Happy New Year

It's been a long time since I've updated this blog, or since I've fostered guinea pigs and hamsters. Between the economy and my then-job, it was difficult to manage. My boys remained with me, of course, and I gave them every bit of attention I could whenever I was free. Bobby died at a bit over 3 years of age August 3, 2010, and I miss him dearly. Phin is still alive, and is now 5 as of November 2010. He's an old timer! He's enjoying being cranky and spoiled.

I don't know if I'll return to fostering guinea pigs (I can possibly foster hamsters without issue), but I do want to write about Mr. Butterfat a bit more. Since he's in what may be his twilight years, I want to capture him as much as I can. He'll be my last guinea pig for a long time, if ever. My love of cavies is as strong as ever, but my allergies to them have worsened over the years. As much as I enjoy my time with Phin, it usually results in me breaking out in hives and hyperventilating.

So here's to a year of good times and good memories, of health and happiness, for all of us.

New Fosters

A few weeks ago, we began our life as outlaws, fostering three beautiful pigs -- Little Pig, Nibbler, and ResQ. If you know anyone looking for two terrific pals to adopt, drop a line to myself or the North Jersey Guinea Pig and Hamster Rescue. Or if you're looking for just one adorably awesome and cuddly pig, we've got him, too.




This is ResQ. He's a beautifully marked American guinea pig. He loves to cuddle.









Here are Little Pig and Nibbler, two buddies waiting for a warm, loving home. Glasses not included. ;-)








More photos can be found in my Foster Pigs Flickr set.

Crittertastic!

Today, Chris and I helped the North Jersey Guinea Pig & Hamster Rescue save 30+ hamsters from who knows what. We picked them up from the Liberty Humane Society yesterday afternoon, dropped a few of them off with another rescuer and brought the rest to Carla. We decided to adopt one and foster two.

To the left are Diva and Starlet, who are up for adoption. They're both very young, and incredibly sweet in spite of what they've been through.
They were rescued from a careless owner who left his/her hamsters to breed until there were over fifty of them. Three of them were so sick and injured they had to be put to sleep. Unfortunately, I was unable to rescue two of them because they had to go back to the hell they came from. I just hope the owner is responsible this time around.

Pfefferneuse III is the hamster we decided to give a permanent home. He's a jumpy but sweet little powder puff that I fell for at first site. Since we brought him home he's been relaxing a bit. As I type this, he's sleeping away.

Here's a photo I took of him before putting him in his new home. We'll hook the wheel up to his cage tomorrow. For now, I think he's content just to sleep in a dimly lit (soon to be dark), quiet room.



Phin and Bobby are as adorable and awesome as ever. I managed to get a few photos of them and Layla recently. Here's a photo of Layla the fashion model, and Phin & Bobby during floor time, playing in an old pair of sweat pants.






Layla in her new rain coat.















Phin and Bobby have a pants party.















A scrunched up Phin.
















Bobby picked the cozier leg.

Happy Guinea Pig Month!

Apparently, March is Adopt A Rescued Guinea Pig Month, a month worth celebrating!

I'm still trying to design a logo for the North Jersey Guinea Pig and Hamster Rescue, but things have been a bit hectic with the most recent addition to our family, Layla. She's a strong, sweet Bullmastiff-Labrador Retriever mix. A family member of mine had to give her up due to allergies. She loves attempting to groom the pigs, but the Phin and Bobby are so not having it!

Speaking of the boys, they are doing very well. They're fat, happy, and loved. Bobby will be a year old in about a month. Time flies! When he came home, he was about or a little over six weeks old if I remember correctly.

It's almost time for Springtime photos. I'll be sure to post those as soon as they're taken.

Best Of Luck, Babies!

Yesterday afternoon, Logan and Xavier were taken back to the North Jersey Guinea Pig and Hamster Rescue; tomorrow they will be adopted by a loving family.

This morning I walked down the stairs and greeted them only to see the spot they occupied was empty and remember that they were matched with a family.

Chris and I are taking a break from fostering until the spring, when the weather will be more pleasant. Most of the house is chilly (we have to handle the insulation and other weatherproofing tasks), and worrying about two pigs being warm is enough. I look forward to returning to my fostering duties. I miss Lo-lo and Xavier but it's good to know that they're going to be happy and loved. They deserve it.

Phin, Bobby, Logan, & Xavier - An Update

The boys are all doing wonderfully. Much to their delight, Chris accidentally ordered a 50 lbs bale of hay, and what a happy mistake that was! A seemingly never-ending supply of hay? Too good to be true. But Chris managed to top that by ordering a bunch of Critter Berries.

Finally, we purchased a second vet bedding from Palace Pet in blue, just to change things up.

Bobby is seven months old now, and huge! He's almost as big as Phin, and that's saying something. Here's a photo of the boys taken on November 20th.

Cross your fingers -- Logan and his friend Xavier may be headed to a new home soon! We received word from the shelter today that there's a possibility they may be adopted soon. As much as I will miss them, I hope that they will find a loving, affectionate family willing to offer a safe, permanent home.

Here's a photo of Xavier and Logan after Vitamin C time.

Fostering them has been a challenge. They've been with us for a while now, so it's been hard not to get attached. We have to maintain a certain amount of contact with them so that they remain social, so cuddling has become second nature.

Ever since Logan was paired with Xavier, he's been a different pig. He's much more affectionate and happy. I love how baby Xavier follows his Uncle Logan around. That always makes me smile.

Amora and Ursa are both doing well. It's been difficult to get photos of them, as they are hamster puffs by day, hamster track stars by night. Hopefully we'll have some to share eventually.

Photos: All Of The Boys

I took a bunch of new photos of our boys and our awesome little guests. Here's a photo of Phin in his new hoodie. I may have to alter the sleeves, but other than that it's a perfect fit.

I think sweaters (or something warm and comfy) are a good idea for floortime in a drafty house since guinea pigs since are so susceptible to chills and colds. Just be sure the fabrics aren't frayed, and that they can move around comfortably without getting limbs or nails caught.

In case you're curious, Phin is a XXS in dog sizes. You can go here to view some more great photos.