Update for Ziggy and Brodie!

So far we have raised $379.66 or #254.94! We've reached our goal, way to go!

Brodie says, "Thank you!" (picture courtesy of Webs).

MARCH'S PIGS-Ziggy and Brodie!

Meet Ziggy and Brodie

from UK Rescue

Thistle Cavies!

This year's two pigs are Brodie (11 months) and Ziggy (around two years). You will remember Brodie from last year. He lived with Josh after Yetti died. We could not find a piggy who would accept him after Josh went to the Rainbow Bridge, and we tried many, so we decided to castrate and find him a wife.

Ziggy arrived in terrible condition, mites, lice, very thin, and terrified of all piggies due to being mercilessly bullied by her cage mates. She coud not eat for sheer fear she would be bitten, she was separated from the other piggies and enjoyed life by herself for a while being syringe fed to gain much needed weight. She was only 1 lb 3 ounces. We also discovered Ziggy had a heart problem so she is now on Fortekor and still being syringe fed to ensure she continues to gain, she is now at 1 lb 12 ounces!

We paired her with Brodie and all was well for two days. Then we noticed a small abscess on Brodie's nose, cleaned it up, but by night time he had a huge abscess below his ear. At that point they were separated, Ziggy with the resident girls and Brodie in a hospital cage.

For three weeks now we have battled with Brodie's abscesses, so far the count is 16. He has some sort of infection that is being carried around in his blood and is causing abscesses. He has had two vet visits so far costing #178.35 to lance and clean/flush out the abscesses. Two more are coming up and they will need to be lanced in the very near future.

He is on Baytil and pain relief, syringe feeds daily just to keep him topped up, as well as huge doses of probiotics. We have not managed to definitely isolate the exact bacteria causing the infection but it is thought to be pastuerella. We do not know if we will win the battle for him and have been warned it may break out again at any time in the future.

He is happy, lively, and a complete star when it comes to all the flushing, cleanimg etc. of his wounds. He sits with his head tilted up and we get on with the job, only occasionally does he flinch if we touch a particularly sensitive spot.

So meanwhile these two lonely piggies have to be separated and there is no doubt that Brodie misses Ziggy. We do all we can to keep him happy but we are not piggies! Plus there is the zoonosis side and we have been well warned about this, wearing masks, gloves, etc. We have to keep to very strict hygeine and the big pads for him to sit on while we clean him up cost $14.95 for 12 and we go through 2 a day.

Costs for Brodie per week are: Baytril #9.00, Antibiotic flushing solution #6.00, Chlorahexadine #3.15, Sundries (cotton buds/balls, syringes, probiotics) #3, Critical Care #14.95, Pain Relief #3.00.

Costs for Ziggy per week: Fortekor: #4.90, Critical Care: #14.95.

Total cost per week: #58.95 or $88.79. Total fundraising goal (a three week supply): #176.85 or $266.37

We hope that Ziggy and Brodie can live together again but Brodie does not have a quick fix illness. But as long as he is happy, lively and enjoying life we will keep him on with meds, syringe feedings, and flushings, and hope that there is a happy ending for both of these loveable pigs.

To donate in US dollars:

To donate in Sterling Pounds:

Update for the Lab Pigs!

So far we have raised $260 out of $260, we've reached our goal!!!! Please donate or consider sharing their story.

Thank you so much to everyone who has already done so!

Their story:

The lab piggies were from the University of Arlington, we had originally been conntacted by them to rescue 31 in 2008 after they had finished their trials, they told us they were done with guinea pigs as they did not cooperate well. Unfortunately less than a year later we were called again to take 18 more.This time they were kept as pairs in those tiny tubs that you see them pictured in.We rescued 14 girls and 4 boys, these were not quite as shy as the first lot and took to eating veggies a lot quicker.

Due to their looks people don't even stop to consider them for adoption so we anticipate their stay at the rescue to be long, maybe even a lifetime. We would love to be able to raise enough money to get the 4 boys neutered ($65 each)

FEBRUARY'S GUINEA PIGS OF THE MONTH-The Lab Pigs!

Meet The Lab Pigs

from TX Rescue

Texas Rustlers

Before:

After:

These pigs are ready and waiting for adoption! There are 16 to choose from (remember, pigs are social creatures and do best in pairs).

Thank you for being an advocate for those who cannot help themselves. Please pass The Lab Pigs' story and this site on to others.

in order to avoid paypal's fees, consider sending a check or money order to:

Texas Rustlers
160 Cedarcrest lane,
Double oak TX 75077

Pinball has passed

Dear Pinball has passed. We greatly appreciate your outpouring of support and love.

More details will be posted as they become available.