Over the past few months, Dr. Long has introduced us to so many new and interesting patients. We have seen a baby monkey, some gorgeous birds, and even snakes and lizards. Among others, the Calabro family of guinea pigs have nuzzled their way into our hearts. Donovan, Puffball, Cocoa Puff, Ghirardelli, Chakalaka, and Dillon own Steve and Mariellen, and each piggy has their own unique story.
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Their
guinea pig family began with Dillon and Donovan who were adopted from Halifax
Humane Society on June 12, 2008. The pair were so sweet and cuddly, Steve and
Mariellen knew they had to take them home. Dillon was very outgoing and
inquisitive, while Donovan remained shy.
Puffball arrived in May 2009. Mariellen says that they were not expecting to bring home a third piggy, but Puffy was very insistent. He turned on the charm and cried when he was placed back into his cage, only stopping when Mariellen picked him back up again. Puffy is a tiny ball of energy and loves attention. He purrs while being petted and is a happy little pig.
Cocoa Puff was adopted from a second chance rescue in Orlando. Despite a few health problems, he is very trusting and friendly. He stands up on his food bowl on his log and smiles at everyone. Mariellen thought that Cocoa Puff was deaf when he first came to live with them, but it turns out that he's just a little hard of hearing. He and Puffy are best friends, and Cocoa offers a calming influence to his more energetic buddy.
Dillon first came to Atlantic Animal Hospital in September
2009. Dr. Long trimmed his back teeth, which required him to be under
anesthesia. Dillon had difficulty eating because of some mouth ulcers.
Because he wasn't eating well, it caused his appetite to decrease which led to
some digestive and gastric problems. By mid-October, Dillon was completely
refusing food altogether, and sadly on October 22nd, he passed away.
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After the loss of Dillon, Steve and Mariellen decided that Donovan needed another house mate. This Halloween, Ghirardelli was adopted from a local rabbit rescue organization that also finds loving homes for guinea pigs. Ghirardelli's mother was abandoned while she was pregnant, and Ghirardelli was born in early October in a foster home. Mariellen was told that Ghirardelli was a boy, but surprise... she's a girl!! Since Donovan (a male) and Ghirardelli (a female) could not be housed together for obvious reasons, the Calabros were once again on a quest for a male companion for Donovan.
Then, they found Chakalaka. This very sweet young piggy was adopted this November 2nd and has been a good match for Donovan. Mariellen lovingly describes him as spastic. He enjoys running and playing, is very talkative, and is absolutely fearless.
Now, if you have been able to keep up with the ever-growing Calabro family, you will see that we have Puffy and Cocoa Puff together, Donovan and Chakalaka together, and little Ghirardelli by herself... but probably, not for long!
Mariellen says that after living with the piggies for the past year and a half, neither she nor Steve can imagine life without them. They feel grateful to have had the chance to share their home and hearts with the pigs, which have brought the Calabros so much joy. She says, “We've also met some really great people around the world through www.gpdd.org, a website for guinea pig lovers.”
--Written by: Tiffany Rice (Veterinary Technician) and Jennifer Liggett (Client Advocate)
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