so than now) our piggies lived to that age or beyond but they didn't count somehow? I've stopped a while ago talking about my guinea pigs to my mum (and therefore stopped talking of a very large part of my life) and stopped trying to make her understand that being a forum moderator and my writing about guinea pigs are going way beyond the cutsey stuff. It's taken me years to get my hub to understand the same...
Thankfully, we have the forum and a community that understands and that is willing to provide moral support as well as practical advice.

Keep in mind that those same people will sadly miss out on the huge joy and enrichment that guinea pigs bring to your life. Our little ones definitely punch well above their size and body weight when it comes to personality and interaction. It is their loss, not yours.
However the total lack of empathy and sympathy is very hurtful when you are so exhausted and down after a week from hell.
Your grief is the other side of your depth of love; it is the shade that makes the light of your love truly shine out and that makes you an emotionally much more mature person.

Please be kind with yourself and give yourself time to rest and to mourn your special little friend Thomas to who you have given the world and who has given you his love in turn. I am very glad that your boss is taking it seriously.

Perhaps Ayr Guinea Pig Rescue can help you with a foster companion for Penny if you do not want to continue with piggies? As long as Penny is eating and drinking, she will hold until you have had some much needed sleep and rest and until she has had time to do her own mourning for Thomas as well. She will be likely more withdrawn at a time when you would like nothing more than to hug her and hover over her unless she is what I call 'a trooper'. It may be hard for you to give her her own space in the next few days until she comes out of herself more again, if without her sparkle.

Death, Dying, Terminal Illness; Human Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

 

[piggieminder]

I am so sorry to hear you have had to say goodbye to Thomas. Pneumonia is such a difficult illness to overcome, I've lost a boar to it myself after weeks of treatment and sleepless nights.
The comments of your work colleagues are unkind and unnecessary. I've had similar comments at times from silly people who aren't worth the time of day. The comment once came from someone who was going to be employed by me to do a lot of work on the house, he lost a lot of money that day!
Sending you my very best wishes at such a sad time.

 

[Merab]

So sorry for your loss.
You know that Thomas was a special piggy.
You know how much he was loved and that’s what matters.
There are people who fail to engage their brains before opening their mouths and it’s good that your manager is taking it seriously.
You will find lots of support here - we understand how special the piggies are.
Holding you in my heart

 

[Viennese Furbabies]

I'm very sorry for your loss!
Sleep tight, Thomas!

IT's really cruel how some people react when they hear about a sick or dying guinea pig. I'm very sorry you had to go through this on top of everything.

 

[Bill & Ted]

I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to Thomas, what a beautiful little man and your little soul mate, sending hugs to you both. Thomas will have known just how much you cared and loved him Treasure your lovely memories x

Sleep tight Thomas

 

[Kosson]

Hi everyone, it’s been an incredibly difficult week for us. Our rescue piggie Thomas caught pneumonia a week ago, he declined very quickly despite our very best efforts and two visits to his vet, on the third visit the vet advised we get him put to sleep, it has been an exhausting time.
There are no words to describe him, loved is an understatement, he was completely and utterly spoiled by us and I have never known a guinea pig to be so attached to his humans the way he was, always falling asleep in our arms, desparate for cuddles and kisses, he was just the sweetest, we would have done anything for him.
As I said we are really devastated and shocked given how healthy, chunky and happy Thomas has always been that this is how it ended for him, I would have done anything to save him or to make his passing easier.
Just looking for some support I think, my partner and I are heartbroken but doing everything we can for our other wee senior piggie Penny, Thomas’ cage mate.

Ontop of all of this however, I had some dreadful comments made to me in my place of work when I mentioned we were giving our guinea pig round the clock care, up in the middle of the night to check on him, emergency vet visits, syringe feeding, medicine etc…comments such as ‘it’s just a guinea pig, put it in the bin’ ‘is it not cheaper to buy a new one?’ (in reference to the cost of our vet bills) and lastly something about a shovel which I don’t even want to repeat. I mentioned that this has been said to me and my manager is taking it very, very seriously and will be taking it further thankfully, but I just feel so angry and frustrated that people respond like this to someone else’s clear distress over their pet. It’s vile. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

Just having a really hard time. Thomas’ passing was so unexpected, he came into our lives at an incredibly difficult time two and a half years ago, (my grandmother had passed away and on the day of my gran’s funeral my other guinea pig, Poppy, passed away, I then lost my job and our landlord sold our flat).

Penny was grieving, we were grieving for my gran and Poppy, and Thomas came along at the perfect time to help us through all the grief and sadness and challenges, as I said he was so very attached to us humans and adored cuddles, kisses, being wrapped in a blanket to watch a film with us, he would constantly take naps with me, he really helped us at a very dark time in our lives as well as being the best little friend to Penny.

I am sorry, I do feel your pain. I lost my piggy from a rescue association a week ago and the situation sounds really similar.
Your Thomas was (and still is) a family member and it is sad some people do not understand what a pet really is.
Thomas, sleep well and you will see your loved ones in future (that is what I believe...). Big hugs to you.

 

[JoeSuff88]

Hi everyone, it’s been an incredibly difficult week for us. Our rescue piggie Thomas caught pneumonia a week ago, he declined very quickly despite our very best efforts and two visits to his vet, on the third visit the vet advised we get him put to sleep, it has been an exhausting time.
There are no words to describe him, loved is an understatement, he was completely and utterly spoiled by us and I have never known a guinea pig to be so attached to his humans the way he was, always falling asleep in our arms, desparate for cuddles and kisses, he was just the sweetest, we would have done anything for him.
As I said we are really devastated and shocked given how healthy, chunky and happy Thomas has always been that this is how it ended for him, I would have done anything to save him or to make his passing easier.
Just looking for some support I think, my partner and I are heartbroken but doing everything we can for our other wee senior piggie Penny, Thomas’ cage mate.

Ontop of all of this however, I had some dreadful comments made to me in my place of work when I mentioned we were giving our guinea pig round the clock care, up in the middle of the night to check on him, emergency vet visits, syringe feeding, medicine etc…comments such as ‘it’s just a guinea pig, put it in the bin’ ‘is it not cheaper to buy a new one?’ (in reference to the cost of our vet bills) and lastly something about a shovel which I don’t even want to repeat. I mentioned that this has been said to me and my manager is taking it very, very seriously and will be taking it further thankfully, but I just feel so angry and frustrated that people respond like this to someone else’s clear distress over their pet. It’s vile. Has anyone else ever experienced this?

Just having a really hard time. Thomas’ passing was so unexpected, he came into our lives at an incredibly difficult time two and a half years ago, (my grandmother had passed away and on the day of my gran’s funeral my other guinea pig, Poppy, passed away, I then lost my job and our landlord sold our flat).

Penny was grieving, we were grieving for my gran and Poppy, and Thomas came along at the perfect time to help us through all the grief and sadness and challenges, as I said he was so very attached to us humans and adored cuddles, kisses, being wrapped in a blanket to watch a film with us, he would constantly take naps with me, he really helped us at a very dark time in our lives as well as being the best little friend to Penny.

Sleep tight Thomas, until we meet again son.

 

[piggl]

He was absolutely gorgeous.

Small pets are put down to nothing but toys, but these animals are our family members, just like a dog or a cat.
It’s sad, but whenever I wish to speak about my pigs I always preface it by saying how they are like a dog or a cat to me, so people don’t put my babies down as anything less.

I am truly sorry you had to deal with that, it breaks my heart that people can have such a horrible attitude to such precious amazing little animals. They have never had the pleasure of owning guinea pigs and I hope they never do if they are going to go around it like that.
They are cruel, mean people and I hope you don’t have to associate with them as I would never want them to take away from the love and bond you have with your guinea pigs.

My thoughts are with you in this time and may Thomas rest easy for eternity x

 

[Jenni85]

I'm so sorry you lost your beautiful Thomas, he was clearly very loved and rest assured he would have went to the Rainbow bridge knowing as much. Sometimes we have to make that difficult decision and it's heart wrenching but in time you will realise it was all out of your love for them

As for your work colleagues, how utterly disgusting. Maybe they're the ones who need putting in the bin. Some people just have no empathy at all and it's sickening, at least if they thought it maybe they should have just kept it to themselves instead if saying it and upsetting you further. Take care of yourself. X

 

[h_and_piggies]

Sorry for your loss. You did everything you could for Thomas and I’ve been in the same position of round the clock piggy care and would 100% do it again because these special creatures are worth it. He was clearly a special and loved piggy. Sleep tight Thomas x

 

[Teema]

The Guinea Pig Forum never lets us down when looking for support, advice and words of wisdom at a difficult time - thankyou all so, so much for taking the time to empathise, listen and say such lovely things. It has been really helpful in our time of need. It is such a comfort to know that there are so many out there that completely understand how wonderful these lovely little pets are and just how much impact they have on our lives, I am sorry any of you have also had to deal with similar comments as I have but the forum continuously shows just how important our little guinea pigs are and that people who don’t understand are just missing out on all the happiness that our piggies have to offer. Thankyou all so much from the bottom of my heart, you have all helped massively and said such meaningful things, it is so touching. @Bill & Ted the perfect way to descrive our bond with Thomas, our wee soul mate.
I feel so lucky to have had a pig like Thomas, he was genuinely one of a kind, I miss him terribly and these past few days have been awful, my heart aches and my partner is devastated. Thankfully we still have our senior girl Penny helping us through and hopefully we are helping her too. We have put so much energy into spoling her this week, she seems to have a new lease of life strangely! Lots of zoomies and popcorning!?

We are donators of Ayr Guinea Pig Rescue @Wiebke and are going to visit in a week or so to see if they have any suitable seniors to join Penny thankyou for the suggestion and kind words.


Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart, I am so glad to be part of this forum and so glad to see how many piggies are so loved.

 

[Wiebke]

The Guinea Pig Forum never lets us down when looking for support, advice and words of wisdom at a difficult time - thankyou all so, so much for taking the time to empathise, listen and say such lovely things. It has been really helpful in our time of need. It is such a comfort to know that there are so many out there that completely understand how wonderful these lovely little pets are and just how much impact they have on our lives, I am sorry any of you have also had to deal with similar comments as I have but the forum continuously shows just how important our little guinea pigs are and that people who don’t understand are just missing out on all the happiness that our piggies have to offer. Thankyou all so much from the bottom of my heart, you have all helped massively and said such meaningful things, it is so touching. @Bill & Ted the perfect way to descrive our bond with Thomas, our wee soul mate.
I feel so lucky to have had a pig like Thomas, he was genuinely one of a kind, I miss him terribly and these past few days have been awful, my heart aches and my partner is devastated. Thankfully we still have our senior girl Penny helping us through and hopefully we are helping her too. We have put so much energy into spoling her this week, she seems to have a new lease of life strangely! Lots of zoomies and popcorning!?

We are donators of Ayr Guinea Pig Rescue @Wiebke and are going to visit in a week or so to see if they have any suitable seniors to join Penny thankyou for the suggestion and kind words.


Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart, I am so glad to be part of this forum and so glad to see how many piggies are so loved.

Thank YOU! Getting feedback like yours makes what we do worthwhile.

 

[Teema]

Thank YOU! Getting feedback like yours makes what we do worthwhile.

The forum has been so good to us for the past few years, I wish I had known about it seventeen years ago when I had my first two guinea pigs!
It was especially helpful to read that they measure their time in ‘happy todays’ of which my partner assures me Thomas had plenty, he was completely spoiled rotten. He was three when we rescued him and have had him for two and a half years, he had the luxury of free roaming, a best friend in Penny (despite SSPCA believing he couldn’t be bonded!), all the tunnels and bathmats and fleece forests he could ever want, endless orders from the Haybox Club and constant cuddles. I hope someone out there reading this will encourage them to rescue as well, it was the best decision we ever made, it is incredibly rewarding knowing you gave them the best life you could.
Wiebke thankyou again for your support and advice when I was looking for more help when we were treating his pneumonia. This is not the first time I have relied on this forum for expert advice from so many wonderul members here and I’m sure it won’t be the last. Thankyou all again