I lost one of my Guinea Pigs

[glasswxng]

Hi, i've never posted on here before, only browsed for advice which is what i'm currently seeking now.

Last saturday, I lost my beloved piggy, Willow, who was just three-years-old. It was a sudden, horrid thing and absolutely devastating. My current priority is Blossom, who's without her companion now. So far, she's been behaving as normal; she's eating, drinking, browsing, happy to trott about my room and spend time with me. I've been doing my best to fit into the role Willow had but, well. I'm not a Guinea Pig-I can't be there for her during the night whilst I'm sleeping and I work, so there's periods of time where she's without any company and that isn't what I want.

As devastating as it is to think about, especially barely a week later, after browsing online and hearing what everyone has to say, it's become pretty clear that I need to put how I feel behind doing what's best for Blossom and that's why I'm making this post, for more personal advice I suppose. Guinea Pigs shouldn't be alone and I'm never going to be able to fulfil the role of a true companion for my piggy.

I wanted to ask how to go about looking for another companion for my Guinea Pig; she's three-years-old, a female, a little shy but approachable. I'm wondering what kind of companion would be good for her, knowing that? Would she benefit from having a companion around the same age, of the same gender, or is any Guinea Pig an option so long as they bond well together?

Any advice would be appreciated and very welcome, I really hope I recieve some. In the meantime, I'll continue to look around and do my research on how to deal with a now lone-piggy. It's important to me that I do the best by Miss Blossom

 

[Lorcan]

I say this purely as someone currently in the same position - if Blossom is still eating and drinking, and isn't acutely pining, take a few days for yourself too. That's 100% okay. You need the time to grieve as much as she does.

As for the rest of it, if they'll bond, then they'll bond. Age and gender don't matter (although if she isn't spayed then you'll want a sow or a neutered male), a bond is a bond.

But seriously, take some time for yourself in this too. It is important.

 

[weepweeps]

Hi, i've never posted on here before, only browsed for advice which is what i'm currently seeking now.

Last saturday, I lost my beloved piggy, Willow, who was just three-years-old. It was a sudden, horrid thing and absolutely devastating. My current priority is Blossom, who's without her companion now. So far, she's been behaving as normal; she's eating, drinking, browsing, happy to trott about my room and spend time with me. I've been doing my best to fit into the role Willow had but, well. I'm not a Guinea Pig-I can't be there for her during the night whilst I'm sleeping and I work, so there's periods of time where she's without any company and that isn't what I want.

As devastating as it is to think about, especially barely a week later, after browsing online and hearing what everyone has to say, it's become pretty clear that I need to put how I feel behind doing what's best for Blossom and that's why I'm making this post, for more personal advice I suppose. Guinea Pigs shouldn't be alone and I'm never going to be able to fulfil the role of a true companion for my piggy.

I wanted to ask how to go about looking for another companion for my Guinea Pig; she's three-years-old, a female, a little shy but approachable. I'm wondering what kind of companion would be good for her, knowing that? Would she benefit from having a companion around the same age, of the same gender, or is any Guinea Pig an option so long as they bond well together?

Any advice would be appreciated and very welcome, I really hope I recieve some. In the meantime, I'll continue to look around and do my research on how to deal with a now lone-piggy. It's important to me that I do the best by Miss Blossom

Hello and welcome to the forum. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Good luck with your search for a friend for Miss Blossom. Do you have any rescues near you? Most are full to capacity at the moment.

Guinea-pig-forum-recommended-rescues

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry for your loss

I completely agree - if she is eating and otherwise ok you have around four weeks to find a new friend for her.
It is only if acute pining (which is rare) occurs and a piggy stops eating and becomes depressed that the need for a new friend is immediate.

It doesn’t matter what she has another sow or a neutered boar as a friend - what is essential is character compatibility.
Do get into the waiting list for some rescue centres and they will help you find the right friend for her.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum and I am so sorry for your loss.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve
I echo what has been said already about a new companion for Blossom.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

BIG HUGS

I am very sorry for your loss. It sounds like Willow was very much loved and is now very much missed by you.

As long as your bereaved piggy is eating and drinking and their weight is stable you have ideally up to a month leeway to look after yourself first, think things through and set up what you feel is the best of your individually available options. For a special piggy or if you want to neuter a bereaved boar, then it is worth waiting even a bit longer for the sake of a very happy future.

Please do not feel guilty or bad if you are not ready. Guinea pigs do not feel less deeply or grieve any less but their survival instinct is much more direct and they will have to pick up life sooner again whereas we humans take longer to process. If your piggy gives you the option and can cope on their own (not all can although acute pining is thankfully rare), please allow yourself the time to grieve at your own speed and get over the worst without feeling guilty.

You may find this guide here helpful because it takes both sides - the piggy's and the owner's one - into account but is very practical as well:
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig

What to consider when looking for a new piggy/piggies:
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs

Here is our grieving guide for owners to help you through the more unexpected places the grieving process can take you. It is by no means as straight forward as many people assume:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

My thoughts are with you.