Suggestion for a bereaved guinea pig

[ccdtzccdtz]

Hello there, this is my first thread.

We bought two lovely guinea pigs ("lulu" and "guagua")back in 2014 and they have been really good friends and partners in my life since then. They have been with me moving states from states. Unfortunately one of them died in late 2018. We were worried about "guagua" being lonely so we adopted another pig ("wild") in early 2019. Yesterday, guagua also died. Now we only have the bereaved one.

Ideally we should continue to adopt newer piggies to be companions of the remaining one. But we choose not to this time. We were devastated to see the first two died and I don't really want to go through that grief again and again with this circle never ending. The fact is we love guinea pigs but we just can't handle losing them any more.

I know guinea pigs are herd animals and they feel lonely if kept solo. I am not sure if I should send "wild" to a rescue so that at least she will have companions the rest of her life. I also consider keeping her and continue to take care of her. I will try my best to make her happy but I can't be around all the time because of work and family. What should be the best option for her? Any suggestions will be appreciated!

 

[Piggies&buns]

I am so sorry for your losses.

First, don’t make any rushed decisions. Take some time. Wild will grieve herself and will be ok for a short while on her own while you make a decision. Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

My personal opinion is that if you are absolutely adamant that you don’t want to get another piggy (and I completely understand why) then it would not be right for her to spend her life alone and surrendering her to a rescue would be the best thing for her life long happiness and well being. Sadly no amount of human contact will ever make up for her social needs, you can’t communicate with her in piggy language and, I’m assuming she is young, it will be many years of being alone. I know it is not an easy thing to contemplate, and you have to do what is right for you too, but ultimately keeping her alone is not in her best interests.

 

[Piggylove82]

I am so sorry for your losses.

First, don’t make any rushed decisions. Take some time. Wild will grieve herself and will be ok for a short while on her own while you make a decision. Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

My personal opinion is that if you are absolutely adamant that you don’t want to get another piggy (and I completely understand why) then it would not be right for her to spend her life alone and surrendering her to a rescue would be the best thing for her life long happiness and well being. Sadly no amount of human contact will ever make up for her social needs, you can’t communicate with her in piggy language and, I’m assuming she is young, it will be many years of being alone. I know it is not an easy thing to contemplate, and you have to do what is right for you too, but ultimately keeping her alone is not in her best interests.

As you stated 'in your opinion'.

I had a sow who lost her sister when they were both around 2 years old. I couldn't find her a new friend because we were in winter time. When the warmer weather came around she was doing so well, a lot more contented it seemed, interacting with me a lot more. I never did find her a new friend and she lived to be 6 and a half. The oldest piggy that I've had.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss. I agree with the post above that you should take your time to make a decision. Your hand is somewhat forced with the current situation anyway.

I agree that you shouldn’t keep your piggy alone. It’s a difficult decision to make but you want to do what is best for her. You say you wouldn’t be around all the time due to work and family. I think it would be unfair on her to keep her alone.

Another option you could look into is whether you’re able to foster a companion from a rescue. Then she can have company until she dies, and you’d surrender the companion back to the rescue when that time comes.

It’s a difficult one but I’m sure you will make the right decision for her. You are welcome to post a thread about your passed on piggies in the rainbow bridge section
Rainbow Bridge Pets
Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

I am very sorry for your loss!

As long as your girl is eating and drinking on her own, then you have time to do your research and need not rush out for a new companion. give her some days to do her own grieving; piggies won't be able to do it for as long as we do as their survival instinct is stronger. Generally, you have an ideal window of about 1-4 weeks to look around and if possible set up a dating session; in the current situation it may take longer.

The best way to find a new friend of her own liking, whether that is another sow or a neutered boar of any age, is a good welfare standard rescure that will allow you to bring her for a dating session. Mutual liking and character compatibility come a long way before age or gender. Our bereaved guinea pig guide has links to recommended vetted rescues where we can guarantee that you are in safe and experienced hands.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Most guinea pigs profit from a new companion. Ideally the choice should be left to them and not be made by you. Even a next door companion for constant stimulation and interaction through the bars brings a much needed element to their lives if you can get to a rescue and a bonding is not coming off. Otherwise you will find that your piggy is focusing their social needs very much on you; but you cannot really provide that constant demand for companionship and social interaction.
Our singles guides discusses all those aspects in more depth, including how guinea pig social needs present when prokected onto a human: Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

Lastly, please also look after yourself and take your own time to grieve. Be kind to yourself in the coming days and try to not feel inadequate or guilty, which is something most of us go through at the onset of the grieving process.
Our human grieving guide is there to help you make sense of your own experiences in the coming days and weeks: Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children