one of my boys is close to the end

[sparky79]

it's difficult to know where to put this but I just wanted some advice in a difficult time from some like minded people. I have 2 boys Oscar and Ernie approaching 5 years old they live in one encloser but separated by a grid partition because they don't get on at all but will happily live side by side ( I can explain the circumstances but its a long story ) sadly on Wednesday after a visit to the vets because he wasn't quite himself it was discovered Oscar has a mass growing in his abdomen and sadly there isn't anything they can do. now because Oscar isn't himself neither is Ernie, and I'm worried about what to do when Oscar passes. do I try to introduce another friend to live with him or continue to let him live next door? this is so confusing because everyone's guinea pigs seem to get on and there's no information about next door neighbours

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry you got that diagnosis for your boy. When Oscar passes you can try bonding Ernie with another boar. I would get in touch with rescues (both near and far) and hopefully you can take him boar dating or bond him at home once they’re doing adoptions again. If it doesn’t work then living alongside each other is another option.
Rescue Locator

 

[Bill & Ted]

Hello and welcome
So sorry you hear about your sad news regarding Oscar’s declining health. I would wait too and then try and find a rescue that will do boar bonding for you
I know Debbie at TEAS furryfriends does boar dating and she has some neutered boars from a rescue The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary

 

[Wiebke]

it's difficult to know where to put this but I just wanted some advice in a difficult time from some like minded people. I have 2 boys Oscar and Ernie approaching 5 years old they live in one encloser but separated by a grid partition because they don't get on at all but will happily live side by side ( I can explain the circumstances but its a long story ) sadly on Wednesday after a visit to the vets because he wasn't quite himself it was discovered Oscar has a mass growing in his abdomen and sadly there isn't anything they can do. now because Oscar isn't himself neither is Ernie, and I'm worried about what to do when Oscar passes. do I try to introduce another friend to live with him or continue to let him live next door? this is so confusing because everyone's guinea pigs seem to get on and there's no information about next door neighbours

Hi!

I am very sorry for the bad news.

You can find lots of helpful and practical information on what you can do for your Oscar, Ernie and yourself until and immediately after the loss via this link here: Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

The best and safest way to find a new friend is by rescue dating to allow Ernie a say in who he wants to be with. If you are in the northern half, then Cavy Corner in Doncaster is your best port of call where Ernie and you will be in very safe and experienced hands.

If you are at the southern end of the county then TEAS Sanctuary in Northampton would be the best if they have dating boars. Lacking that, Neville's Nest in Leicester is probably the next best option in terms of rescues within reasonable reach. It is not one of our recommended rescues but it is not too far off. I would not recommend to use any local rescues in your county.
Rescue Locator

 

[sparky79]

thank you all so much for your kind words, it really does mean a lot, they are both such characters and I tried so hard to bond them but with no luck, the fighting was awful and I'll be honest very unexpected they look like butter wouldn't melt, they have lived happily side by side for 4 1/2 years now, they will lay side by side at the grid partition ( aka rumble strut wall ) and I catch them passing food to each other, their homes are mirrored so they will eat together drink together and sleep facing each other. since oscar has become ill Ernie hasn't been himself either. I have to give water by syringe so Ernie doesn't get left out with an extra lap time for medication and softened pellets. it's not been an easy few days and I know it's going to get worse, anyone that's ever had a guinea pig will know they quickly take up a large space in your heart and anyone that hasn't, well they have missed out