Today Was A Horrible Day...

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Hemmy

Hemmy

Junior Guinea Pig
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If anyone has seen my recent posts they will know that Mabel-pig had a very close call a couple of weeks ago. She had bloat and there were a couple of occasions where I thought I was going to lose her. For the past 2 weeks I have been up every night with Mabel, either administering medicine or food, or massaging her tum with a vibrating pad. It was a very emotional, exhausting and expensive period. Thankfully, Mabel is back to full health now. She has been given the all clear by the vet, who took a second x-ray, and is just as cheeky as before she was ill.

Unfortunately, Daphne has also been poorly recently. She has also required medicine, cranberry juice and a lot of late-night cuddles. She has had several minor health complaints (eye injuries, URIs, UTIs) over the past few months that have seemed impossible to get on top of.

I am a University student and my parents (who both work 9-5) look after the piggies Monday-Friday. I come home at weekends and Uni holidays to see the girlies – but I have realised this is not enough anymore. I know with certainty that if I hadn’t been home for Easter break on the night Mabel got bloat, she would have died. I know that if there is another emergency while I am away, she could die. My parents simply do not have the time or knowledge to pick up on the small changes that indicate illness, and do not know how to respond once if they do notice.

It has been absolutely heartbreaking, but after a lot of thought, I made the decision to rehome my piggies. Today I took them to Sue and Winston at Cavy Corner in Doncaster, where they can be given the attention that they need all the time (not just when I am home). I have cried so many tears for the girlies today. I miss them so much. The house feels so empty and lonely without them upstairs. Sue is a wonderful person – she showed me around the rescue and made me and the pigs feel so welcome. I will always be grateful for the way she helped me when I needed help the most and didn’t judge me or get angry at me. I know my girls will be in excellent hands with her and the volunteers at Cavy Corner.

I feel like a failure at the fact that I had to surrender my beautiful babies today. The fact is I could no longer offer them what they needed and deserved.

Thank you to all those on the forum, for the advice that you have offered me throughout the worry-filled nights.
x Hemmy, Daphne and Mabel.
 
You should never feel like a failure as you have done the right thing for your girls. You have made sure that your girls will continue to be loved and cared for at Cavy Corner. We know this must have been a really hard decision for you to make but you will be safe in the knowledge that your girls are in a place where they can continue to get the love that you gave them.

Lisa & Ali..x
 
You've done an incredibly brave and selfless thing putting the health of your girls first - that is in no way being a failure. Anyone who followed Mabel's bloat thread could tell in an instant how much you loved and cared for her.

After experiencing such a close call I can understand why you'd think twice and I'm just very sorry you've had to make such a tough and painful decision.

Your girls will have all the love and care they need, and ultimately you will have lots of memories of them happy and healthy in your care without having to worry for them.
X
 
Oh what a lovely person you must be putting your guineas first ,that alone shows how much you love them
 
Don't feel like a failure, there is no way that is true, the way you kept Mabel going was amazing. You have done what is right for your girls and you should feel proud of yourself.
 
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Oh sweetheart I am so sorry you had to rehome your girls. You are the kindest and most selfless owner to have made this decision. My friend is close to sue and Winston and I have heard such wonderful things about them. Your little ones will be well cared for. Please do not feel guilty. You are very caring and put your girls first.
 
Oh I am so sorry for you. But a brave person you are. I know exactly what you mean, I have a very demanding job and without my mum to help me who is retired then I would have been in serious trouble she helps me when my piggies get sick. I have found it hard as well and had to do some soul searching To the extent that I have no longer replaced my poor lost guineas and just have 4 in theory to reduce the risk of illness and commitment that's needed. I feel it's unfair to expect other people to look after them for you when it's your decision to have them.

Your decision is brave, mature and kind for all involved and you should be proud of yourself, particularly as you must have built such a bond with them. Hopefully one day things will change and you can have guineas again. Good luck with uni! X
 
Well done for putting the piggies first and am so sorry.Have had to rehome animals myself and it is a really difficult thing to do.Don't know if I can keep all mine yet but fingers crossed I can.Big hugs
 
Don't feel guilty. You have obviously thought about this long and hard before coming to this decision . Thank heavens there are rescues. Well done for putting your GPs welfare first.
 
I admire and respect your decision. I have followed your thread on Mabel and know your dedication in caring. You are making the right decision but it will have been a devastating one to have made. But you can be assured they will have the best of care at Cavy Corner. That's what every guinea pig owner would wish for in such circumstances. Don't feel a failure because you have clearly shown you are not.
 
Sorry you have had to do this. I like everyone else think you have done the right thing as heartbreaking as it is. No way are you a failure, getting a piggy through an illness takes time and dedication and like you say you are away and could miss vital signs. Sending a massive hug xx
 
I'm glad it all went well for you at Cavy Corner. Your girlies will be well cared for.
 
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