[ptbruiser]

I am new here, and YES, I bought my two piggies from pet stores. They both looked very healthy, and still are. I didn't do any research and did not find this site until after I got Henrietta and Gizmo.

Since then, I have rescued three piggies (and found this site). I lost Hamilton. He was an older male (about 5 or 6 according to the previous owner) and he suffered from impaction. When I got him, I noticed that his behind was funny, and so were bowel movements. I did everything I could but the vet said that there wasn't much I could do.

So, I did not have them together. I kept "Hammy" by himself in a play pen during the day and his cage at night. He was so sweet. He loved to be held and petted. He passed away in my arms about a week after I got him. We all miss him a lot. But I still have the other two girls that I rescued, and I will not be buying any from stores again now that I know more about them.

I got lucky that my "pet store babies" were healthy, but I also feel bad about the babies out there that the owners are not taking proper care of them and they wind up like my Hamilton did. I have notified my local Humane Society that if they get anyone with Guinea Pigs to call me. I am going to start up a rescue here in my area.

I do have a lot to learn, but I know that this is the place to be.