Beorn’s Playpen
We are at the point in the pandemic where I have bought Beorn a 10-square-foot guinea pig playpen. This means that we don’t need to leave each other’s side. I can sit next to his habitat while working or reading, and then we can move into the kitchen when it’s time for me to cook. I showed him how to make pita, dry-roast garlic, dice tomatoes. I’ve walked him through my favourite cookbooks, showing him recipes that I think he may enjoy watching me make. I shared green beans and slices of cucumber.
Without human interaction beyond the Zoom screen, I expected myself to arrive at this stage at some point. I didn’t think it would happen so soon, before the one-year mark.
Along with the playpen, I got Beorn a ball that you fill with treats. When he pushes it with his nose, the treats drop out of a hole. He learns that playing with the ball yields treats. So far, he has stared suspiciously at the ball and then suspiciously at me, looking between us until I move the ball and he gets the treat sans work.
I want to build him a guinea pig playground.
I tell him 38 times per day: “You are my best friend, Beorn.”
He says nothing in return.
But maybe he’s thinking it.
5 comments
Whenever I hear that my daughter’s hamster is out, I run in and feed him sunflower seeds (unshelled). He takes them from my fingers, which is nice, because otherwise, he thinks my fingers are food and bites me. I can also get him to come out by going in and rattling his food or sunflower seed bag, but I don’t like to bother him when he’s resting.
In other words, you’re not the only one…
I’m sure he’s thinking it!
Pets are great companions. We have two dogs, and I wouldn’t want to live without a pet. Seems kinda lonely, even in “The Before Times” but esp. now.
This made my day! It’s just so awesome.
Cute! I’m so glad we have our two cats with us as we (3/4 of us) are home all day. They are used to having staff around 24/7 now. I’m not sure how they’ll take it when (?) we go back to work/school. I’ll miss having a cat to pet for stress relief during the work day.
He does look deep in thought here… 😉