Rest in Peace, Ida

[kdmorris]

I never shared my home with a guinea pig before, until we got a piggie named Helga from a crappy pet shop for my daughter's 11th birthday. 3 weeks later, Helga gave birth to Bruna and Ida. I was very angry. I was happy that both the babies ended up being female, because that meant I wouldn't have to get any of them fixed. But, my relationship with Ida began, 6 years ago with my being a bit miffed that we suddenly had 3 guinea pigs (in addition to the cat, 2 dogs, and 2 rabbits that we already had).

2 years later, Bruna and Helga were dead and it became obvious that my daughter was allergic to guinea pigs, so we took Ida out of her room and my husband and I took over her care. Man, what a treat she was. She was the coolest "rat" I'd ever met. She "spoke" to us and had certain squeaks for "WATER" and "FOOD" and "PET ME". When we cleaned out her cage, she would rearrange her "private" area to suit her. Each time her cage was cleaned, she went to work redecorating her "hole". She'd rip the paper, dig up the Aspen shavings and then look so satisfied with herself. When she took veggies or fruit from us, she would grab the treat and run back into her hole, with her little face sticking out, nibbling, looking fully satisfied with herself that she had gotten it away from us.

Yesterday, we found blood in her cage. We thought that she had a prolapsed rectum, since that was what had killed her mother. We rushed her to the vet today, only to find that she actually had cancer of the either uterus or bladder, as well as apparent breast cancer.

Our vet was pretty gentle about it, but in the end, he said that she wouldn't live much longer. We could allow her to suffer for the next few weeks or have her euthanized. We opted to allow her to die with some dignity and not in pain. He sedated her first and only gave her the medicine after she was completely unconscious. And, she eventually just stopped breathing. Since my daughter is allergic to her, I held her while she was falling asleep and while she stopped breathing. I've never had to do that before.

So, here's to Ida, the coolest (and, in my opinion, cutest) "rat" ever. She lived a long life (she was 5 in February) and brought happiness while she was here.

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

1. Oh, what a cute and sad story

RIP Ida, you little cutie.

[KC]

2. Aww

That is so sad and I'm sorry. I know you will miss her terribly.


RIP Ida


KC

[blondie58]

3. RIP. sweet Ida

and thank you for this sweet story, kdmorris. Yep, even a little guinea pig can have a personality. My daughter has had them before. I love their little squeaks.

[Tammie]

4. Sorry for your loss

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of your journey with Ida. Funny how these little furballs capture our hearts. Rest in peace sweet Ida.

[yellerpup]

5. What a sweet girl.

How lucky for you to know and love her for five years. You gave her a good life and listened when she spoke, which must have made her very happy. I'm sorry for your loss. RIP, Ida. :cry:

[livetohike]

6. She sure was cute

:hug: I'm sorry for your loss. You definitely did the right thing not letting her suffer. I'm sorry this happened to her....

[Coyote_Bandit]

7. .

:hug:

[RedLetterRev]

8. It's never easy when

a "furkid" crosses the Rainbow Bridge. Our thoughts are with you and we're sending comforting energy your way.

[Eurobabe]

9. Awww, so sorry for your loss

Doesn't matter how big or small they are -- they leave pawprints on your heart. We had two guinea pigs in the early 90s, S'more and Cocoa, S'more died after having to many successive litters. They are sweet little things though, aren't they?

RIP Ida :hug:

[kdmorris]

10. Wow, thanks, everyone.

I feel slightly better today, but it sure was quiet this morning when I went in to feed the rabbit (the had "cages" side by side). No squeaky greeting.

But thanks for all the beautiful replies. I guess almost everyone can relate to losing a pet here!

[smokey nj]

11. I'm so sorry, kdmorris

:hug: RIP Ida :cry:

[AZBlue]

12. I'm so sorry!

Sweet Ida, you are loved and missed!!

I held my Sally as she passed away too - it's the hardest thing I've ever done but I knew it made her passing easier for her. I still love her and always will. And she's still with me, as Ida will always be with you. Soon memories will be filled only with smiles and no sadness, I promise! :hug: