My sweet, darling Bongo passed away this morning.
It hurts when they die, but it really hurts when it's very sudden. Bongo was two years nine months. He was fit, happy and healthy last night, but this morning when I went to feed him he was very lethargic, cold and bloated. Got him the first vets appointment I could. Vet advised that it was likely to be a twisted bowel, he was already in shock and that he was unlikely to survive surgery. She advised euthanising him. It's an impossible decision - let him have a chance, or stop his pain and suffering. I had to give him a chance. Unfortunately, he died half an hour after I left. They couldn't stablise him.
I know all guineas are special, but Bongo was unique. He's the friendliest and most confident guinea I've ever had. And he looked like a teddy bear when he ran or wriggled his fat little bottom.
Rest in peace, Bongo. Gone, but never forgotten.