Wizard
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August 24th, 2018 at 9:57:43 AM permalink
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to our pet guinea pig, Marcy, today. The earliest picture I have of her was dated October 2013, when she was already fully grown, so she is five years old. Guinea pig life expectancy is about four to six years.

Marcy was a very friendly tame guinea pig. She enjoyed being petted and eating carrots, lettuce, and especially cilantro. For a guinea pig, she was a bit on the quiet side. I've had others that were rather obnoxious with squeaking all the time, but Marcy was never very demanding or impatient. Sometimes we took care of another guinea pig and Marcy never got along with the other one very well.

About a year ago she developed a tumor on her belly, which we had surgically removed. The doctor said she probably couldn't get all of it and it would probably return soon. However, Marcy bounced back from the operation quickly and lived another year or so. However, the tumor came back with vengeance recently. I don't think she can survive another operation. I've had lots of guinea pigs before and I can tell when they are ready to go, and she is ready.

Guinea pigs make great pets if you're looking for something small and low maintenance. Much better than hamsters and rabbits. I've owned lots of them, if anyone has any questions.

At 4:00 I have the dreaded appointment.

Good bye Marcy. You were one of the best guinea pigs I ever had.





"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
mrsuit31
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:04:50 AM permalink
I'm sorry Mike :(
.
Romes
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:06:51 AM permalink
Sorry to hear Mike. Family pets are usually just that... part of the family =/.
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Mission146
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:08:16 AM permalink
I’m sorry to hear about that, my fiancé and I have two, they’re good little pets.
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/off-topic/gripes/11182-pet-peeves/120/#post815219
Wizard
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:09:57 AM permalink
Quote: Romes

Sorry to hear Mike. Family pets are usually just that... part of the family =/.



You're absolutely right. That's the problem with pets, you always outlive them. Still, the joy they bring you is well worth the pain of saying good-bye.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
beachbumbabs
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:10:20 AM permalink
A tip of the hat to Marcy.and my sincere condolences. I would guess the kids won't take it well.

Maybe you can find an iguana in the desert or a litter swapped at Burning Man.
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Wizard
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:25:31 AM permalink
Quote: beachbumbabs

A tip of the hat to Marcy.and my sincere condolences. I would guess the kids won't take it well.

Maybe you can find an iguana in the desert or a litter swapped at Burning Man.



My younger 12-year-old daughter is not taking this well. She played the violin for Marcy on her last night. We timed the dreaded appointment so the kids could say a final goodbye after school. I think it is important they have that closure, even though many tears will be shed.

We still have our dog. I've always thought about getting a parrot, maybe an African Grey.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
RS
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:32:42 AM permalink
RIP Marcy. :-(

I like the first picture. Cute feller.
Ayecarumba
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:51:49 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

My younger 12-year-old daughter is not taking this well. She played the violin for Marcy on her last night. We timed the dreaded appointment so the kids could say a final goodbye after school. I think it is important they have that closure, even though many tears will be shed.

We still have our dog. I've always thought about getting a parrot, maybe an African Grey.



My sympathies on your loss Mike. My family had guinea pigs growing up. They were cute and all, but they weren't trainable (or we, as kids, didn't work with them enough). We kept them in a hutch outside, as they were very good at converting their pellet food into droppings. They would whistle excitedly when you approached them with carrots.

I appreciate that you were willing to spend the money on life-extending surgery for Marcy. She must have had a comfortable life.

I recommend waiting a while and thinking carefully about the parrot Mike. They can live a very long time and will likely outlast you. Then what?
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AxelWolf
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RS
August 24th, 2018 at 10:54:52 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

My younger 12-year-old daughter is not taking this well. She played the violin for Marcy on her last night. We timed the dreaded appointment so the kids could say a final goodbye after school. I think it is important they have that closure, even though many tears will be shed.

We still have our dog. I've always thought about getting a parrot, maybe an African Grey.

Sorry for your loss.


I think you should get a ferret, not a parrot.



Ridding unicycles is weird/odd enough, add a parrot to that and well...


I would love to have a pygmy marmoset.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
DJTeddyBear
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August 24th, 2018 at 10:58:00 AM permalink
My condolences.

See you in October.
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billryan
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August 24th, 2018 at 11:04:47 AM permalink
To paraphrase Ben Hur Lampman:
The one best place to bury a good pet is in the heart of his Master.
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
MaxPen
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August 24th, 2018 at 11:30:15 AM permalink
It sucks having to put a pet down. My condolences. Just went thru it with my dog of 17 1/2 years. Makes a person want to get a tortoise.
onenickelmiracle
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August 24th, 2018 at 11:39:23 AM permalink
Losing a pet is very difficult, sorry for your loss and best wishes getting through such a trying time.
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AxelWolf
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August 24th, 2018 at 12:01:51 PM permalink
Quote: MaxPen

It sucks having to put a pet down. My condolences. Just went thru it with my dog of 17 1/2 years. Makes a person want to get a tortoise.

I have 3 red-eared sliders and a Mississippi mud outside and there's a good chance one or more will outlive me. At some point, I might have to give 2 away since I don't think there will be enough room once they are all full size unless I dig more area out. I never meant to have 4 just 2. 2 disappeared for a long time so I took further precautions and then we got 2 more. After a while, the missing turtles reappeared.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
billryan
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August 24th, 2018 at 12:03:22 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

I have 3 red-eared sliders and a Mississippi mud outside and there's a good chance one or more will outlive me. At some point, I might have to give 2 away since I don't think there will be enough room once they are all full size unless I dig more area out. I never meant to have 4 just 2. 2 disappeared for a long time so I took further precautions and then we got 2 more. After a while, the missing turtles reappeared.



Are they all the same sex?
The difference between fiction and reality is that fiction is supposed to make sense.
AZDuffman
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August 24th, 2018 at 12:24:23 PM permalink
Quote: MaxPen

It sucks having to put a pet down. My condolences. Just went thru it with my dog of 17 1/2 years. Makes a person want to get a tortoise.



That’s an amazing run for a dog.

When we had to put down my mothers I had to help carry the body bag. Now that is no fun.
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
AxelWolf
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August 24th, 2018 at 12:28:33 PM permalink
Quote: billryan

Are they all the same sex?

Are you looking for a date? (-;

I have no clue, doubtful. But yea, that could be a problem. I talked to a guy at a small pet store he said he would take them off my hands if it comes to that.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Wizard
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August 24th, 2018 at 12:37:06 PM permalink
Thanks for all the kind words everyone.

Quote: AxelWolf

Ridding unicycles is weird/odd enough, add a parrot to that and well...



I may as well go all in -- I have too much in the pot as it is. Also, Heidi Fleiss has a whole house full of parrots.
Last edited by: Wizard on Aug 24, 2018
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Face
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August 24th, 2018 at 12:58:26 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.



I may as well go all in -- I too much in the pot as it is. Also, Heidi Fleiss has a whole house full of parrots.



And a head full of bats.

Sorry for your loss, Wiz. I had one many ago, tumors got him, too. Was a sweet little pig.

I moved on to chinchillas after that. I preferred them to the pigs, but the sumbish went and lived 23 years on me. They're a superior rodent to own; I'd suggest one to anyone who fancies odd pets.

Now I just got a dog. He's almost 2, and likely gonna die in about 5 min -_-
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tringlomane
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August 24th, 2018 at 1:19:11 PM permalink
My condolences, Wiz. :(
MrV
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August 24th, 2018 at 1:36:03 PM permalink
Yeah, losing a pet is sort of like losing a member of your family.

Not to turn dark or anything, but did you know that guinea pig, aka cuyes, is a delicacy in some South American countries?

Word has it that foodies in the USA are indulging.

What better epitaph than "Ah, she was ... delicious."
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OnceDear
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August 24th, 2018 at 2:11:14 PM permalink
My condolences to you and your family.
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Ayecarumba
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August 24th, 2018 at 3:20:48 PM permalink
Wasn't there a video of Marcy posted around here somewhere?
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100xOdds
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August 24th, 2018 at 4:25:14 PM permalink
aww.. how cute.

RIP :(

you going to get another guinea pig Wiz?
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Nathan
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August 24th, 2018 at 5:20:17 PM permalink
Goodbye to be poor, sweet, wonderful Marcy. :(I'm so sorry for your loss, Wizard. :( I hope you find comfort in this time of utmost grief.
In both The Hunger Games and in gambling, may the odds be ever in your favor. :D "Man Babes" #AxelFabulous "Olive oil is processed but it only has one ingredient, olive oil."-Even Bob, March 27/28th. :D The 2 year war is over! Woo-hoo! :D I sometimes speak in metaphors. ;) Remember this. ;) Crack the code. :D 8.9.13.25.14.1.13.5.9.19.14.1.20.8.1.14! :D "For about the 4096th time, let me offer a radical idea to those of you who don't like Nathan -- block her and don't visit Nathan's Corner. What is so complicated about it?" Wizard, August 21st. :D
Wizard
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August 24th, 2018 at 6:37:45 PM permalink
Quote: MrV

Yeah, losing a pet is sort of like losing a member of your family.



Indeed. I must admit that I shed more tears over Marcy than when my father passed. There could be lots of reasons, but my father was in such terrible shape, I was praying hoping for death. Also, and disagree with me if you wish, but I think that parents love their kids more than their kids love them back. That love going downward is also what you feel for pets.

Quote:

Not to turn dark or anything, but did you know that guinea pig, aka cuyes, is a delicacy in some South American countries?



Yes. Both my mother and older daughter have been to Peru but abstained from eating guinea pigs out of my love of them. My mother said people in Peru let dozens of them run all over the floor and they eat one when they get hungry. Interesting how a pet in one country is meat in another. Another interesting thing is how the Spanish word for guinea pig varies from one country to another.

Anyway, as planned, we let Marcy go at 4:00 today. The vet said they could try to save her, but would respect our decision either way. Marcy was five, which is old for a guinea pig, and had a very aggressive form of cancer. She won the fight once, but this time her tumor came back out of nowhere and she was bleeding all over her cage the last couple days. I'm more about living well than living long.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
Johnzimbo
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August 24th, 2018 at 6:48:48 PM permalink
Any chance Marcy actually has been making your football picks the last few years, so we have a shot now?

I have had an African grey for 37 years, he is a great pet and very entertaining.
AxelWolf
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August 24th, 2018 at 6:54:30 PM permalink
Quote: MrV

Yeah, losing a pet is sort of like losing a member of your family.

Unless they are frogs.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
petroglyph
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August 24th, 2018 at 7:10:43 PM permalink
Quote: Johnzimbo

I have had an African grey for 37 years, he is a great pet and very entertaining.

Is he noisy sometimes when you wish he would not be?
Johnzimbo
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August 24th, 2018 at 7:19:34 PM permalink
No not too often. I actually left him with my in-laws when I moved from California to Texas 14 years ago, but still get to see him a couple times per year. I sometimes hear him whistling or talking when i am on the phone with the in-laws, they love him as mush as I do.
Wizard
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August 24th, 2018 at 7:23:46 PM permalink
Quote: Johnzimbo

Any chance Marcy actually has been making your football picks the last few years, so we have a shot now?



That chance is about 1 in 8.

Quote:

I have had an African grey for 37 years, he is a great pet and very entertaining.



Hmmm. I may pick your brain about that later. In college I worked for a guy who bred all kind of exotic parrots, but his personal pet was an African grey.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
DogHand
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August 24th, 2018 at 11:11:30 PM permalink
Wiz,

Please accept my condolences on your recent loss. I've lost many pets over the years, and I know how hard the loss can be.

Dog Hand
Sandybestdog
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August 25th, 2018 at 12:03:22 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

...Also, and disagree with me if you wish, but I think that parents love their kids more than their kids love them back. That love going downward is also what you feel for pets. ....

This is true. Take perhaps the best breed of dog there is - the golden retriever or black lab. You can easily tell how old one is. When they are 2, they are tugging on the leash so hard you can barely hold on. When they are 5, the leash is tight but they let you keep up. When they are 8, they walk beside you. When they are 10 they lag behind you and you have to encourage them to keep up. When they are 12+, you just walk without a leash and often just sit and rest on the grass. In just a few years of our life, we see all of the stages in theirs. It's hard to let them go.
gordonm888
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August 25th, 2018 at 6:41:29 AM permalink
My sympathies on your loss. The pain of losing our beloved pets is always greater than any of us will admit.
So many better men, a few of them friends, are dead. And a thousand thousand slimy things live on, and so do I.
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