In Loving Memory Of Archie
My sweet Archie sadly passed away on the 23rd of May. After getting ill overnight I took him to a vet, but he didn't make it. He passed away a few hours after we got back home. Here is a blogpost dedicated to my sweet and shy Archie.
Adopting Archie
I adopted Archie from a shelter nearby on the 31st of October. When I introduced him to Mieps, I was a bit scared they wouldn't get along at all. Luckily they didn't fight badly and they got
along okay. They weren't best friends, but you could see they enjoyed each other's company.
I was so nervous the first few days that I set my alarm every few hours to check on them at night. When I had to go to school I set up a private live stream to keep an eye on them.
As time passed they got used to each other. Archie often followed Mieps around in the living room or the kitchen, because he was a bit nervous to be alone in such a big space.
It was so funny to see them get their snacks and quickly run into their houses. Archie always stole Mieps food and she came back running to me for another slice.
First photoshoot
The photoshoot with the glasses and lights on the background was Archie's very first photoshoot. He absolutely nailed it! He was such a patient and photogenic guinea pig. Archie was a bit of a shy guinea pig as well, especially in the beginning. That didn't stop him from stealing food. He loved carrots and cucumber.
Floor time
It was such a joy watching the piggies get their floor time. Archie explored carefully, he never left the blankets though. I think he was a bit afraid of the tiles. So that's why I put almost every blanket on the floor that I could find.
Final photoshoots
I took these photos in the week before Archie's passing. I'm so glad that I decided to take some quick photos of Archie and Mieps together. I'm beyond happy that I decided to take some selfies with Archie the Friday before he passed away. I didn't have any and I would have been extremely sad if I didn't have any photos of us together at all.
Final moments
A lot of people have been asking me what happened to Archie. I still don't know why he died so suddenly. The vet thought he could have had an infection, so she gave him two shots of antibiotics
to fight it. I had an appointment for the day after to check on him. He had stopped eating since the night before, so she gave me some critical care in case he wouldn't start eating
himself.
The most sad part is that he started to slip away during the feeding of the critical care. I still blame myself that I might have caused too much stress for him to handle in his
condition.
I feel horrible and I'm not sure if that feeling will ever go away. I remember saying that it was so weird to see two guinea pigs in the cage, because I've had only Mieps for a while. Now
it's weird to see only one guinea pig in the cage. I cry every time I have to give Mieps a snack, because I only have to get one slice of cucumber instead of two.
I will never forget Archie and I'll forever miss him. He was such a great guinea pig with such a sweet personality. He was curious and shy at the same time. It was just since the last month that
he seemed to be more trusting towards me and my family.
Rest in peace Archie, you were my friend and I love you very much. I guess I will have to learn to live without you being around.
I hope we'll meet again some day.
I took these photos on Monday evening, the day before his passing.
''When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missin' you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missin', too
When you're gone
The words I need to hear
To always get me through the day
And make it okay
I miss you''
'When You're Gone' by Avril Lavigne