Friday 30 April 2010

Another Guinea Pig Dilemma

Back in November 09, I wrote about one of my grandson's guinea pigs (his guinea pigs live with us as he is allergic to them). Gemma needed an operation to remove a bladder stone...the total vets bill came to just over £500!! She is now fully recovered and as you can see by her shiny coat is doing very well...

...however, now Gemma's son, Ginger, has also been diagnosed with a bladder stone (the problem can run in families). My first reaction was that we couldn't afford another £500 but then again why shouldn't Ginger have the same chance of a healthy life as Gemma. Also if it had been one of my dogs or cats I wouldn't have given it a second thought but just because they are small creatures they aren't really any less important.
Above all else I actually really love little Ginger. He was a surprise arrival shortly after we bought the guinea pigs for Jack's birthday so he has been with us from the word go. There is no way I could have him put to sleep when I know I could do something about it... added to which my grandson has promised all his pocket money towards the op, which obviously I won't accept, but it shows how important Ginger is to him too...so decision made.
I am sure lots of people will think I am nuts spending around £1000 in 6 months on two guinea pigs but that is the way I am. I hope this will be the finish of vets bills for a while though or I will end up having to go back to work:-)

4 comments:

Orchids and Nature said...

You must be the kindest and best grandma in the world.

Helen said...

Thanks David..my grandson is a very considerate and generous lad and although he unfortunately can't have much to do with his guinea pigs because of his allergy, he loves them very much.

Aquarium Pet Supplies said...

I know it'll be too late this time, but your post got me wondering if there is any kind of small animal pet insurance which might cover situations like this? Never looked into insurance for small furries myself, but just a thought for the future...

Helen said...

Thanks for your comment...it reminded me that I had intended to look into small pet insurance after Gemma's op but with Christmas I forgot all about it. I am sure there must be companies doing it so will have a search session:-)