What have your guinea pigs done for you?

[Jojojo]

I wish I could tell Ollie and Elliot how much they mean to me. They probably get more cuddles than they would like!

I have suffered from anxiety and clinical depression since the age of 16. I didn't leave the house, I didn't have any friends, and I didn't care about myself. In May this year it all came to a head and I ended up in hospital. Luckily I pulled through, but after that incident one of the things my therapist suggested was to get a small pet to look after, like a hamster or a guinea pig, so that I had some kind of structure to my day, and an incentive to get up in the morning. (Feeding, cleaning etc).

So about a month ago I got my two boys. And my life has completely changed. I'm still on medication and will be for some time but I personally believe that the guinea pigs have lifted my mood more than the tablets. I wake up to them wheeking for their breakfast, and running to my hand for a tickle. It gives me a warm feeling inside.

[Scout.Layne]

I suffer from PTSD. About a year ago I was also in the hospital. After I got out I purchased two Robo hamsters. They have given me a little something to look forward to everyday. But Robo hamsters are not really the type of animal that you can really cuddle and interact with. Sure they get happy when you put them in their balls or give them a treat, but they are not much for being held and loved. They are somewhat like fuzzy fish. So I've desided that I should get some guinea pigs as well. Not only to improve my life, but theirs as well as I will be fostering/adopting. I hope I have the same reaction that you did/do,