I Love Animals

Just had to dig a smallish hole in the flower border to inter my younger daughter's guinea pig, which died last week, having had a stroke a few days earlier. Took a whole hour to do the job, despite its size.
He had to lie in state for about a week (inside an old chest freezer where I keep my tools. Vermin-proof) because the ground was too frozen and then it rained copiously so today was the first day I could bury him. The sun shone. He joined three others nearby.
He had a good life with his friend Shadow, who doesn't appear to be missing him too much.
R.I.P. Tufty 😢

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Neoerectus · M

Sorry for your loss. Our Milt appeared under backyard shed 4-1/2 years ago. I was heading out for business. Phone calls to my wife had me realizing he had adopted my wife after no one in neighborhood claimed him. Merlin came as an 8 year old of wife's single parent colleague who was moving across country for a job. He is now a vibrant 9-1/2 year old. He's had a few medical scares, but hangs in there. Milt is the wheeker. They play well together, but prefer different habitats.

Gallahadnt · 61-69, M

@Neoerectus what are they? Too old for guinea pigs, surely ☺

Neoerectus · M

Guinea Pigs. Milt is approx 5-1/2 and Merlin 9-1/2 (5, 3, and 1-1/2 yrs with 3 set of humans}

Vet tells me most pet store gp's come from same guy in TX that inbreeds them so they die early. Online say 4 to 6 or 5 to 7 for lifespan. Oldest ever was 14 yrs 10 mo.s. Vet has been amazed by Merlin. Have antibiotics for sporadic chest and eye infections. Had the usual skin abcesses. One on back burst and healed. Lower stomach one burst and occasionally bleeds. Vet says likely benign growth, but not worth surgery at his advanced age. Good lesson for me-he is the imp and very mobile, while Milt the wheeker is a big time foodie. We avoid junk store treats with sugar, etc. Lots of timothy, fresh vegs not high in oxalics, etc. Printed a reference list front net.

Gallahadnt · 61-69, M

@Neoerectus wow, that's one ancient piggy! I'm impressed! The oldest we ever had was eight.
The indiscriminate breeding does make me mad. You clearly put a lot into caring for yours 👍

Neoerectus · M

@Neoerectus We made an indoor play area in floor with a couple pet heating pads for winter play using a folding metal fence. For summer, I made quonset style screen enclosure thats about 16x6 feet in back yard. They love the fresh grass. We didnt know how lonesime Milt was until Merlin showed up. I read Switzerland requires one must buy at least two so they have a companion. There are a FEW Cavy Care Rescues around for adopting.

Neoerectus · M

@Gallahadnt Eight! Another oldster! I never had one as a child, although my wife has stories of her dog rescuing a couple escapees they had.
We have been learning from them...added a split-level in habs. And the love burrowing under fabric. Should be soft we discovered since rough scrapes their eyes...who knew? Think they like it since were burrowers in Peru.

Gallahadnt · 61-69, M

@Neoerectus yours are truly living a life of piggy luxury. No wonder they live so long - it's heaven on earth! 😉

Gallahadnt · 61-69, M

@Neoerectus yes ours are bedded on soft fabrics indoors in the winter. Summer, of course, they love the fresh grass and fresh air.
My wife used to breed and show them as a child - until her stupid father decided he wanted to keep ferrets. You can guess the rest ....
She's never forgiven him.

Neoerectus · M

@Gallahadnt The single parent described her 8yo pig as retiring to luxury with us. Might have softened blow for her son.