[Gpdd] Health, i think my guinea pig is depressed

[Lydia Boland]

We had the same situation.  Parsifal and Satchel were litter mates and 
were 2 or 3 years old when we adopted them.  Then after another 3 years 
with us Parsifal died last December.  Satchel was very depressed.  We 
knew about another guinea pig waiting for a home as my husband's cousin 
adopted one for their kids but she wasn't getting the attention she 
needed.  So within a week Ginny was with us and Satchel perked up right 
away.  Within 2 days Ginny and Satchel bonded.  He absolutely became a 
new pig.  Fortunately Satchel was neutered right after we adopted him 
so no worries about Ginny getting pregnant.
I knew that we adopted another older male guinea pig it would seem like 
we were trying to replace Parsifal.  But Ginny was a female and only a 
year old.  She is long haired and not short haired like Parsifal and 
Satchel.  Anyway, another companion adopted from a rescue might be your 
best bet.   They would be really helpful in guiding you (actually 
Cotton) to a match with the right piggie.  Most rescues have a policy 
that if it doesn't work out you are required to bring the piggie back 
to them.
We're sorry for your loss of Cookie.  You will all be in our prayers 
and we will light a candle for Cookie tonight.

Lydia

On Jun 15, 2005, at 10:03 AM, Jennifer Wunschel wrote:
>
> i had two guinea pigs in the same cage. they were easter gifts and had 
> been together for 2 or so years. their names are cookie and cotton. 
> last night one of the guinea pigs, cookie, died. cookie had been sick 
> for two or three days. while he was sick cotton seemed to look after 
> him and was very nice to him, etc. now cotton is sitting in the corner 
> of the cage and not really being himself. i held him for a little 
> while today and gave him some extra treats. cotton just seems very 
> sad. i do not know what to do...help, please.