How soon is too soon?

[Rowena]

My guinea pig of 4-5 years died yesterday. Although I loved him very much, I'll be the first to admit that I did not take good care of him at all. When he first started showing signs of illness, I vowed that after I took him to the vet and got him all healthy again, I'd start being a better owner. I began making plans to do so (revising his diet, exercise schedule, etc.), but he died before I had a chance to make things better.

This morning, I got a new gp. I know this seems awfully quick, but I decided that I wanted to become a better owner and prove to myself and Calico (my late beloved cavy) that I was capable of being a good owner and mother. Also, I knew that if I walked by his empty cage every morning I'd be sad, and I selfishly wanted another pet to occupy my time and thoughts.

Am I a horrible pet owner for doing this? Does getting another gp so soon mean that I didn't love Calico and is it an insult to his memory?

Please help me. I'm very upset by this and I'm beginning to think that I'm a horrible person and that I don't love animals or cherish them as much as I like to think I do.
:bawling:

[Flutterby21782]

I don't think you're a bad person or a bad pet owner. We all make mistakes. I'm sorry to hear of the passing of your little one.
By not knowing excatly what cycling was ( I was always told it was the letting the water run through the tank for a day or two, it's not that) I have inadvertantly caused the death of a handful of fish, if you've never met someone who cried over fish you have now. Over the summer I was taking my hamster to a friends because she wanted to hammie sit Ling Ling, well my car broke down, I left Ling Ling in the car and I was gone 15 min at the most, well she wasn't doing well (she suffered heat stroke), I tried my best but 8 hours later she died in my hands, it was my fault since I left her in the car, but it wasn't a malicious act, I regret everyday that I said they could watch her. My boyfriend bought me another hamster a week later, because I took Ling Lings passing so hard I find it easier to cope with a new one around. No I don't think you're selfish either, you want to make things right so you can feel at ease. I'm sure you'll be the best piggy owner this time around. I wish you luck. Give your new little guy a hug and an extra treat from me.
Brandy

[Rowena]

Thank you. You have no idea what that meant to me.

I'm sorry about your hamster and fish...sounds like you loved them very much.

[Flutterby21782]

Once again I'm sorry about Calico, thank you for your condolances. I'm glad I could help you feel better, even if it was just a little bit. I hope you do open your house and home to another little critter.
Brandy

[Titania]

I believe even if you make mistakes.. your desicion to change and learn what you need to do makes you a wonderful pet owner.

I am sorry for your loss and hope that another loving companion has a chance to fill your heart

[Twist]

I think you made the right choice. My mouse died, but I haven't gotten another mouse, but when my guinea pigs companion, who was not even one year old, died, I got another guinea pig when I went to get a hamster. Although I don't think my guinea pig has gotten over it, because she doesn't like her new companion, and so I have to keep them in seperate cages.


Getting another guinea pig was the right way to go, and I am sure Calico is smiling down on you from the Rainbow Bridge, and making sure your new piggy lives a good life. And now you can take care of her the way you were going to take care of Calico.

[snoops]

I don't think you're a bad pet owner, and I don't think it's too soon to get another GP. Our situatios are a little different - we had to put our dog to sleep today, but I told my husband that I want to get another Shih Tzu when we can. One that needs a home. I know that no dog could replace neppy, I love him so much, but another dog may lose his life if we don't take him in, so I think the best way to honor his memory is to adopt another little black and white bundle of joy.

I'm sorry to hear that you lost your beloved pet, but I support you, and I'm thankful that you gave another one a loving home.

Thank you.

[Sir Guinea Pig]

I wouldn't blame you for getting a new gp and I certaintly cant blaim you for making a mistake. The same thing happned to me. About 2 years ago, I had a mouse who we had to kepp locked in a room so are cats wouldnt eat him. Because he was so lonely and I never really cleaned his cage, he died within 14 months of a fatal disease. ALthough their average lifespans is 12-18 months, it still was sad because he quickly caught the disease. I am really sorry for you and hope your sorrow passes quickly.

[gara]

animals are all love and i'm sure calico knows how loved he was. Dont beat yourself up for your mistakes. You're only humane and a very decent compassionate soul at that. Every breath we take is a chance to turn it around and mend our mistakes. Calico will always be in your heart and the new gp that you've befriended if very very lucky to have you!:agree:

[willow15133]

I don't think anyone here would blame you for not being the best owner. As long as your GP knew they were loved, it doesn't matter if you didn't care for him 24/7. You can still love and take care of your animals while doing your own things too. I'm glad you are taking in a new GP. It also isn't too soon, this may be a way to cope with the loss of Calico. Good Luck and Good Health to you and your new pet.

Alison