Ziggy’s day at the vet! :D with a rant!

[retro]

As some have read, Nibbler died from bloat (or what we assumed was). I thought my other, Ziggy, had it.

First, I’d like to share something with you before I give the results. A mini rant if you will.

Against the advisory of my uncle, who gave me a speech (on the day Nibbler died, keep that in mind. Really.) about how it’s NOT a good idea to take piggies to the vet because they’re JUST rodents. You can buy another and it’s not worth the money. Vets just want cash from you. Don’t waste your birthday money! And to let them die “naturally”....yes, that was said to me...on the day my Guinea pig died, two days before my birthday.

He had the audacity to say this to me while I was grieving. Are. You. ****ing. Kidding. Me.

So my mother and grandmother agreed with him. Obviously they don’t know that pets, big or small, can not be replaced like it’s...it’s a broken lamp. Ziggy, Robin, Bowie, Newt and Nibbler (R.I.P. I love you) all have their personalities and I love them for them. I care about their well being. I care because I love THEM. You can’t replace unique animals or people. They fail to see that and it’s just a rodent. I
had scheduled an appointment for Ziggy the day Nibbler died because I was paranoid and panicking. Then I went outside to see if my mom was ready (I can’t drive, I’m disabled.) and that’s when he said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I called and canceled the appointment and I cried so hard for almost an hour to the point I was nearly sick because of how horrible he was. Luckily he doesn’t live near us and when he left I immediately called the vet and scheduled and appointment again.

He gave me $20 for my birthday. I took that $20 and bought medicine for Ziggy.

Ziggy is fine. No bloat. A little gassy, which I got meds for, and some discomfort, which I got antibiotics for in case it’s an infection. The vet was great and understanding of my situation. I’m so glad he’s ok. My lil gassy ballon boy.

 

[Nassala]

I'm so glad Ziggy is fine. I have no doubt every single person on this forum can understand how you feel, and you should never feel ashamed or silly or guilty for loving an animal and showing compassion regardless of size or species. Some people don't get it - fine, but no one can tell you you shouldn't feel how you feel.

 

[Claire W]

I am so glad that Ziggy is ok and WELL DONE for taking him to the vets.

Your uncle had no right to talk to you like that. Our animals are our family however big of small.

I hope to god that your uncle doesn’t have pets of his own with that attitude!

Just ignore his cruel words and carry on with what you’re doing x

 

[Flutterby]

I'm glad Ziggy is ok. Ignore comments and people like that (I know it can be extremely difficult) but they aren't worth it!

 

[PigglePuggle]

Well done for getting Ziggy to the vet, just ignore the mean comments from people who don't have guinea pig love in their lives x

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, so please Ziggy is ok. Well that thoughtless Uncle, take no notice of him. I feel sorry for him In a way, that he has missed out on the mutual Love between an animal and it’s owner. I think everyone on his forum has had that response from a relative, friend or workmate, who just don’t understand and are missing something in their makeup. Don’t let it upset you, he is the loser x

 

[eileen]

you have shown great maturity,I'm pleased you have taken Ziggy to the vet.all animals and humans deserve care and compassion.

 

[Wiebke]

As some have read, Nibbler died from bloat (or what we assumed was). I thought my other, Ziggy, had it.

First, I’d like to share something with you before I give the results. A mini rant if you will.

Against the advisory of my uncle, who gave me a speech (on the day Nibbler died, keep that in mind. Really.) about how it’s NOT a good idea to take piggies to the vet because they’re JUST rodents. You can buy another and it’s not worth the money. Vets just want cash from you. Don’t waste your birthday money! And to let them die “naturally”....yes, that was said to me...on the day my Guinea pig died, two days before my birthday.

He had the audacity to say this to me while I was grieving. Are. You. ****ing. Kidding. Me.

So my mother and grandmother agreed with him. Obviously they don’t know that pets, big or small, can not be replaced like it’s...it’s a broken lamp. Ziggy, Robin, Bowie, Newt and Nibbler (R.I.P. I love you) all have their personalities and I love them for them. I care about their well being. I care because I love THEM. You can’t replace unique animals or people. They fail to see that and it’s just a rodent. I
had scheduled an appointment for Ziggy the day Nibbler died because I was paranoid and panicking. Then I went outside to see if my mom was ready (I can’t drive, I’m disabled.) and that’s when he said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I called and canceled the appointment and I cried so hard for almost an hour to the point I was nearly sick because of how horrible he was. Luckily he doesn’t live near us and when he left I immediately called the vet and scheduled and appointment again.

He gave me $20 for my birthday. I took that $20 and bought medicine for Ziggy.

Ziggy is fine. No bloat. A little gassy, which I got meds for, and some discomfort, which I got antibiotics for in case it’s an infection. The vet was great and understanding of my situation. I’m so glad he’s ok. My lil gassy ballon boy. View attachment 123964

HUGS

I wish from the bottom of my heart that whoever thinks that another living being is not worth caring for is left to die alone and then being reborn as one of the animals not worth spending any effort on.

Glad that Ziggy is OK!

 

[Merab]

So glad that Ziggy is OK
I’d ignore your uncle’s attitude - not knowing how wonderful piggies (and other pets) are is his loss

 

[retro]

Thanks for your replies all. My uncle has cats and takes them to the vet. How ironic. I guess cats and dogs matter but no other animals do? Wtf?

A bit of backstory on what I have to deal with here. My family was brought up very conservative and really straight forward...not high class, we’re far from money...but our last name can make a head turn, in a way....we aren’t like other families. We’re southern folk. We don’t even hug eachother. We’re not that...affectionate. Not as adults, anyway. The last time I hugged my mom was when I was holding Nibbler’s body in my arms, wailing. She really showed her support there, which I’m so happy for. I was clipping some of his fur and I know she thinks it’s gross and weird and she said “whatever helps your heart.” And that really meant a lot to me.

Anyway, my mom and uncle’s dad disliked animals and they took after him. My grandma has a heart, thankfully. She paid for my 2x6 c&c cage. She feeds the stray cats and likes to take care of my bunny. It gives her something to do, she’s almost 80. Haha. My uncle is an ex marine, he went to marine school and it was worse than a hazing in an American fraternity house so to see him detach himself so easily is understandable...he has that stubborn ox attitude. Though he is an ass and his American political choices are backwards, (I'm not a political person but I do end up getting into debates because...yeah I guess I’m just like that...and I’ve tried to tell him stop, you can’t put your political beliefs on me, stop trying to convert me dude. And he did but he loves the president and gave me a birthday card with his face on it just to annoy me lol. He does that.) he does do most things right. He built my bunny a bigger run and he’s been binkying all over the new space. For that, I’m grateful. However, what he said and when he said it will never leave my mind. He’s always been very militant in trying to feed someone politics and his “I’m right, you’re wrong.” Attitude is mildly annoying. He’s not completely heartless but he’s a baby boomer that puts his foot where his mouth is. The important thing is I have enough independence to think for myself and say to hell with him and take my little fuzzy dude to the doctor. Sorry for rambling. I’m really tired. I’m also kind of venting because it still really hurts. I can’t talk to anyone really other than my family, and I’ll only get backlash. I don’t have any friends...so yeah. Anyways, thanks for your support and kind words. It glows this girl’s heart and makes me smile.

 

[Betsy]

It annoys me that guinea pigs aren't "worthy" of vet treatment or love or compassion in some people's eyes but dogs and cats are. Why what's the difference? They are still pets. They are still living breathing animals with thoughts, feelings and individual personalities. They somehow manage to bimble their way into your heart and leave a massive hole when they leave us.

 

[retro]

It annoys me that guinea pigs aren't "worthy" of vet treatment or love or compassion in some people's eyes but dogs and cats are. Why what's the difference? They are still pets. They are still living breathing animals with thoughts, feelings and individual personalities. They somehow manage to bimble their way into your heart and leave a massive hole when they leave us.

Oh gosh how I love my boys. They’re these tiny little four legged, popcorning, wheeking things that you’d just do anything for.

 

[Claire W]

Your grandma sounds lovely but i’m afraid I can’t excuse your uncle.

Why is a guinea pig not worthy of a vet visit yet cats and dogs are? They’re still living beings that feel pain

Your uncle would hate me then as I have spent thousands in vet visits since I’ve had my own pets and that in ALL my animals, not just my cats.

Your piggies are lucky to know that you love them

 

[DMS260820]

As some have read, Nibbler died from bloat (or what we assumed was). I thought my other, Ziggy, had it.

First, I’d like to share something with you before I give the results. A mini rant if you will.

Against the advisory of my uncle, who gave me a speech (on the day Nibbler died, keep that in mind. Really.) about how it’s NOT a good idea to take piggies to the vet because they’re JUST rodents. You can buy another and it’s not worth the money. Vets just want cash from you. Don’t waste your birthday money! And to let them die “naturally”....yes, that was said to me...on the day my Guinea pig died, two days before my birthday.

He had the audacity to say this to me while I was grieving. Are. You. ****ing. Kidding. Me.

So my mother and grandmother agreed with him. Obviously they don’t know that pets, big or small, can not be replaced like it’s...it’s a broken lamp. Ziggy, Robin, Bowie, Newt and Nibbler (R.I.P. I love you) all have their personalities and I love them for them. I care about their well being. I care because I love THEM. You can’t replace unique animals or people. They fail to see that and it’s just a rodent. I
had scheduled an appointment for Ziggy the day Nibbler died because I was paranoid and panicking. Then I went outside to see if my mom was ready (I can’t drive, I’m disabled.) and that’s when he said the wrong thing at the wrong time. I called and canceled the appointment and I cried so hard for almost an hour to the point I was nearly sick because of how horrible he was. Luckily he doesn’t live near us and when he left I immediately called the vet and scheduled and appointment again.

He gave me $20 for my birthday. I took that $20 and bought medicine for Ziggy.

Ziggy is fine. No bloat. A little gassy, which I got meds for, and some discomfort, which I got antibiotics for in case it’s an infection. The vet was great and understanding of my situation. I’m so glad he’s ok. My lil gassy ballon boy. View attachment 123964

As annoying as people like that are, at least you have a heart. I thought people didn't care about Guinea pigs, you should see what people say when you say you have pet rats . Unfortunately, being a Rodent fan, you have to put up with people saying they are disposable. Just say the same about their dogs and cats when they get sick. ( even though you know you don't mean it) or when their pride and joy car breaks down, say just scrap the piece of crap

 

[Freela]

I'm glad he saw the vet and is doing well. Ziggy is clearly a well-loved guy!

I've run into the "Why are you taking your guinea pig to the vet when you can buy a new guinea pig for forty dollars?" attitude more times than I can count, though most people aren't as abrasive about it as your uncle seems to be. This seems to be the prevailing attitude towards small animals here. All I can say to those people is, honestly, if you can't see the individual nature and worth of a living thing, no matter how small, you're wrong and I feel sorry for you! I spent a ton on one of my past pigs (Sundae) who had chronic bladder and dental issues. She was on long-term meds and had several dental procedures/abscess surgeries over the years. She first started having bladder issues around age 2 and dental issues around age 3 and I remember thinking that if I could just give her a life with quality for as long as possible I would do so... she went on to pass away a month or so shy of age 7, which was so much more than what I felt I could realistically hope for, and I never for a minute regretted the time and money spent getting her that far. My vet told me that a lot of people aren't willing to put that much into the care of their guinea pig and she was lucky to have us... but honestly, we were luckier to have her for as long as we did!

 

[DMS260820]

I'm glad he saw the vet and is doing well. Ziggy is clearly a well-loved guy!

I've run into the "Why are you taking your guinea pig to the vet when you can buy a new guinea pig for forty dollars?" attitude more times than I can count, though most people aren't as abrasive about it as your uncle seems to be. This seems to be the prevailing attitude towards small animals here. All I can say to those people is, honestly, if you can't see the individual nature and worth of a living thing, no matter how small, you're wrong and I feel sorry for you! I spent a ton on one of my past pigs (Sundae) who had chronic bladder and dental issues. She was on long-term meds and had several dental procedures/abscess surgeries over the years. She first started having bladder issues around age 2 and dental issues around age 3 and I remember thinking that if I could just give her a life with quality for as long as possible I would do so... she went on to pass away a month or so shy of age 7, which was so much more than what I felt I could realistically hope for, and I never for a minute regretted the time and money spent getting her that far. My vet told me that a lot of people aren't willing to put that much into the care of their guinea pig and she was lucky to have us... but honestly, we were luckier to have her for as long as we did!

I don't get it though, If I try hard enough, I could go out and get a dog or cat for free.