DECEMBER
We met Ace (what a handsome little devil!!) and the GP bug bit!!
The day after Christmas brought our final adopters of 2004. Lisa Marie, Scott, Madison, Libby and Jaclyn came to This Little Piggy & Me anxious to meet "THE HERD". You see, Ace's new 'child parent' Emily, had taken him to school with her one day for Share Time and Lisa Marie's daughter was able to neet him, along with her mommy. As is the case with Guinea Pigs, it was love at first sight!! That is how Lisa Marie found us - Ace spoke very highly of TLP&M.
It was such fun watching two little girls in a playpen full of baby boy Guinea pigs. They really had a decision to make once the playpen was occupied by Washington, Jefferson, Benny, Houdini, Feliciano, Grant, Choco and Hershey. So much popping, so many giggles and lots of smiles and gurgles!!
The final decision was not hasty; there was much deliberation but the same name kept popping up time and time again. "Which one is Hershey?" "I really like Hershey!" "I wanted Hershey the moment I read about him on the webpage."
But these first-time GP owners had done their homework and knew they didn't want Hershey to be alone; that he would be much happier with a buddy and a roommate. Now for a riddle . . . What goes with Hershey? No, the answer is not Pennsylvania (although that would be a pretty good GP name!) Hershey's makes chocolate, right? Guess what? We had a piggy named Choco!! He and Hershey were even occupying the same habitat so they already knew each other. What could be more perfect!!
We sincerely want to thank Lisa Marie, Scott and family for allowing Hershey and Choco into their hearts and home. From the looks of things, these two little guys will be spoiled rotten before you can say 'Snack Factory'!!
P.S. - Lisa Marie, I would love to post pictures of your two babies. When you take a few, I would love to have some e-mailed to me. Thanks!
NOVEMBER
NEWS FLASH!! November 24, 2004
We are so very proud to announce that in our FIRST 111 DAYS
as This Little Piggy & Me Adoption and Rescue, we have
SUCCESSFULLY PLACED THIRTY (30) wonderful little furballs
known as Guinea Pigs into FOREVER HOMES!
All I Really Want is a Baby Guinea Pig!!
OK, Parents . . . how long could you hear that one before giving in??
Jera had heard it for a couple of years out of her now 7-year-old daughter's, Alexa, mouth. She first contacted This Little Piggy & Me in September, but we had no babies at the time. Jera held Alexa off as long as she could and then succumbed by buying from a pet store - but only one baby girl! Realizing how social guinea pigs are, Jera called us again in November trying to find a second baby girl to keep Baby #1 company.
As luck would have it, Daisy had just given birth to three little ones, but only one was a girl. Would Alexa like her?? Would the baby like Alexa?? Mom and I both kept our fingers crossed.
Jera and Alexa arrived at our Center on November 24th to see THE BABY, who was born on November 9th and all white except for one spot of brown. Of course it is extremely difficult not to fall in love with a baby Guinea pig - they are so adorable, so soft and so very comical at that age with all their antics and popping. Alexa was no exception - she fell in love and Baby #1 now has a new bestest friend and roommate.
Thank you, Jera and Alexa, for opening your hearts and your home to another of God's wonderful and precious creatures. And Alexa and babies, may He bless you all as you three (3) grow up together.
One more note for Alexa - WHAT DID YOU NAME HER?? PEPPERMINT PATTY!!
Have you ever lost someone close to you
and thought your heart would never mend??
Well, it happens to those in the animal world as well and they suffer just as we do, with a broken heart and bouts of depression. Thank goodness, some humans actually see the pain and strive to help. That's what Miss Piggy's humans were all about when they brought her to our Cavy Community on November 23rd - they were hoping to find a new friend for Miss Piggy so that the pain of losing Milkball, her sister and life-long companion might ease just a little.
Of course, Guinea pigs pick their friends just as we do so our job was to give Miss Piggy a choice between Silky, Snowflake, Daisy and Alina, the only females we had at the present time. Believe me, we kept our fingers crossed that a new friend could be found amongst these four.
Miss Piggy just sat there totally uninterested while, one by one, - Silky then Snowflake and then Daisy joined her in the playpen. I was beginning to believe Miss Piggy's heart would be forever broken.
Then in went Alina . . . and Miss Piggy came to life!! 
So much animation - and I do believe she even popped!!
I don't have to tell you what happened next - Alina went home with Miss Piggy and her humans, Dannah, Leslie and their kids. There is no doubt in my mind that this is indeed a happy ending for all concerned.
A BIG 'Thank you!' just doesn't seem to be enough for this family. Their insight, concern, love and devotion to Guinea Pigs is amazing and any animal would be lucky to call them FAMILY!
We have rabbits, dogs, and tree frogs But Emilie Wants a Guinea Pig!!
Her brother, John shows rabbits as a 4-H project and Emilie wanted a pet all her own! She told everybody who would listen she was getting a Guinea pig. That's when Mom called us!
She had happened upon our website while looking for her aunt a dog on Petfinder.com and knew that was the way she wanted to go for Emilie's new friend. Thank you so much, Jennifer!! Now two (yes, I said two) Guinea pigs that had previously been unwanted have found forever homes with you.
By the way,
Emilie chose Ace to be her new buddy.
Mom fell in love with Clorox
so you might say that Mom
wanted a Guinea pig too!!!!!
Mozart - My New Little Baby!
November 8th of 2004 - Even those in the rescue 'business' can't resist adopting one of their own rescues. Yes, I have added another to our own little herd. This little guy has been through so much in his short life. When I picked him up from the Hamilton County SPCA he could hardly walk. The filthy conditions that he had to endure from his previous owner had caused his feet to become infected and swollen. After a trip to the vet, doses of Baytril, many foot soaks and lots of TLC, Mozart was up and running again.
Then he began losing weight and I became worried all over again. Due to his molars and his front teeth being way too long, he could not close his mouth which meant he was having trouble eating. Thanks to Dr. Kim, Mozart no longer has that problem. I am now feeding him Gerber's Stage 2 Garden Vegetables and Stage 2 Fruit Medley in order to fatten him up.
Needless to say, Mozart and I have bonded and I simply cannot part with him so I have now become one of my own adopters!!
Kenny's Birthday Present
November 6th was Kenny's birthday and Beth couldn't wait to give him his present. I arrived to his party with a beautiful little furball by the name of Omega.
Surprise!! Surprise!! Kenny now has his very own Guinea pig. . . and what an amazing pig!!
It was a little hard for me to let go of Omega, after all he was Abby's last baby!! But I knew he would be loved abundantly and attention would be lavished upon him in huge quantities. Believe me, he wants for nothing in the home of Kenny, Beth, and the quads+one. His sons, William and Harry, already live with Beth and Kenny so Omega has been re-united with his little family!
What more could a guy hope for!!
Came for Two, Back Home with Three
November 6, 2004 was a very good day!! The sun was shining, the birds were singing and Monica and Ryan adopted three wonderful and beautiful little girls by the names of
Haley, Lexus & Missy.
Monica and Ryan had spent a couple of days building their new C&C habitat for the two (2) little girls they were going to bring home. Yes, you read right - 'the plan' was to add two little furballs to the family. However, when they saw the three of these girls living together in perfect harmony, they could not separate this little bevy of beauties. So now they will be together forever in their own two-story 3X5 C&C habitat. How much would you like to bet that Monica and Ryan will be expanding that habitat sooner than I can say:
Thank you so very much for adding these three gorgeous girls to your family. I know they will be loved and given all the attention they so richly deserve for the rest of their lives!!
And as a proud grandma - I do expect pictures!!
OCTOBER
I Wanna Go With Them, Please
I have always thought that animals picked their humans as much as humans picked their animals but now I know that is exactly what happens!
Lincoln is one of our original boars when we were breeders. He loves humans but had a little problem with other male guinea pigs if there were girl piggies around, becoming very aggressive and even biting if the girls were too close - hormones would rage if you know what I mean!!
Then Nathalie and Andrew came to visit on October 23, 2004. I have never seen a guinea pig relax as much as Lincoln when they held him; becoming a little ragdoll in their arms. He didn't even fuss when Andrew turned him on his back and rubbed his tummy. But the biggest surprise came as we stood in the midst of the entire herd and Lincoln didn't even nibble anyone's fingers.
When Nathalie and Andrew climbed into the playpen, Lincoln was very content to crawl up into Andrew's lap and relax some more. He had definitely decided who he wanted to go home with.
Thank you, Nathalie and Andrew, for providing a wonderful and loving Forever Home for Lincoln. I do believe this match was made as soon as the three of you met.
UPDATE - Lincoln now has his very own page thanks to his new parents!!
Hi Ho! Hi Ho!! It's Back to School I Go!
Jersey - you are just so very cute and sweet!! And you come from a long line of Service (er, Classroom) Pigs.
This little girl was born in the classroom and raised in the classroom; it was all she ever knew. Then the school adopted a "no pet" policy and she lost her happy home.
I could tell she really missed 'her kids'. She was always the first to say "Good Morning!" when I awoke. She chatted away whenever we were in the room and fussed at us when we would leave.
But on October 22, 2004, Jersey got a new job!! And a wonderful new Mommy with a Forever Home. Kelley, a school teacher who specializes in kids with special needs, will be giving Jersey her new assignment. Jersey will be working with deaf children and children with other learning disabilities five (5) days a week.
On the weekends, she will be Kelley's best friend and confidante. They'll probably even discuss the kids in "their" classroom.
Thanks Kelley! I know Jersey will be happy to be back to work and with all "her kids" again!!
Hey Pop . . . Ya' think she'll come back??
After Casey's first visit, I do believe this must have been the conversation I heard between father and son. Yes, as of October 22, 2004, Pop and Junior have found their 'Forever Home'.
These two little guys came to us just two (2) weeks ago. Pop, the daddy and the pig formerly known as Lily, started a population explosion at his former owner's home. You see, the former owner had purchased two (2) piggies from her local pet store and had been assured that they were both girls.
Surprise!! Surprise!! Surprise!! Not only was one of "the girls" already pregnant but the other was not even a girl - which is why the name change from Lily to Pop!!
But now, thanks to the big hearts of Casey and her family, father and son are together forever.
To Casey, Fallon, Kelly and the rest of the family - We want to thank you so very, very much for adopting Pop and Junior. We know they will be loved, adored and very well taken care of for the rest of their lives. It is so good to meet people who would rather adopt than purchase. Again, thank you (and keep in touch!)
Two Spices are Better Than One!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg - two spicy little girls that captured a 15-year-old boy's heart!!
October 3, 2004 was a good day for Cinnamon and Nutmeg. Jack and his mother travelled all the way from Indianapolis after seeing Cinnamon's picture on Petfinder.com. And of course, she had to have a girlfriend to go home with her to Jack's house. He was very partial to Americans (the short-haired ones) so into the playpen went four short-haired females and Jack with his bare feet. Jack's toes kept getting inspected, nibbled and tasted while each little girl 'checked him out'.
After much deliberation and interaction, Jack settled on the 'spice girls' - Cinnamon and Nutmeg.
I know these two little girls will be very happy with Jack. They gurgled and cooed the entire time he held each of them. Mom began to take Nutmeg from Jack's arms and she protested - not wanting to leave Jack - she was definitely quite comfortable with him.
This Little Piggy and Me would like to thank Jack and his mother for giving Cinnamon and Nutmeg their new Forever Home and to say 'Bless You for thinking rescue and adoption first!'
Pepper
October 3, 2004 was a very big day for Pepper - he found his Forever Home with Nurse Karry, husband Don and 4-1/2 year old Ashley. And Nurse Karry couldn't be happier!!
When Pepper first came to This Little Piggy and Me, he had a tooth problem which affected his eating and weight gain. One trip to the vet solved that though and he hasn't stopped eating and gaining weight since. He did take a break when Karry came and put him in her lap. He settled in right away and started cooing and purring for her. That's what I call one happy little piggy!!
Thank you, Karry, for taking Pepper into your home and your heart. I know he will get all the love and attention he craves. You are one incredible family!!
Two Little Princes
Well . . . at least their namesakes are!! Princes of England, William and Harry can add to the list of their achievements!! Two (2) adorable little 2-month old fur-ball brothers are named after them and are loved and adored by their family. And what a family!! There's Mom, Dad, a set of quads (2 boys, 2 girls) and another little girl who is approximately 18-months old.
Martin, a gray and white Abbysinian and the brother of Rowen, is now named William. Cujo, a beautiful white Abbysinian/Peruvian mix with a gray eye patch and the brother of Rowen and 
Martin, is now called Harry. Both of these little guys have ruby-colored eyes which are just beautiful!
The mother of this family must have nerves of steel and more patience than she really knows what to do with!! Not only is she a new GP mommy, but her set of quads are beginning kindergarten. And don't forget about the 18-month old she probably chases around most of the day. Beth, I don't know how you do it but thank you so very much for adopting William and Harry on October 2, 2004.
I even received an e-mail the very next day that Beth had written at 4:30 in the morning.
She was up talking to her two little princes so they wouldn't be lonely!! Now that is definitely a "crazy-for-Guinea-Pig-person"!! Her husband even has the 'bug' - when he gets home from work, "The Princes" come out of their pen and he has to talk to them about their day!!
I would also like to thank Beth for supplying pictures of these little guys.
SEPTEMBER
Patch
When you really stop and think about what is best for your own piggies, it sometimes means giving them up to someone who has more time for love and attention than you can give. This was our dilemma when it came to our wonderful and beautiful tri-color Peruvian, Patch.
My husband and I agonized over this decision for weeks and months. Patch deserves and needs more than we could give since beginning This Little Piggy and Me. He is one of our original males and the father of Abby's last baby, Omega. Our decision was to hand-pick his new 'family' rather than place his picture on Petfinder.com.
I am a firm believer in God and knew He would have a hand in bringing just the right person for Patch into our lives. He didn't let us down!!
The day I received a phone call from a lady in Dayton asking about Peruvians was Patch's big day!! She made her first trip to our Center not even knowing what Patch was all about and immediately fell in love (which is very easy to do with Patch).
It seemed as if there was an immediate bond - Patch for her and she for Patch! But she wanted to sleep on it as she had really come to see another Peruvian. But Patch had hold of her heart and would not let go!! She returned the following Wednesday, September 29, 2004, to take Patch to his new Forever Home.
Thank you so very much, Toni!! You have an amazing pig in Patch and, even though our hearts broke when he left our home, we know he will never want for love, attention and devotion. You are truly a wonderful person and as crazy for Guinea Pigs as my husband and myself!!
And These Little Piggies Went to Louisville!!
And we will miss you always but know what a great home you found for yourselves on September 26, 2004.
Oreo - what a sweet boy you are! Definitely a lap pig, a cuddler and a lover!! You have your mother's disposition and temperament. You were loved from the moment of your birth and I know you have found the perfect human to give you all the love and attention you so richly deserve.
Dennis - what a character!! Many have asked why I named you Dennis; actually your name was Dennis the Menace!! You and another male piggie were picked up from the Hamilton County SPCA. When I brought y'all home, I placed you both in our playpen which is a round fence-like enclosure - our dogs, Sam and K.C. could see you but couldn't get to you that way!! The other male, Mozart, promptly laid down with his rump against the fencing but you wanted to run. So you began running around the perimeter of the playpen at break-neck speed (for a guinea pig). But Mozart was laying in your way SO . . . each time you came to Mozart, you jumped 'the hurdle'. It really was funny to watch; you running and jumping and Mozart just lying there like nothing was happening!! Hence the name: Dennis the Menace!
But now you have a new name - Graham. It is much more dignified and fitting a pig like yourself. And what a wonderful human!! She made several trips from Louisville to visit and make absolutely sure of the bond before y'all made the trek to the great state of Kentucky!!
Yes, we will miss you both . . . but we are so very thankful for the wonderful Goldberg family who have given you both a forever home that any pig would love. May God Bless!!
"To pick up Grammie's yarn??"
That was the answer given by a 10-year-old girl when asked why she had come to our home.
You see, she had told her parents she wanted a Guinea Pig for her birthday and they wanted to surprise her by bringing her to our Adoption Center!! If only you could have seen her face when she realized where she was!
After meeting our entire 'herd', two little baby boys captured her heart. But she was told she would have to chose just one. That's when Rowan began chewing on Dad's shirt button and reeled Dad in - hook, line and sinker!!
No choice needed now!! Both boys went to their forever home on September 4, 2004.
What a great day!! We would like to send a big "Thank you" to the Tormey family for adding Rowen and Rotten to their family and for allowing us to be part of their daughter's surprise!
Mother and Daughter - Together Forever!!
You came a long way, girls!! - FROM being so scared of humans that you'd bolt into your house TO eating carrots off my lips and dishing out guinea pig kisses. The two of you are very, very special pigs!! Your 'forever home' day came on September 4, 2004.
We just knew Mama Reese Cup had made her choice when she climbed onto the lap of her 4-1/2 year old admirer and was covered up in a towel the same way you'd cover a baby!!
The past, horrible days before our Adoption Center are over forever for you two. No more living in a basement only to be seen when the laundry had to be done!! We will miss the two of you very much but know that you are very loved and cared for by the wonderful Williams family!! God bless y'all! And please, keep in touch!
AUGUST
Dobie (as in Doberman)
and Yul (as in Brynner)
These two adorable little baby boys were born at our Adoption Center on July 27, 2004 and were handled as soon as they came into the world. But their bigger 'red-letter day' came on August 18th when they found their 'forever home'.
The "child-parent" of these cuddly balls of fur is a 6-year-old little girl. But, of course, their adopted "adult-parent" will have complete responsibility of their health and well-being.
We would like to thank the Fisher family for their kindness and their forethought in adopting from our Cavy Community rather than purchasing.
These little guys went so quick, we weren't even able to get pictures!!
Honey - What a Sweet Girl You Are!!
There are reasons every rescue has volunteers - they help in a number of ways. One big way around here is coming over just to love on all the piggies. It also happens to be a very good way to fall in love with certain piggies.
On August 14, 2004 Honey joined the herd of Connie and Don, a married couple who are volunteers for This Little Piggy & Me in more ways than anyone could imagine. They came over to dish out love and attention and Don found a new little girlfriend. When Honey latched onto his heart, it was all over for him. They took her home the same day. Thanks, y'all!! I know Honey is in very good hands (and hearts).
Of course now Connie won't let Don come to our Adoption Center. He doesn't have to . . . they now foster piggies who need lots of love and attention!
Connie and Don, we don't know what we would do without you! We very much appreciate your friendship, support, coaching, and everything else you do for This Little Piggy & Me!! God Bless You!
Butterscotch
On August 14, 2004, Butterscotch not only found her Forever Home but also two new friends in Chestnut and Peanut, two 8-month-old females . Her new 'child parent' is a little 7 year old girl but her primary caregiver is her 'child parent's' mommy. What a wonderful home Butterscotch has found! We thank this wonderful family for thinking adoption before purchase. May God bless you!
August 6, 2004 - Our First Adoption!!
Ebony has found her forever home!!
A beautiful solid white Peruvian named Spock recently lost her lifelong friend and had a hole in her heart that needed to be filled. Spock's humans brought her to our Adoption Center to find another friend and it didn't take long for Spock to make up her mind. Within a few minutes, Spock and Ebony found each other and their forever friendship began to blossum right before our eyes. There will be no more abandonment on a neighbor's front porch for Ebony - only a very special roommate and lifelong friend in Spock!! We would like to thank Spock's humans for adopting Ebony and giving her the love and attention her previous owner did not have to give.