Dealing with loss: a piggy’s perspective

[Robyn23495]

Hi there, never used anything like this but feeling restless/useless this evening.
Sadly my beautiful girl, Muffin, passed away this morning and my heart is broken. But my concern lies with her sister, Treacle. Treacle is 3 1/2 and I’m concerned she’s got years left in her and she is all alone. She has been quiet all day but munched on some biscuits and carrot this evening so I know she is eating.
Lots of pages talk about finding a new companion but no one really says when or what. I know it would need to be a girl but am I looking for an older piggy or baby? Do we give her weeks to grieve or look into finding a new buddy imminently? I am deeply upset for my loss but also understand the impact this can have on Treacle and just want to do right by her. Please help me.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss. Despite your loss you’re thinking about Treacle. That’s the true love of a piggy owner.

With regards Treacle, it’s down to character compatibility as to who is best suited. Get in touch with rescues (near and far) and let them know that your girl is looking for a friend. You could consider a neutered boar as well. I think if you go in with an open mind it will make things ‘easier’.

Keep an eye on her in the meantime. Plenty of hay, tablespoon of pellets and a cup of veg as usual. Carrots (and fruits) are high in sugar so don’t fall into the temptation of feeding them too regularly. She should be maintaining her weight (weigh weekly as usual). A difference of up to 50g isn’t cause for concern - it can be the difference between a full or empty bladder. If she starts to behave withdrawn, hides a lot and is not eating (losing weight) then you may have to rethink things. In the meantime have a read of the guides below.

You’re welcome to post about your girl in the rainbow pet section. Including photos.
Rescue Locator
Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Wiebke]

Hi there, never used anything like this but feeling restless/useless this evening.
Sadly my beautiful girl, Muffin, passed away this morning and my heart is broken. But my concern lies with her sister, Treacle. Treacle is 3 1/2 and I’m concerned she’s got years left in her and she is all alone. She has been quiet all day but munched on some biscuits and carrot this evening so I know she is eating.
Lots of pages talk about finding a new companion but no one really says when or what. I know it would need to be a girl but am I looking for an older piggy or baby? Do we give her weeks to grieve or look into finding a new buddy imminently? I am deeply upset for my loss but also understand the impact this can have on Treacle and just want to do right by her. Please help me.

Hi and welcome!

I am very sorry for your loss. I hope that you will find the information on this forum more helpful.

Unless a guinea pig is acutely pining (stopping to eat and drink but the vet can't find any underlying health problem; more information in the guide link below), you have ideally about 1-4 weeks' time to find a new friend; ideally by rescue dating so your piggy can have a say in who they want to be with. In any other setting where you choose a partner you need to have a plan B in case there is a personality clash. Mutual liking and character compatibility come long before age and gender (one party being safely de-sexed).
You will find that our Bereavement Guide is much more specific and detailed with very practical tips: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Our singles guide also has a chapter on bereaved guinea pigs with their specific challenges but also a chapter on discussing the various options re. companionship and their various pros and cons as well as teaching you to recognise attention seeking behaviours that show that your piggy is lacking in companionship. The pairs guide discusses in more detail the various challenges you are facing and that may come into play when deciding what kind of partner to try for first as each gender and gender combination has got their own challenges at different ages.
With the pandemic, finding the right company has unfortunately become a lot more tricky as rescue access is often not quite easy in Lockdown conditions.
More detailed information on these aspects:
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed)
New guinea pigs: Sexing, vet checks&customer rights, URI, ringworm and parasites
Rescue Locator

There is however no hard and fast rule; some piggies cope much better with being alone and prefer rather some next door company than sharing their territory for ongoing stimulation whereas other piggies can't cope well or at all with being on their own (it doesn't always make them easier to re-bond, though!) Our guide recommendations cover the average experience.

You may also find our grieving guide for yourself helpful so you can make more sense of your own feelings and experiences; especially if this is your first encounter with a loss: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children