Loss of a Guinea pig

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Eleanorclark53

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Hello all,

I have very sadly just lost my dear Guinea pig Merry, he really was such a sweet natured boy, however sadly after 4 wonderful years, he got what they assumed was cancer, and no medication or care could keep him happy or healthy, so we’ve had to make the very difficult decision to get him put to sleep this morning.

This is obviously very fresh and raw and also came on very suddenly, and we are still processing everything. However my first thought has turned to my other piggy Pippin. He was tolerant of Merry, and they did love each other on a good day, but he can be quite territorial. We are unsure about getting another Guinea pig, simply because Pippin is 4 1/2 so chances are he would massively outlive another piggy.

Can he live on his own? We get him out of the cage at least twice a day for cuddles and he has a big cage with lots of enriching activities.

I really would just like advice and obviously please can everyone try to be gentle with me if I am making a huge mistake by even suggesting to have him on his own! I am still processing the loss of my sweet boy 🩷
Thank you all in advance
 
I’m so sorry for your loss.

Give yourself and Pippin some time to grieve.

Pippin will be ok for 1-4 weeks by himself (assuming he continued to eat and maintain his weight at each weekly/daily check), but he will do much better having a new friend. Pippin might live another 2-3 or even 4 years so being alone without a new friend for any of that time isn’t in his best interest. I’m afraid human interaction isn’t enough.

You have some time though so don’t feel you need to rush into anything.

The best thing is to speak to a rescue centre. They will help you find a compatible friend for him and possibly an older piggy even.

Wiebke

Thread 'Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig'

1 What can I do immediately after a guinea pig has died?
- Saying goodbye
- What can I do for my grieving piggy?
- Emergency: acute pining (not eating/drinking) or sudden illness
2 New companionship and human grieving
- When can I start looking for a new mate?
- "Replacing" a guinea pig: the conflict between human and cavy needs
- How do I best go about finding a new mate? (Possible options listed for bereaved sows and boars)...
 
Firstly you need to give yourself time to grieve the loss of Merry 🌈 As long as Pippin isn't yearning too much after the loss of his friend he will be ok for a few weeks just keep weighing him to make sure he is eating and make sure you eat too after what must has been a heartbreaking decision but was made with love for your dear Merry. Then it would be best to find Pippin a new friend you could adopt one who is of a similar age 💙💙 as they really shouldn't live alone 💐
 
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