[Gpdd] Behavior: Do Guinea Pigs Grieve?

Guineapigfilms at aol.com Guineapigfilms at aol.com
Fri Mar 10 11:50:36 EST 2006


Amber, 

I was so touched by your letter. Thank you so much for posting it. I, too, 
have witnessed countless examples of animal grieving throughout the years.

Last Halloween our oldest Yorkie, Squwigr, died very unexpectedly and 
tragically. His younger half-brother Yorkie, Milton, grieved for months! Milton was 
inconsolable, wouldn't eat, was almost unresponsive, etc. Animal behaviorists 
told us that he might die if we didn't get another puppy. We were told of 
numerous incidences where dogs quickly died of grief after losing their life's 
companion. We ended up getting Susie, a little Westie puppy. Now Susie is five and 
a half months old, and Milton has a new lease (leash?) on life. He is almost, 
but not quite, back to his old self. He doesn't like Susie all that much 
(it's hard having a new baby sister!), but being with her has helped take his mind 
off his loss. Still, if one of us happens to mentions Squwigr's name in 
conversation, he always looks up sharply at us and then looks very sad.

Yes, guinea pigs grieve. All animals have that capacity. And, yes, they DO 
have souls. Without a doubt. 

Love and WHEEEEEPS,

Alyssa and the guinea pig movie stars
http://hometown.aol.com/guineapigfilms



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