Sad Struggling after loss of Guinea pigs

[Pomegranate]

Up until a few months ago, I had three pigs that I had had for a few years. I then adopted two small pigs, and I had five all together. Tragically I lost my wonderful three pigs, and I made a thread on this forum a couple months ago. They died of heatstroke in my garden.

I now have the two youngest pigs, and these past couple months I have been struggling. I have lost all the confidence I had after 15 years of owning piggies, when my three died outside. I no longer believe I am a good pig owner, I feel I am just waiting for these poor couple of pigs to die - I expect all the time that I'll walk in and they'll be dead. I look after them really well, they've a big cage, so much space, a big hay tray that they love, veggies everyday. I talk to them all the time, they're starting to trust me more.

I have not put them in the garden since my other pigs died out there, so on sunny days I have to bring them into the kitchen, as their room gets too hot. I'm scared to put them outside, and glad it's coming up winter soon so I can't put them out anyway...

I was very sad this morning, I had to keep the back door and windows shut, so I had to bring the guineas inside (there's a cat who comes into the guinea/laundry back room and steals our washing, and with the rainy weather, I fear slugs coming inside) . It all feels like hard work, and it feels for nothing. I love my two pigs, very much, but I'm very frightened of losing them. I wish I could regain my joy of having pigs, but the sadness of losing the others still lingers all the time. I've thought of getting more, I've always had more than two pigs, I've a big cage, I've wondered if having lots of guineas to help soothe my grief, will help build my confidence again - but on the other hand I worry that I'd be constantly worrying about them.

I just feel very sad about it recently. I keep dreaming of my old pigs, and I wake to remember they are gone. :sad:

 

[Cativision]

I may be some random person coming and replying to your thread.I normally don't reply to threads,but this one really spoke to me.

I went through something similar a few months back,with my hamsters.I went to check on one of them,and he was dead.I reassured myself that I can just put my other ham in his cage,right? I checked on him,he was dead too. They died an hour apart,and I was distraught. I felt like such a horrible pet owner,I didn't want anything to do with hamsters anymore.But when I went to the pet store a few weeks later for bird supplies,this one hamster just made my heart melt and I had to bring her home.

But just remember that regardless of what happened,you are such a great pet owner and did everything you could for your pigs. Heat stroke just happens,there is nothing you can really do for it.But it wasn't your fault. You have such a large and beautiful heart for accepting five pigs into your life.Yes,three may have left you,but these two need and depend on you for their every need. All your pigs,here physically or mentally,love you so very much and appreciate you for everything you do for them. I may not have such good advice,as I have only had one pig leave me, but just hear me out. If you ever feel down,just remember that all your pigs,past and present love you and want you to keep continuing taking in abandoned pigs and welcoming them into your heart. If you ever feel as if you are replacing them, just keep in mind that all pigs are different and you are not filling their place,you are just expanding your love to another pig.

If I were you right now,I would spend most of my time on my current pigs,making sure they are happy and healthy.I am the type of person that gets really sad easily without another pet to hold myself together, but it's all your decision.But right now,gain your confidence by working with your other pigs.Make pillows for their cage,think up ways to improve their cage,start to establish their trust,write down what you love about them,all different things.If it really pains you,get your mind off pigs for a while. Go for a walk,clean your room,find ways to help around the house,etc. Another thing is to join an online pet loss support group to help through. I am in one currently,I lost my dog a month ago,and the group is really helping me through the grieving process.Also,make sure you are taking care of yourself,too.I wasn't paying attention to my hygeine when my dog passed and,well, I didn't look (or smell) all that delightful.

I really hope this helps, at least a little bit. Just remember that you are doing a fantastic job caring for your pigs and keep being confident,there is another pig out there somewhere, waiting to become part of your cavy family and a part of your heart.

 

[barbaramudge]

What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. It's a horrible feeling but you will work through it. We try so hard to rush through this stage of the grieving process because it hurts so badly but it is a process and it takes time. Just take a deep breath and let those feeling flow right out of you. If you feel fault in this then learn from the mistake. All people make mistakes and those mistakes are what help us to become better. I read your story when it happened and I feel you acted as best as anyone could and I think you will see that in time. Allow yourself all the time you need to accept what happened and move forward.

Love the pigs you have. Allow them to help you gain your confidence back.

 

[Icarus_Hermes]

I am going through something similar: lost one pig suddenly and unexpectedly, and am working on rebuilding the trust of my other pig. It hurts so bad, but that's also evidence of how much we love and care for our pigs.

I have beat myself up so many times because I couldn't save Hermes. But I am lucky I have my family to talk me through it and remind me of the wonderful life Hermes had, even if the ending came too soon.

Remember the good times and spoil your pigs. They are lucky to have a piggie parent as dedicated as you.