Peanut Butter

We had to admit we have never owned guinea pigs before and were a little afraid of them until we got to know how wonderful they really are.  We got Hairy a rather large guinea pig at the humane society and decided that he would be lonely without a friend.  So last December we went to the pet store to find a friend for Hairy.  While picking him out of the group we wanted a friendly one that would be more docile.  He was only 3 months and showed no signs of aggression at the pet store.  He was the color of peanut butter with bright red eyes.  A cute little shy guy.  My very close Grandmother was in hospice care at Easter time in 2009.  I had pictures of the guinea pigs on her wall in her room.  My sister came in and had a seat in her rocker and took a look behind her and bounded out of her chair.  She had never seen a red eyed guinea pig staring right at her before.  Peanut Butter and Hairy went on our summer road trip with us for a month.  We loaded up the van and the girls and I took off into the sunset with the 2 guinea pigs in the back.  We sneaked them into the Sheraton at one stop.  We went to 7 states and traveled over 3000 miles and saw all of the grandparents.  Hairy and Peanut Butter particularly liked the grass in the backyard at Grandma Linda’s house.  Peanut Butter was only a year old when he became inflicted with a terrible tooth condition.  I took him to the vet and after several syringe feedings and trying to get nutrition in him so the vet could fix the teeth he passed away.  I really felt as though he was hanging on until the morning because he wanted to say goodbye and thanks for all the care.  He squeaked his last squeaks as I put him in the carrier.  I petted his cheek as we drove on to get to Dr Cooney’s house.  I didn’t want him to suffer any longer.  He died as we drove with a small movement.  Most people would say get over it, he is just a guinea pig, but to anyone who has ever owned one they are just as special as any dog or cat.  I will always miss him and love him.  I will miss his squeaks and excitement when I would bring his meals.