At one point we had 5 guinea pigs: Rose, Blanche, Dorothy, Sophia, and Professor. All babies except Sophia, who was actually the mother of Blanche. And they all lived in a 2-level 6x2 C&C cage lined with coroplast. Professor as their King, and Rose as their Queen. (I'm not sure if Guinea Pig society usually has a hierarchy like this but mine DEFINITELY did.)
About a year later, Blanche passed due to complications with satin syndrome. She was replaced with Tunip, as Blanche was my 3 year old's favorite. Now, I will be honest... Tunip never really fit in. There was a time during transitioning where Professor and Rose would "body shield" the child from the other pigs when she was eating. But when Tunip grew up that kinda stopped. She never fought for snackies like the other pigs. (see first Picture) She'd wait until they were done, and pick up the scraps they left behind. Sometimes she'd try to sneak in, but usually gave up after she was shoved out (see second picture) When it was time for vitamins, she'd gently wait her turn at the end of the cage or on a different level from the others. Sometimes, the other pigs would be in a big hut all curled up but Tunip was usually alone.
That is, with the exception of that aforementioned little girl. Even from day 1, my daughter could reach in her hand and pick Tunip up. My wife and I never could. And Tunip was ALL for the attention. I'd catch the two napping in front of the TV under blankets (see third picture, though she woke up when I got the camera out.) Running Obstacle Courses. Being snuck extra treats. All the shenanigans.
Fast forward ~4 years, a year or so after the tragic losses of Sophia and Dorothy (they deserve more than a segue, but this post is long enough as it is.) to 3 weeks ago when Rose got really sick. Molar Abscess. With proper treatment, vet care, and a fighting spirit, our Queen was on the road to recovery... until the 9th when The King took a sharp turn for the worse and he passed. Rose wasn't the same since, and we lost her today.
The point I'm trying to make here is Tunip is over 4 years old. She's never really gotten along WELL with any pig she's been around in all that time. Regrettably, we will not be getting any more piggies... but I want to do right by Tunip and her best (and only?) friend, my now-7 year old daughter. I can move the C&C cage to her room but I'd have to shrink it. Would changing the environment be too much on top of Bereavement? Is there anything I can do to make Tunip feel less alone when my daughter is at school? As I mentioned, Tunip can't stand me, so I was little comfort to her today. What should I look for in terms of behavior if all she's EVER done is hide in her hut until my daughter came to play?
Please help, so I can give our Queen the proper mourning she deserves... because right now the only thing I can think of is making sure Tunip makes it through this. Thanks..
About a year later, Blanche passed due to complications with satin syndrome. She was replaced with Tunip, as Blanche was my 3 year old's favorite. Now, I will be honest... Tunip never really fit in. There was a time during transitioning where Professor and Rose would "body shield" the child from the other pigs when she was eating. But when Tunip grew up that kinda stopped. She never fought for snackies like the other pigs. (see first Picture) She'd wait until they were done, and pick up the scraps they left behind. Sometimes she'd try to sneak in, but usually gave up after she was shoved out (see second picture) When it was time for vitamins, she'd gently wait her turn at the end of the cage or on a different level from the others. Sometimes, the other pigs would be in a big hut all curled up but Tunip was usually alone.
That is, with the exception of that aforementioned little girl. Even from day 1, my daughter could reach in her hand and pick Tunip up. My wife and I never could. And Tunip was ALL for the attention. I'd catch the two napping in front of the TV under blankets (see third picture, though she woke up when I got the camera out.) Running Obstacle Courses. Being snuck extra treats. All the shenanigans.
Fast forward ~4 years, a year or so after the tragic losses of Sophia and Dorothy (they deserve more than a segue, but this post is long enough as it is.) to 3 weeks ago when Rose got really sick. Molar Abscess. With proper treatment, vet care, and a fighting spirit, our Queen was on the road to recovery... until the 9th when The King took a sharp turn for the worse and he passed. Rose wasn't the same since, and we lost her today.
The point I'm trying to make here is Tunip is over 4 years old. She's never really gotten along WELL with any pig she's been around in all that time. Regrettably, we will not be getting any more piggies... but I want to do right by Tunip and her best (and only?) friend, my now-7 year old daughter. I can move the C&C cage to her room but I'd have to shrink it. Would changing the environment be too much on top of Bereavement? Is there anything I can do to make Tunip feel less alone when my daughter is at school? As I mentioned, Tunip can't stand me, so I was little comfort to her today. What should I look for in terms of behavior if all she's EVER done is hide in her hut until my daughter came to play?
Please help, so I can give our Queen the proper mourning she deserves... because right now the only thing I can think of is making sure Tunip makes it through this. Thanks..
