Pets

Wow it has been a heavy sort of day, I have no energy whatsoever!  Both children fending off colds,  Dan suffering the most at the moment.  I am feeling guilty about asking him to clean his guinea pigs out, but they are overdue for a freshen up.

Here's a pic I took of them the other day.. just after Iroh had tipped their bowl over for the umpteenth time!

Iroh & Zuko

 
They are lovely piggies.

Dan's first guinea pig was a black, tan and white, short-haired lovely little chap.  His name was Vinnie.  I was very fond of him and although he wasn't mine, I like to think the feeling was mutual.  I would provide him with an extra portion of broccoli when certain peeps had gone for the school bus.  Consequently my peaceful morning cup of tea was not possible until the excited squeaking was dealt with.. as what began as a treat, became an absolute necessity! Loved him lots.

It was a very sad day when he left us.  It took time, but eventually Dan decided that in fact he would like another piggie. Or two.  This time though, he fancied some long-haired ones.  He pledged commitment to their wellbeing, so I began searching.  I found a nice lady in Telford, going by the business name of Caroca Cavies.  As promised, she let us know when the litters had been born and Dan chose the two he liked best. (As above!) 

Since then, I believe this lady is no longer breeding guinea pigs to sell. However here is a link to someone who seems to be breeding from an original  stock of  'Caroca Cavies' piggies ..  Cherry Tree Cavies in Stafford. Just in case anyone reading this in the UK is after long-haired guinea pigs, as the pet shops don't seem to have them.  

Going back to treat-giving, I was pleasantly surprised the other day when Hubby had taken it upon himself to pop to the pet shop to buy a packet of treats for the animals!! He himself has become very attached to the night-time ritual of placing the guinea pig house back in the cage.  (Dan takes it out of the cage every morning, otherwise Iroh in particular will not be seen all day).  So it has become the nightly norm to hand out treats to all members of the menagerie.  I give Domino and Humphrey theirs, whilst Hubby dishes out to the piggies (and rabbits if I disappear quickly enough - they are much less polite and create such a noise rushing to the front of the cage!).  Hubby's treat-buying is highly amusing, as his initial family plan did not involve pets - nevermind running a zoo!!