Our Guinea pig is dying.

[AlCzervik]

He hasn't really eaten in 2 days now and has hardly touched his water bottle. He's old for a guinea pig, he's almost 9. My daughter who slobbers all over him knows he's sick but i'm not sure how to handle it when he dies. Any suggestions?

[Dookus]

1. Let him go

peacefully.

That's very old for a guinea pig. It's sad, but a fact of life, that old beings die.

He must've been treated very well to have lived that long. You and your daughter should be mindful of that. I'm sorry for your loss.

[AlCzervik]

5. Thats what the vet said

she said that all guinea pigs should live as good as Patches. When we first got him i wasn't thrilled about the idea but after about a month he trained me well. Every morning he spueaks and bubbles to wake me up to feed him and give him a scratch behind his ears. He's really sweet and i think i'm gonna miss him more than my daughter will. He stopped making his bubbly sound about a week ago and thats when i knew he was getting sick.

[Dookus]

6. yeah

guinea pigs are great pets. I had one as a child, and the squeaks and trills and whistles were really endearing.

In my experience, when I've lost a cat, I've gone right out and gotten a new one the same day. It's not a replacement - nothing can replace our loved pets - but it's something new to love that helps take away the sting of loss.

There's a baby guinea-pig out there somewhere with your name on it.

[AlCzervik]

7. I will get another one

after a awhile, maybe a couple of months from now.

[Dookus]

8. awww

what a cutie. Farewell, Patches.

[TrustingDog]

18. I've been through mice and guineas and wot wot...

with my daughter.
the only thing I found that comforted her best was telling her was that the guinea/mouse/wotwot was the luckiest to have someone like her looking after him with such love until the time to go came about.

[bigwillq]

19. What's a wot wot? (nt)

[TrustingDog]

21. creatures of all sorts.

[bigwillq]

22. Ok. Just never heard that word before.

Thanks for letting me know.

[TrustingDog]

24. that wot wot....

it's british rooted.
Think I recognized it first for it's value in the movie The Madness of King George.

[Somawas]

2. Not much you can do

for a guinea pig that old. Nine is an incredibly long run. Let your daughter put up a memorial to him at www.petloss.com. Will help her deal with the grief.

[skooooo]

3. my condolences...

...I don't have much experience with guinea pigs, I suppose you just let them die naturally? We just took our cat into the vet this morning and had him put to sleep, so all of this is all too immediate to me.

Maybe tell her that he will probably die soon? I don't know.

[Madrone]

4. If you can swing it -

I highly recommend being there when the pig dies - as in holding it and petting it, etc. It's amazing to see how peaceful animals are when they die a natural death of old age. I did exactly that with all my rats as they died, and as a result I didn't feel as sad about it. They were ready, and it was obvious. It IS rather difficult to put your life on hold and do this - but I found it well worth it for my peace of mind.

It's also important to stress how good of a life the pig had, and how your family has done such a good job of getting it to the age of 9.

I'm not sure if this is making much sense to you - but I hope it helps.

[Meritaten1]

9. Veterinary attention

You might want to take him to your veterinarian (check with them first to see if they treat guinea pigs, many do). There might be something that could be done medically. Humane euthanasia by the veterinarian would be an option if the medical issues are beyond resolution.

This is a very difficult situation for your family, and I feel for you. I hope things work out for the best!

[Flaxbee]

10. My niece has a guinea pig, "Rosa" who's about 9, also..

"the pig" (as she's affectionately known) is terrific -- all one of us has to do is call "Rrrrrrosssssssa!" and she'll start trilling, whistling and bouncing around. What a sweetie. Her time is near, too, I think.

You've been good to Patches, and he/she will go peacefully. You've done your best, and (s)he's had a good life. You guys can be proud of that.

[LibertyLover]

11. Guinea Pig

A few months ago I would not have understood attachment to a guinea pig, then my stepdaughter brought her 4 year old piggy to live with us and I am amused at how much I like the critter. She was skin and bones and not doing well when she arrived and my stepdaughter, thinking that it would make us happier to have her (and her animals) said that Margarita was an old lady and on her last legs. Well, The Divine Miss M as we call her started eating, put on weight and is like a new animal. My stepdaughter bought a new little piggy to keep her company and she is happy as a clam. I wish that your piggy would do the same. But, I understand the reality of the situation and I really am sorry. In similar situations (loss of dogs and rats) I have gone out and adopted new companions as quickly as possible. As one poster said, and said it well, you are not replacing the lost pet, but you are bringing in a new pet to love and help fill a place in your heart. You and your daughter most certainly did something extra special for Patches to reach the age of 9. I hope your next piggy lives to 10.

[Hand]

12. This is always very sad...

The best thing to do, I think, is at the time that this little one passes, surround him with all your love and let him know that it's all right to move on. It's a time when you can give strength and courage to help with any fear or confusion the little furball may be feeling.

There will be time afterward for your own grieving, and I know from losing a couple of our beloved bunnies over the years that these furry critters have a way of digging themselves into your heart and your life in profound and lasting ways.

It might comfort your daughter to hear about the Rainbow Bridge. Here's the URL at petloss.com:

http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

Thank you for giving this little one a wonderful life!

:hug: :cry:

[m-jean03]

13. Sorry to hear that, chimpsrsmarter!

My condolences to you and your daughter. :hug:

[bigwillq]

14. Just remember you loved that pet

And Patches loved you. To live to that age as a guinea pig means you all did something right. Patches lived a good long life and now it's time for Patches to move on. It'll be tough at first but just remember that you all made a good home for your pet.

I had two guinea pigs who each lived to be 6 and then they both died of tumors. You can always get a new one and make just as good of a home for that one.

I am sorry you have to go through this.

[tilsammans]

15. Sorry to hear

I had several guinea pigs when I was a kid. They do make wonderful pets -- very affectionate and sweet-natured.

When you're ready to get another, check out the classified section of your local paper. I've often seen ads for free guinea pigs.

My condolences to you and your daughter.

[AlCzervik]

16. sadly Patches died this morning

we put him out on a blanket and petted him. It got pretty bad in the last couple of minutes, i could tell it was coming very quick. My vet was nice enough to take him for us and actually offered us a 2 month old baby boy piggy. At first i didnt think it would be a good idea but he needs a home and we have one to give him. I'll have a picture of him tomm. His name is Bob.

[bigwillq]

17. So sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved pet

Remember fondly. I think you all did the right thing by getting a new pig. Enjoy him.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

20. Rest in peace, Patches...

:hug:to you and your family:hug:

[Beaverhausen]

23. So sorry about your loss.

Little Patches surely had a happy life. :hug:

[UrbScotty]

26. Having lost a pet about a year ago, I offer my condolences.

I still miss Bonnie. :-(

Oh, well, life moves on. Have fun with Bob. :-)

[Liberal Veteran]

27. I'm so very sorry...

Losing a friend is difficult.

My thoughts are with you.

[GreenPartyVoter]

25. I am so sorry. :^(

[SW FL Dem]

28. sorry to hear that.

It's always hard to lose a pet, even harder when your kids are close to them.