Every Life is Worth the Fight
Rosie was surrendered to the rescue in September of 2021. She was diagnoses with terminal bone cancer and we knew she could not be adopted. Rosie became our first official “Sanctuary” pig and live comfortably until she passed in July of 2022.
In her honor, we create “Rosie’s Sanctuary” to provide a place for sick, injured or senior pigs to find a safe place to live.
We now have a number of different programs within our Sanctuary Program:
Hospitalization – Temp Hold Placement
If a guinea pig is suffering from an illness that can be managed and rehabilitated over time, they can be placed on a temporary hold in our Sanctuary program. They will receive medical care under a licensed veterinarian. Wellness and adoptability checks will be performed every 3-6 months depending on diagnosis to determine when they are ready for adoption.
Hospitalization – Permanent Placement
If a guinea pig is suffering from an illness that is (a) terminal, (b) chronic and/or (c) makes them unable to be adopted by an individual without medical training/experience, they can be placed in our permanent Sanctuary Program. They will receive medical care under a licensed veterinarian to keep them happy, healthy and comfortable for as long as possible.
Nursing Home/Hospice
If a guinea pig is (a) over the age of 7.5 and/or (b) suffering from an incurable terminal illness with a life expectancy of less that 1 year, they can be placed in our Nursing Home or Hospice programs. These animals will receive medical care to maintain physical comfort and day-to-day health until a licensed Vet deems their quality of life to be significantly diminished.
Here are the piggie’s currently in our Sanctuary Program:
Sponser a Pig
Deedee
Age: born January 2023
Gender: Female
Breed: Abby Mix
Status: Hospitalization – Permanent Placement
Deedee came to the rescue with her brother Dexter. Due to poor nutrition before birth and as a baby, as well as breeding caused genetic issues, she suffers from neurological disabilities and liver damage. The concerns cause her significant mobility and digestive issues.
Deedee is on a number of medications to help her be comfortably and regain some mobility. She also uses a custom made wheelchair to assist with floor time. Her prognosis was grim when she first arrived, but as she nears a year old we are hopeful she will be with us for years to come.
Sponser a Pig
Dexter
Age: born January 2023
Gender: Male
Breed: Abby Mix
Status: Hospitalization – Permanent Placement
Dexter, Deedee’s brother, was born with a genetic disorder called Lethal White Syndrome (or Microphthlamia). This disorder is caused when Roan or Dalmatian guinea pigs are bred. It causes digestive, mouth/tooth and skull deformities. It also typically causes blindness and deafness. Life expectancy for these piggies can be from just a few months to a few years.
Dexter is considered a higher functioning lethal as he has 3 of his 4 incisors and can eat independently if the food is cut smaller. Due to his condition, he is both blind and deaf. His insciros also growth at an accelerated rate and are not aligned, and therefore he requires regular tooth trims.
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Panda
Age: born December 2014
Gender: Male
Breed: American
Status: Nursing Home/Hospice
Panda was transferred to the rescue from the local shelter. He had been there for nearly a year and was surrendered as a senior when his family moved. He was severely impacted from not eating enough hay (likely caused by depression) and had the beginnings of a mite infestation. He has been treated for both and is flourishing. At 9 years old, this sweet guy is in his twilight years and will spend out the rest of his days at the rescue.
Sponser a Pig
Dobby
Age: born January 2023
Gender: Male
Breed: American
Status: Nursing Home/Hospice
Dobby was transferred from our local shelter as a “terminal” pull. He is suffering from lung disease that is not reactive to antibiotic. With high levels of density visible on x-ray, it was determined that he likely suffers from cancer in his lungs. One of our medical fosters will care from him and ensure he is comfortable. Out hospice program allows pigs that would have passed in the shelter to know the love of a family.
