Tiny pigs don't last forever

Good evening, readers

Several days ago I took a pleasant bike ride through construction-ridden downtown St. Catharines to a local pet sore. Flora needed more hay, and I also enjoying seeing the guinea pigs they have there (even though I HIGHLY recommend adopting an adult pig from a humane society).

The babies there were just tiny!

Obviously, I understand that every creature, even elephants, are once very small beings. But I feel these little gals may be misrepresenting the guinea pig species. Guinea pigs are not what I would call "pocket pets" (unless you have extraordinarily large pockets). Although some of the young pigs were only marginally bigger than a large hamster, they definitely won't stay that size for long.

Although it's hard to tell with the images I have, Flora is quite a significant size (especially when you factor in all her wild fur). For a relative example, I would say she's just a bit shy of being as wide as a widescreen laptop computer; definitely not something you can squish into a small cage. And according to a former-pig-owning friend of mine, she is on the small side of the species.

I have found many pet store employees to be very helpful in the past, and I sincerely hope they are informing people of the size these pets will become. For instance, many sources I've found recommend affording two guinea pigs atleast eight feet of living space.

Readers, if any of you or a friend are considering a pet guinea pig, please consider carefully. Although they are wonderful, pleasant animals, they won't fit in a shoebox. Realizing this sooner than later will keep more pigs out of animal shelters.

Yours truly



Sarah

Thanks, readers!

Flora and I wish to thank everyone that has stopped by to check out our blog. The time has "squeaked" by! (Tee hee)

This photo was taken with my boyfriend's laptop camera. As you can see, by the end of our little photo shoot Flora was less than impressed. Such is the glamourous life of a much blogged-about guinea pig.

Pigs & strangers

Good evening, readers

Over the past two days, a friend of my boyfriend came to visit. Flora's response to his presence was very interesting. When he first came into the apartment, I watched her listening intently to his voice. She rarely displays this concentration except when something is really interesting her (like when the fridge's crisper drawer is opening!).

I'm not sure if her reaction was true or coincidental, but it was definitely intriguing. Do you find your pets (or pets you have met) behave differently toward strangers?

Sincerely



Sarah

Sisterhood of the Travelling Pig

Dear readers

Following the end of the school term, the lease in our apartment will expire. This will mark our first relocation with Flora.

A lot of the apartments we've been looking at seem to not allow pets, though I'm not sure this applies to cage pets like guinea pigs.

I'm hoping Flora won't be a turn-off to landlords, because she really is very quiet and not messy at all. Have you ever experienced problems finding a place to live that allowed your pet? Hopefully our experience will not be too complicated.

Yours truly



Sarah

Pig-sitting (not literally)

Dear readers

I'm currently away from Flora for a few days. Luckily, my wonderful boyfriend has agreed to care for Flora until my return.

I've had much luck securing guinea pig sitters in the past while (namely my boyfriend, house-mate and family). Though I'm aware it's not always easy to find responsible pet caregivers.

Perhaps a solution to this common problem would be a local pet-sitting website; a social medium to provide pet owners a pool of willing pet caregivers. Centralizing the process of temporary pet care would be more efficient for all.

Would you support a similar initiative?

Yours truly

Sarah

The Power of Pets

Hello, readers

Over the past few years I've owned several pets, including Flora the guinea pig. Each small animal has left a unique impression upon me. Although so very small, they each possessed strong character and personality. My pets often define periods in my life, and when I look back on our time together I remember the best memories of these times.

Have you had similar experiences? Has a special animal left pawprints on your heart?

Yours truly


Sarah

Guinea Pig History X

Hello, readers

While researching guinea pigs, I was surprised to learn that they did not evolve naturally. This Wikipedia page explains the process much more eloquently.

Also on the mentioned page is a photo of a cat and its guinea pig friends. Has anyone ever done any inter-species experimentation? I've read various (many grisly and unsuccessful) accounts of guinea pigs being paired with rabbits, mice and hamsters. I'm not sure about cats, though. Some friends of ours are looking to re-home their cat because of health reasons. Although I'm worried that the introduction of a cat would be very stressful for Flora, apparently I may be incorrect. Any thoughts? Even insight into living with cats and dogs would be appreciated.

Yours truly



Sarah