This Little Piggy & Me

2005 YEARLY SUMMARY
TOTAL PIGGYS RELEASED TO TLP&M:  SIXTY-FIVE (65)
TOTAL ADOPTIONS:  SEVENTY-NINE (79)

TOTAL ADOPTIONS TO DATE - 113

One Cuddler Comin' Right Up!!

ADOPTED 12-30-05
I was just a tad bit shocked when I first heard from Julie and her 10 year old daughter, Courtney, the walking Guinea pig encylopedia!!  They wanted to come see our furballs . . . no, that in itself is not unusual . . . but they were going to be driving down from Indianapolis!

They had seen Houston on the website and really liked him but (isn't there always a 'but') upon arriving and playing with some of our males, they fell in love with Basil.  Now this is one snuggly, cuddly little boy!!  Courtney was tickled.

Thanks to Julie and Courtney even though I am a little sad to lose Basil but I know he is happy being 'the only pig' and that he will get all the love and attention any little piggy could even want.

She Kept Asking for a Year
ADOPTED 12-29-05

As a parent, I know how annoying the constant "I want this" and "I want that" can be.  But how many kids keep asking for the exact same thing over and over for a year?  That's right, I said one full year!!  Meet Katie, a 10-year-old who wanted nothing except her very own Guinea Pig!!  Now this is my kind of kid!!  So Katie, Mom, Dad and two sisters (ages 8 & 3) drove 240 miles from Pikeville, KY to adopt from TLP&M.  That, my friend, is determination!

They knew they wanted two who could live together so into the play area went Katie and all five of our females.  You see, Katie got first pick . . . after all, she HAD waited a year for this . . . and she fell in love with Joy, a 2-3 month old black w/brown American.  Now who did Joy really like and want to take to Pikeville with her?  She decided on Wendy, a year old gray and white Abyssinian, and the whole family agreed.

I am so very happy for my two little girls . . . they found one very fantastic and loving family!!  I know I don't have to say "Take care of these two" . . . they will want for nothing!

"Smore is Depressed . . ."
ADOPTED 12-20-05

"You see, she recently lost her cagemate.  She definitely loves the one-on-one attention but seems very lonely being in her cage alone."  Now this calls for a matchmaking in the play area!  Not that kind of matchmaking  -  we need to find Smore a new friend to help ease the pain.

Erin knew it might take some time for "just the right pig" to come along for Smore.  Step 1 was to bring Smore to TLP&M so she could 'check out' our females.  Smore was the first one into the play area and one-by-one the other females followed.  At first, Smore didn't want to socialize; wouldn't even go near the other girls.  One by one the girls came over to say 'Hi!'.  Molly kept trying to get Smore involved but Smore was not Molly's biggest fan.  Then Smore found Lolly (a beautiful red American with white markings) and we knew "just the right pig" was at TLP&M.  It wasn't long before Smore and Lolly just decided to lay down together and watch the action from the sidelines.

Thanks Erin!!  You definitely have two beautiful little girls!!

Mom Needs a Furball!!
ADOPTED 12-18-05

One of our past adoptive parents, Beth (Lelani's mommy) called saying that her mother, Phyllis, wanted a Guinea pig to keep at her house for her grand-daughter and would it be OK to come visit our piggies.  You know the answer to that . . . they love visitors so please come on over!!  Now Phyllis had been here before and had left empty-handed.  How??  Believe me, I truly do not know!  Once you hear these little wheekers, it is so hard to leave without 1 or 2 of them!!

Upon arrival, one-by-one, our males joined Phyllis and her grand-daughter in the play area.  Phyllis couldn't get over how snuggly and cuddly Basil was but her grand-daughter wanted a more active pig.

Watch out!!  Here comes Flash, a very handsome red and white American who could probably break the sound barrier.  It was love at first sight, not only for the grand-daughter but for Flash as well.  He had found his human and she came with a bonus human so now he had two!!  Phyllis couldn't have been more pleased.

Only Room for One
ADOPTED 12-15-05

Shari had recently lost a family pet and there was a hole in her heart.  She and her son both loved animals; they still had their 15-year old cat, but longed for another and thought a Guinea pig was just what they needed.  After speaking to Shari over the phone and receiving her pre-Adoption Application, I agreed.  "But we only have room for one."

As is the case with several of our males, they are definitely 'alone pigs' - they do not want any other pig in their space (unless it's a girl, of course and that will not happen around here, thank you very much!)  Nickolas, a tri-color American with a white belly band, was one such pig.

Even though he was only 2-3 months old, he had already shown that he would be the alpha male no matter who we put him in with.  Shari fell in love!!  Nickolas loved begin held and petted and snuggled right in.  It was like watching a really good romantic chick flick!!

Bestest Friends
ADOPTED 12-03-05

I'm always a little leery of December adoptions - animals are not presents, they are a lifetime committment.  So when Julie called me and wanted to surprise her daughter with a pair of furballs for her birthday . . . I added that her daughter would have to come and interact with the Guinea pigs to see who bonded with her and visa-versa.  Julie wouldn't have it any other way!!  Now that is responsible parenting!!

When they arrived, they knew they wanted adults who were a little laid back but still very social.  We had just the pair to fill the bill - best friends, Daisy and Summer.  What a great day!!  Brittney has her babies and two friends will never be separated!  Can't get much better than that!

UPDATE: E-mail dated 12-06-05 - Just wanted to let you know they are doing great!  Starting to get use to us and run up to us in the cage.  They are so sweet; they loved to be held and petted.  Summer seems to go to Brittney and Daisy comes to me.  We just love them!!

Guinea pigs are like potato chips . . .
ADOPTED 11-12-05

nobody can stop at just one!!  This statement describes Janet perfectly!!  Seems like Anoki, Bear & Resses needed another playmate . . . or was it that Janet just needed another furball to lavish all that love and attention on to??  Whatever the case, this is one perfect home for piggies!!

Ever since Janet had heard Stinky's story of being turned loose out in the world all by himself for two weeks, she was in love.  But Stinky was definitely an 'alone' pig - no one allowed in his space!  So she made their area larger to accomodate and came to adopt Stinky.

Stinky (whoops - Janet renamed him Pepe) loves his new home!!  He is mostly free-range and follows Janet's boyfriend, Jeremy everywhere he goes.  He even waits outside the bathroom door for him!!  He also loves to chew on Jeremy's shoestrings!

Timmy Needs a Buddy
ADOPTED 11-05-05

"I already have a guinea pig named Timmy and I think he's lonely and wants another guinea pig for a friend."  That's how Phoebe's first e-mail to TLP&M read.  She was aware that finding a male to live with Timmy would definitely be a challenge (if not impossible) but thought both boys would be happy if they could talk through the bars of their respective cages.

She had already fallen in love with Thomas via our website so on November 5, 2005 Timmy got a new friend and Phoebe, a new baby. 

Thank you Phoebe!!  Thomas is definitely a wonderful pig and I'm sure he will get lots of love with you around.

Talk about a BIG House!!
ADOPTED 11-05-05

This wonderful adoption began in July of 2005.  That's the day I received an e-mail from Debra, the Educational Specialist of the Akron Zoo.  She was looking to add 2 Guinea pigs to their program's animal collection.  Now before you react as I did (with lots of questions and rather protective of my 'babies') let me tell you that what Debra had in mind is every piggy's dream.  They would become part of the traveling educational program for the Akron Zoological Park.

It took a while for all the necessary paperwork to be completed and on November 5, 2005 Debra finally arrived at our door to find her two perfect little professors.  I had thought two babies would be perfect but that was not to be.

Three days earlier, two wonderful 1 year old males by the names of Squeekers and Brownie had been surrendered to us for very loving reasons - not enough space (they had moved out of necessity) nor enough time (two incomes were now needed) for proper care.  Stephanie had left her boys here with tears in her eyes.

As soon as Debra saw these two she was in love!!  No need to look further; these two were going to Akron and would become teachers of pet safety and wise pet selection.  Most of their 'students' will be of preschool age so you know they will get lots of love and attention.

Waited for Over a Year
ADOPTED 11-05-05

Sometimes just the right human takes a while to show up at TLP&M.  So was the case for Romulus and Harrison, two brothers who were released to us on July 24, 2004.

The perfect humans materialized in the form of Alan, Lisa, their 8-yr-old son, Collin, and their 6-yr-old daughter, Lauren.  The picture could not be more perfect.  Romulus and Harrison are getting all the love and attention a pig could ask for.
The best part - this whole family is truly involved and have added two members with open arms and hearts!!

Losing a Cagemate (& Best Buddy) is Tough
ADOPTED 10-30-05

Cancer had claimed the life of Clem's best buddy and his wonderful owners did not want him to be alone.  Abbie and her husband, Bill had considered finding a new home for Clem especially since Bill had developed a very bad allergy to Piggies.  But in the end, Bill decided it is better to 'look but not touch' than to have no piggies in the house at all!!

Clem (and his entourage) came for a visit on October 30th.  Finding two males who like each other without dominance issues can be difficult.  However, Clem was on a mission.  When we introduced Phoenix, the mutual admiration was almost immediate!

Clem was happy!!  Phoenix was happy!!  And while Ohio has lost a wonderful furball, Indiana has gained one.  Phoenix is now a Hoosier!!

Thanks to Abbie and Bill for loving and caring for these wonderful little furballs!!

Probably Not the Right Pig for a Child?
ADOPTED 10-29-05

At least that's what we thought but sometimes, our furballs have a way of making us liars!!  And it definitely happened with Ann and her family.  Her 4-yr-old had fallen in love with her friend's Guinea pig and wanted one for her very own.  Living on a farm, the family decided it was time to add to their already large animal family consisting of 3 horses (who live in the barn), 4 cats (2 who live in the barn & 2 who live in the house) and 5 dogs (who sleep in the kennel but go in and out of the house all day long).  What trouble could two little Guinea pigs be!

Everyone thought Charity, a solid black American Satin, was absolutely beautiful but I had to tell Ann that she was a nipper and could be mean to the other females.  Wasn't sure what she would be like with the kids but we'd try anyway.  And with that Charity proceeded to climb into the 4-yr-old's lap and lay down for love and petting.  No nipping; just kisses!!  Talk about feeling like an idiot!!

But who could we put with Charity that she wouldn't pick on and be mean to??  Then the light bulbs went off in our heads - we had a 1-2 month old red & white American Crested baby named Spring that Charity had been nurturing.  And with that, two more of our Adoptables found their Forever Home, thanks to Ann and her family!!

BIG Pig - Lots of Love!!
ADOPTED 10-26-05

When vets begin referring potential adopters to you, you begin to think you are doing something right!!  That's what happened when Amber, a Licensed Vet Tech, came to our home to adopt her very own furball to love and snuggle.

I had been working with Dakota, a very BIG black & white Abyssinian male (he needed a little socialization).  He has eaten up all the love and attention and had become one of our biggest snugglers.  Each day I fell more and more in love with him.

Then Amber came to visit and she fell so hard for his funny little face and his wonderful disposition.  Now this is a mother's dream - who better than a vet tech to care for one of your babies!!  And she came highly recommended from Dr. Kim, TLP&M's awesome visiting vet who volunteers her time and expertise!

BIG thanks to Amber and to Dr. Kim for helping Dakota find his Forever Home!!  I know he is in the best of hands and will be loved like every piggy should be!

Just Not Right Without a Piggy
ADOPTED 10-23-05

Two months ago I received some heartbreaking news from Christine and her family - Stuart, their sweet boy, had journeyed to Rainbow Bridge during the night of August 19th.  They were devastated!  But the house just didn't seem right without a furball.  Of course, no one could ever take Stuart's place but adopting another was what Stuart would have wanted.

So Christine and her family came to us once again to find another member of the family.  Teddy Bear was elated . . . he had been with us since March 3, 2004 and really wanted a family to call his very own.  He promised to be good but that wasn't necessary - Christine's heart opened wide and beckoned to Teddy Bear.  Thank you Teddy Bear, for mending a broken heart! 

She Just Seems Lonely
ADOPTED 10-22-05

Remember Nancy and Mini-Me?  Well, Nancy just couldn't stay away.  She felt that Mini-Me needed a cagemate and besides, Andrea was coming back to TLP&M anyway.

I thought finding a cagemate to put up with 'Little Miss Pris' Mini-Me might be difficult but a little baby by the name of Nova proved me wrong.  Mini-Me instantly began protecting Nova from the other females.  Whenever Nova would venture out to explore and became even the slightest bit afraid, back she would scurry to the side of Mini-Me.

And indeed, Mini-Me did the picking and choosing once again!!  Thanks again Nancy, for getting your 'baby' a baby!

I Regret to Inform You . . .
ADOPTED 10-22-05

That's how the message from Andrea began.  Her precious little girl, Zoe had travelled to Rainbow Bridge during the night, Sunday, October 2, 2005.  She didn't begin her journey alone however.  Her new friend, Tova was by her side which is how Andrea found them on the morning of October 3rd.

Now Tova was alone and needed a friend - yes, Andrea also had Lyla but her heart had room for one more.  So Nova's sister, Nita found a home.  Now since Nova has Andrea's mom for her human does that make Andrea her sister also??

Got Birds - Need Piggys
ADOPTED 10-20-05

The day Jennifer and Alonso arrived was a very good day for Tic & Tac.  These two sisters had been with us since March 12th and had grown into two very beautiful (although chubby) girls.  Once Tic and Tac began playing with Jennifer and Alonso, they reeled them in hook, line & sinker!!  Tic just cuddled with Jennifer as if she had known her all her life.  Alonso was smitten.

Oh, I must tell you that the girls now have new names
Tic is now Cuddles and Tac is now Jelly Belly!!

RIPLEY JOINS OUR HERD!
OCTOBER 15, 2005

What a character!!  Steve, my husband has fallen in love and has told me he just can't bear to part with this guy so . . . Meet Ripley - TLP&M's own Ambassador.  He will be travelling with us whenever we have a pet fair or educational tour.  The picture was taken at the 2006 Fayette Co. Pet Expo hald at the Homeworks Mall in Jeffersonville, OH.  Ripley met his first ferret at the Expo!  While he tried to make friends, he did turn his nose up at the natural scent of a potential new buddy!!  Steve has even built him his own custom habitat which we can take with him as we travel.  I'll post a picture later.

I Just Rode Up with My Daughter
ADOPTED 09-25-05

There are so many reasons people come to TLP&M.  Some actually come to adopt while others, like Nancy, just tag along as company on the drive.  At least that's what she told herself.  But piggys seem to have their own way of thinking and they know when 'THEIR HUMAN' walks through our doors. . . which leads us to Mini-Me!
Yes, this little sweetheart wanted Nancy and once the cooing and cuddling began, Nancy was hooked!  I remember her telling me, "My husband is gonna kill me!"  Well, he should have known this might happen when Nancy left Lexington, KY with Andrea to come visit our wonderful furballs.

Nancy, thank you so very much for granting Mini-Me's request to become 'her special human'.  We know how loved she will be in your heart and in your home.

She Kept Calling My Name!!
ADOPTED 09-25-05

When Andrea and Zoe first came to our Center, it was Zoe who was looking for a friend BUT Andrea fell in love with an adorable little red and white Abby whom we had named Brook.  The first day, Zoe found Tova and Andrea thought all was well and she could leave Brook for someone else to love.  But when a little furball creeps into your heart it is easy to hear the little wheeks and purrs even after you leave our Center.

Such was the case of Andrea and Brook (now named Lyla).  It took only a week for Andrea to answer by coming back to our Center to adopt again!  Thanks Andrea!!  Even though Lyla can sometimes be a bit of a problem child, she knows how much you love and adore her and that's the most important!

Zoe Needs a Playmate
ADOPTED 09-18-05

We always ask why a potential adopter wants a Guinea pig and more times than not it's because they want to provide companionship for a furball they already have and adore.  Such was the case of Andrea and Zoe!  Since Andrea had to work all day, she felt Zoe would be less lonely and happier with a playmate so on September 18th, she and Zoe came to TLP&M to find what they were both looking for.

That's the day they found Tova, a very sweet yet shy 3-6 month old white w/gray Sillky.  Zoe had found her playmate and friend . . . we were convinced of that when these two girls lay down side-by-side and watched as the other females milled around the playpen.

Thank you so very much Andrea!!  You are a wonderful Guinea pig Mommy!

Little Piggie - BIG Name!!
ADOPTED 09-11-05

As soon as he arrived at TLP&M, I knew he needed a big name!!  Being the smallest and meekest of the three brothers who were surrendered along with their mother on December 4, 2004, I felt naming him FELICIANO might help his self-confidence!!  But what really boosted his confidence was the day Terri and her daughter, Mariah came to TLP&M and fell in love with him.

Thank you, Terri and Mariah!!  We know Feliciano is in very good hands and has definitely worked his way into your hearts even more than he did the first time you saw him!!

NEEDED:  Another Room-mate !
ADOPTED SEP 03, 2005

TLP&M has a new division to add to our Rescue and Adoption Departments - we now also do Matchmaking!!  (and we're getting rather good at it, if I do say so myself!!)

Rob wrote us from Columbus, OH (a good 2-hour drive from here) wanting to find his shy and submissive little male named Xerxes a buddy.  His main reason: so Xerxes could have companionship when he was at work and couldn't be there for him.  Now that, my friend, is a true piggy human and parent!!  Rob made that trip over Labor Day weekend, September 3rd to be exact but Xerxes was missing.  Rob had left him at home not thinking that bringing him would be a great idea.  Rob knew Xerxes; we could do this without him.  Plus Rob knew that if things did not work out when he returned to Columbus, he could always bring one pig back and find a good match for his baby on a return trip.

Gideon had just come to our Center two weeks prior to Rob's visit.  He was a GREAT pig!!  Very gentle, loving, cuddly and beautiful - an Abyssinian with Agouti coloring.  In fact, he was such a great pig, I was thinking of keeping him to be Spot's permanent roommate.  But that was not to be!  Rob fell in love - head over heels in love!  He and Gideon then began the long trip back home to Columbus and Xerxes.  Would Xerxes like Gideon?  That was the big question of the day.  The answer came the next day at 8AM - Sunday morning:
The pigs seem to be getting along well so far.  They share a house and the rumbling has been to a minimum.  I haven't seen them fight and neither seem to be bullies.  I think it will be a good match.  Thanks Rob.  Knowing they are sharing a house already tends to make me think it will be a good match also.  But you know, Gideon always has a home here if things don't work out.  And please, send pictures!!

Mig the Pig Needs a Roomie !!
ADOPTED 08-07-05

I was told not to laugh at this piggers name so I ask that you don't either.  I mean c'mon, we're talkin' about Michelle and Kevin's baby!!  And that is exactly the way they feel about Mig, as do most furball parents!

Trying to find a roomie for a male GP can sometimes be a little tricky . . . which is why I always suggest bringing the room-mate seekin' pigger along.  Let's face it - it really is his decision, ya' know!  So on August 7th, Melanie and Mig arrived from Westerville, OH which is quite a ways from our Center in Forest Park.  We had several males who had been living with Spot since they were babies so we thought we might have luck with one of them.

And as fate would have it, we were right (this time)!  Meet Meka, Mig's new roomie and a beautiful tri-color Abyssinian.

Melanie and Kevin, we would love to have pictures of your two boys together!!

We Have 3 Kids - We Need 3 Pigs !!
ADOPTED 07-30-05

And we had just the 3 to fit the bill!!  Only a few days earlier, I had made a run back up to the Greater Dayton Humane Society to pick up three males that had been released and thankfully found in a park in Greater Dayton.  Having no names, I immediately christened them Charcoal, Cocoa and PB (Peanut Butter) due to their individual coloring.  These three had been sharing one small habitat and one pigloo so I knew we could not separate these three buddies.  I really wanted to place them all together.

Enter Pamela, her husband and their three kids.  Now this is what I call perfect timing!!  Into the playpen went the three kids and the three piggers and the match-making began.  Bridgette, the youngest at 3 years old, immediately wanted Charcoal (now named Checkers).  Daniel, six years old and the only boy, gravitated toward Rick (formerly known as PB).  That left Allie, the eldest, at eight years of age.  She wasn't so sure of Cocoa; she really liked PB but being the eldest, she would suck it up and take Cocoa (now known as Brownie).

Contracts were signed, pigs went into carriers (much to Bridgette's dismay) and off they went to their new home.  Had the right decision been made?  Would Allie grow to love Cocoa, whoops, I mean Brownie?  I had no reason to worry as evidenced by the e-mail I received the following day:  Just a quick thank you and a note to let you know the pigs are settling in nicely.  Checkers (formerly known as Charcoal) was a bit skittish last night, but was very happy to sit on Bridgette's lap and eat his salad this morning.  Rick (PB) is an absolute darling lap pig - exactly what Daniel wanted; and Brownie (Cocoa) is warming up to Allie quite nicely; he will even let her pet him while he plays in the cage now.  Everyone is very happy and getting to know each other.  The kids are positive they brought the right ones home!!  These are the adoptions that make it all worthwhile!!

I'm Coming in from Lexington, KY . . .
Can I Stop By and See Your Piggies?
ADOPTED 07-20-05

Little did I know how much this phone call would affect TLP&M or myself!  Kim was coming to pick up a Texel from another lady and wanted to see our herd.  Once she was here, she fell in love.  Isn't that always the case!

First was Gracie, one of our newly-weaned babies.  In fact, the only picture I had of her shows her hiding her head behind her mother!  The attraction was mutual as Gracie talked and cuddled with Kim.

I wasn't really ready for the next attraction.  Seems my Ritzy was ready though.  She has always been a cuddler and there was no exception with Kim.  I have always told "Our Herd" that if another human came along who they wanted to go home with, that was OK with me.

Believe me, it still hurts . . . but I know Ritzy is in very good hands and will be cared for and loved more than I am able to do with all our other rescues.

Thank you Kim, for giving these two very special girls a wonderful FOREVER HOME!  Keep in touch and let us know how Ritzy and Gracie are doing.  Pictures would also be wonderful!!

Pippi's Lonely and Needs a Friend !
ADOPTED JULY 20, 2005

Little Pippi, a 3-month old female, was an only pig and Brandon thought she was depressed and lonely.  He felt a new friend was in order so on July 20th he and Pippi arrived at our Center.

Brandon had Penny on his mind but would he still think that way once he knew she might have some problems?  And if he did, would Pippi think his idea was a good one?  Little Penny had been left in her cage out in the hot sun for almost a week.  Her previous owner had tired of her and wanted anyone to take her off his hands.  Thank goodness, someone did and then brought her to TLP&M.

Penny held her head at a tilt so our vet began treating her for an ear infection.  The alternative diagnosis was neurological damage so we all hoped the antibiotic would clear things up and her only problem would be an ear infection.

Even knowing this, Brandon still wanted Penny and Pippi loved that decision.

Thank you Brandon!!  Penny is an absolutely wonderful little girl!  I miss her kisses and her cuddling.

Everything's Ready !!
  Now We Need the Guinea Pigs !
ADOPTED JULY 10, 2005

Not quite sure I've ever heard a family so excited!!  Eric, his wife and their two little girls couldn't wait to add one or maybe two new family members.  Their C&C cage was already built and waiting, complete with a hammock for lounging!!

Eric and his older daughter came to visit our Center on July 10th.  Eric had fallen in love with Cayenne on Petfinder.com so now we just needed to see if Cayenne felt the same.  And it didn't take long to see the feeling was mutual.

Kambiri, which means "allow me to join this family" in the Ibo language of Nigeria, was chosen as the perfect lap pig and Cayenne's roommate.

As you can tell, these two are very happy to be together in their wonderful new C&C habitat!!

Thanks to Eric and his wonderful family, Cayenne and Kambiri have definitely found their FOREVER HOME!!

Devastation Replaced with Love!!
ADOPTED JULY 06, 2005

Remember back in May when I spoke of Barb who had adopted two little cousins and named them Ryan and Joey?  She and her daughter, Jen, adopted these two little guys when they were just weaned and only three weeks old.

I am sorry to report that in early July I received an e-mail from Jen to inform me of Ryan's passing.  We are unsure of the cause but the symptoms (convulsing, shaking, nose bleed) make me think of a stroke or heart attack.  Of course, Jen and Barb were devastated and very concerned for Joey as he had also suffered a great loss of his friend and playmate.

I spoke to Jen and offered our condolences and voiced our concern for Joey as well.  I suggested that, when the time felt right, she bring Joey to our Center to pick out a new friend which is what transpired.

But Joey had ideas of his own!!  He couldn't make up his mind for a new roomie - he really liked two!  He kept looking at Jen as if to say, "Can't we take both these guys home, please?"  And that is exactly what happened.  So meet Joey's new buddies, roommates and friends . . .

       EDISON  and    DINGO!!

From Success to FAILURE
THE HORROR BEGAN ON JUNE 22, 2005

Previously, this was a Success Story about Dustin and two gorgeous little girls named Dot and Ditto.  Unfortunately, some people can be trusted and believed and others only have the capability to deceive and manipulate.

This is indeed what I believe to have happened from the first moment I heard from Dustin in March, 2005.  His birthday was in May and his gift decision of eight months was to become a new daddy to 2 beautiful Guinea Pigs.  Even before we had pictures posted, his said he wanted Dot and Ditto.  Dustin told me he read everything he could get his hands on concerning GPs.  He seemed to be just a little excited!!

But his birthday was two months off and he was so afraid Dot and Ditto would be gone so he asked that I hold them.  I agreed to do so until his birthday.  In retrospect, I wish I hadn't.  I sent pictures to Dustin which he then took to school to show off HIS new babies.

But then May came and went.  Dustin and his family had hit a few snags and weren't sure if Dot and Ditto would be joining them.

Dustin seemed to be sad - I could hear his emotion over the phone and even in his e-mails.  He really had me believing he loved these little girls so very much.  Reluctantly, I placed them back on Petfinder.com.

But then June 22nd arrived and so did Dustin, his father and his little brother.  I watched as Dot and Ditto were cuddled and loved like you would not believe!!  I have never seen one little boy so very happy in my entire life.  I thought Dot and Ditto were in good hands.  Boy, was I wrong!!

On Tuesday, August 16th at 10:56 in the morning, I received the most awful e-mail I could have ever gotten.  It read (re-created exactly as received):

 "Hi this is Dustin's Dad Gale _______ and I have some bad news we got home from a trip and the guinea pigs looked sick so we took them to the vet and found out that they had died the trip to the vets the vet said that they died of a heat stroke and so we put them in to the ground they died the 13th of August."

MY HEART BROKE!!  I cried and cried.  I tried to call Dustin but got no response.  I left a message asking for the name of the vet they were taken to.  No response.  I e-mailed.  Again, no response.  I contacted the SPCA Animal Abuse Hotline and was told without the proof, I had no case.  My husband wanted to go 'kick some butt'.  I just wanted to put Dustin and his father in the same situation that Dot and Ditto had had to endure.  We were both devastated.  These two little girls had travelled all the way from Iowa only to die this horrible death because some kid "had to have" a birthday gift!!

Dot and Ditto - please forgive me for not seeing through the facade of Dustin.  I should have known he was a very manipulative kid whose only pleasure was the getting, not in the having and taking care of.  Wait for us at Rainbow Bridge and we'll cross together because Steve and I love you very much.  I only wish I could have saved you from this horror.

Veda Needs a Friend !!
ADOPTED JUNE 15, 2005

Faith had adopted 3-yr-old Veda from the Capital Anumal Humane Society.  Veda had found her way there after she was found running loose in an apartment that had been vacated by her previous owner.  (I really do find it inconceivable how cruel some people can be.)

But Veda was alone and Faith knew how important friendship can be in a GP's life.  That's when we heard from Faith who had fallen in love with Lena.  Unfortunately for Faith however, Lena had already been adopted but that didn't stop the search for Veda's new friend.

June 15th, Faith and Veda arrived at our Center.  Of course, Veda had to make the decision so if a friend was not found here, the search would continue elsewhere.  The selection process began with Veda in our playpen and other females being introduced to her.  For a while, it seemed like we would not have any luck . . . until Jenny!  The bonding between Veda and Jenny was almost immediate.

Thank you Faith, for opening your heart and home to two wonderful furballs that really need your love.  Keep in touch and let us know how your girls are doing!!

Lena and Nina - our sweet little ones
ADOPTED JUNE 12, 2005

Lena and Nina were born on April 9th but at the age of two months, they were still so small that Lena could get her head thru the grid of our C&C habitats.  That's why they were still being housed in an extra-large GP cage with a plastic bottom.  That's also why they were in our living room - we loved watching their antics and loving on them every chance we had.  I fell in love with Nina and even entertained the idea of keeping her for myself.  She and I spent many hours sitting on the couch watching TV and talking to each other (and believe me, she was a talker!!)

Then Chris called and wanted to bring his family to our Center to adopt a couple of furballs.  So he and his wife, Jennifer and their two daughters, Cary and Kaitlin came on the night of June 12th.  They looked at the residents of the main room and then I was going to take them to the playpen area where we had 6 more housed.  I really did try to avoid the cage in the living room but with no luck.  Jennifer found Nina and Lena and it was love at first sight.

I couldn't bring myself to be selfish.  Going with Chris and Jennifer's family seemed like the best thing that could happen to the two little sisters.  Lena and Nina would be together forever and they would be loved and spoiled rotten, I'm sure.

Thanks Jennifer and Chris!!
I know they are in good hands (but if I get a phone call from Nina saying she is even the slightest bit unhappy - I will be on your doorstep!!)

 

Our Family Just Isn't Complete
ADOPTED JUNE 11, 2005

Christina called our Center wanting to know about our process.  She and her family had agreed to adopt the school's classroom piggy, Oreo and had quickly fallen in love.  Unfortunately, Oreo had not been given the best of care and was very ill by the time Christina became a new mommy.  Within a few days, Oreo passed over Rainbow Bridge.

After filling out our Pre-Adoption Questionnaire (which we approved), Christina came by herself to our Center armed with a video camera.  "Just a fact-finding mission - gotta find THE PERFECT PIG for our family" (which consisted of 2 parents, two kids {1 boy, 1 girl} and a large dog).  And I knew exactly who that perfect pig was!

"Let me introduce you to Stuart.  He is your all-around pig.  He loves to cuddle, purr, sit in your lap, watch TV and get all your attention.  He also loves to go exploring through the entire house.  In fact, he loves free-range so much that when you go to put him back, he clacks his teeth at you.  I really don't think he knows what it means (he's never bitten me); he's just trying to scare you off so his playtime isn't over."

I handed him to Christina and as she started petting, he started purring.  It was all over but the shouting at that point!!  Then we put him down in the living room and 'Lights! Camera! Action!' - Christina began filming.  "This is definitely the one we want - can you hold him until my C&C cage is delivered - I ordered it from Cavy Cages and it should be here shortly.  My kids are gonna love him - I know I do!!  Oh, I am so excited!"

So on June 11th, Stuart was officially adopted.  That's the same day he also became a Kentuckian!!

He Has Definitely Made Up His Mind!!
ADOPTED MAY 30, 2005

May 30, 2005 is a day I will never forget!!  That's the day Picasso knew who he was going to live with for the rest of his life!!

Picasso definitely isn't your typical lap-pig - he'll entertain your need for lap-time but it's not too long before he decides lap-time is over and exploration of 'his house' is in order.  We knew when HIS PERSON walked into our Center, Picasso would let us know in no uncertain terms - and Boy, we're we right!!

Lee had met Picasso before - his friend, Toni had brought him to our Center when she came before.  Lee was very interested in Picasso then but just wasn't ready to adopt.

But on May 30th, Lee came ready to adopt a couple of females.  Picasso and his buddy, Houdini were in their pen which is located right next to our playpen area.  When we brought two females to the playpen for Lee to get to know, you would not have believed the squawking!!  Picasso took one look at Lee and let him have it as loud as he could.

Well, I think you know the rest of the story - we took the two females back to their habitat and Picasso and Houdini went into the playpen with Lee.  I really don't think Lee had a chance (or a voice in the decision).  Picasso knew what he wanted and is now permanently in the heart and home of Lee.  Yes, Houdini too!  Ya' really didn't think Picasso would leave him behind, did you??

Thanks so very much Lee!  We know Picasso and Houdini have a wonderful Daddy!!

From Tragedy to Triumph!
ADOPTED MAY 28, 2005

May 28th and a lady named Beth was the best thing that could have happened for Lelani.  Lelani was pregnant, her previous owner had died, she was taken to a strange place that didn't look like home and then separated from her herd (which consisted of one adult male, another pregnant female, Kiona; and four one-month-old babies).  Her whole world had fallen apart and she didn't understand why.

Within a month of her arrival, Lelani gave birth to three adorable little boys (Anoki, Meka & Resses).  When her nursing days were over, she was introduced to our bevy of beauties in their gigantic female community and within a few days, she adjusted quite well and had made several new friends.  She even found the familiar face of Kiona who had also given birth just one day after Lelani.

Then Beth came to our Center to find Bordeaux a new companion.  Unfortunately, Bordeaux had just suffered the loss of her long-time friend, Milano.  And once again, our playpen became the Get-to-Know-You-Place!!  Since Lelani and Kiona had been part of a herd most of their lives, introducing them to Bordeaux went along without much of a hitch.  Decision time again - and it swung in Lelani's direction.  So Bordeaux had a new friend and sweet little Lelani began her new life.

But it wasn't long before the e-mail that I knew was inevitable came up on my computer -  "Lelani misses Kiona so I'll be by on Saturday to adopt her as well!"  Hmmm, I thought and then I wrote back - Is it really Lelani who misses her or did she get ahold of your heart just a little when you were here?  (Ya'know, piggys have a way of doing just that!)

Unfortunately, that is not the end of our story.  It seems that Lelani and Bordeaux had really bonded during the two weeks without Kiona.  So much so that Lelani began chasing and fighting with Kiona; even biting her at times.  Beth tried everything but nothing seemed to work - She became very worried about Kiona's health and well-being.  All she wanted to do was hide in her house.  So the night of Tuesday, June 14th Kiona returned to our Center with a very teary-eyed Beth.

Don't worry Beth - I truly know how hard this was for you but I also know that we have to think about what is best for each one of our furballs.  You did the right thing.  You love Bordeaux and Lelani with all your heart.  You also loved Kiona very much and I will make sure she finds a wonderful home.

Started with One - Ended with Three!!
ADOPTED MAY 07, 2005

On May 7th, Laurie and her sister, Janet came to our Center to see our furballs.  They were looking to find a playmate for Laurie's boy piggy, Ginya.  Since Ginya had been the 'only' pig, we all thought a baby might be the answer as it has been our experience that a boar will accept a baby more readily than another adult.  Three baby boys had been born on April 9th to one of our rescues by the name of Lelani and were now ready for adoption.  They had been weaned for a little less than one week at the time.

So into the playpen went Ginya and the three yet-to-be-named baby boys.  At first Ginya seemed not to know what those other little furballs were and then, like a light bulb going on in his head, he began romping and playing with them.  It didn't take long to see who his favorite was and who liked him the most.  The smallest of the three, a little tri-color, kept following him around and then they decided to lay side-by-side.  Ginya and 'the pig now known as Resses' had made their decision and into the hearts and home of Laurie, Janet and their family they went.

BUT THAT'S NOT THE END OF OUR STORY!!

It seems that Resses, being the rebellious adoloscent that he was, had questioned Ginya's dominance and had been disciplined with a bite to the nose.  Laurie and Janet decided that maybe Ginya was perfectly happy being along in his habitat as long as Resses was right next door so their giant C&C cage was divided and made into two.  But now Resses seemed lonely and a little depressed.  No playmate . . . no one to tease . . . no one to snuggle with when the girls were not around . . . which is why this little trio arrived at our center on June 11th!

"We need a friend for Resses", they said.  As luck would have it, his brothers (now named Meka and Anoki) were still with us as were three other young males (Flash, Bear, and Edison).  Best part - all five had been living together with Spot, our male nanny, and got along quite well together.  Everyone, including Resses, went into the playpen and the process of elimination began.

Resses wasted no time at all getting into the middle of the action.  He was still the smallest but that didn't seem to matter to him.  He checked out everybody and of course, received a few sniffs of his rear-end in return.

Meka seemd more interested in being left alone - Elimination #1.
Flash was too dominant - being the largest of them all - Elimination #2

That left Anoki, Bear and Edison.  This was the hard part because Resses seemed to like all three of them - they were all laying together in a little heap of fur!!  "Maybe we have room enough for two; make the cage bigger as they get older.  I wish we could take all three but we just can't right now".

Resses had made his decision - now it was time for Laurie and Janet to make the final one.  "I just love Anoki - and he is Resses brother - he is a definite!  Bear is so cute; he looks just like a black bear with his nose being that golden brown.  I really do like him a lot"

Elimination #3 - Edison, our quiet little guy went back to his protector and adopted daddy, Spot.

And Anoki and Bear went home with Laurie, Janet and Resses.  There is no doubt in my mind that any piggy going to live at this house will ever want for anything!!  Ginya, Resses, Anoki and Bear will be Laurie and Janet's life.
and isn't that how it should be for piggys?

Looking to Adopt 1, maybe 2 BABIES!!
ADOPTED MAY 02, 2005

And sex doesn't matter.  Boy oh boy!!  When I first saw this e-mail, every RED FLAG in my mind began flying very, very high!!  Am I dealing with a breeder??  All I could think of was, "I have to protect all my furballs!"  So I replied and laid it on the line - if you're a breeder, go somewhere else!!

All my suspicions were totally unfounded!!  Barb had GPs previously and just loved the antics of babies.  She didn't care if they were both boys or girls, only that they would not be able to breed.  It just so happened two pregnant females (Kiona & Lelani) had just been released to us if Barb could wait for a month or two.  Or we had some older babies she could meet and see if a bond formed there. 

When all was said and done, Barb waited and as of May 2nd, is now Ryan and Joey's proud human.  Her boys are cousins and have been together and with Barb since they were three weeks old.

We thank you Barb for being such a good Mommy to Ryan and Joey.  We would love pictures of your two boys to post with their Success Story!!

And Sometimes It Hurts . . .
ADOPTED APRIL 10, 2005 

Have you ever experienced an event that brought both happiness and sorrow all at the same time?  April 10th was mine.  That was the day one of my own furballs decided to leave the "nest" and move to Kentucky.

Smokey was born here on July 27, 2004.  He is the son of Spot, the brother of Mini-Me and the grandson of Abby.  What a lineage!!  I immediately fell in love with him and we bonded.  If I had a bad day, Smokey would talk to me and tell me how wonderful his day was so he could cheer me up.  He is also a great listener!

He lived with Spot, his father, for several months and then the raging hormones appeared and he began tormenting and challenging Spot.  Knowing how Spot would not hurt one of his "babies", we decided to separate the two of them and placed Smokey in a habitat by himself.

Sometimes the Match
ISN'T Made in Heaven!!
ADOPTED MARCH 19, 2005

Amy and her beautiful Pepper came to see us on March 11th to find Pepper a new friend.  As we do in this situation, Pepper was placed in our playpen and then our adoptable females were brought in to meet and greet her.  This way Pepper could find who she wanted and we could see how they got along.  One by one, some females were eliminated until only one was left - Charity.  Success!! or so we thought . . .

On March 18th, we received an e-mail from Amy - 'Houston, we have a problem!!'  Charity had become a bully to Pepper, head-butting and nipping to the point that Pepper was scared of her so much that she would squeal in fear whenever she saw Charity.  Amy tried everything - she bathed them together; totally sanitized the habitat; re-arranged the layout of the habitat - but nothing seemed to work.  Charity continued to chase Pepper, clacking, nipping and head-butting.  Amy was so distraught - she really didn't want to 'bring Charity back' but we had Pepper to think about.

So the next day Charity returned to us with Amy in tears.  Pepper really wanted a friend but this was certainly not the match made in heaven!!

Not to worry - an entire herd (3 adults and 4 babies) had been released to us just recently and we were sure Pepper would love a baby and visa-versa.  Amy fell in love with a little one-month-old blond and white American she named Nutmeg so off to Pepper she went.

Just four days later, we received another e-mail - Nutmeg and Pepper were doing great!!  And that is what we always want to hear!!  Thanks Amy!

Toni . . . You Must Come See Maggie!!
ADOPTED MARCH 16, 2005

Thus began a phone call I just had to make when Maggie came to our Center.

I have been told that an allergy to Guinea Pigs is one of the worst allergies one can have and Kathy's daughter had a BIG ONE!!  She adored her Maggie but couldn't even feed her a carrot without an attack.  That's how Maggie came to be with us - as Kathy and her daughter left, the tears were flowing and my heart broke for them.

Maggie was the most beautiful Peruvian I had ever seen - totally white except for her brown face, her big brown eyes, and her brown nose.  Of course seeing her face could only happen when you brushed her hair back!!  Her hair just flowed!

Remembering Toni (who had adopted our beloved Peruvian, Patch, six months earlier), the phone call was made.  She had said to let her know if we ever had more Peruvians.  And that day, sight unseen, Maggie (now called Audra) found her new home!

Kathy has nothing to worry about when it comes to her precious "Maggie".  Toni will pamper and love "Audra" like every littel piggy should be pampered and loved (and then some!!)

Thank you Toni!!  You are definitely one fantastic piggy mommy!!

For 30 years, our kitchen has never been without a piggy!
ADOPTED MARCH 13, 2005

What furball wouldn't want to live in the kitchen??  That's where all the action is!  Even greater, that's where all the FOOD is!!  The kitchen is the first place we humans go in the morning (after the bathroom, of course!).  We drink our morning coffee, prepare and eat our breakfast there.  A piggy would surely get all the attention he would want by living in the kitchen!!

Carmen has had GPs since she was nine years old.  She describes them as the live version of the stuffed animal you held as a child going to bed.  And she is so right!!

When I first met Carmen, she was the mother to Ferd, a 5-year-old black semi-long haired male who adopted her as a baby.  Ferd had been chewed and beaten up by his cagemates at a pet shop Carmen went into for cat food.  As she puts it, "Ferd just called to me".

Unfortunately, shortly after our acquaintance, Ferd crossed the Rainbow Bridge and Carmen's home was once again, without a pig.

She and Gary visited our center to see if any of our Adoptables would like to go live with them.  Like me, Carmen knows that piggies are very intuitive and know with whom they belong.  It really has to be the furball's decision.

Single males were the focus for Carmen and Gary so, one by one, introductions were made.  At times we had to speak a tad bit loud as one pig kept making his presence known.

 That one pig was Remus - a very sweet, intelligent male who was more at home with humans than with his own brothers,
Romulus and Harrison.

Each time Carmen would hold a pig whose name wasn't Remus, he would squeal!
I really don't think I need to tell you the rest of this story, do I??
You guessed it . . .
Remus now resides in the kitchen and is the center of attention (just the way he likes it!!)

I So Loved Them As a Child . . .
ADOPTED MARCH 12, 2005

I would love my daughter to experience that unconditional love!!

Okay Savannah . . . I know that's the reason you gave for wanting to adopt but let's face it . . . you were the one who really wanted the furballs!!  We could tell by your behavior when you came for a visit.

You and David were so comical with Charity's babies - the ones known as Eeny, Meeny and Miney.  Mo had already found a home.  The choice seemed very simple - two babies who were sisters.

And what a pair you found in Miney and Eeny!!

I'm sure our pictures do not do them justice so send us an update whenever you can.

Thank you for opening your hearts and your home to these two adorable and sweet babies!!

No - Neither of These Girls are Pregnant . . .
ADOPTED MARCH 05, 2005

They just look that way!!  And boy, do they like to eat!!

Wray just wanted to adopt a sweet, friendly GP who would enjoy being held and petted and who would whistle and talk to her.  She enjoyed smooth-haired GPs as a child and was drawn to the American breed.

Silky and Snowflake were the perfect match for Wray and her sister who lived with her.  These two are very big on lap-sitting, TV-watching and, of course, eating!!  Both of these girls have double-chins only a mother could love!! But those chins really come in handy when you want a soft spot for your head at nap-time.

Wray recently wrote to tell me that she and her sister are on "a quest to find something the girls won't eat"!!

Thank you, Wray!!  These two little ladies are blessed to have you and your sister in their lives!

   Me!! A Vegetarian??!!   
FEB 22, 2005

Many times my husband and I have visited a grocery by the name of Jungle Jim's to purchase greens, veggies and fruits for our furballs and many times I have had heard the comment, "Wow, you must be a vegetarian with your whole cart full of produce!!"  Of course, that is the perfect time to get one of our business cards out of my purse and explain about the GP overpopulation and the need for Adoptive Parents at This Little Piggy & Me.

During one such trip, it really paid off!!  Marina heard about TLP&M and immediately wanted to know what was involved in our Adoption Process.  She then visited our website and submitted her Pre-Adoption Application on-line and on February 22nd, she and Mike came to our center to visit our amazing piggies!!

Three brothers (Washington, Jefferson & Grant), who were each 3 months old, caught her eye but, unfortunately she knew she only had room for two (at the present time).  Into the playpen went all three boys and Marina for a little play and get-to-know-you time.

It became obvious that Jefferson and Grant had a little more affection for Marina than Washington.  Needless to say, these two little guys found their FOREVER HOME that day!

Thanks to Marina and Mike for allowing two little furballs into their hearts.  I'm sure Jefferson and Grant rule the house and Marina and Mike are only the "much-loved help"!!

Got Quads . . . but Mama needs another pig to love!!
JAN 05, 2005

When your days are filled with five-year-old quads and a little girl around 2, you need someone to tell about your day when the kids are finally in bed for the night.  Not only that but, when you have one pig who seems to be lonely and just a little depressed because his sons no longer want anything to do with him, you need someone to remedy that situation also.

Enter Mo!!

. . . to the rescue on January 5, 2005.
Not only is he the one to talk to but he is also a very good companion for a lonely pig named Omega.  Such big responsibilities for such a little pig!!  But Mo is up to the challenge and he and Omega have their free-range time together when Omega gets to teach him everything he knows!!

There has been one change though . . .
His new name is Valenti-Mo.
Why??
Because he has a heart on his rump . . .
And she has a picture to prove it!