I ALMOST had a new foster guinea pig! :(

I've fostered a couple guinea pigs before (through Luna's House, the animal rescue I work with) and thought I was going to get another one after I came back from last weeks vacation but apparently she hasn't been surrendered yet... We were thinking that she might turn into a good partner for my current guinea pig (Marconi), but alas, the look is still on... I hope she found another good home/or will show up soon, and wasn't dumped.... :(

If any more news comes, (or she shows up!), I'll let you know! 

In Memory of Ozzie

I come home from Shakespeare practice Sunday to discover the Ozzie-Ozzy "Oddie" Garnett has passed away, presumably in his sleep from old age. He was eight years old or even older, which was and is a pretty long time for guinea pigs. He was adopted and despite being a special needs pig (being blind in both eyes), he was a very special pig that shone in a world of his own.

I buried him today. He goes on a ever longer list of names of those who wait for us up above. I will miss him...

Here is one of my favorite poems. I can almost recite it. 

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

 

Cute!

William Haykespeare! Familiar anyone? More piggie paintings found here

HARE Club- Guinea pigs!

So yesterday me and another guinea pig enthusiast got to talk to the Homeschool Animal Rescue and Education Club that I help teach about, that's right, guinea pigs! We brought in three little "guest stars" of the show- my two guinea pigs, Ozzie and Marconi, and another guinea pig Winnie- which turned out to be one of the each type of the three most common types of guinea pigs! (that would be the Peruvian (long-haired), American (shotr-haired), and Abyssinian (crested)) We got to talk about the history and care of guinea pigs, and talk about guinea pig rescues. Though everything didn't go exactly as planned, the class was easy-going and everyone enjoyed it- especially the spoiled little pigs!

Some easily recognizable types of guinea pigs, from top left to right- Peruvian (Long-haired), American (short-haired), Teddy, Albino, Bottom left to right- Abyssinian (crested), Skinny, White Crested, and Texel

Marconi

Ozzie

 

 

Winnie (in class)

Winnie (outside of class) ;)

What's Going On...

So basically I have two big thing going on right now in concerns to Luna's House and my volunteer time...


Like, for example, I'm actually volunteering! About every Saturday you can catch me over at the Luna's House volunteering in the small animal room! Every week I get to spend time caring for and socializing with the small and furries of Luna's House, and I'm loving it! They've put about 12 guinea pigs through quarantine already (meaning that they are healthy enough to be rehomed). One of the guinea pigs was named after me! So proud... Some of these guinea pigs have stayed at the rescue facility, but a few (especially the younger ones) have been placed in a foster home. Still, its been quite busy over there too- 2 Chincillas and 5 guinea pigs have already been adopted!

I am also working on the Luna's House video. I have the first showing of the shortened version this coming Friday, and with a little more tweaking, perhaps I'll get it up on youtube and on the blog soon. If not, you'll be able to see it at the facility soon.


Oh, and after spending time with all the squeakers over at Luna's House... I'm also spending more time with mine! Just making that extra little time to spend with them in the evening/morning feels great... even if you have to brib them to sit still with treats!

 Abner- ADOPTED!