This Little Piggy & Me

Adoption and Rescue of Guinea Pigs

Home

December

Last Adoption of 2007!! - To Fill Five Heart-holes
DECEMBER 31, 2007

As I've said before, "Once you have a Guinea pig in your life, living without one is not an option!"  Such was the case of Hunter and his family - they had been living with holes in their hearts for a couple of months and only another furball (or two) could fill that void.  But they lived in Findlay and were only going to be in Cincinnati for one day - New Year's Eve - Would that be too much of an imposition?  Not at TLP&M where our piggies come first every day of the week!!

Hunter arrived looking for one friend.  He met all our "alone" males and there were two that 'stood out' - Patriot and Tiger.  Patriot joined him in the playpen; then Tiger; then Patriot; then Tiger.  Hunter could not decide.  But if he adopted both they could not live together - they were definitely both dominant and would fight if together.  Can't remember if the suggestion came from Dad or Hunter - why not adopt both?  They could live next-door to each other and be neighbors and friends!  And maybe with a little luck and a whole lot of patience, they could one day even live together.

The suggestion found no resistance - Patriot and Tiger had found their Forever Home.  2008 began with this family's five hearts void of holes and filled with love.

Silky Needs a Friend!!
DECEMBER 30, 2007

Amy and her family have five dogs (Mindy, Annie, Jack, Bandit and Penny) and numerous unnamed fish.  But Amy was heartbroken - she had just lost her beloved Yorkie who had been with her for 15 years.  Wanting to make her happy, her husband and teen-aged kids decided to bring a new 'child' into her life - a baby Guinea pig!

Amy knew right away this little girl needed a friend - "have been a reader of your website for years" - and she submitted her application to adopt.  As I finished reading her application, I had to laugh!  Her last sentence read, "When I described you and your rescue to my husband, he said, 'Thank God, there's somebody worse than us.  I don't feel so bad now.'"

With Silky in our playpen, we began adding our girls.  What a sight!!  Silky began popping . . . something Amy hadn't seen her do . . . she was one very happy little piggy!!  She kept running from one of our girls to another.  She just couldn't make up her mind.  It was as if she were saying, "Can't we just take them all, Mom??!"  So the choice was up to Amy and her choice was Isabel (the pig formerly known as Nayeli).

Silky must think it was an excellent choice.  One of Amy's e-mails read: "I have never seen my little black pig so happy.  She sings to Isabel, sort of a cooing sound.  I don't know if Isabel likes it, but I find it very soothing." 

A Call from Santa!!
DECEMBER 30, 2007

Eight-year-old Jordan wanted a Guinea pig for Christmas.  And Santa knew it!  Santa had a problem though . . . there were no Guinea pigs at the North Pole (way too cold for them there).  But Santa knew Karen and Steve at This Little Piggy & Me and he also knew just what to do!  That's when we received a phone call . . . FROM SANTA!!

Boy, was Karen excited!  She was really talking to Santa!!  But she also had a problem . . . "But Santa, Guinea pigs aren't presents.  They are best friends; someone to love and tell your secrets to.  Plus you can't put them in your sleigh and go down a chimney.  Santa, they would be way too scared."

Santa replied, "But Jordan really wants a Guinea pig to love, Karen.  Do you have any suggestions?"  That's when Karen sent Santa one of her Pet Promise Certificates for Jordan.  Santa could deliver it on Christmas Day and then Jordan could come after Christmas to find HIS Guinea pig.

"Ho, Ho, Ho!!  Karen, that is an excellent idea!", replied Santa.  And that is exactly what happened . . . Jordan and his parents arrived on the 30th and found Hurley.  Now both Jordan and Hurley have a new best friend.

And Then There Was One . . .
DECEMBER 30, 2007

It had been almost three weeks since TEN Guinea pigs (of which 6 were male) had been dumped outside a vet's office and brought to TLP&M.  Flannery, Finnegan and Scully had been adopted.  Hurley and his last two sons, Sorley and Jamison were the only ones left waiting to find THEIR Forever Home.

That is, until Helen and her two sons (13-yr-old Joey and 10-yr-old Matthew) arrived!    Sorley (now known as Riley) picked Joey to be his human.  Jamison (now known as Fred) decided he wanted to go home with Matthew.  But enough of me talkin' - I'll let this picture speak for itself! 

What a Character!
DECEMBER 28, 2007

When Guinea pigs have been part of your life for most of the last 20 years, to not have at least one just isn't an option.  When Jessica's mom, Mary Jo lost her last two a little over a year ago, Jessica knew there was a hole in a heart she needed to fill.  She brought Mary Jo to TLP&M to find a new 'child' for her to love.

At first Mary Jo wanted a same-sex pair but then she met Sinatra, a very special pig!  What a character!!  He reminded both Steve and I of our late Ripley - full of personality!  I had bonded so much with Sinatra, the thought of adopting him myself had crossed my mind.  But he had other plans!

He had been waiting for Mary Jo!  That was extremely evident as she held and they cuddled.  Thank you so very much, Mary Jo and Jessica!  You truly adopted one very extrordinary furball!

Talk About QUICK!!
DECEMBER 28, 2007

This story begins with one reason WHY GUINEA PIGS (or any animal for that matter) SHOULD NOT BE PURCHASED FROM PET STORES!!  Lori was assured the two she bought were both definitely female - at least that's what the pet store said - because that's what the breeder had told them.  And both were wrong!  Now Lori had 3 babies (1 girl & 2 boys) and a male in a separate cage!  Could I please take the 3 boys?  She didn't want to give them away just to become food for a hungry snake!  She brought them to us the morning of the 28th.  As Lori walked out our door . . .

Nancy and her two daughters, Virginia and Kathleen walked in.  The three boys were still in our playpen as Steve hurried to get them settled in their new home.  But there was no need . . . the two 3-week-old boys (who I had yet been able to name) had grabbed onto two little girls hearts.  If my memory serves me well, their search for a FOREVER HOME took all of 15 minutes!!

Thank you, Kathleen and Virginia for loving Sparky and Speedy!

Christmas Presents??
DECEMBER 26, 2007

We know it is going to happen every December - Well-meaning parents wanting to present their children with Guinea pigs for Christmas.  However, this crazy Guinea pig Lady doesn't think my wonderful and precious furballs are presents - sweaters are presents!!  Please don't think this story is the only one of its kind this year . . . or any year, for that matter!

It all started with a phone call from Marc.  Now here's the funny part - after just a few minutes of conversation, I realized we worked for the same company - in the same building - on the same floor.  And how did he find me??  He had seen my van in the parking lot with the Guinea pig sign on its side!!  But let's get back to the surprise part of this story, shall we?

After speaking with me, Marc submitted the Pre-Adoption Questionnaire and began his search for everything Guinea pigs need - their habitat, food and food bowls, water bottle, bedding, etc., etc., etc.  He had to do all this on the sly - Jessie and Jacqui were going to be so surprised!!  Both would be presented with their own Pet Promise Certificate on Christmas morning, not Guinea pigs!  They needed to choose their own new friends.

And who were the lucky Guinea pigs??  Envelope, please!  And the winner is Leroy for Jessie and Smidge for Jacqui!!  Thank you, Marc!!  We know these two lovable GPs definitely were the true WINNERS of a wonderful and loving Forever Home!!

Come Here, Sweetie!!
DECEMBER 23, 2007

Every time I remember hearing 2.5-yr-old Sofia call to her beautiful Honey, a smile just spreads across my face.  But wait!!  I am getting WAY ahead of myself . . . that happened on their second visit.  Let me start from the beginning.

Sofia's mom, Sara wanted to add a couple of Guinea pigs to their family.  Yes, they already had Jasper the cat and Rusty, the Golden Retreiver (who absolutely adored Sofia), but to have furballs to cuddle would be wonderful.  Seems Sofia had taken a shine to her cousin's Guinea pig.  Sara assured me of Sofia's gentleness with animals even though she was just 2-1/2!  Sara wanted two Guineas who were calm and laid back.  Even though Sofia was very gentle for her age, Sara wanted to avoid an animal that was prone to bite.  And we had the PERFECT pig - Margot (who has since been renamed Honey).

Sara fell for Jordan.  Both began their journey to their new Forever Home that same day.  Then the problems began.  Normally very calm and friendly, Jordan began picking on Margot.  She chased her; bit her; and just plain bullied her.  Could they bring her back and try to find another friend for Margot?  Jordan returned to us (and her normal self) on January 19th.  Sofia calling her Honey with her sweet voice saying "Come here, Sweetie" was the highlight of my day.

When all our girls joined Honey (formerly known as Margot) in the playpen, one began following her everywhere she went - little Funanya, one of the TEN we received in one day just a few weeks earlier.  Honey had made her choice - a cute little brown and white American she could mother and care for.

Persistance Pays!!
DECEMBER 16, 2007

Thirteen-year-old Erica really wanted a Guinea pig.  Sure, the family had Heidi, a German Shepherd and two 3-mo-old hamsters (Binny and Chester) but Erica wanted someone to cuddle and love.  And she kept asking .  . every time they went to buy more pet food for Heidi, Binny and Chester .  . Mom Lori knew Erica would never give up!!

Lori and Erica made the trip from Dayton and Erica fell in love . . . with Finnegan . . . one of our TEN we had received just a week earlier.  And again, he left so fast we didn't even get a picture - just like his brother, Flannery!

Can't Wait for That First Excited Whistle
DECEMBER 15, 2007

Brandon had a plan.  But I was concerned . . . Brandon wanted to surprise the family around Christmas.  But the next statement on his Pre-Adoption Application calmed my fears when he added "No, this isn't an impulse - we've been planning it for a year".  Previously Brandon had shared his life with a Guinea pig by the name of Cadbury - "one of my favorite pets ever!"  And in his own words, "I can't wait until my wife hears her first excited whistle when she gets home."

Brandon didn't waste any time when he walked through the door of TLP&M.  He knew he wanted a male; one that wouldn't mind being an "only child", although he would have 3.5 yr-old Max as an older brother.  Call me crazy but after having TEN furballs (6 of whom were male) arrive in one day just a week earlier, everyone at TLP&M knew we had a Guardian Angel helping us find Forever Homes!!

It was evident who would be going home with Brandon - a beautiful taupe(?) American male by the name of Flannery who is the spittin' image of his daddy, Hurley.  This little guy left so fast we didn't even get a picture!!

MATCH-MAKING
DECEMBER 15, 2007

Sometimes we just know!  It's not rocket science.  Yes, there are pigs who actually belong to a certain person even before walking in the door of TLP&M.  Such was the case of Butter and a boy named Adam - truly a match made in heaven!

Adam had recently suffered the loss of his loving companion Lucky, a 2.5 yr-old hamster.  He needed a new friend and Butter just knew he was the one Adam needed.  At first meeting, the bond was established - these two were inseperable.  Only one problem - the new C&C cage had not arrived yet.  Could they come back to get Butter in a week or two?  Would we hold him for Adam?

Butter looked at me as if to say, "Adam is my human.  Say 'Of course, we will' or suffer my wrath.  I will never go home with anyone else.  Adam is mine!!"   No arguing with that, now is there?! 

I Just Couldn't Help Myself
DECEMBER 12, 2007

November 30th was a very, very sad day for TLP&M.  This was the day that my wonderful Spot (Abby's son) began his journey to Rainbow Bridge.  We had no warning - we awoke to find Spud lying next to him, talking as if trying to wake him.  Over the next few days, we worried about Spud; he was depressed and just not his normal self.

Then it happened . . . TEN pigs arrived who had been abandoned and left in a box outside a vet's office . . . might we find a baby to be Spud's new cagemate??  He would have to be submissive - not because Spud is dominant but because Spud is older and has been through quite enough aggravation from cagemates before Spot.

After sexing all 10 of our new arrivals, we had 6 males ranging in age from about 3 months to 1 year all living together.  We watched them closely to see who among them was the shyest, the most non-aggressive.  And the winner was Scully!!  We introduced him to Spud and smiled as Spud began to liven up and teach Scully how to be a 'big boy' Guinea pig.

We Would Like Two, Please!
DECEMBER 12, 2007

Eleven-year-old Ansley really wanted two Guinea pigs as they were loved in the past by her family.  When she arrived with her Mom and brother, Christopher we really couldn't tell who was more excited!!  Our apprehension and concern with the fact that Christopher (nicknamed Kit) was just 4.5 soon melted away as we watched these three in the playpen with our precious piggies.

It wasn't long before two little sisters caught the eyes and grabbed onto all three hearts of this family!!  But then, what is not to love about two-month-old baby Guinea pigs??  Dottie (formerly known as Tiponi, a Hopi Indian name meaning 'Child of Importance') and Daisy (formerly known as Sitsi which is a Navajo name meaning 'Daughter') had found their Forever Home. 

Why Do I Want a Guinea Pig??
DECEMBER 9, 2007

Seems like a pretty simple question, doesn't it??  Most would not put much thought into their answer.  Not the case for Ashley & Mackenzie, two 14-yr-old sisters!!  These two had REALLY done their homework - not only into the 'Why' (love, responsibility, confidence, confidante, maturity), but also into a Guinea pig's care, nutrition, habitat, etc., etc., etc.  You name it - they had done the research.  Of course, we approved their application and couldn't wait to meet the new potential GP Parents!!

Of course, choosing one furball apiece from 10 or more as they are all playing around you is NOT as easy as it sounds.  Ashley and Mackenzie were no exceptions to this!  But two little girls kept coming around to check out these two humans who were seated in their playpen.  If you would ask the furballs, "What is the best thing about humans in your playpen?", their response would surely be:  "They come bearing gifts - CARROTS!!"

I've always heard that 'Bribery will get you almost anything' and for Ashley and Mackenzie, they were the chosen new mommies for Kohaku (now Kochi) and Zoe.

A Dream Come True
DECEMBER 7, 2007

What an incredible lady!!  Sharon was told she was allergic to animals.  She was also told she would die if she kept her dog in the house so she gave her dog to her mother and has felt guilty ever since.

That was 35 years and one husband ago.  Her allergies?  She has now fulfilled her childhood dream of living with lots of animals so she feels the allergan was her ex, not the animals.  And believe me, when I say lots . . . . I mean LOTS*!!

Sharon lives in a very BIG house with a huge brick barn that is situated on 6 acres.  So who lives with her?? Her daughter for one and then there are the animals:  dogs, rabbits, hamsters, chinchillas, birds, hedgehog, turtle, mice, rats and bettas.  And every specie seems to occupy their own room in her house.  This woman is not only living her 'mini-zoo' childhood dream but mine as well!!

Then her vet offered her a rescued piggie and Sharon got psyched - she'd never had a Guinea pig!!  But her vet had to take the piggy home with her as he was very stressed and sick and needed to be nursed back to health if possible.  Sharon was heartbroken PLUS she had an empty habitat and that was simply unacceptable.  Then she found TLP&M and fell in love with Anderson's picture.  She drove over an hour (she lives in a good distance away) to meet him.

But wait, who are those two?  Sharon is not the kind of person that can adopt just one - she and her daughter wanted more of these wonderful little creatures.  Yep, you guessed it . . . they fell head-over-heels for Jack and Axle too!  And three of our boys found their Forever Home!!  Sharon's 'mini'-zoo now numbers *63!

I Know I Can't Replace
DECEMBER 1, 2007

And I really don't deal with death very well either.  Those were Afshan's words as she wrote about her beautiful chocolate-colored Abby named Hershey had died from an upper respiratory infection that had developed into pneumonia.  "For the past couple of weeks, I've been taking him to the vet and unfortunately, they were unable to save him."  I could read her emotion and her tears as I read her Pre-Adoption Application.

Afshan arrived at TLP&M with a certain pair of furballs (Snowy and Small Fry) already wrapped around her heart.  After meeting them, she was pretty certain they were the ones "but I'll look at the others if you want.", she said reluctantly.  All our other boys took their turn in the playpen with Afshan but the sparks that flew between she, Snowy and Small Fry were too strong to break.  All three of them knew this was the way it was supposed to be.

Only one slight hitch . . . Afshan had a wedding to go to close to Christmas and didn't think it right to take them home and then have to leave them in a few short weeks.  Could we keep them for her until she returned home?  Of course, we always welcome the opportunity to love on furballs as much as possible.  Afshan signed both Adoption Contracts, played and talked with, then said "Bye guys.  I'll be back shortly to take you home" to Snowy and Small Fry (now named Bob and Tom after the radio personalities).  I swear, Bob and Tom know she is returning as they have become much more animated since meeting Afshan.