Mirror Mirror on the wall

Blackie and Brownie came into my life October 29, 2004. I was looking for a cuddly pet that would take to apartment life well. Two little sisters named Godiva and Nibbs were given to me by Pigpalooza Rescue. I tried to rename them Karma and Mocha but my ex, Mark, couldn't figure out anything more than their colors so they became Blackie and Brownie to us. I built what's called a C&C cage for them-- basically a huge piggie mansion:


Soon, I expanded their 2nd level so they had even more room to run and I learned that they were much happier when they had fleece bedding instead of the recycled cage litter. For many months I was kept occupied in guinea pig research: cutting toenails, toys and products, novelty items, gpig behaviors and diets and health. Their cute little smiles made cleaning their cage seem worthwhile.

After a year and a half of guinea pig bliss I left the boyfriend who couldn't deal with naming conventions and the gpigs and I moved to a new abode. They took to the change well, and soon became used to the new routine. Any crinkling of plastic alerted them to the idea of fresh lettuce and the gpig orchestra would immediately chime in with a high-pitched "whee, ree, ree."

But singlehood also brought me extra chores as I could no longer share the feeding or cleaning duties with my other half. The screeches were singularly for me. The cage cleanings gradually became dreaded activities and I began to worry they weren't happy with me anymore.

As I quickly approached my 30th birthday, I hit a moment in time where I couldn't believe I was a single girl who lived alone with guinea pigs. Seemed creepily weirder than being an old cat lady.

In June my mother was in town for a few weeks and found a woman about my age who seemed to have her life in order; a husband, 2 daughters, and 2 dogs and as such, my mom dredged up interest in my beloved Brownie and Blackie. After some dealings with my persistent mother the gpigs left my life July 19, 2007.

I have not followed up on their new home as I'm afraid of the answer. I was their guiding force for 3 years-- the majority of their little piggies lives and I just abandoned them, left them to die in a playroom under the clutches of maniacal children and dogs. The poor little piggies could be in dire need of extra veggies right now, or a toenail clipping.

And what have I done to fill the new void in my life besides move my exercise bike to their corner of the living room?

Poor little piggies. I wish you well.