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Old 01-01-2017, 07:55 PM   #1
chesca_27
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Default Oreo - the other love of my life

I don't know why I don't already have a thread for Oreo (guinea pig), since I quote him in half my posts, he is mentioned in my signature and has been a massive part of my life for over 5 years. We've gone through so much together and I've fought so hard for him to get him better since I lost Toffee. This includes arguing with my parents to get him seen by the top guinea pig dental expert and taking him to an out-of-hours vet. Twice. In the same week.

I love him and Jasper more than anything else.

It's about time The Legendary Oreo has his own thread.

I'll start with some background information. Toffee and Oreo were/are the first mammal pets I had/have (fish aren't mammals) and were bought by my mother on 17th September 2011 from Pets At Home as my early birthday present. They started my love for small animals. Oreo is a golden agouti, possibly satin, and has a perfect ginger stripe, ginger belly and white patch on his head.

Now this is some of Oreo's recent health crisis. If you want the full story, let me know and I'll attach the links from The Guinea Pig Forum.

Oreo lives on his own, since I lost his cage mate on October 12th. Ever since, Oreo has been battling his own health problems. It started out with him ignoring treats, since he was depressed. Anyway, my mum agreed to take him to the out-of-hours vet and thank god we did. He was diagnosed with gut stasis and slightly overgrown teeth. The vets threw so many meds at Oreo's little body. Lots of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain killers, gut stimulants. You name it. I had to administer all of these, plus regular syringe feeding food and water. He hadn't made any progress so he went back to the out-of-hours vet, Saturday morning. More meds. I kept going until his meds started running out and until he was well enough to not need them. I took him to the vets practically 3 times a week. He was bloated and in pain. The vets offered to put him to sleep. I declined and kept fighting for him. He went through X-rays, even.

It got to a point where he was well enough to be off most of his meds and his teeth began to overgrow. I had nightmares about them growing through his gums. I tried to get my local vets to trim them. They tried consciously, and failed. They then decided to use anaesthetic. I took him to the vet that morning, with my mum. I actually took time off school to take him to the vet. I pretended I hadn't been feeling well that morning, as you get let off for that. The vets decided he was "eating too well" to need his teeth trimmed and they decided it would be better to wait until he couldn't eat at all. I saw it as a death sentence, since lack of eating brings a guinea pig's anaesthetic survival rate down considerably.

I sought my only solution. Take him to a vet who specialises in guinea pig dentistry and is considered the best in the UK at it. I begged and begged to take Oreo. Eventually, my dad said yes. I would need to miss a lesson to go (unimportant lesson). I ended up being ill that day, so I didn't go to school. This meant I could go with. The vet is well over an hour away from where I live. Oreo's tongue was trapped, meaning he couldn't swallow properly, so I took him just in time. He needed up a follow-up appointment, two weeks later. I couldn't go that time as I had a tutor. Oreo was diagnosed with Oral Thrush. The medicine messed up his digestive system, but it worked. Oreo needed to go back again, 3 and a half weeks later, so that will be 2 weeks ago on Wednesday. I fought my dad so hard for his last appointment. Every single time he has needed a teeth trim. I have another one booked already, for the 28th Jan.

This isn't even half my battle. I have had to argue with everyone around me, who I love to save Oreo. I have classmates who wonder and tease me and ask why I would bother spending so much time and worry trying to save my guinea pig when I could get another for £20. People tell me that he can't live forever and that it's stupid to love and care for an animal so much. I also get told dogs are better. I love dogs too, but I have an incredible bond with him. He and I are so close. I believe he understands everything I say and even knows how to win treats and toys over from me.

There's been a huge emotional battle for me, too. After just losing Toffee, I then had to endure an emotional war over whether it was kinder to let Oreo go, or keep fighting. It got to a point where I was scared to go downstairs in the morning and get home from school because I was worried of what I might find. Every night, I said good night to Oreo, wondering whether it would be his last. I couldn't see Jasper because every time I left my mum's house to go to my dad's and see Jasper, I spent the whole night feeling sick with worry. I gave Oreo some of his presents early because I was worried he wouldn't make it to Christmas to enjoy them.

The last two months have been a blur for me, just trying to care for Oreo. I do believe I have saved his life, though. I love him with all my heart and have sacrificed so much for him.

There is nothing as rewarding as seeing him almost fully restored to health and how happy he is again. I haven't seen him this playful since he was a baby.

I guess that wraps up most of the story. Hopefully, I will do regular updates on him, since I go where Oreo goes. Jasper prefers being a little more independent .

I'll add some photos in the morning. It's 3 am and I want to sleep so no pigtures tonight/this early in the morning.

EDIT: I feel I didn't make this dramatic enough because it has been so exhausting and draining for me. I have to balance school work and a social life on top of this. I get so much homework. I went to bed so late everyday, so I could just have half an hour on HC. What I'm trying to say is October onwards 2016 has been the hardest few months of my life. It doesn't help that my dad lost his job right before we went to New York (expensive) and Oreo's vet bills have extortionate.
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At the Rainbow Bridge: Toffee, Oreo and Pemba the guinea pigs, Jasper the winter white and Artemis the hybrid 💔

Last edited by chesca_27; 01-01-2017 at 08:01 PM.
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Old 01-01-2017, 08:31 PM   #2
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

I am so sorry you have to go through this and my greatest sympathy goes out to you and your little warrior! The universe can be cruel and takes the innocent from us, but we have to keep on fighting back and show we are stronger and you've done it. I 100% agree that guinea pigs make amazing pets and friends and no matter what anyone says, know that every being, no matter how small, has a heart and a soul and can be just as good as any human friend! I hope all turns out alright in the end and look forward to hearing progress on little Oreo!
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Old 01-02-2017, 03:33 AM   #3
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

It's hard caring for sick pets, but all part of the deal so to speak isn't it? It sounds like you've done a great job and I'm so pleased Oreo is doing well now. I look forward to seeing the pics
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Old 01-02-2017, 08:25 AM   #4
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

You must really love Oreo Sorry he has needed regular vet care but it looks like it's paying off. Our hearts do get tied up in our animals & not all people are going to get it regarding our love for small animals. Hopefully Oreo gets a clean bill of health on Jan 28th, and his teeth are good and healthy
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Old 01-02-2017, 11:17 AM   #5
Coco61
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

You are a very loving and careful animal owner Chesca. It is not always easy being an owner because pets need our time, care and attention. Vet bills too. It does not matter what the size of the pet is. That does not decide on the love and care they deserve. Just tell the next person who says you should get a new guinea pig instead of treating Oreo, that he is not a t shirt from Primark to be thrown away when torn rather than mended.
However, as a boring adult (but at least we have met!), don't neglect school work too much. Those GCSE's will be needed in future especially if you want to study in animal care in some way!
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Old 01-02-2017, 09:35 PM   #6
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

Chesca, you are a warrior, I love that you fought for Oreo in getting treatment and how he's recovered.
I hate it when people say 'you can get another for £20'. But, like you I'd have done exactly the same, I would do anything for my hammy, when you take on a pet, you become responsible for them, you have a bond and love them unconditionally.
So happy Oreo's doing great! xx
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Old 01-03-2017, 03:21 AM   #7
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Smile Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

Quote:
Originally Posted by Drago View Post
I am so sorry you have to go through this and my greatest sympathy goes out to you and your little warrior! The universe can be cruel and takes the innocent from us, but we have to keep on fighting back and show we are stronger and you've done it. I 100% agree that guinea pigs make amazing pets and friends and no matter what anyone says, know that every being, no matter how small, has a heart and a soul and can be just as good as any human friend! I hope all turns out alright in the end and look forward to hearing progress on little Oreo!
Thank you

Quote:
Originally Posted by barley View Post
It's hard caring for sick pets, but all part of the deal so to speak isn't it? It sounds like you've done a great job and I'm so pleased Oreo is doing well now. I look forward to seeing the pics
Yeah! You have to be prepared for anything. It's been a big learning curve for me as I've had to research treatments and care for Oreo's situation. Thank you I will add pictures later as my school starts soon.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cinnamon Bear View Post
You must really love Oreo Sorry he has needed regular vet care but it looks like it's paying off. Our hearts do get tied up in our animals & not all people are going to get it regarding our love for small animals. Hopefully Oreo gets a clean bill of health on Jan 28th, and his teeth are good and healthy
I love Oreo and Larry-Jasper more than anything else . The dental treatment and his Christmas presents are definitely working . Thank you

Quote:
Originally Posted by Coco61 View Post
You are a very loving and careful animal owner Chesca. It is not always easy being an owner because pets need our time, care and attention. Vet bills too. It does not matter what the size of the pet is. That does not decide on the love and care they deserve. Just tell the next person who says you should get a new guinea pig instead of treating Oreo, that he is not a t shirt from Primark to be thrown away when torn rather than mended.
However, as a boring adult (but at least we have met!), don't neglect school work too much. Those GCSE's will be needed in future especially if you want to study in animal care in some way!
Thank you . You've done so well with Mocho, too! Oreo is certainly irreplaceable. I was only supposed to miss a religious studies lesson but I was ill that day and I missed form time once so not too much missed school. I normally get good grades anyway .

Quote:
Originally Posted by Thin Lizzy View Post
Chesca, you are a warrior, I love that you fought for Oreo in getting treatment and how he's recovered.
I hate it when people say 'you can get another for £20'. But, like you I'd have done exactly the same, I would do anything for my hammy, when you take on a pet, you become responsible for them, you have a bond and love them unconditionally.
So happy Oreo's doing great! xx
Thank you . I hate how rodents are seen as throw away pets just because they live in a cage and are smaller. I'm sure you would do anything for Harvey. Yeah he's doing so well xx
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At the Rainbow Bridge: Toffee, Oreo and Pemba the guinea pigs, Jasper the winter white and Artemis the hybrid 💔
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Old 01-03-2017, 04:20 AM   #8
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

You're such a caring owner. Oreo must be really proud. People that don't care about little creatures just because are little or cheap are terrible. It's obvious that maybe they don't have the level of intelligence of a monkey or a dog, but they are living beings that feel and deserve better.
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Old 01-03-2017, 10:27 AM   #9
Coco61
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

A very happy and healthy new year to you and Oreo, Chesca. He is one very special piggy indeed.
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Old 01-14-2017, 09:47 AM   #10
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Default Re: Oreo - the other love of my life

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hamsterita View Post
You're such a caring owner. Oreo must be really proud. People that don't care about little creatures just because are little or cheap are terrible. It's obvious that maybe they don't have the level of intelligence of a monkey or a dog, but they are living beings that feel and deserve better.
Thank you . I totally agre!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Coco61 View Post
A very happy and healthy new year to you and Oreo, Chesca. He is one very special piggy indeed.
Thank you and to you too . He really is a special little boy!
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Bucky the robo, Hugo the miniature schnauzer and Hermes and Harvey the labradors ❤️
At the Rainbow Bridge: Toffee, Oreo and Pemba the guinea pigs, Jasper the winter white and Artemis the hybrid 💔
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