In memory of a little friend who deserved so much better

[scuffle]

I am sorry if I sound outraged or if this is not the appropriate place to speak of this. I have lost my share of pets over the years and I appreciate the grief we all feel at their loss. I sympathize with all of you for the loss of your pets and hope that you will forgive me. This is not just grief, of which I feel plenty. This is a horrible mixture of grief and rage and contempt that I have to express in the hope that doing so will help me get over it.

A week ago I was asked to care for a guinea pig who was to be transported to a small animal rescue and needed a place to live for a few days. He had been dumped by the side of the road in a nearby town, in his cage, and left to whatever fate awaited him. That someone could be so cruel as to dump a defenseless guinea pig outdoors, in November was awful enough. When I saw him, however, I believed that dumping him was the least of the atrocities that he had experienced. He was filthy, matted, covered with dry skin and brittle fur. His nails were long and curled under his little paws, and worst of all, I could feel every bone in his tiny body. Every vertebrae in his little back poked out through his fur. It was awful. He hadn’t been properly fed for god knows how long.

Amazingly, despite what had obviously been a horrible life, the little guy was quite possibly the friendliest guinea pig I have ever met. He purred when I stroked him, submitted easily to being handled, even when getting his nails trimmed, and chattered happily whenever anyone came into the room. He was lovely, sweet, and really adorable. We all fell in love with him pretty much instantly.

He had a good strong appetite, and ate well for the few days I had him, drank lots of water, and generally seemed healthy to me. I really hoped that with enough time, and attention, he would finally be well. I knew the kind people at the rescue would ensure that he found a really good home. I was confident that he would get the happy ending that he deserved. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Soon after arriving at the rescue, the poor baby died. I guess he just wasn’t strong enough to overcome the months of neglect, no matter how much we all wanted him to.

I am so angry about this. He didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Why didn’t the owner just give him up when he or she realized that they couldn’t be bothered to look after him anymore? Why torture the little thing and then just dump it like trash? Why would you get a pet if you had no intention of caring for it? What is wrong with people? When are pet stores going to start taking responsibility for the animals that they sell, or better yet, stop selling them altogether?

Again, I am sorry if this isn’t an appropriate forum for my anger. I mean no disrespect and I am sorry for all your losses. I just think he deserves to be remembered and respected, and unfortunately, it’s only in death that he will find that.

RIP little Rodney. No way will I ever forget you, and I am so sorry I couldn’t help you more.

[5guinea5pig5]

Poor piggy! How could someone do something like that? If you don't want a pet at least try to find a home for it.

[RainKindle]

Thank you for giving him the care that he deserved. You have a big heart, and I hope you will be able to help others in memory of Rodney. You have my thoughts and support.

[AnimalHouse36]

THank you. Instead of having his last few days filled with cold, starvation, and miserableness, he got his last few weeks filled with loves, fresh veggies, and a nice caring home. It may not mean much now but what you did was a great thing and now Rodney's up there waiting to show his thankfullness.

[hueyeats]

I am so sorry that little Rodney could not live a little longer to enjoy a bit more love. But will also hereby thank you that you have shown him love during his last part of his journey.

Did you have to return him to the rescue since you are only fostering him? I could not help but think that his poor little heart must be broken if you had to return him to the rescue (they should really allow you to keep him a little while longer maybe especially with a delicate piggy like Rodney?) after a few days especially if he had come to love you & bonded with you (I just feel that from what you described).

It is as though Rodney has come to see you as his bonded companion he never had... and we all know that taking away one of the bonded pair may cause stress, even death to a GP.

And it is his terrible owners that have caused his poor heart to break in the first place.

You must have been wonderful to Rodney. Kudos to you for sharing that love... I know from your story of Rodney's memory, I'll never abandon mine love ever.

[scuffle]

Rodney was never mine to keep. I do volunteer work for an animal rescue, and when they called and asked me if I would look after Rodney until he could be transported to the small animal rescue, I was happy to do it. I have five piggies of my own, and that is as many as I can manage financially and space-wise (three of them are also rescues). The rescue he was being taken to would have kept him safe and happy until a permanent home could be found, so while I regretted him having to go, I knew it was his best chance for a good life.
I do regret that I couldn't have kept him, and I am grateful that I got to know him, but the issue with fostering is that you simply can't keep them all. I remember and love every single foster animal I have cared for, and I take great pleasure in thinking about the wonderful homes they have now. Rodney is the first one I have lost and I am heartbroken.