GUINEA PIGS
POPULAR POCKET PET
By Lisa Baran, R NV

What weighs two to four pounds, has a sweet and gentle nature, takes up little space, lives up to six years, and eats vegetables? Why, a cavia procellus, of course!
More commonly known as Guinea pigs, this remarkable little animal is growing in popularity across the world. With 11 recognized breeds in the United States, these “cavies” can satisfy any person’s choosing for coat colors and patterns, fur texture, and length. Cavie breeds such as American crested, Abyssinian, Silkies, Coronets, and Teddy Bears offer a variety of appearances from short, tight, solid-colored coats to long, silky, and sometimes curly, fur variations.
This little animal doesn’t just sit around in a cage— these charming and alluring animals are featured regularly in breeder shows and 4H competitions to award Grand Champions and other important titles! But, you don’t have to participate in shows to learn to adore these small, cuddly, friendly animals as your personal pet.
Cavies got their common name, Guinea pig, because of their resemblance in body shape to that of the domestic pig and because of their squeaky voices— which resemble the sound of a frightened pig. Some say they got their name because when imported into England, they sold for one “guinea” each; others say it is a variant name of the country, Guiana, where a small rodent resembling the modern Guinea pig exists.
These cuddly animals offer much reward as pets. While small, they do not require a great deal of space. Most are housed in ventilated cages or other clever enclosures lined on the bottom with non-toxic bedding recommended and available from pet stores. Enclosures should have solid floors to prevent little toes from getting caught in the mesh and a more serious problem called bumblefoot, where calluses appear. Plenty of fresh water and the addition of a snuggly hidey-hole, such as PVC piping or a small cardboard box, and plenty of toys to chew on will create a happy habitat for your little friend.
As vegetarians, they are best fed recommended
pellet food made especially for Guinea pigs to maintain good health. These commercially available feeds properly supply the required nutrients, including vitamin C, an essential requirement in their diets. They love treats and will often squeal when presented with baby carrots, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, and an occasional lettuce leaf. Fruit is a special treat; sliced apples, grapes, pears, and oranges will be devoured with zeal. While they need a certain amount of fresh fruits and vegetables, there are guidelines to the feeding frequency and amount.
Surprisingly, these little pets are very social. They like to be handled and run free about the house if given the chance. They love exercise; and not only is it good for them, but playing and handling your cavie also builds the human-cavie bond so many owners enjoy. They can be very active, squealing and leaping into the air (called pop-corning), dashing about, and acting very silly in general. They are curious about their surroundings when given the opportunity to explore and will chirp for your attention. While you cannot play rough, or teach them to sit or roll over, they are most affectionate—particularly to being held close, scratched, and rubbed in that special spot!
So, how do you find a Guinea pig for a pet? Pet stores offer them, but there may be a Guinea pig who needs adoption at your local shelter, and breeder groups and the local 4H can often assist you.
Some things to look for are friendliness, overall health, and housing conditions. While cavies are friendly and gentle by nature, a cavie who has had good human interaction from an early age will respond better to you. Ask questions about the animal, where he came from, who owned him, his age. A friendly cavie should show interest in its surroundings, and in you!
A healthy cavie’s coat should be smooth and shiny, eyes will be bright and clear, and if not napping, should be energetic—moving around, eating, or drinking. Look for healthy feet, stroke for signs of
lumps or tumors, and look for brittle, broken fur or any irregular skin patches or spots. If housed with other cavies, they should all look healthy and energetic.
And, remember to check for SEX! Males and females housed together can surprise you with a family! Male or female means little unless you plan on two confined together as pals. Both sexes make excellent pets. Generally, females are a better choice for compatibility if housed together, as males tend to fight.
It is also important to find a veterinarian who is not just familiar with these small animals, but one who specializes in them. Their life expectancy has been prolonged with veterinarians’ better understanding of how their bodies function and our education in their care.
Find out more about these easy-to-keep pets by talking to cavie owners, pet stores, and groups such as the 4H which hold regular shows where you can discuss and explore the variety in these small animals!

ODIN AND THE CLUTTER
AN UNEASY TRUCE
By John Tuomala, Reno NV

Most crossword puzzle aficionados are no doubt aware of the proper terms for various animal collectives. My rather cursory Internet search revealed quite a few.
A pack of wolves (or dogs), a herd of cattle, a flock of sheep (or goats), a pride of lions, a covey of quail, a school of fish, are all quite familiar to most people. Others not so familiar included a gaggle of geese, a gang of elk, a murder of crows, a remuda of mustangs, a rhumba of rattlesnakes, a shrewdness of apes, a troop of baboons, a wallow of hippos, a wisdom of owls. Finally, I found what I was looking for; a clutter of cats.
A clutter is what hangs around my neighborhood.
My habit of putting out food for hungry strays seems to have made itself known to the local feline community. Word of Meowth, one might say. They all know where to go for a free meal. The old saying about there being no free lunch doesn’t seem to apply if you’re a cat.
This brings me to my own cat, Odin. He may be named after the “top dog” of the ancient Norse Pantheon, but he’s no hairy thunderer. This laid-back couch potato once belonged to my sister. She got him as a barn mouser, but like Garfield, he’d sooner watch mice than catch them. My sister then laterally transferred Odin to me, so I could re-commission him in the only feline occupation open to him-—house pet.
This means he ends up rubbing elbows with the clutter.
The clutter consists of three or four core members, plus the odd hangers-on. I’ve no idea of the minimum number of cats necessary to make up a clutter. Odin, of course, doesn’t count as one of them, he’s a house cat. The clutter has no real leader—it’s not a pack of dogs. It’s more a loose association of felines with a common interest, namely, caging free food.
The “top cat” is Thumper, also known as “The Senior Kittyzen.” This big gray tabby seems to wear the crown among feral cats. He not only discovered a way to wangle free food, but free medical attention as well. The last time Thumper was seriously ill, he parked himself on my doorstep and meowed pitiably until I took him to the veterinarian. Fortunately for me, since Thumper is something of an institution in the neighborhood, some of my neighbors chipped in to help defray the cost of his three-day hospital stay.
Other members of the clutter include Midnight, a black cat; Tux, a semi longhaired, black-and-white tuxedo cat; and a small gray tabby, which I call Gray. They all seem to tolerate Odin, though they naturally take offense when he tries to eat the food that I put out for them. I feed Odin indoors, partly to minimize conflict over the food. Odin however, seems to prefer dining alfresco, especially in the evening. What he at times forgets is that unlike house pets, ferals don’t share or play well with others. Thumper, after all, got his name from his habit of “thumping” other cats who dare to get in his way.
Perhaps someday Odin will come to some sort of terms with the clutter. Since I don’t need any more vet bills, I’m stuck enforcing an uneasy truce until that day. Odin may not like being cooped up indoors most of the time, but what’s the alternative? In the clutter’s zero-sum world, Odin is a competitor for scarce resources. At least for now, Odin will have to become accustomed to living in a “cluttered” neighborhood.

John Tuomala is a former U.S. Army soldier and Reserve officer, with no previous writing experience. A hard-core cat lover, he lives and works here in Reno, NV.

THE TROUBLE WITH TIGER
ONE CONSTIPATED GECKO
By Betty J. Merryman, Reno NV

“Tiger is dead, I know it, Mom. I just know it,” said Baby. Do I see tears forming? It’s hard to tell in the kitchen light. He looks woeful much of the time hence his family nickname, "Baby." The mop of blond curls over deep blue eyes is striking in a family of hazel-eyed children. He is our youngest at five years and acts like it.
I try to sound knowledgeable and soothing, "Well, Baby, you know he sometimes sleeps during the day.”
“No, Tiger's dead. He’s not eating worms or anything. He doesn’t even jump and run when I tap on the glass. Yep, he’s dead, all right,” Baby intones mournfully. This is his usual method of speaking and sometimes attracts the attention of busy parents.
I stop emptying the groceries and smile brightly at him. Instead of returning my smile, something quite unusual occurs. His star bright eyes swim. I fight down feelings of panic. “Well, we can just have a look at him.”
Baby sniffs and looks hopeful. It is not a long trip from the kitchen, across the unvacuumed living room, up 15 hardwood stairs, down a long flowered hall runner and into Baby’s bedroom, but it seems to take forever. A hurried glance at Baby shows that tears have begun to splash down smooth childish cheeks.
The sand-floored terrarium stands in a place of honor in Baby’s tiny chamber. Tiger, the gecko, is housed in glass on a low wooden stand at the foot of Baby’s unmade twin bed. The heat light is on. Worms are on the sand and water in a small saucer. Baby has done all he can do for his beloved Tiger.
I remove my jacket, roll up my sleeve, reach gingerly into the small desert and stroke Tiger's scaly back. It feels warm and dry. He does not move and this is a bad sign.
“Pick him up, Mom, make him well. You can do it.”
I am a bank teller, not a nurse or animal doctor. But Baby believes I have curative powers. I lift the disgusting desert creature and put it on my arm. Tiger blinks but looks poorly. No other movement.
“Gosh, Baby, I guess he's really sick.”
The floodgates burst open and Baby begins to sob.
“I knew he was dying, I knew it.” Baby throws his chubby 40 pounds on the wrinkled Batman spread and kicks his stocking feet. He pounds on the unfortunate bed in sorrow. The gecko, a leopard gecko that set me back forty bucks, blinks again.
Who can withstand the unrestrained mourning of their five-year-old child? I am a weak woman. “I guess we can take him to the vet,” I say to console Baby.
“Can we, Mom? Oh, you are the best Mom in the whole world.” Baby is off the bed and hopping in anticipation. Or is this a dance of triumph at obtaining medical help? I don’t know nor do I care.
The veterinarian’s office is only four blocks away.
I grab car keys and purse, and Baby cradles Tiger tenderly in his arms as we rush to the driveway. The small Ford is already warmed up, so we cover the four blocks in a few minutes.
The animal hospital sign still says, OPEN. I hope Dr. Barbara is not busy. We hurry in together. “Hi, we have an animal emergency here,” I say in an adult tone, feeling like a fool. Baby puts the gecko on the counter. The sight of a desert creature on her information clipboard does not distress the receptionist dressed in a scrub suit with cat pictures on them.
“I’ll see if the doctor is free.” She disappears and Baby, dry eyed now, cradles his dying reptile again. Hope shines in his baby blues.
“Go right in. Room three,” says cat-covered lady.
The door is open and Dr. Barbara smiles. She looks very knowledgeable in her white smock, stethoscope around her neck. I hope Baby is impressed as I help him place Tiger on a stainless steel table.
“He won’t eat.” I begin. Baby is struck speechless and begins to wring his hands as he watches the doctor.
The gentle professional examination of Tiger is brief; Dr. Barbara smiles—first at Baby--and then, at me. “Your lizard is constipated.”
"I beg your pardon?"
She takes out a narrow syringe, the kind they use for skin allergy tests, and puts a short plastic tube where a needle would go. Drawing water from a cup with this, she puts the tubing into the lizard's mouth and pushes the water out. “Just keep doing this until he has a bowel movement and begins to drink,” she says and hands another syringe of water to me.
I am to help Tiger poop. “Who, me?”
“Sure, don’t worry; it’s hard to drown a lizard. Here, try it.”
It looks disgusting. I am appalled. However, at a minimum of a $35 consultation fee, it’s worth a try.
The water disappears and Tiger twitches. Baby claps and dances. “He wagged his tail! You saved him, Mom!”
We learned that Tiger’s sand is too fine and he eats it with his worms. Lizards need coarse sand with calcium in it to move their bowels.
The tiny syringe is a gift to me from Dr. Barbara. I am to become a resuscitation nurse to a reptile. It only has a two-chambered heart, for Pete’s sake.
Her final bill, some new reptile sand, and fresh worms from the fancy pet store down the street set me back over $60 for a constipated lizard.
After two days of injecting water into Tiger, he pooped and began to eat.
My young son's love for his lizard is quite tender. He talks to it and shares little boy secrets each evening before turning out the light and hopping into bed. He has begun calling me "Doctor Mom" and tells his small friends that I know everything. It's funny how mutual respect causes changes in relationships. I now call him by his given name, Wyatt. His demonstration of compassionate caring shows he is too adult to be
"Baby" anymore.

Betty J. Merryman is a local resident, writer, and animal person who submitted this entertaining story for PetFolio. Thank you,
Betty!

THE NEW RABBIT RULES
HOW TO KEEP BUNNIES AND KIDS HAPPY
By Nora Schmidt and Joy Birenbaum, RAAVE

SPRING IS IN THE AIR—and like many of us you may have brought a rabbit home for your child during this Easter season. That's where our small animal expert comes into play. "A rabbit is not a stuffed animal. It is a real life 10-year commitment," says Kim Copél, a member of the Sacramento House Rabbit Society, and founder of “A Wilde Hare” Rabbit Care and Support Sanctuary in South Lake Tahoe, CA.
So, here are 10 must-have rules to follow with your oh-so adorable and affectionate Peter Rabbit or Peter Cottontail-type bunny with big, red or brown soulful eyes, long whiskers, and floppy pink satin ears.

RABBIT RULE 1: WELCOME BUNNY—THE “FAMILY PET”
Beware that a rabbit is not the sole responsibility of a toddler or pre-teen. It is the parents’ responsibility. And through proper supervision, a child can learn how to help care for the “family’s pet.”
RABBIT RULE 2: BE HIP TO BUNNY’S COMFORT ZONE
While a lack of hands-on parental guidance is a problem, so is too much handling of this fragile creature. Rabbits prefer humans to sit down at his level, where he can snuggle or sit on cozy laps.
RABBIT RULE 3: GET “PICK UP BUNNY” SMART
When it’s time to pick up a rabbit, there is a right and wrong way to do this task. Rabbits are naturally bottom heavy and, as prey animals, are not comfortable having their legs leave the ground. So, try this bunny-safe method: use both hands for proper support, lifting up gently with one hand under its chest and the other hand supporting its hind quarters.
RABBIT RULE 4: CREATE R&R
While rabbits love tender loving care, they also crave rest and relaxation, too. Bunnies like to slumber at dawn and dusk. At other times throughout the day and night, make sure that Bunny really wants human interaction and play. Your best bet is to provide time-out when he stops playing and lays down to rest.
RABBIT RULE 5: COMFORT SHY BUNNIES
Like some cats and dogs, a bunny can be a timid prey animal. He doesn’t like loud noises. That’s a mega heads up that he’s not an appropriate pet for a family with rambunctious children. One more thing: Bunny can be easily stressed-out, so “chill” is the word around him.
RABBIT RULE 6: EASY DOES IT
Not only does Bunny prefer peace and harmony, he has a delicate digestive system. That means his rabbit food diet is special. He always needs alfalfa pellets, timothy hay, and water. (A small treat of baby carrots and apple chunks are okay.) Check with your veterinarian about other treats.
RABBIT RULE 7: ABOUT HEALTH NEEDS
In no time at all Bunny can learn to use a litter box because he’s got rabbit smarts. But note, for Bunny’s health’s sake, be sure to empty all soiled litter every day and completely clean his cage once a week.
RABBIT RULE 8: PROVIDE A SAFE HAVEN
And yes, Bunny needs to have his own safe quarters or “bedroom” when his humans are not present. That means—make sure he has a comfy rabbit haven which includes plenty of space with an area to eat, a spot to sleep, and a separate location for his litter box. Note: Rabbits should be kept in a temperature no warmer than 82 degrees and no cooler than 66 degrees.
RABBIT RULE 9: SCHEDULE PLAY TIME
Just like other small animals, Bunny requires time out of his safe haven or cage. Think at least one hour each day to play and socialize with his humans. Plus, rabbits like to toy with toys, but make sure they are appropriate for Bunny. They do love to toss plastic baby rings, chew on paper towel rolls, and play inside paper bags.
RABBIT RULE 10: KEEP BUNNY HAPPY AND HEALTHY
Last but definitely not least, Bunny should never live outdoors with harsh weather elements and predators. The best place for a rabbit is indoors with his humans. And a beloved and well-cared for pet rabbit will enjoy becoming an invaluable part of a family (who abides by these 10 New Rabbit Rules), and can happily hop down his bunny trail with children for many years.

For more information, contact “A Wilde Hare” Rabbit Care and Support Sanctuary in South Lake Tahoe, CA. It is dedicated to the lives of domestic rabbits by offering advice and education on care, as well as placing a garden-variety of homeless rabbits into good and loving homes. Please contact the sanctuary at P.O. Box 16519, South Lake Tahoe, CA 06151, or call 530-573-1623, or by e-mail at dabunns@yahoo.com

Cal Orey is an author and journalist who lives in South Lake Tahoe, CA. She has written hundreds of articles for national magazines and several books including 202 Pets’ Peeves available on the Web at www.kensingtonbooks.com

 

 

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT'S TIME? QUALITY OR QUANTITY OF LIFE By Victoria Ceretto-Slotto, RN, Reno NV
As soon as I walked in the door I saw the difference. I had been away less than two weeks, and our 12-year-old golden retriever, Blondie, was closing in on the end of her life. My husband, who had been with her constantly, hadn’t noticed it. Except for the times he had to carry her up the stairs at night; and the fact that she didn’t eat with gusto--didn’t eat much at all in fact. The next day we took her to our veterinarian and he confirmed our guess. It was time and we made arrangements. Your pet will let you know. Blondie stared at me, and her look helped me realize it was our responsibility to do what would be the best for her. Our pets trust us to make decisions with love. It’s hard, but it’s the truth. I’m a former hospice nurse. There are questions we ask patients when it’s time to determine if they want to continue aggressive treatment or if they want to begin comfort care; care that is focused on managing symptoms and providing quality of life rather than length of life. For humans this question is subjective and depends on a number of factors. Euthanasia is not an option. For animals, the answer can be clear if we stick to the point: What is kindest for your pet? Clear, but not easy. Here are some simple guidelines and some questions to ask yourself: ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING Mobility: Is your pet able to get around easily? Is he bound to his special space in your house? Feeding: Has your pet lost her appetite and interest in food? Have options, such as specially prepared human food, failed? Has she lost weight? Toileting: Is your pet able to hold his urine and stool? Has he become incontinent? QUALITY OF LIFE Is your pet aware of her surroundings? Does she respond to you? Does she interact with other pets and with you, her family? Does she appear to be in pain? Is she limping, moaning, restless, snapping if you touch her in a certain place? Is he able to follow his usual routine for the most part? Does he enjoy eating, playing, being with you? CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS Has your veterinarian told you that he has no further treatments to offer that will cure your pet? If he has given you options, are they outrageously expensive or do the side effects offset the benefits? Does your pet appear to have discomfort such as shortness of breath, pain, abdominal swelling, extreme weakness, anxiety? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions, it may be time. KNOWING WHEN IT IS TIME These are only guidelines. In the final analysis, the decision is yours and it will be unique in each situation. These additional suggestions may be helpful: • Place the well-being of your pet above all else. • Consult with your veterinarian. • Hold a family conference. Aim for consensus. Your veterinarian or a third party may act as a facilitator. • Allow each family member, including other pets, the opportunity to say “goodbye.” We made arrangements for Blondie to be euthanized the following day. That night we spent special time with her and allowed her to eat something special. In the morning, our veterinarian came by our house to put her to sleep. She was in her favorite spot in our yard, at the foot of a statue of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. She was attended by her other two dog companions, my husband, and me. It was the right thing to do. It was time. Victoria Ceretto-Slotto is a former hospice care nurse, local resident, writer, and animal person who submitted this thought-provoking article to PetFolio. Thank you, Victoria!
	Grieving Your Pet Saying goodbye to your pet and grieving its loss can be difficult for many people. Many owners feel guilt, thinking there was something more they could have done, or should have spent more time with the pet, others feel anger, and some may become depressed or withdrawn. Dealing with the stages of grief is very important and the impact of the loss of a pet should not be underestimated. While only time really heals, here are some things that may ease the process. 1 Make a donation to your favorite local animal charity or shelter. 2 Plan a memorial service with your family to create closure. 3 Find a special place for your pet’s ashes. 4 Create a living memorial for your pet such as planting a tree, rose bush, or flowers in their favorite backyard napping spot. 5 Write your feelings in poetry or a journal. 6 Write a “goodbye” letter and mail it to heaven, or tear into small pieces and set afloat down a river. 7 Talk to other pet owners about your loss or contact your local animal organizations for grieving groups or classes that may be available. 8 Explain to children that death is a natural part of life and encourage them to talk about their feelings and remember the good times. 9 Make a scrapbook of photos and memories of the pet or frame a favorite photo. 10 Remember that you do not need to explain your feelings of grief for your pet nor justify it to anyone.