OCTOBER'S GUINEA PIG OF THE MONTH--The Lethals!

Meet The Lethals from

North Jersey Guinea Pig and Hamster Rescue!

Here is their story: A healthy pair of guinea pigs was brought to the rescue in May of 2010 with their five babies from three litters. All of the babies were white, had strange looking eyes, pronounced overbites and behaved oddly. I had heard the term "lethal white" and seen some photos on the internet but had never seen examples of this genetic defect in person.

The next day, we got them to the vet and confirmed they all had this condition. Most are blind or have very limited vision. All have abnormal teeth, either deformed or growing improperly. Some have teeth missing completely on the lower jaw.

There were two males: Biscuit, who is now 13 months old and Ivory, who is 8 months old.

There were three females: Maria, and Rosa who are both 8 months old and little China, who passed away shortly after she arrived here at the age of 5 weeks. No matter how much we fed her, she just couldn't seem to metabolize the food. What she lacked in physical strength, she more than made up for with her outgoing personality and big voice.

We can't put these guys up for adoption. They require an investment of time and money to care for them and provide veterinary care to keep the teeth trimmed so they

can eat. They all go to the vet about two/three times a month at a cost of $28 per piggie for the tooth exam and trim. As time goes on, we expect that lab tests and supplemental syringe feedings will be necessary.

As they age, we expect metabolic problems to occur. The normal life span will probably be significantly shortened although we will do everything possible to keep them comfortable and happy as long as they live.

The remaining four are doing fine at the moment, although we are watching Rosa very closely. She is small for her age and while the others are continuing to gain weight, she is just maintaining her weight. We are concerned that she is starting to develop internal problems although she is acting fine otherwise.

Our goal is to fundraise $336--for three vet visits at $28 each for each of the four pigs. Good luck Lethals!

UPDATE FOR MINERVA!

So far we have raised $65 out of $50!

We've met our goal, fundraising $385 total!

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To avoid paypal fees send checks to:

The Critter Connection, Inc.
PO Box 371
Durham, CT 06422

Make checks payable to "The Critter Connection, Inc." and please specify SAGP or Minerva in the Memo line.

9414.83

SEPTEMBER'S TWO FOR ONE DEAL-Minerva!!

Meet Minerva

from CT rescue

The Critter Connection!

Minerva is a 6 year old female that was born with no eyes. She has been in the rescue since she was 3 weeks old as our mascot and is a sanctuary pig. Not having any sight hasn't slowed her down one bit. She rules the "herd" and is very perticular about who she will allow in her inner circle. She has had a chronic bladder infection and xrays today revealed that her bladder wall has become quite thick. Fortunately there are no bladder stones but she will be on a long course of antibiotics to see if we can't get this straightened out.

Our goal for Minerva is $50! Thanks so much for everyone who donated to Hawk already. Please feel no obligation to donate again :)

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To avoid paypal fees send checks to:

The Critter Connection, Inc.
PO Box 371
Durham, CT 06422

Make checks payable to "The Critter Connection, Inc." and please specify SAGP or Minerva in the Memo line.

UPDATE FOR HAWK!

So far we have raised $320 out of $250!

We've met our goal!

Tomorrow a new pig will be debuted from this rescue, as we met our goal so early in the month :D

*

To avoid paypal fees send checks to:

The Critter Connection, Inc.
PO Box 371
Durham, CT 06422

Make checks payable to "The Critter Connection, Inc." and please specify SAGP or Hawk in the Memo line.

9029.83

SEPTEMBER'S GUINEA PIG OF THE MONTH-Hawk!

Meet Hawk
from CT rescue
The Critter Connection!

Hawk is a 6 year old neutered male that came from the Catskill Game Farm rescue that we did back in October 2006. The horrors that the pigs went through at the farm are unspeakable.

When Hawk first arrived he was petrified of everything and would throw himself at the side of his cage if he heard a loud noise. It took me 6 months to get him to settle down enough that he wouldn't shake when I held him. Because of this it was decided that he would stay in the rescue as a sanctuary pig.

He has been happily living with our older senior females and keeps everyone in line. It is quite amusing to watch him "settle a dispute" between two of the females. He lays down between two pigs that are bickering and looks at each one.

If we reach our goal early ($250), I'll debut another special needs piggy from this rescue :)

*

To avoid paypal fees send checks to:

The Critter Connection, Inc.
PO Box 371
Durham, CT 06422

Make checks payable to "The Critter Connection, Inc." and please specify SAGP or Hawk in the Memo line.