Ending and Beginning

So, it with a heavy heart that I write this blog post. I need to update you on what has been going on over the past couple of weeks. It has taken me that long to come to terms with it…

I welcomed Orbit and Drogon into my life at the end of January. I was joyous at their arrive and we entered a short honeymoon period. Drogon developed watery stool and diarrhea. Both her and Orbit were treated with strong antibiotics. Orbit’s treatment was preventative. Drogon quickly recovered and thankfully Orbit didn’t catch what she had.

After both guinea pigs were better, I was laying on the bed with both of them on my chest. All three of us were chilling and bonding. It was very nice. That’s when I noticed that Orbit sounded like he had a stuffy nose. I called and got him a vet appointment. It turned out his teeth were causing irritation and he needed to have a dental procedure. So, the next Thursday, I dropped them off at the vet so Orbit could have his procedure done on Friday morning. It was a success and they both returned home. Orbit was on pain medicine but was eating and drinking. Both guinea pigs popcorned when they were placed back in their home cage. I was nice to see them both so happy.

Soon after Orbit’s dental procedure, his stool became loose. I was giving him probiotics twice a day. One weekend, I noticed some blood in the cage. It appeared to be coming from Orbit due to his worsening diarrhea. Aunt Becky thought that Orbit might have a bladder stone. On a Monday, he was put on prednisone to help with his diarrhea. By the same Wednesday, Orbit’s diarrhea was much worse.

Orbit and Drogon staying with me as fosters had always been contingent on Orbit’s health. If it continued to do well, they could stay. It was clear by then that my house was not the best place for them both. It was on Wednesday night that I made the difficult decision to return both Orbit and Drogon to the rescue to be with their Aunt Becky. Based on his medical condition, I felt that he needed more expert care and one on one attention than I could give him.

I cried myself into a fitful sleep on Wednesday into Thursday. Knowing in your brain versus your heart that you are making a decision that is best for a pet are two different things. My brain knew it was right. But in the process of making the right decision, my heart was broken.

On Thursday, I got home after school and saw that Orbit needed a vet appointment. The vet saw him that afternoon. He checked out at the vet but was diagnosed with a bladder stone. His surgery was scheduled for the next Tuesday. Another member of the rescue picked up Drogon and Orbit and they were transferred back to Aunt Becky.

I texted the next Wednesday to find out how Orbit’s surgery had gone. I was informed that prior weekend Orbit passed away. My heart broke even more.

I offered to give Drogon a home. I was super happy with her and Orbit. However, it was not mean to be… Another guinea pig from the same situation Orbit had come from, had passed the same weekend. Drogon was alone and this other male pig was alone. So, Aunt Becky decided that the best thing for both of them was to see if they were a match and go from there. The next Thursday they met and it was love at first site.

Aunt Becky sent me a picture and if you look closely, you can see Drogon with a bit of a smile on her face. She and the her new partner “Mint” are now a bonded pair and went home with Mint’s humans. I’m told they are getting along like two peas in a pod. It’s the perfect outcome for her.

Now, I’ve got an empty home waiting for two guinea pigs that I can spoil and love. I’m just waiting for the heavens to align and for them to come into my life. Until then, I will take this time to heal my heart. I know there’s a pair waiting for me. – KA

Drogon and Mint

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