It took my two older kids a year to convince me to get Elizabeth, our first piggy. I didn't want the mess. I didn't want the stink. I didn't want the responsibility, despite my daughter's promises that she would do all the work (yea, right). But I finally gave in and we got little black baby guinea pig. She's cute. And as she got more comfortable around us, she really started to grow on me. We fed her carrots and spinach. I would throw in the core of the apples after my kids finished their snacks. She makes this happy little chirp sound whenever she sees me (I feed her, so it's more about the food than about how wonderful I am).
As more people found out that we had a guinea pig, I heard more and more that they are pack animals and they like to have a companion. I blew this off for the first few months, but as my kids lost interest, I started thinking about what a sad little life Elizabeth was leading. She's not like the dog or the cat who demand attention by nudging your hand with a wet nose or curling up in your lap when lounging on the couch. If we don't take the initiative and get her out of her cage, Elizabeth is left to watch. Alone.
Our babysitter volunteered to bring up her two guinea pigs so we could see how Liz would get along with others of her kind. The three of them huddled together in a box. No fighting. We fed them carrots. Still no fighting. Ok, I thought, I guess we're going to get another one.
Once the decision was made I was hardcore searching for a cage-mate for Elizabeth. The picture of Lucy on the humane society was not flattering. I don't mean to tell them how to run things over there, but if you're trying to get people to adopt your animals, wouldn't you make an effort to take a cute picture? It was of her back. She looked like a furry, fat, egg. I called about two other guinea pigs that were also shown (and had cute pictures posted, I might add) but both had been taken (point made, thank you). I spent the next few days scouring Craig's List. When we had decided to get Elizabeth I had turned to trusty Craig to find a cage. I found one that seemed reasonably priced and called. In addition to the cage, she was wondering if I wanted her guinea pig as well. Sure, I said. And Lizzy joined the family. But this time around the only piggies I could find were male or currently lived in Orono.
Lucy and Elizabeth are currently neighbors, not cage-mates, but I am hoping that will change eventually. Mainly because I'm already tired of cleaning out two cages. We ordered a bigger cage, and we're giving them time to get to know each other. When we let them out to spend time together they sometimes fight, but like siblings, in the next moment they are best friends, cuddled up together in their little cardboard box.
I am a little afraid of being that family. You know, the one with all the animals. Who's house smells like a barn. But so far I think I've managed to keep my house from smelling (I'm sure my mom will tell me otherwise, however) and I like that we have animals. I like that my kids have creatures to whom they show compassion. Sure, I end up cleaning up the cage(s), but the kids feed them and give them attention. I like watching them care for something that's dependent on them for safety and kindness. And I like that something around here makes a happy chirpy sound when I'm around.
