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Life After Death: Opening my Heart to a New Piggy

January 31, 2015 By Amanda Yantos Leave a Comment

Gosh, this past week has been crazy.  A week ago today, Kirby died in my arms.  And what’s weird is that around 2pm today (the time Kirby passed last Friday), I was holding a new Guinea pig in my arms.

The morning Kirby passed, I had purchased new bedding, food and hay.  Instead of returning it, I thought I’d find a guinea pig rescue to donate the items.  I found ONE small animal rescue in the greater Phoenix valley, about 45 minutes from my house.

In the pouring rain, I packed up the car with the items and made the trip out to AZ Piggie Poo Rescue.  When I walked in, I was greeted by the wonderful owner and a volunteer.  Talk about the nicest people in the world.  But better yet, I was greeted by the squeaks of guinea pigs surrounding me and it was music to my ears!

Sammy, at AZ Piggie Poo Rescue.
Sammy, at AZ Piggie Poo Rescue.

As I was handing over my donation, I was telling the owner my story of Kirby and what happened a week ago.  She was absolutely amazed and immediately said “No pressure, but I have someone I want you to meet.  I think he’d be a perfect fit for your situation.”

Oh dear God.

Of course, I didn’t deny meeting the little guy.  When they brought him out to me, there was an instant connection.  At that moment I felt so happy.  I know Kirby was with me, letting me know that it’s okay to open my heart and home to another piggy.

The little boy’s name is Sammy.  He’s about 2 years old and full of personality.  He was squeaking so loud out of happiness and a few times he would just stare at me.  Our souls connected.  I was petting and tickling him, and he would purr and squeak some more.  The owner and volunteer were stunned at our connection.

I can’t stop thinking about Sammy.  It’s only been a week since Kirby passed and I never thought I’d be able to have another pig again because Kirby meant so much to me.

When I got home, I filled out the adoption application immediately.  Something tells me I’m going to be making a trip out there tomorrow morning…I’m so in love.

Another view of Sammy.
Another view of Sammy.

Filed Under: Guinea Pig, Pet Parent, Small Animals Tagged With: Animal loss, Guinea pig, Pet Parent, piggy

My Kirby is Back Home

January 30, 2015 By Amanda Yantos 1 Comment

The gift bag Kirby's ashes came in.  He was cremated 1/27/15.
The gift bag Kirby’s ashes came in. He was cremated 1/27/15.

Last week when I drove Kirby to the vet, I knew he wouldn’t be coming home with me.  But I also didn’t think about the fact that the next time Kirby would be in the car, he’d be in the form of ashes.

I opted for a private cremation, no questions asked.  I even had him cremated with the blankets that I brought him to the vet in.  Cost wasn’t an issue, and it actually ended up only costing $80.

Today I got the phone call that Kirby’s ashes were ready to be picked up.  Deeeeep breaths.  I’ve cried a lot this past week and I really didn’t feel like crying anymore but I went straight out the door to pick up my piggy.

When Matt and I got to the vet’s office, the receptionist opened up a cabinet filled with beautiful gift bags, adorned with name tags and ribbon.  As she looked through the bags for my Kirby, I said “Wow, guess I’m not the only one going through this.”  It’s probably a daily occurrence for her.

She blessed us with her sympathies and I thanked the ladies for being so wonderful and making this process the easiest it could possibly be.

I didn’t cry.  I was relieved and felt peace.  My Kirby is back where he belongs…with me.

Kirby

Filed Under: Animal Health, Pet Parent Tagged With: Animal Health, Animal loss, Guinea pig

Reading a Dog’s Body Language

January 29, 2015 By Amanda Yantos Leave a Comment

shelter-dog-sad

This post was inspired by Sarah Kalnaj’s video seminar called The Language of Dogs: Understanding Canine Body Language and Other Communication Signals. You can pick up the DVD on her website: http://www.bluedogtraining.com/videos-dvds.html

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Animal Health, Dog Training, Pet Parent Tagged With: Animal Behavior, Animal Health, dog behavior, dog body language

Pet Loss: Helping Your Surviving Animals Through Their Grieving Process

January 29, 2015 By Amanda Yantos Leave a Comment

Sadie, aka Princess Peanut.
Sadie, aka Princess Peanut.

Animals grieve like people do.  Ask anyone who’s lost a pet in a household with multiple animals.  Just like humans, each animal deals with loss and mourning differently.

When my cat Edison ran away in July 2013, I was devastated.  I had a bond with Edison that was unlike any bond I’ve ever had with a cat.  I mourned his loss for quite a while, and to be honest, I still do because I don’t know what happened to him.

Shortly after Eddy went missing, my younger cat, Sadie, became very depressed.  She started howling everyday, multiple times a day.  She became less active and started to gain weight.  I sought help from my vet who suggested a low dosage of anxiety medications but I decided to get a second opinion.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Dog Mom, Pet Parent Tagged With: Animal loss, Animal Therapy, grief, pet loss, Pet Parent

The Story of my Piggy: Grieving the loss of Kirby

January 29, 2015 By Amanda Yantos 1 Comment

Guinea pig
Kirby in his prime! He was about 2 years old here.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Animal Rescue, Guinea Pig, Pet Parent, Small Animals Tagged With: Animal loss, grieving, Guinea pig, pet loss

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Meet Amanda!

My name is Amanda and I'm the mom to the most amazing rescue dog and PetSmart model, Wynston. We live and travel out of our van part time. Let's work together! Email me at amanda@dogmomdays.com

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