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Where Every Little Piggy Finds Their FOREVER HOME
In Tribute
When this page was first created on our website,
Our Own Herd consisted of Abby and two of her babies (Caramel and Spot)
plus four other furballs by the names of Cadbury, Ripley, Pauly and Maggie.
Since that writing, we have suffered the devastating losses of everyone except Maggie.
These are their stories.
When this page was first created on our website,
Our Own Herd consisted of Abby and two of her babies (Caramel and Spot)
plus four other furballs by the names of Cadbury, Ripley, Pauly and Maggie.
Since that writing, we have suffered the devastating losses of everyone except Maggie.
These are their stories.
THE ONE WHO STARTED IT ALL!!
We visited our local pet shop on March 21, 2003 "just to look" at the guinea pigs. (We were totally unaware that shelters for unwanted and abadoned cavies existed!) That is when I met Abby and immediately fell in love!! Of course it didn't hurt when I picked her up and she went straight for my shoulder and began to nuzzle and coo. But then she kissed my ear and neck. Needless to say, I was hooked!! She went home with us right there and then and she has been giving me kisses ever since. I am so blessed to have found this wonderful friend!!
When I took her to our vet for her initial examination (something everyone should do when obtaining a new pet), I was surprised to learn she was pregnant. (Did you know that most female guinea pigs purchased from pet shops are pregnant when coming home with you??) She presented us with four (4) of the cutest little balls of fur on April 3rd and they popped and back-flipped their way into our hearts as well. Her first litter consisted of three (3) boys (boars) and one (1) little girl (sow).
Abby has such a wonderful disposition, temperament and personality that my husband and I decided to breed her ourselves. Thus began our very short-lived and heart-breaking journey into the land of Guinea Pig Breeding. We were both very unaware of the over-abundance of piggies that were in rescues and those in shelters who were in danger of being euthanized. We were also unaware that there are Guinea Pig Shows just like Dog Shows, Cat Shows, and Horse Shows. That's when major research began to find out all we could about Guinea Pigs.
We found Abby's new husband in a tri-color Peruvian that we named Patch. He is a beautiful pig with a wonderful personality and a very laid-back disposition. Love blossomed and bloomed as soon as Patch saw Abby! He was at her mercy . . . whatever she wanted was hers. Patch made sure Abby got all the best greens at feeding time. He even let her have the house all to herself while he laid by the door protecting her from who knows what!
Abby's pregnancy was routine with no apparent signs of problems. However, when she gave birth, three were stillborn and the fourth was weak. Thank goodness, my husband was home and intervened. Abby had gone to the farthest corner of her habitat away from the babies thinking all were dead. My husband picked up the fourth, placed him in a towel and began drying him while rubbing him to try to make him breathe. When he let out a squeak, Abby perked up and wanted her baby so she could begin nursing.
By the second day, the baby was well on his way but Abby was still in danger. She was very weak and still bleeding but that didn't stop her from continuing to nurse her baby. We kept a close eye on her all that day, which was a Sunday and planned to visit the vet the following day. But her bleeding wouldn't stop and she continued to weaken so we packed both Abby and her baby in the car and headed straight to the emergency room. After several tests, we learned that Abby had a bacterial infection which is probably why the other three babies were stillborn. I thank God we went to the vet when we did. Abby recovered quite nicely (it did take about two weeks) and is very healthy and happy today.
My husband buried the other three babies in our perennial garden and we vowed that they would be the last babies we ever buried. That was also the day our breeding stopped. I never want to place another piggie in jeopardy. If my Abby would have died, a big part of me would have died with her.
And her baby . . . he was handled since day one and now resides in TN with his two sons, a set of quads, one younger child, Kenny and Beth. He is a big cuddler who likes to play 'catch me' when you get him out of his habitat but once out, really loves all the attention and love. We named him Omega - for he was Abby's Last Baby!
Abby has such a wonderful disposition, temperament and personality that my husband and I decided to breed her ourselves. Thus began our very short-lived and heart-breaking journey into the land of Guinea Pig Breeding. We were both very unaware of the over-abundance of piggies that were in rescues and those in shelters who were in danger of being euthanized. We were also unaware that there are Guinea Pig Shows just like Dog Shows, Cat Shows, and Horse Shows. That's when major research began to find out all we could about Guinea Pigs.
We found Abby's new husband in a tri-color Peruvian that we named Patch. He is a beautiful pig with a wonderful personality and a very laid-back disposition. Love blossomed and bloomed as soon as Patch saw Abby! He was at her mercy . . . whatever she wanted was hers. Patch made sure Abby got all the best greens at feeding time. He even let her have the house all to herself while he laid by the door protecting her from who knows what!
Abby's pregnancy was routine with no apparent signs of problems. However, when she gave birth, three were stillborn and the fourth was weak. Thank goodness, my husband was home and intervened. Abby had gone to the farthest corner of her habitat away from the babies thinking all were dead. My husband picked up the fourth, placed him in a towel and began drying him while rubbing him to try to make him breathe. When he let out a squeak, Abby perked up and wanted her baby so she could begin nursing.
By the second day, the baby was well on his way but Abby was still in danger. She was very weak and still bleeding but that didn't stop her from continuing to nurse her baby. We kept a close eye on her all that day, which was a Sunday and planned to visit the vet the following day. But her bleeding wouldn't stop and she continued to weaken so we packed both Abby and her baby in the car and headed straight to the emergency room. After several tests, we learned that Abby had a bacterial infection which is probably why the other three babies were stillborn. I thank God we went to the vet when we did. Abby recovered quite nicely (it did take about two weeks) and is very healthy and happy today.
My husband buried the other three babies in our perennial garden and we vowed that they would be the last babies we ever buried. That was also the day our breeding stopped. I never want to place another piggie in jeopardy. If my Abby would have died, a big part of me would have died with her.
And her baby . . . he was handled since day one and now resides in TN with his two sons, a set of quads, one younger child, Kenny and Beth. He is a big cuddler who likes to play 'catch me' when you get him out of his habitat but once out, really loves all the attention and love. We named him Omega - for he was Abby's Last Baby!
Abby normally is right by my side whenever I am on my computer. In fact, she has her own little bed on my desk. Of course, she must have her baby blanket to hide under while she lounges!! She is always so quiet and so still while in her bed that I have forgotten she was there a few times. Once I even left and took a shower!! Half an hour later I remembered she was on my desk and frantically ran to ensure she was alright; that she hadn't fallen off my desk! To my surprise (and BIG relief), Abby was still lying in her little bed almost in the same position I had left her. Don't tell her it's really a cat bed . . . she thinks they made it just for her!!
CARAMEL - ONE OF ABBY'S FIRST BABIES . . .
Caramel is my husband's pride and joy, the only female and the runt of the litter.
She has grabbed onto his heart and refuses to let go (as if he would ever want her to!!) She is definitely 'The Little Princess' and knows just how beautiful she is.
She has grabbed onto his heart and refuses to let go (as if he would ever want her to!!) She is definitely 'The Little Princess' and knows just how beautiful she is.
Spot - One of Abby's First Babies!!
Spot was the shy one.
At birth, he was solid black except for the bit of cream he still has on top of his head.
When his brothers began bullying him because he was smaller than they, I began taking him with me to work every morning. He has been the mentor for any baby boy that comes to our rescue. He loved every baby boy so much and was a very good teacher in how to be a very good male Guinea pig! We watched in amusement as he would hold seminars and classes on every aspect of "Growing Up Guinea Pig".
When his brothers began bullying him because he was smaller than they, I began taking him with me to work every morning. He has been the mentor for any baby boy that comes to our rescue. He loved every baby boy so much and was a very good teacher in how to be a very good male Guinea pig! We watched in amusement as he would hold seminars and classes on every aspect of "Growing Up Guinea Pig".
However, we soon discovered that he really wanted a buddy who wouldn't leave him like all his babies had done in the past.
First, there was Pauly whom Spot adored but he soon left us. Please read his story on the page entitled Abby's Clan. Then came Cadbury . . .you can read his story below . . . and he soon left as well. Spot became depressed again and we were worried that he would have to spend the rest of his days alone. Until Spud . . .
First, there was Pauly whom Spot adored but he soon left us. Please read his story on the page entitled Abby's Clan. Then came Cadbury . . .you can read his story below . . . and he soon left as well. Spot became depressed again and we were worried that he would have to spend the rest of his days alone. Until Spud . . .
Cadbury to the Rescue!!
Spot was again alone - totally depressed since Pauly's death. He wouldn't come out of his house for anything and I was terribly worried. Steve and I knew he needed a new cagemate but we had no babies and I wasn't sure how he and any of our adult males would get along. We attempted pairings with no luck - the teeth clacking would begin and then a fight would begin. Thank goodness for bath towels - the fights ended almost before they were able to begin. I was getting even more upset with each passing day . . . I had to find Spot a cagemate.
Then Cadbury appeared at our doorstep! His human was moving and just couldn't put him through the trauma. She asked if we could please find him a good home. Cadbury is beautiful! He is a red Teddy with such a laid-back personality; he reminds me of a Southern gentleman. Several potential adopters had looked at him in the weeks that followed his arrival but everyone said the same thing, "Really would prefer a younger piggy". You see, Cadbury is 4 years old. While that is truly not 'over-the-hill' in Guinea pig years, it is middle-age.
That's when Steve and I came up with the idea to try Cadbury with Spot to see what would happen. We started out with each of us holding one pig in our laps on a towel. About twenty minutes later we switched pigs but not towels. Now each pig was getting to know the other by the scent left on the bath towel. Next step: I placed both pigs together on my lap. They checked each other out but no teeth clacking . . . I had my fingers crossed. Now it was time for both of them to go to the playpen. I stood ready with my trusty bath towel . . . I didn't need it. These two were having fun together. Spot started popping and I almost cried.
May 1, 2006 - Spot adopted Cadbury and they are still living happily together!! I'm pretty happy myself.
March 27, 2007 - Cadbury has gone to Rainbow Bridge and Spot is once again alone.
November 28, 2007 - Spot began his own journey to Rainbow Bridge to once again be with Cadbury.
May 1, 2006 - Spot adopted Cadbury and they are still living happily together!! I'm pretty happy myself.
March 27, 2007 - Cadbury has gone to Rainbow Bridge and Spot is once again alone.
November 28, 2007 - Spot began his own journey to Rainbow Bridge to once again be with Cadbury.
Ripley - What a Character!!
Ripley came to be with us on July 10, 2004 when his 8-yr-old owner's father developed an allergy. This little girl adored Ripley and did not want to lose him. We promised to find a very good home for him. I never thought it would be ours. But that is exactly what happened. One day my husband came to me and said, "We have to adopt Ripley - I can't bear to part with him."
Ripley makes any day brighter; he is always wanting to rub noses when you come his way. His previous owner carried him around like a baby doll so he is not unhappy on his back as long as
Ripley makes any day brighter; he is always wanting to rub noses when you come his way. His previous owner carried him around like a baby doll so he is not unhappy on his back as long as
you rub his tummy. She also taught him how to suck his thumb! But what really hooked my husband was Ripley following him around when he gets free range in the mornings. He even comes when you call his name. Now he is totally spoiled . . . we purchased a bird toy with a bell to hang in his cage. Now, whenever he wants something . . . anything . . . he grabs it with his mouth and throws it so the bell rings. Yes, Ripley truly has my husband's number!!
One of Ripley's favorite things is BANANA!! You can't even peel one in the kitchen without him knowing it!! And if you eat one, you'd better give him a few bites or that bell of his will never stop ringing!!
One of Ripley's favorite things is BANANA!! You can't even peel one in the kitchen without him knowing it!! And if you eat one, you'd better give him a few bites or that bell of his will never stop ringing!!
Someone to Watch Over Me Please
On August 18, 2005, a GP family of five arrived at This Little Piggy & Me. This family consisted of Mom (Miss Piggy), Dad (Lil' Devil), and three 3-week old babies - Speedy (a male),Buddy and Bubby (both females). The mother, now named Tova, and the two little girls, now named Nita & Nova found their new Forever Homes very shortly after arriving but Dad and his son were a little harder to place - not sure if they were just being a little more picky about who they wanted to go home with or that they just liked it here so much. We began thinking of new names for this duo - Lil' Devil and Speedy just didn't fit these two. Lil' Devil was easy - his new name became Lucky. Speedy was a whole other story . . . My husband works with several other men who keep track of our website and our adoptables. The day came when one of his co-workers asked when we were going to name one of our furballs after him. Only one problem . . . his name is Paul . . . what were we going to come up with that would be a good Guinea pig name?? That's when my husband, Steve came up with PAULY!!
We thought everything was fine with father and son - both were healthy and enjoyed each other's company. And they both liked their new neighbor, our Spot. But one morning we awoke to find that Lucky had passed away . . . poor little Pauly was right by his side, not knowing why his daddy wouldn't wake up. This little guy needed someone to watch over him, to show him what it meant to be a Guinea pig, to teach him and mentor him into adulthood.
Who better than Spot - our resident male nanny!! But I had promised Spot never to take another baby, another buddy, away from him. We did the only thing we could - we adopted Pauly and he will forever be with Spot and with the rest of our herd!!
Unfortunately for Spot and for us, Pauly was found dead one morning in the habitat he shared with Spot. Spot was lying next to him with his head resting on Pauly's side. We had no indication of a problem - Pauly was about the same age as his father when he died.
Who better than Spot - our resident male nanny!! But I had promised Spot never to take another baby, another buddy, away from him. We did the only thing we could - we adopted Pauly and he will forever be with Spot and with the rest of our herd!!
Unfortunately for Spot and for us, Pauly was found dead one morning in the habitat he shared with Spot. Spot was lying next to him with his head resting on Pauly's side. We had no indication of a problem - Pauly was about the same age as his father when he died.
Abby's Turn to Adopt!!
Babies, babies, babies!! There is nothing Abby loves more than babies. So when I placed Maggie, a 3 month old tri-color Teddy, into her habitat Abby just knew the baby was all hers!!
Then it began to get comical. Everytime I would remove Maggie from the habitat, Abby would squeal. The same happened if I took Abby out to go watch T.V. - Maggie would squeal. As soon as I returned one to the habitat, the other would come running to begin grooming. Could you say 'no' to this?? I thought not!
Then it began to get comical. Everytime I would remove Maggie from the habitat, Abby would squeal. The same happened if I took Abby out to go watch T.V. - Maggie would squeal. As soon as I returned one to the habitat, the other would come running to begin grooming. Could you say 'no' to this?? I thought not!
So on May 1, 2006 Abby became an adoptive mother which is more than alright with me - Maggie is a sweetheart!!
I knew we had to separate Spud and Ping but we were pretty full . . . who would share their space with Spud?? I thought about Spot but was very unsure . . . I didn't want Spot to gain a friend only to have him leave when adopted. SOLUTION!! I adopted Spud and now he and Spot are best buds forever!
UPDATE: Spot left us on November 28, 2007 and began his journey to Rainbow Bridge. Abby's children are now gone from TLP&M but, once again, together with Abby.
Spud decided to leave us and begin his journey to find Spot on August 10, 2008 at the age of 4 years and 2 months. I still miss ‘my little duck’ and will always remember the sweetheart he was. It is never easy losing a pet but it is exceptional hard when you lose a friend.
“A New Cagemate for Spud”
UPDATE: Spot left us on November 28, 2007 and began his journey to Rainbow Bridge. Abby's children are now gone from TLP&M but, once again, together with Abby.
Spud decided to leave us and begin his journey to find Spot on August 10, 2008 at the age of 4 years and 2 months. I still miss ‘my little duck’ and will always remember the sweetheart he was. It is never easy losing a pet but it is exceptional hard when you lose a friend.
“A New Cagemate for Spud”
Spud to the Rescue!!
Spud arrived with his cagemate, Ping and four other piggies. He was much smaller than Ping and was continually being pestered and used as a 'boy toy'. Ping's mounting was so very frequent that Spud was bald on the rear portion of his body. Plus he had permanent damage from an upper respiratory infection that had left him sounding like a duck!
Scully
December 8, 2007 - What a Day!!
I wish it legal to treat people the same way they treat animals. I wonder how THEY would feel thrown in a box with 9 others and left outside in the cold and rain. The only saving grace was the box was left in front of a vet's office. And yes, you read correctly . . . there were a total of TEN Guinea pigs in one box!! SIX males and FOUR females - ranging in age from about 3 months to 1 year. Can somebody please tell me what is wrong with people?? How can anyone be so cruel, so unfeeling??
But one of the little guys kept catching my eye and tugging on my heart. He was the smallest and one of the youngest - the one everyone else seemed to bully - the one I had named Scully. Could he help Spud get out of his depression since losing Spot? Would Spud allow him into his home and hopefully, into his heart? Only one way to know for sure - we introduced them to each other in the playpen.
Scully started running around and playing - he WAS a baby after all - they are supposed to do that! Spud kinda waddled around slowly. Being a Senior Citizen, he acted normal. But he was interested in Scully, even if he was just a young whipper-snapper!! Spud became animated!! This might work - I think we have found Spud's new buddy!
Then it hit us . . . were we being fair to Scully. He was a baby; he needed to run and play; could he really be happy with Spud? That answer came when Scully came over to Spud and began grooming him. Then he laid down beside Spud and they both took a nap!
Scully received a playmate by the name of Jack Frost on March 24, 2008 which then gave Spud two babies to care for if only for a short time. As the weeks passed and Spud became older and somewhat weaker, we knew it was time to free him of the babies. Our prayers were answered June 14, 2008 when both Scully and Jack Frost found Lisa and their Forever Home.
December 8, 2007 - What a Day!!
I wish it legal to treat people the same way they treat animals. I wonder how THEY would feel thrown in a box with 9 others and left outside in the cold and rain. The only saving grace was the box was left in front of a vet's office. And yes, you read correctly . . . there were a total of TEN Guinea pigs in one box!! SIX males and FOUR females - ranging in age from about 3 months to 1 year. Can somebody please tell me what is wrong with people?? How can anyone be so cruel, so unfeeling??
But one of the little guys kept catching my eye and tugging on my heart. He was the smallest and one of the youngest - the one everyone else seemed to bully - the one I had named Scully. Could he help Spud get out of his depression since losing Spot? Would Spud allow him into his home and hopefully, into his heart? Only one way to know for sure - we introduced them to each other in the playpen.
Scully started running around and playing - he WAS a baby after all - they are supposed to do that! Spud kinda waddled around slowly. Being a Senior Citizen, he acted normal. But he was interested in Scully, even if he was just a young whipper-snapper!! Spud became animated!! This might work - I think we have found Spud's new buddy!
Then it hit us . . . were we being fair to Scully. He was a baby; he needed to run and play; could he really be happy with Spud? That answer came when Scully came over to Spud and began grooming him. Then he laid down beside Spud and they both took a nap!
Scully received a playmate by the name of Jack Frost on March 24, 2008 which then gave Spud two babies to care for if only for a short time. As the weeks passed and Spud became older and somewhat weaker, we knew it was time to free him of the babies. Our prayers were answered June 14, 2008 when both Scully and Jack Frost found Lisa and their Forever Home.
Our Longest Resident!!
Washington was born right here at TLP&M on November 11, 2004. One by one he saw his brothers, sisters and mother all find their new Forever Homes and leave him to be alone at TLP&M. Lots of people looked at Washington but their remarks were always the same - "We just don't want an all-white pig with red eyes." "The devil is in those eyes!" "With those red eyes, he reminds me of a rat." We considered the last one a compliment since rats are extremely smart animals!!
Washington was born right here at TLP&M on November 11, 2004. One by one he saw his brothers, sisters and mother all find their new Forever Homes and leave him to be alone at TLP&M. Lots of people looked at Washington but their remarks were always the same - "We just don't want an all-white pig with red eyes." "The devil is in those eyes!" "With those red eyes, he reminds me of a rat." We considered the last one a compliment since rats are extremely smart animals!!
Before too long, Washington had a job - he became our 2nd male nanny. We were getting far too many boy babies for Spot to handle alone. Washington would care for and teach newly-weaned baby boys. Maybe he could find a cagemate amongst all the baby boys! He taught them how to play nice, how to not make such a mess of the food bowl, how to find the best pieces of hay and most importantly, how to be BIG BOY Guinea pigs!! He taught them so well, it became his downfall.
As each baby grew older, they challenged Washington for the Alpha position and Washington would end up hurt. He was definitely a passivist - Washington was a lover, not a fighter!! One by one, each baby grew, challenged, won and then left Washington alone, just like his entire family. "No one wants to love me", he thought . . . but BOY, was he wrong!!
As each baby grew older, they challenged Washington for the Alpha position and Washington would end up hurt. He was definitely a passivist - Washington was a lover, not a fighter!! One by one, each baby grew, challenged, won and then left Washington alone, just like his entire family. "No one wants to love me", he thought . . . but BOY, was he wrong!!
Steve and I both knew how special Washington was and still is. And on June 29, 2007 we made it official - Washington is now OURS and we couldn't be happier. He still has a job but one that is very, very important - he is an AMBASSADOR!! He greets everyone who visits TLP&M. He calms all the new furballs that arrive by telling them how good he has it here. He entertains and educates whenever we go to Pet Fairs. Yes, he is ONE VERY SPECIAL AND LOVING PIG!!
To all those who passed him by only because of his beautiful red eyes, we only have one thing to say – THANK YOU!! We feel so privileged and so blessed to have had Washington in our lives. He was the perfect pig!! He loved life, carrots and babies but most of all, he loved being loved. On January 13, 2010 at the ripe old age of nearly 6, Washington passed away the way he wanted. Steve felt it was inevitable that very day and had been loving, talking to and holding him while watching T.V. But Washington didn’t want Steve to hurt more than necessary. He waited until Steve had to take a potty break. He placed Washington back into his habitat with Dakarai. Upon his return, Steve found Dakarai lying next to Washington who had gone on to Rainbow Bridge.
To all those who passed him by only because of his beautiful red eyes, we only have one thing to say – THANK YOU!! We feel so privileged and so blessed to have had Washington in our lives. He was the perfect pig!! He loved life, carrots and babies but most of all, he loved being loved. On January 13, 2010 at the ripe old age of nearly 6, Washington passed away the way he wanted. Steve felt it was inevitable that very day and had been loving, talking to and holding him while watching T.V. But Washington didn’t want Steve to hurt more than necessary. He waited until Steve had to take a potty break. He placed Washington back into his habitat with Dakarai. Upon his return, Steve found Dakarai lying next to Washington who had gone on to Rainbow Bridge.
