Obituaries

I never knew such a small animal could mean so much to me. Pupper meant everything to me. Letting her go was the hardest decision of my life, and the first time I have experienced a death in the family. I will love you forever and always. <3

On March 12th of 2020, I decided that it was time to buy a guinea pig. My love for animals has grown more and more since the age of about 5 years old. I have had hamsters, frogs, lizards, cats, and dogs. I had always wanted a guinea pig, and on March 12th that's exactly what I received. Pupper was tiny, maybe a couple of months old, when I had picked her up at the local pet store. The moment I held her for the first time it was an instant connection. She loved me and I certainly loved her. From that day on, I spent every moment I could talking, petting, and spoiling Pupper. She loved to be pet under her chin and anytime I called her name or got close to the cage she would instantly "popcorn". She loved to run around on my bed and crawl in my arms. Pupper enjoyed eating baby carrots, romaine lettuce, and occasionally tomatoes. For the little bit of time she was with me, she was the light of my world. I loved her company deeply and anytime I felt anxious or stressed, she instantly relieved me.

On October 12th, 2021, Pupper was taken for her final vet visit. I had known a couple of days prior to the 12th that she was ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge. Pupper was diagnosed with heavy congestion in her lungs and throat just a week prior. She was given two antibiotics as well as vitamin c supplements. From then on, her appetite decreased as well as her breathing deteriorated. I was syringe feeding critical care, vitamin c, antibiotics, and baby food every single day. Some days were better than others, and she would take the medicine and critical care fairly easily. Others, I would spend hours trying to give just 5 ml of critical care down her throat. It was stressful for not only me but for her tiny little body. She was lacking water and food in her system, and just a day after her diagnosis she quit eating and drinking completely. Puppers' digestive system began to shut down and started to lose weight rapidly. The chances for recovery were slim, with the vet calling it a "hail mary". She had been through so much already with the force-feeding and antibiotics, I couldn't watch her struggle anymore.

On October 12th, I was able to feel her spine, her ribs, and her back bone. I cried out, "Please God! Heal her, I will do anything." She never got better. At the vet clinic on October 12th, they put me in a room where me and Pupper could spend time together. I was in there for what felt like a few minutes, but was really hours. I took pictures with her and recorded videos of our final moments together. I was an absolute wreck. I couldn't get any words out of my mouth, and my heart was completely shattered. I cried and cried and cried.

It is now 9 days later, and I am still completely broken. Her cage sits in my room untouched, I plan to take the bedding and food that was left in her cage to keep for memories. Her cagemate is alone, and seemingly just as heartbroken as myself. I keep replaying the videos and pictures I took of her, only to be broken even more. I will never get over the loss of my baby, Pupper. I love you so much.