My Fur Baby
He smells. Actually, “smells” doesn’t really cover it, but I’ll spare you the graphic description I was about to pull out of my pocket. His eye is still oozing white gunk, his head still tilted to the side. But he is stumbling around his cage like he’s drunk, a step up from the numerous days where he has barely had energy to open his mouth for my syringe of water. He’s eating a bit of food along with the meal supplement, and he has managed to gnaw through a few of his beloved cookies. It feels like we’re working our way back to somewhere good.
I’ve never really been in love with the term “fur baby” but… that is what he is. He is my baby. I mean, he is the actual replacement for the human child I was supposed to have, and I treat him as I would a human baby. The ChickieNob refers to him as my third child, and sometimes mutters that he is my most important child. But he’s just the one who needs me the most; who is wholly dependent upon me for every one of his needs.
People keep joking this week that I clearly need another kid, and I know they don’t mean harm from it. Plus it’s hard to back pedal out of that conversation train when the person responds that they did try to add a child to their family but weren’t successful. I get it. It’s uncomfortable, and I’m not trying to make people uncomfortable. I agree with them — clearly, based on the way I treat my guinea pig like a third child, I should have had another child.
But I don’t need to explain to all of you how that cuts into my heart when it’s already feeling swollen and raw.
Anyway, thank you for abiding with me. I’ve told Truman that there is a lot of love from around the world flowing his way. He mostly just looks at me blankly and then stumbles around, knocking into everything because he has no sense of balance. But I like to think that he understands.
Some pictures from last night’s tummy time:
You can still see the head tilt, but at least he’s up and about.
25 comments
Oh (((Mel))) I understand this. More than you could truly ever possibly know. Pouring all of your love into a fur baby in the place of a real baby. Yep. I wrote a story about it on my blog somewhere. It doesn’t end happy, so it’s probably not the sort of thing you’d want to read right now. But I know. (((Hugs)))
And Truman…that’s the spirit! Way to fight, little buddy!
Still thinking about you guys, sending virtual hugs.
I’m sorry. I hope he will start getting better soon. Poor little thing.
Oh Mel – I’m so pleased he is showing signs of improvement, but I wish you weren’t being kicked while you were already down I’m so so sorry.
Please Truman – squeak!!
Still thinking of you all. And I am sorry for the comments about a third child. I do understand. No matter the intent, it always hurts. Hugs to you and Truman (if you’re a hugger, if not – high five!).
Awwww, Mel. People are such thoughtless idiots. 🙁 (((Hugs))) to you, and get well vibes to Truman.
Oooooof, that’s such a gut-punch at a moment where you most certainly have your hands/emotions/etc already quite full. I’m sorry. It hurts when people make those statements/jokes.
Sending you and Truman thoughts and hoping Truman continues towards recovery.
I understand too. In my family, our pets are as close to us as the humans. They are love, walking about on four paws.
Sorry about the things people say. It’s tough to navigate when one is already at the edge of what can be handled emotionally.
Hang in there.
And Truman, sending you healing vibes, buddy. Keep getting better.
Glad to hear he’s doing a little better…
I still get “she needs a sister or brother” all the time. Sigh. Fortunately, my favorite thing is to make people uncomfortable for saying personal things to me when they don’t know me well enough!
I’m glad there’s some improvement for Truman and I hope for you and him both that he makes a full recovery soon.
But ouch. I know people mean well, but they need to keep their traps shut. I wish there was a way to politely make them see how their words actually have the power to cut deep. Hang in there.
He is so adorable, your fur baby. He’s fighting so hard. I’m sure your love is good medicine. Loving on you both <3
I’m glad there are signs of improvement! I hope he recovers quickly. Sending love and healing thoughts his way…
So happy there are signs he’s improving. I hope he continues to get better quickly.
Oh, ouch. That comment. That cut me, and I’m not the one with the swollen heart from worrying. Hugs and love and all the good thoughts for speedy healing for Truman. <3
Keep on fighting Truman. Hang in Mel.
Floating up all positive vibes.
Sending healing wishes for Truman. Pets are very important family members!
I”m so glad he seems to be slowly improving–he looks so sweet in the pictures, even off-balance. Truman is truly lucky to have you, you are so devoted and loving. I hope he continues to go on an upswing and is back to his old self soon.
I’m glad he’s hanging in there. I tend to think that you’d treat Truman like your baby even if you’d had more children. I agree with you that of course people don’t mean harm when they make thoughtless jokes. But I do wish they’d learn not to make the thoughtless jokes in the first place! Unfortunately, when we’re feeling vulnerable is when they hurt the most, and it’s also the time we don’t feel like educating them. Sending hugs.
So glad that he’s hanging in there and looking a bit better. Abiding with you.
About those comments…you are so much nicer than I am. I’d get all, “I tried and I couldn’t have another kid” mic drop.
I E’s thinking of you and Truman, so checking in with a hug.
*hugs* for you both/all. So glad to hear Truman has perked up a bit. Keep it up, little guy.
My head hit the table with the “needing another child” comments. Really? People can’t simply put an arm around you and give you a hug while saying “I’m sorry”?
The white gunk sounds promising. His system is draining the infection. He’s fighting. The fact he is responding is a good sign.
Thinking still of all of you. Keep fighting Truman.
Abiding with you. I like to think that he’s fighting so hard because you have such a special bond, and he’s doing everything he can to be with you. That’s kind of awesome, if you think about it. How many people can talk about their special relationship with a guinea pig?! It takes a special person.
I came by to see how the little guy was doing…glad to hear he is getting better…all that loving and care you are giving him! Hope to see him all better and chirping away soon! (Hugs)
Oh I am so sorry he is ill!