Here to Learn

[Choffman]

Hello We recently adopted a guinea pig who was needing a good home. We got her just a few days ago. Her poor nails were horribly over grown and she had not been getting the attention she needed. When we got her we trimmed her nails and got her all set up. The previous owners gave her a bath in the morning of the day we went to get her, I think they must have gotten water in her mouth or nose because late last night she passed away. Last night she was breathing heavy, stopped eating and had a runny nose. I'm thinking she had a respiratory infection. I was going to take her to the vet first thing this morning but she passed away around midnight. I'm completely heartbroken and so are my little girls. She was loved very much while she was here and I hope she knew that, She was out of her cage more than she was in it while here and always in the arms of my kiddos.

I want to learn as much as possible so when we do adopt another one I can hopefully pick up on signs earlier, be more educated about what to do and better prepared. Even though it happened so fast I feel like I failed her. Anyway, I'll be "lurking" and reading, trying to learn as much as possible, I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and hopefully find another guinea pig who steals our hearts. My two daughters are begging already for another one. Although this time we will be adopted two, I hear two is better than one

[ellisa]

Hello and welcome!

I am so sorry you lost her. At least she was shown love and care during her last little time on the Earth.

This site if full of wonderful information, you will learn a lot!

[PigPandemonium]

Welcome! It's so great that you adopted and helped out a homeless pig, I'm sure she knew that she had a good home with you, even if it was for a very short time, when guinea pigs get sick, it's always very bad. The best advice I can give, is to find a great exotics vet, and have their number on speed dial. Guinea pigs also try to hide illnesses since they are prey animals, so by the time they show signs of being sick, such as not eating, it's gotten really bad. You'll find lots of helpfully info and people here, I know this site helped me a TON when I first got guinea pigs, if you have any questions, feel free to ask us!

[Choffman]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!!

[sdpiggylvr]

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry you had to go through that situation. At least she knew love for the short time she was with you.

I'm glad you're taking the time to do your research before getting another piggy. So many people don't. Here are a few really good websites to look at as you do your research:

http://www.guinealynx.info/healthycavy.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/rescues.html
Guinea Pigs Social Lifehttp://www.guinealynx.info/medical_guide.html
http://www.guinealynx.info/vet.html
Tasha's Tails: Writings from Amy and her cavies: fleeceTasha's Tails: Writings from Amy and her cavies: hayhttp://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...ants-list.html
Jens Custom Crafts LLC - Home
Cassandra's Cuddle-Wee Things - Home
Small Animal Accessories and Quality Handknits by CobbCabinCrafts

Good luck!

[Wildcavy]

Just wanted to welcome you and add my thanks that you took in this poor baby piggy. She passed knowing she was loved and safe.

[Choffman]

Thank you guys. I'm still just sick to my stomach over it. I feel awful and I just hope she didn't suffer to badly because of my ignorence. If I had known I would have had her to the vet. I wish i had known she was sick. It just breaks my heart.

I do have a question. I know guinea pigs need companionship, even more than what we can give, so we, when the time is right, will be getting two. Is it best to have two males or two females?? Or does it matter? Thank you. Also I would like to rescue again. So I'll need to study up on introductions, I guess unless we end up adopted a "surprise litter". I'm not exactly sure what the best way to go about adopting is. We were offered Mrs. Piggy and I couldn't say no. We live in a small town so no rescues or shelters. Would craiglist be a option? I wouldn't want to buy from a breeder.

Also thank you sdpiggylvr for the great links. I'm going to look now!