This is harder than I ever thought it would be.

J&C2023

J&C2023

New Born Pup
Joined
Nov 24, 2023
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Location
Lancashire UK
Late yesterday evening one of our boys passed away unexpectedly. He wasn't himself when we went to feed him, and so I was going to stay up with him to force feed him through the night and then we were going to take him to the vets first thing this morning. However when my son put him back in the cage around 10pm an hour later he went back to check on him and he had gone. I have been up all night crying, my son was visibly in shock about it and couldn't sleep either. We allowed his cage mate to spend some time with him, and I have since deep cleaned the cage to make sure that my other guinea pig will be ok.

I really don't know what to do, Chandler was the dominant piggy and I worry how this will affect Joey. He has been really skittish today, but has taken food from me and is still eating and drinking. I feel so heartbroken and guilty about this. I have always tried my best to do everything I could to keep them both healthy and so I don't understand what has happened the only thing we did different was give them a different hay to what they normally have because their usual wasn't in stock. I have friends who have reached out and reassured me that these things can happen because they have happened to them too.

I am unsure of what I want to do with Joey, because right now I can't bare the idea of bringing a new guinea pig to bond with but I also don't want to send him to a rescue. I feel so torn, and really depressed I never thought I would feel this way if anything happened to them.
 
Oh I’m so sorry Chandler had the call to the rainbow bridge. Sending you and your son massive hugs.

As long as Joey is ok and not pining too badly then you have some time to make any decisions. Don’t rush it.

I was away on holiday once and my piggy Percy passed away. I really didn’t want another piggy. I was so sad that I wasn’t there when he passed. But I was walking along the beach and the name Pebble came to me.

Here is Pebble:

IMG_9418.webp

I wouldn’t be without him. We have lots of love in our hearts and our remaining piggies need a friend. Take your time. You have room in your heart for another piggy friend for Joey. 🥰
 
Hi

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry. I have lost several piggies going into organ failure all of a sudden over the years without any warning; several of them younger, seemingly healthy piggies. It is always a massive shock.
It is perfectly OK to not be OK right now. But please be aware that it is not something you have missed or done wrong. It just happens; and it can happen to anybody; no matter how good the care and attention - and it sounds very much like Chandler was a very much loved and well looked after piggy who was lucky to find a home with you.

Try to take consolation that while the speed with which it all happened is very upsetting for you and your son, it has been a blessing for Chandler that he got the fast train to the Rainbow Bridge. When the chips are down, would we not rather bear the pain for those we love than watch them suffering any longer than absolutely necesary? Try to take comfort that Chandler had a very quick and gentle passing, as natural deaths go.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs (see chapter multiple organ failure if you or your son have any issues with the dying process)

As long as Joey is eating and drinking, please give yourself and your son the time to grieve and to get your bearings again. Don't feel pressured into any knee jerk reactions right now while your head is spinning. You have ideally 1-4 weeks but if it takes longer to find the solution you can be happy with for the long term, then it takes as long as it takes. But give yourself the space to get over the very worst of both the shock and the loss first because then you will be able to live with your decision and not fall straight into the next imbroglio over questioning and doubting yourself in respect of any dispositions re. Joey.
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs

For your own and your son's grieving you can find helpful information, resources (incl. several carefully checked age appropriate/graduated ones for children and teenagers) and links to supportive charities via this guide here:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Look after yourself and your son first before you start considering the future for Joey. As an under-boar he will be hopefully more accepting of another piggy but that is for later. There are several options and you are welcome to talk them through with us when your head is a bit clearer.

Please take the time to read the links; you may find them very helpful for your peace of mind and also to help your son. Keep him involved in any future steps once you are open enough to take them.


Right now, be kind with yourself and concentrate on your son and on keeping Joey going.
Please leave the cage as it is and let Chandler's scent fade naturally over the course of the coming week. Allow Joey to sleep in Chandler's cosies and favourite places if that is what he wants to do and don't mind how grotty the cage is. Giving Joey the time and space to grieve in his own chosen way is more important.

My thoughts are with you.
 
weepweeps said:
Oh I’m so sorry Chandler had the call to the rainbow bridge. Sending you and your son massive hugs.

As long as Joey is ok and not pining too badly then you have some time to make any decisions. Don’t rush it.

I was away on holiday once and my piggy Percy passed away. I really didn’t want another piggy. I was so sad that I wasn’t there when he passed. But I was walking along the beach and the name Pebble came to me.

Here is Pebble:

View attachment 267761

I wouldn’t be without him. We have lots of love in our hearts and our remaining piggies need a friend. Take your time. You have room in your heart for another piggy friend for Joey. 🥰
Click to expand...
Thank you for the kind comment, I wish that my son hadn't put him back to bed last night and just held him while he passed away. But it is what is. I said to my husband that I am going to take the next week really thinking about what I want to do. X
 
J&C2023 said:
Thank you for the kind comment, I wish that my son hadn't put him back to bed last night and just held him while he passed away. But it is what is. I said to my husband that I am going to take the next week really thinking about what I want to do. X
Click to expand...

Hi

Please take the time to read my previous post, which I was typing at the same time as yours.

Please do not get upset about Chandler not passing away in human arms. Guinea pigs that feel very ill usually remove themselves from their group. In a cage that is often a cosy or a corner into which they face. They find it often easier to let go when they are not held. I have had several times piggies in the last stages of their body closing down and them falling over in the cage pass away in their cosy as soon as I set them down for an urgent toilet break.

Chandler knew he was loved and he didn't feel less loved just because he was able to take a piggy path and not a human path. ;)
 
So sorry for your loss.
Your love for Chandler radiates through your post and we only grieve when have loved.
The rawness of grief does ease but there will always be a Chandler shaped space in your heart.
Give yourself a few days before thinking about a new companion for Joey.
You clearly have so much love to give and another piggy will be lucky to find a home with you.
Hugs 🤗
 
I am so sorry to read of the sudden passing of Chandler. As Wiebke said, he had a quick passing which is the way any pet would choose, but it leaves us bereft and wondering what went wrong, or was it our fault? Please take care as you and your son grieve for him, but he would have had a good life with you and known how much he was, and is, loved. Treasure those memories and he will be close by.
Rest peacefully Chandler in the rich meadows of the rainbow bridge 🌈
 
Wiebke said:
Hi

BIG HUGS

I am so very sorry. I have lost several piggies going into organ failure all of a sudden over the years without any warning; several of them younger, seemingly healthy piggies. It is always a massive shock.
It is perfectly OK to not be OK right now. But please be aware that it is not something you have missed or done wrong. It just happens; and it can happen to anybody; no matter how good the care and attention - and it sounds very much like Chandler was a very much loved and well looked after piggy who was lucky to find a home with you.

Try to take consolation that while the speed with which it all happened is very upsetting for you and your son, it has been a blessing for Chandler that he got the fast train to the Rainbow Bridge. When the chips are down, would we not rather bear the pain for those we love than watch them suffering any longer than absolutely necesary? Try to take comfort that Chandler had a very quick and gentle passing, as natural deaths go.
A Practical and Sensitive Guide to Dying, Terminal Illness and Euthanasia in Guinea Pigs (see chapter multiple organ failure if you or your son have any issues with the dying process)

As long as Joey is eating and drinking, please give yourself and your son the time to grieve and to get your bearings again. Don't feel pressured into any knee jerk reactions right now while your head is spinning. You have ideally 1-4 weeks but if it takes longer to find the solution you can be happy with for the long term, then it takes as long as it takes. But give yourself the space to get over the very worst of both the shock and the loss first because then you will be able to live with your decision and not fall straight into the next imbroglio over questioning and doubting yourself in respect of any dispositions re. Joey.
Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Rescues (Adoption and Dating), Shops, Breeders or Online? - What to consider when getting guinea pigs

For your own and your son's grieving you can find helpful information, resources (incl. several carefully checked age appropriate/graduated ones for children and teenagers) and links to supportive charities via this guide here:
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Look after yourself and your son first before you start considering the future for Joey. As an under-boar he will be hopefully more accepting of another piggy but that is for later. There are several options and you are welcome to talk them through with us when your head is a bit clearer.

Please take the time to read the links; you may find them very helpful for your peace of mind and also to help your son. Keep him involved in any future steps once you are open enough to take them.


Right now, be kind with yourself and concentrate on your son and on keeping Joey going.
Please leave the cage as it is and let Chandler's scent fade naturally over the course of the coming week. Allow Joey to sleep in Chandler's cosies and favourite places if that is what he wants to do and don't mind how grotty the cage is. Giving Joey the time and space to grieve in his own chosen way is more important.

My thoughts are with you.
Click to expand...
Thank you, I have noticed that he has been laying in Chandlers favourite spot. For now he seems ok in himself and was popcorning when I brought his food. He just hasn't wheaked yet, but Chandler was always more vocal than Joey he followed his lead in everything.

My husband and son buried Chandler this evening, and we planted some flowers above him. I feel this has brought me some peace but I know I will always miss him.
 
J&C2023 said:
Thank you, I have noticed that he has been laying in Chandlers favourite spot. For now he seems ok in himself and was popcorning when I brought his food. He just hasn't wheaked yet, but Chandler was always more vocal than Joey he followed his lead in everything.

My husband and son buried Chandler this evening, and we planted some flowers above him. I feel this has brought me some peace but I know I will always miss him.
Click to expand...

You will never stop missing those you love although the pain is fading over time.

But you will also always have your precious memories you can revisit whenever you need some comfort and want to trigger your happiness hormones by imagining a cuddle with your special piggies (or other pets/human babies/children). That bond will never disappear for you and it can sustain you and help you get through tough times once you are past the worst of the grieving process. Chandler will always have his very own place in your heart. :tu:

There is currently a little furry guardian angel trying to work out how to use his new wings so he can look after his best friends and his family... ;)
 
Hello, I am very sorry to read this. The more it hurts, the more you know you have your pet a good life.

Regarding Joey: spoil and spend extra time with him. When we unexpectedly lost a pig I gave Larry more human area access, I took my tablet in with him for TV, I'd sit reading, Saturday nights I'd even sit on his floor and have beers by him. We both became really attached and helped each other.

We got him 2 ladies but I won't go into those specifics while this is still raw. Sorry for your loss.
 
I am so sorry for your loss. Sudden passings are hard ! And it sounds like Joey is adapting they grieve too. Given he is popcorning it sounds like having joey pass quickly and with him near he was able to say good bye and that helps. Don't rush on decisions right now give yourself time to process this. Spend time with Joey, it will help both of you. My love to you and yours i am deeply sorry.
 
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