Behavior Quick question ?

[-Emma-]

Ok so my beloved piggy Russel passed recently, he had arythrtis and recurring teeth problems. We did everything for him, numerous vet visits, I took half an hour every morning to blend his veggies and pellets so he could eat. I came home from school one day to see him lying in the corner not moving but still alive. We rushed him to the vet and teh vet said his organs were shutting down and it wouldnt be fair to keep him alive for his last two hours. She gave him a jag to ease the pain before giving him the jag to put him to sleep. The vet said we were to sit outside in the waiting room. It always makes me cry because when we were waiting I heard his last loud squeek because of the jag, it was a horrible moment. He didnt need the second jag, he fell asleep after the first. I feel so guilty for not being in there with him, I was distraught.

I feel so bad, I keep thinking that he was calling for me when he squeeked.

I cry all time, how can I ease the pain ? I feel like im never going to get over him. I still have the blanket that he died on because it has his smell on it.

My question was however, I still have my other guinea pig Marty who is doing ok,he was a bit sad the first few days because his buddy had just disappeared. I cant bring myself to adopt another piggy.

He is a very lazy piggy whilst russel was very active. Sometimes during the day or in the middle of the night I will wake up and Marty is happy squeeking and running about as if he is playing with someone, the way he used to with russel. He walks about all day and popcorns normally but there are times when it looks asif he is being chased or chasing someone ?

Do you think its possible that his buddy comes back sometimes to comfort him and play with him ? Or am I crazy ?

Thanks !

 

[medusa_stew]

Possibly, Some people say when kids have imaginary friends that they are spirits. So possibly his little buddy is back with him!

 

[sdpiggylvr]

I'm so very sorry for your loss. This post made me almost cry! I had a very similar experience with my last dog, so this touched my heart.

The grieving process can take a long time and can be quite painful as you're experiencing. I recommend doing cardio exercise (running, specifically), spending time with family and friends, and making some sort of memorial for Russel to help ease the pain. I made a scrapbook of all the things I remembered about my dog when he died. I had a few pictures of him, a picture of his favorite toy, one of his kibbles, etc.

The worst part of losing a pet is the emptiness, boredom, and grief that follows. All of this eases with the acquiring of a new pet to take your mind off the one you lost. Now, I know you just lost Russel, but you might want to consider adopting another pig after you've grieved for a little while. It really makes everything better.

In the meantime, spend as much time as you can with Marty. Death tends to remind people how precious time really is, so I make a point of it to spend as much time as I can with my pigs and my new puppy each day.

I feel so guilty for not being in there with him, I was distraught. I feel so bad, I keep thinking that he was calling for me when he squeeked.

Don't feel bad or guilty, you did the best thing you could for him. I know it's hard. But it'll only make it worse.

Sometimes during the day or in the middle of the night I will wake up and Marty is happy squeeking and running about as if he is playing with someone, the way he used to with Russel. He walks about all day and popcorns normally but there are times when it looks asif he is being chased or chasing someone?

I do believe in spirits, and I think that Russel did come back to visit Marty, to comfort him. Another example is when my friend's sister died, he was playing outside, when he heard someone call his name. He looked, but didn't see anyone. Then he smelled what his sister used to smell like. He believes that she came back to say good-bye.

Again, I am really sorry for this terrible loss. I know what you're going through, and I can assure you that the pain does subside.

 

[Paula]

I think it's more likely than not that the remaining pig is acting normally and the timing and your grief are working together to affect your judgment of the situation.

There's nothing wrong with that - and what you choose to believe about your recently departed pet and spirits and whatnot is entirely up to you.

 

[myfirstcavy]

I lost my doggy on my birthday 2 years ago. It was very sudden, without getting into a sobfest, I was distraught. She was my very first pet and my best friend, and incredibly good dog. Anyway, I got a new puppy soon after she died, and sometimes I wish I had waited maybe a week or so, but I never, ever, regret getting another puppy. Even though he doesn't live with me now, I am still glad I have him. I would suggest getting another one after a couple weeks or so of grieving (you can't possibly spend your whole life grieving right!?). Also, cardio exercise helps a lot with stress and grieving.

I think you should believe whatever makes you happy about whether or not Marty was comforted by his old friend's spirit. Personally though, I believe in spirits too, and animals do have that weird sixth sense, so it is very possible (in my personal opinion that is).

I hope your grieving process goes smoothly, however long or short it may be!

 

[Deb's4Pigs]

I'm sorry for your loss, but a week after my Peke died I'm positive I heard her snoring.
No one else snored like she did.

 

[Cogni]

Poor Russel. I'm sorry for your loss.

Poor Marty also. He might be playing because his survival instinct tells him to shake off the grief so that he can live. I think you should get him a buddy so that he can really live happily.