Rest in peace, Pippin.

Tonight I came home and my guinea pig was lying still on his side.  After weeks of being sick and struggling to eat, while we tried everything we could think of to help him, he finally died while I was out tonight.  It couldn't have been long before I got home.  Every time I leave my apartment I say "Bye, Pippin.  I love you."  Guinea pigs are very affectionate and I think he liked hearing my voice.  It got to be a habit over time.


Last night I gave him a slice of apple and put some Vitamin C and V8 juice in his water but he couldn't get to either - I watched him try for two minutes to get a single bite with no success.  So I chopped up an apple slice into tiny pieces, held him in my lap and fed them to him.  He ate for half an hour while making tiny little happy grunting noises.  I miss him terribly but I'm glad to know I was able to help him a little before he went and I think he was happy.


We buried him in my back yard.  This morning I was digging holes to start planting my sunflowers and never finished - so I wrapped him and put him in the cigar box I've had since I was a kid and we put him in the hole.  I'm still going to plant my sunflowers there.


He was a great pet.  He was really sweet and patient and cuddly.  He'll be missed.  So, for the last time, bye Pippin.  I love you.