Advice Needed For My Wee Pig Who Has Lost His Friend...

[JulieH]

Hi everyone, I've only just joined today but have been reading this forum for a few months now when I've needed advice. I got my two wee pigs- Sheldon and Pig from pets at home nearly 3 years ago. They were great together- never had any dominance issues with them as I think they decided they were fairly even! They were still pretty independent though as just went about doing their own thing but had the odd wee chat and slept together. They were indoor piggies. Sadly, after months of bladder problems (incl an op) and lots of fighting on my part to get him through it Sheldon had to be put to sleep on Monday as he was in too much pain. I am devastated and completely heartbroken. I knew it was for the best though and even though I've been a vet nurse for 14 years it didn't make it any easier. Usually with the death of a pet I just have to deal with the human aftermath. But now I have a little Pig who has lost his friend. He was with him when it happened right up until Sheldons heart stopped so I thought that was nice for them both. He is currently eating well, shouting for food and wandering happily about cage. He is sleeping alot- but he always did and Sheldon was the one who woke him up to get him going. He gets out to run about 3 times a day round the house- he does come out and runs a little bit but was obviously used to following Sheldon about. He does wander about for food though! I have been spending lots of time with him. The problem is he has never been a cuddly pig- he has always hated being handled. I have noticed he has become more friendly these last 2 days- in fact as I write this he is lying next to me on the floor eating some pellets. I am just worried he will lead a lonely life now- I have hated going to bed these last 2 nights and leaving him alone. But when he is asleep he is curled up and looks really cosy. We have bought him a radio so when we go out he has noise- they were and still are currently never left alone for more than 5 hours. Hes also got loads of tunnels/toys etc both in the cage and on floor when he comes out. I am putting on my lap quite a few times a day too and sitting on the floor next to the cage for a few hours a day. I am confused on what to do now- do I get him a companion? I'd rather not for 2 reasons- 1. I don't know if he will like it as he was fairly independent and did try and hump Sheldon quite alot and I don't want to upset him. 2. I don't want to be in this same situation a few years down the line when he goes and I have another wee piggie left without a friend. I feel I'd be stuck in a never ending guinea pig replacement loop.
Its causing alot of tears as I honestly don't know what the right thing to do is? Its breaking our hearts even more as not only have we lost our amazing Sheldon- we now are worried about our little Pig. I'd love him to just learn to run around the house and follow me and my boyfriend about whenever he wants but I do wonder if I am robbing him of a better life? He is almost 3 and un neutered- I will not have him neutered as I do not want him to have an anaesthetic. I don't know if i'm reading too much into it and hes actually ok. Its only been 2 days since we lost Sheldon.
Any help/advice would be appreciated please. the only place nearby me to get a new pig would be pets at home- so I couldn't even trying bonding them first.
Thank you everyone. I look forward to many years of guinea pig chat on this forum :-)

 

[Wiebke2]

Hi everyone, I've only just joined today but have been reading this forum for a few months now when I've needed advice. I got my two wee pigs- Sheldon and Pig from pets at home nearly 3 years ago. They were great together- never had any dominance issues with them as I think they decided they were fairly even! They were still pretty independent though as just went about doing their own thing but had the odd wee chat and slept together. They were indoor piggies. Sadly, after months of bladder problems (incl an op) and lots of fighting on my part to get him through it Sheldon had to be put to sleep on Monday as he was in too much pain. I am devastated and completely heartbroken. I knew it was for the best though and even though I've been a vet nurse for 14 years it didn't make it any easier. Usually with the death of a pet I just have to deal with the human aftermath. But now I have a little Pig who has lost his friend. He was with him when it happened right up until Sheldons heart stopped so I thought that was nice for them both. He is currently eating well, shouting for food and wandering happily about cage. He is sleeping alot- but he always did and Sheldon was the one who woke him up to get him going. He gets out to run about 3 times a day round the house- he does come out and runs a little bit but was obviously used to following Sheldon about. He does wander about for food though! I have been spending lots of time with him. The problem is he has never been a cuddly pig- he has always hated being handled. I have noticed he has become more friendly these last 2 days- in fact as I write this he is lying next to me on the floor eating some pellets. I am just worried he will lead a lonely life now- I have hated going to bed these last 2 nights and leaving him alone. But when he is asleep he is curled up and looks really cosy. We have bought him a radio so when we go out he has noise- they were and still are currently never left alone for more than 5 hours. Hes also got loads of tunnels/toys etc both in the cage and on floor when he comes out. I am putting on my lap quite a few times a day too and sitting on the floor next to the cage for a few hours a day. I am confused on what to do now- do I get him a companion? I'd rather not for 2 reasons- 1. I don't know if he will like it as he was fairly independent and did try and hump Sheldon quite alot and I don't want to upset him. 2. I don't want to be in this same situation a few years down the line when he goes and I have another wee piggie left without a friend. I feel I'd be stuck in a never ending guinea pig replacement loop.
Its causing alot of tears as I honestly don't know what the right thing to do is? Its breaking our hearts even more as not only have we lost our amazing Sheldon- we now are worried about our little Pig. I'd love him to just learn to run around the house and follow me and my boyfriend about whenever he wants but I do wonder if I am robbing him of a better life? He is almost 3 and un neutered- I will not have him neutered as I do not want him to have an anaesthetic. I don't know if i'm reading too much into it and hes actually ok. Its only been 2 days since we lost Sheldon.
Any help/advice would be appreciated please. the only place nearby me to get a new pig would be pets at home- so I couldn't even trying bonding them first.
Thank you everyone. I look forward to many years of guinea pig chat on this forum :-)

I am very sorry; it is hard to cope with the death of one piggy, but seeing the other pine is seriously upsetting!
Would it be possible to get to Hutches Rescue in Alyth in Perthshire? It is sadly the only recommendable rescue in Scotland, but Pig and you would be in very good hands there. Several members with bereaved piggies have found a new friend there.
Here are the contact details: http://www.hutches-boarding-rescue.org.uk/

 

[JulieH]

Thank you for replying. I did look at their websitebut they had no piggies at the moment. I don't mind driving there at all as Pig isn't too bad a traveller. He's looking brighter tonite and I think I even saw a wee popcorn. I just don't know if we are being selfish by not getting him a new friend. I wish he could talk and tell me what to do

 

[Wiebke2]

Thank you for replying. I did look at their websitebut they had no piggies at the moment. I don't mind driving there at all as Pig isn't too bad a traveller. He's looking brighter tonite and I think I even saw a wee popcorn. I just don't know if we are being selfish by not getting him a new friend. I wish he could talk and tell me what to do

Have you spoken to them? There are often less piggies on the website than they have actually got. If you can travel, North East Guinea Pig Rescue in North Shields will consider rehoming as far as Glasgow; they are another very experienced rescue that allows dating under expert supervision. Best contact them as enquire whether they have got suitable candidates in. http://www.northeastguineapigrescue.co.uk/ or https://www.facebook.com/NegprNorthEastGuineaPigRescueAdoptionPage

 

[Critter]

Hi and welcome. What a thoughtful post, you obviously care very deeply about Pig.
I hope you have some luck with the rescue. How would you feel about getting him neutered? I know it's putting him through an op but if it doesn't work out with finding a suitable boar-match then pairing him up with a sow may be something that works out well.

I truly feel for you with Sheldon. My first piggy, Shadow, had recurring bouts of cystitis and repeated rounds of anti-biotics. In the end she was in pain and peeing quite a bit of blood and another vet took an ex-ray, revealing many lumps. She had ulcers in her bladder, and the operation to help with this was too much for her body to take.
I'm sorry for yours and Sheldon's loss xx

 

[Galaxy&nibbles]

Hello, i am sorry for your loss and your poor piggy.. I am currently in the same situation. Poor roddy lost his first friend fuzzums just a few months ago, I got him bonded with beanie who sadly passed away Saturday night. I feel so sorry for him losing yet another friend and so soon. I really don't know what to do either. I can't say I want to get another piggy as I don't cope well with the loss of an animal, and I don't want him to go through it again and again. Not only that but I swear he prefers being on his own or human company. Like you I don't want to be in this loop. I don't want to re home him so he can have a friend as I love him but also feel awful not getting him a friend. I am considering quite simply just taking him everywhere with me when I'm not home for company for him. I leave the radio on for him if he is alone in his cage. I feel lost with what to do too, so you are not alone! Xx

 

[JulieH]

I would not considered neutering. I would not risk an anaesthetic at all. I really just want Pig to have a happy life. We are able to spend a lot of time with him at the moment to help him. So it's just lo

Hello, i am sorry for your loss and your poor piggy.. I am currently in the same situation. Poor roddy lost his first friend fuzzums just a few months ago, I got him bonded with beanie who sadly passed away Saturday night. I feel so sorry for him losing yet another friend and so soon. I really don't know what to do either. I can't say I want to get another piggy as I don't cope well with the loss of an animal, and I don't want him to go through it again and again. Not only that but I swear he prefers being on his own or human company. Like you I don't want to be in this loop. I don't want to re home him so he can have a friend as I love him but also feel awful not getting him a friend. I am considering quite simply just taking him everywhere with me when I'm not home for company for him. I leave the radio on for him if he is alone in his cage. I feel lost with what to do too, so you are not alone! Xx

poor u and roddy. Thank you for sharing as it makes me feel better knowing we are not alone. Did you already have beanie or did u buy him for Roddy? I unfortunately can't take Pig with me as I'm a sales rep now and travel all over Scotland. My boyfriend works shifts so is in a lot during the day and I'm there at night. He does look brighter tonite than he did yesterday but I do notice a massive change is his willingness to be handled and petted. He used to hate it but now seems happy for it to happen. It's so tough as I don't want to be depriving him of a normal guinea pig social life. If he was really depressed it would be an easy answer but it's only occasionally I see the look of what I'm guessing is loneliness I hope things work out for you and little roddy xx

 

[PipsPiggles]

Hi, so sorry for your loss and now difficult situation.
The main thing to consider as you say, is if you want to continue the cycle of having guinea pigs. We know that they do better with companions but if for whatever reason you don't want to keep having them you have to consider that.
I have recently got piggles after having about a four year break. I had a tough time with one of my girls coffee before, like your boy she had chronic bladder problems and was referred to the vet school but sadly after a lot of trying, we had to make the tough decision to call it a day for her sake.
The situation you find yourself in now was my reason for wanting 3, that way I'm hoping that when the time comes and sadly we'll lose one then one won't be all alone. I see myself having piggles in my life again for a long while.
I don't know how others feel. But the last place I wanted to get mine from was pets at home. I don't think they are breed responsibly and often have health problems. I searched around and got them from a more reputable family run pet shop. Sadly, I hadn't found this forum then and couldn't find a rescue centre near me in Scotland.
Good luck. You certainly seem like your doing your best by him

 

[JulieH]

Thank you. I think its something we really need to have a good think about. I don't want to rush into getting a new piggie and finding out it was the wrong decision. I am not against having piggies in my life for a long time- we can offer them a great life and can certainly afford the time and money for them. Plus my parents are always happy to pig sit so we can go on holidays/days away etc. Its just knowing what the right thing to do in this particular situation for my Pig is. This morning hes been out and pop corning about living room after stuffing his face on breakfast. I'm worried thats hes quieter during the day (in the evening hes out and about like normal) but I think thats because he was always lazy and Sheldon forced him into moving about by pushing him out of the way alot! I am off work until the beginning of July so will have loads of time for him- but I also don't want to feel I'm under house arrest with him. I hate leaving him even just to go to the shops. I sit up late with him at night then I'm up again about 6ish and sit downstairs with him again just so he doesn't feel alone for too long. I've spoken to some friends who have had the same situation and they haven't got a new piggie and their wee one did ok by bonding closely with them. But alot of people online think a new pig is the best answer. It probably doesn't help that I'm so devastated about losing my amazing little Sheldon who had the bestest personality ever- my brain just isn't working well at the moment. Maybe we all just need some time :-(

 

[Galaxy&nibbles]

I would not considered neutering. I would not risk an anaesthetic at all. I really just want Pig to have a happy life. We are able to spend a lot of time with him at the moment to help him. So it's just lo

poor you and roddy. Thank you for sharing as it makes me feel better knowing we are not alone. Did you already have beanie or did you buy him for Roddy? I unfortunately can't take Pig with me as I'm a sales rep now and travel all over Scotland. My boyfriend works shifts so is in a lot during the day and I'm there at night. He does look brighter tonite than he did yesterday but I do notice a massive change is his willingness to be handled and petted. He used to hate it but now seems happy for it to happen. It's so tough as I don't want to be depriving him of a normal guinea pig social life. If he was really depressed it would be an easy answer but it's only occasionally I see the look of what I'm guessing is loneliness I hope things work out for you and little roddy xx

I got beanie from a rescue for roddy. We did some bonding sessions, and beanie was the right piggy. I find roddy to be quite active and happy and then quieter at other times, he doesn't seem overly bothered being by himself, it's such a hard decision!

 

[JulieH]

Thats what I find with Pig too- he looks really bright running about and jumping on the floor and in his cage. Then I see him sleeping alone and start to worry again. We had to go out to buy flowers for my wee Sheldons grave today and left him alone for 2 hours (he had radio on). I felt so guilty the whole time. He was under his shelf sleeping when we came back. I let him give me a kiss and then he was out again eating and saying hello as he had company again. I just feel bad if he needs to rely on us being in to be active and awake. I'm going to borrow my parents dog as he comes up to visit her at cage so I thought that might be a friend for him in the meantime. I know my friend has piggies, rabbits and dogs that all get on- part of my wonders if we should get a puppy that we could train along with him! At least then when Pig does pass on the dog will be more likely to deal as they will have humans! But then part of me thinks this is just my upset brain going crazy!

 

[Galaxy&nibbles]

Aww, hey at least he has you :-) I wish I could do that with my dogs but unfortunately I think they would just want to eat him so going to pass on that!

 

[JulieH]

It was just a crazy idea I had! I can see he is bonding with me but I am just worried that I start a new job in 3 weeks and will be away during the week for about 6 weeks. My boyfriend will be out each morning for about 4 hours then again for a couple of hours in the evening. I just hoping- this won't be too stressful on him. If only piggies could talk and tell you what they want, eh?!

 

[AuntyC]

Have you tried a small soft toy like a teddy in his cage for him to snuggle up to? Some single piggies also respond to a mirror hung just outside the cage bars but where they can see themselves in it. Be aware though that some piggies are scared by a mirror, so watch very carefully if you try it! A radio is a very good idea, I always leave one on if I have foster residents and have to leave them.

 

[JulieH]

Have you tried a small soft toy like a teddy in his cage for him to snuggle up to? Some single piggies also respond to a mirror hung just outside the cage bars but where they can see themselves in it. Be aware though that some piggies are scared by a mirror, so watch very carefully if you try it! A radio is a very good idea, I always leave one on if I have foster residents and have to leave them.

The mirror is a good idea thanks- I will try that. I got him a little peppa pig toy (it was all asda had that seemed guinea proof) which he has ignored so far! But I have left it under the shelf where he sleeps during the night. I've read rolled up socks might be a good idea? He also has loads of things in his cage- cardboard rolls, chews, bread bowls, edible house etc to keep him busy. But when we are out he just goes to bed. But to be honest when we had the two of them- they both went to bed when we went out and only came back out when tv comes on! I've also ordered him a run for the garden as he loves grass and I've just been picking it for him. I'm going to start taking him outside in good weather and sitting with him whilst he enjoys some outside time.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you. I think its something we really need to have a good think about. I don't want to rush into getting a new piggie and finding out it was the wrong decision. I am not against having piggies in my life for a long time- we can offer them a great life and can certainly afford the time and money for them. Plus my parents are always happy to pig sit so we can go on holidays/days away etc. Its just knowing what the right thing to do in this particular situation for my Pig is. This morning hes been out and pop corning about living room after stuffing his face on breakfast. I'm worried thats hes quieter during the day (in the evening hes out and about like normal) but I think thats because he was always lazy and Sheldon forced him into moving about by pushing him out of the way alot! I am off work until the beginning of July so will have loads of time for him- but I also don't want to feel I'm under house arrest with him. I hate leaving him even just to go to the shops. I sit up late with him at night then I'm up again about 6ish and sit downstairs with him again just so he doesn't feel alone for too long. I've spoken to some friends who have had the same situation and they haven't got a new piggie and their wee one did ok by bonding closely with them. But alot of people online think a new pig is the best answer. It probably doesn't help that I'm so devastated about losing my amazing little Sheldon who had the bestest personality ever- my brain just isn't working well at the moment. Maybe we all just need some time :-(

@JulieH : North East Guinea Pig Rescue are pioneering a companionship scheme by which a rescue dated companion reverts to them after the death of its private friend to help ease the problem when you reach the end of line. The rescue companion will then be rehomed to a forever home by the rescue. Please contact them and enquire!
Whatever you do, you cannot replace a round the clock same gender companion, so if you have the option to get to that rescue, please do!

 

[AuntyC]

Rolled up socks sound good! Yes, most of my foster pigs have come out to play when the TV came on. Outside time will offer him extra stimulation too. Think you are doing a good job, it really is a tough one isn't it xx

 

[JulieH]

It just too far from me I'm afraid. and I'm not sure if I'm reading it right- I def do not want to give up my guinea pig. Hes my everything :-)

 

[AuntyC]

@JulieH : North East Guinea Pig Rescue are pioneering a companionship scheme by which a rescue dated companion reverts to them after the death of its private friend to help ease the problem when you reach the end of line. The rescue companion will then be rehomed to a forever home by the rescue. Please contact them and enquire!
Whatever you do, you cannot replace a round the clock same gender companion, so if you have the option to get to that rescue, please do!

That sounds an excellent scheme Wiebke..

 

[AuntyC]

It just too far from me I'm afraid. and I'm not sure if I'm reading it right- I def do not want to give up my guinea pig. Hes my everything :-)

No, I think you have a new friend from them to keep yours company, then on the death of Your piggy they take the friend back again.

 

[AuntyC]

good luck with whatever you decide to do. It is a great shame there are no rescue centres much closer to you geographically. x

 

[JulieH]

No, I think you have a new friend from them to keep yours company, then on the death of Your piggy they take the friend back again.

Oh I see! I don't know if I could give the rescue one back - as I bet I'd have fallen for them! It's just too far from me. My wee Pig would be pretty stressed traveling there wish there were more places like this in Scotland as such a good idea! Going to chat with my vet tomoro about the situation- she's very piggie friendly and knows my wee Pig well x

 

[Wiebke]

It just too far from me I'm afraid. and I'm not sure if I'm reading it right- I def do not want to give up my guinea pig. Hes my everything :-)

Transport, at least part way, could be arranged if you are willing.

 

[JulieH]

Thank you Wiebke. I have been in contact with the lady who runs the rescue centre in Scotland who has given me some advice. She is much closer to me so if i do decide to get another piggie I would travel to see her. The good news is Pig was much brighter last night and was bouncing about his cage. He came out and lay on the carpet in the living room for a while to for some chill time. This morning when I got up he was already up and munching happily on his dry food- then harassing me to hurry up with his breakfast! I think he is coping better than we are at the moment.

 

[JulieH]

Just an update on Pig and our situation- and if anyone has any advice please.
So Pig had been doing quite well and after speaking to the rescue lady in Scotland and my vet we had decided not to get him a new friend and just be there for him as much as possible. However on Friday afternoon he went very downhill. He barely moved all day- think he got up for about 10mins the entire day. And although he would eat his greens (albeit alot slower than normal) he was barely eating any hay or dry food. So we came to the conclusion we should get him a companion. Myself and my partner were not ready for this and have been finding the whole situation really emotional. Me esp- I'm really struggling to cope. So we contacted a lady who has been dealing with these issues for over 27 years. She said we should go for a young baby. We boar dated- with one complete disaster where my 3 year old was bullied by a 10 week old and was very traumatized- which was very difficult for me to watch. We ended up taking a little 5 week old who was pretty submissive- his sisters had been bullying him. As I need Pig to be the top pig. He has been with him for a day now to to be honest not much has changed- Pig still seems withdrawn and picky at food. He basically just ignores the little one. They sleep together- but I don't even know if Pig notices hes there. Is this normal? Part of me feels if this little one is making no difference I'd rather he went to a loving home with a loving cagemate instead of getting ignored by another guinea pig. Its breaking my heart to have a new pig at home- but I really thought I'd see a difference in Pig that would at least ease my pain.

 

[Freela]

I'm sorry for your loss. I've been in the same position a few times myself. I think the main consideration from your point of view is what your future plans are concerning guinea pigs. As you say, if you do look into a companion for him, you may be looking at a constant cycle of adding a new companion pig due to the age difference. This may be okay if you want to continue keeping pigs in the future... however, if you don't or you are unsure about this, I can see how it's a problem. We've ended up with pigs with staggered ages as well (we started out with a same-age pair, but sadly lost one to illness when she was about 18 months old. We added a new friend with about an 18-month age gap and had that pair for almost five years, until the elder pig passed at age 6, leaving us with a bereaved pig who was pushing 5. We now have our 5-year-old pig and a companion who will turn 1 in the fall, with the full knowledge that we will have to rematch her with another younger pig once our older pig passes. We considered having Sundae, the 5-year-old, as a lone pig for the rest of her life and then starting again with two same-age pigs, but she was obviously struggling on her own and we decided it was better to get her a friend and deal with the age gap as it comes.) If you wanted to try to minimize the risk of this situation, you could look into adopting a similar-aged pig in the hope that the lifespans even out... but of course, there are no guarantees.

My experience is that my pigs were happier with a companion and were out-of-sorts when alone... more fearful and less active. That said, you sound like a very caring and attentive owner and I'm sure Pig will do fine with lots of TLC if you decide that having another pig is not for you at this point. I wish you all the best, I know it's a hard decision!

 

[Freela]

Just an update on Pig and our situation- and if anyone has any advice please.
So Pig had been doing quite well and after speaking to the rescue lady in Scotland and my vet we had decided not to get him a new friend and just be there for him as much as possible. However on Friday afternoon he went very downhill. He barely moved all day- think he got up for about 10mins the entire day. And although he would eat his greens (albeit alot slower than normal) he was barely eating any hay or dry food. So we came to the conclusion we should get him a companion. Myself and my partner were not ready for this and have been finding the whole situation really emotional. Me esp- I'm really struggling to cope. So we contacted a lady who has been dealing with these issues for over 27 years. She said we should go for a young baby. We boar dated- with one complete disaster where my 3 year old was bullied by a 10 week old and was very traumatized- which was very difficult for me to watch. We ended up taking a little 5 week old who was pretty submissive- his sisters had been bullying him. As I need Pig to be the top pig. He has been with him for a day now to to be honest not much has changed- Pig still seems withdrawn and picky at food. He basically just ignores the little one. They sleep together- but I don't even know if Pig notices hes there. Is this normal? Part of me feels if this little one is making no difference I'd rather he went to a loving home with a loving cagemate instead of getting ignored by another guinea pig. Its breaking my heart to have a new pig at home- but I really thought I'd see a difference in Pig that would at least ease my pain.

I would get Pig a vet check to rule out any physical problems. A lot of guinea pig ailments present with food refusal and lethargy and stress can lower resistance to illness, so before assuming it's an emotional response I would make sure he doesn't have any physical cause. The vet can check his chest/lungs for crackles or respiratory signs, and can hopefully check his urine for blood, as sometimes UTIs can present like this. I would hold off on other decisions until you know for sure it's emotional. I do think it's unusual not to see interest in another guinea pig once. Generally the 'meeting someone new' routine is quite animated. Did he react at all when they were first introduced? If not, I would really wonder if he is not feeling well physically and try to get to the bottom of that first.