Here, I want to share a couple of stories based on the lives of my own guinea pigs, the first of whom I got in February of 2001 and the last of whom passed away in June 2013. Photos and illustrations are mine. In the future, I hope to share more of their escapades, as well as those of my other pets.
Fruity darts out of my hands, into her cage, and out of sight under the cage ledge. I don’t make a move, unsure of whether to disturb her. “I forgot to put her blanket in,” I murmur to Andy.
“Go ahead. Put it in,” Andy advises. “She needs to get used to your smell.”
I remove the blanket (the first item that I had given her) from the carrier and gently slide it under the ledge. I also add a chewing block. Some guinea pigs strengthen their teeth on chewing blocks.
Then I close her cage door, sit back on my heels, and wait. I have a new companion!
I hope she likes her new home. I hope she likes me. I hope we become friends.
I bend forward to peek again at her. She’s retreated to the furthest corner. This guinea pig needs time to adapt!
Your Turn!
- What most comforts you?
- How did you receive that object?
- What object does you pet best like?
- When did your pet receive it?
Share your memories here.
Lincoln Animal Ambassadors 