In memory of Daisy and Molly

A few weeks ago one of our 8 guinea pigs died. Daisy had not had the best start in life. She was rescued by the RSPCA and was in such a state that they didn't know she had long hair. Her and her sister Clover came to us in the best of possible health thanks to the tender care of Chrissie who looks after guinea pigs for the RSPCA. We like to think they were happier here. They certainly seemed to be.

Daisy was initially distrustful of us and tended to bite, something rare in guinea pigs who are by nature gentle. She quickly grew to trust us though and got a reputation as our loudest pig, wheeking happily whenever she was picked up and stroked. Her bad start in life had cost her though and her health wasn't good for the last year. She still seemed quit happy. The end came suddenly when she had a stroke. She went downhill so quickly that she died on the way to the vets.

Molly was by far the liveliest of our guinea pigs. She was one of the first two my wife got. She was a real character. Always full of energy and enthusiasm which meant that she was often a complete pain! She was a favourite with many of the people who visited us to see the pigs. She developed a mysterious problem a month or so back which reslved itself into a bladder infection. Our brillliant vet operated on her and removed several bladder stones. However, it seems that her kidneys had become infected. It is a testament to her boundless energy and strength that she survived the operation and for a couple of weeks after. All kinds of medication had been tried but nothing seemed to halt her deterioration. She passed away quietly this afternoon, something of a relief as she had been in some pain of late.

Daisy and Molly both did their part in bringing some joy to our lives and they will be greatly missed. I trust that they will both have a better time of it in their next existence.

In Gassho to Molly and Daisy.