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Post by Bean on Jul 9, 2019 7:41:23 GMT
I agree. A combination of not feeling sore or itchy and not having anyone bathe or investigate him - he knows he can relax now!
Now, I remember you were saying you were going to look for another pal when Pufu had the all clear, so I'm guessing it's not long before we receive some news!
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Post by amber89 on Jul 9, 2019 8:21:05 GMT
That is very true, Bean. We are thinking to adopt another female, but it will take at least another two weeks until the latest piggies will be free for adoption. In the last few days there were 8 piggies abandoned in Vienna (1 died already unfortunately), since everyone wants to go on holiday but doesn't want to bother with pets . All of them were found and taken in by the shelter, where they will stay for the quarantine, plus in the hope that their owners claim them (highly unlikely...but it's the law); so it will take some time. If some of the females are pregnant (because there were even mixed groups abandoned), then it will take even longer. Also, in 3 weeks we will go on holiday and my mom will fly over to look after my furry potatoes. I would like to have until then the piggies bonded and settled before we leave, so that they have as little stress as possible. Unfortunately most likely this will not work out, so the new piggy will arrive at the beginning of August, earliest. On a lighter side, some older pics with my piggies relaxing in a freshly cleaned cage:
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 9, 2019 19:06:35 GMT
Nice cage I base that on how the pigs react to it, and they love it It's always better to wait until you have adequate time for bonding, especially if the bonding goes really badly at first. It could require a lot of extra things being done, and maybe not even being able to put the new baby in with the others. Being a baby, it's much more likely to work, but there are no guarantees. I hope you have a great time on your vacation Nice to know you're mom will be there to care for the piggies
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Post by Bean on Jul 10, 2019 7:59:00 GMT
Oh, gorgeous leg shots! You have some very content guinea pigs right there!
It's awful that people just go away and leave their pets to fend for themselves. I can't believe so many people don't have someone who can stop by once a day, whether it's friend, family or a pet sitter. I know pets make it harder to go on holiday, but don't get them if you're not prepared to do what's necessary. I'm glad your mum can help you out. Does she enjoy visiting Vienna too?
Good idea waiting until after your holiday to adopt anyway. As you know, introductions can be challenging, and you want to be able to leave them knowing that things will be fine. We're away a few times over the summer, so even if I feel like it's worth reintroducing Tissue to someone (I think things are fine as they are for the moment) I won't do it until September in case she starts off well but then goes psycho again!
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Post by amber89 on Jul 10, 2019 15:49:54 GMT
I really hope that they are at least content, if not really happy here. Yes, that spot below the stairs is their favourite spot...it's also the dirtiest spot in the cage We have now taken the stairs out and put a house instead, but soon we will get back to normal also. They relax like that usually after the weekly big cleanup, when everything is freshly washed. I know it's awful how people consider them just some expendable things...and when i am thinking that i am still sometimes crying more than two months after Muffin passed away. Yeah, she likes being here, she hates Bucharest with all her heart (same as me). Unfortunately, since flying is causing her some health issues she cannot do it too often (once a year, usually). She also cannot really visit around, but i have arranged for a Romanian friend of mine to come every 2-3 days and clean the piggy cage. So mom will have someone to talk to.
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 10, 2019 19:03:39 GMT
I feel sorry for both the people who think animals are expendable, and for their animals. There's something lacking in their humanity, and those poor animals get the brunt of it Those pigs are not only happy, they are very relaxed and content. Their body language says it loud and clear Too bad your mum can't stay in Vienna. Is there any other way for her to travel that wouldn't be as harmful to her health? Train, maybe, or is that even worse? It's good she'll have a Romanian person to talk to while you're on your trip Go on your trip, enjoy yourselves, and they'll all be waiting for you when you get home
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Post by amber89 on Jul 11, 2019 19:02:12 GMT
The train would be better for her, since she can lie down. Unfortunately it's not an option, since the trip takes at least 20h and the situation of the romanian tracks is so bad that it's a gamble to reach your destination safely.
Oh, i will be worrying sick about my piggies. Not that i don't trust mom with their basic care, but if they get any health issues going to the vet is going to be an adventure (she cannot speak neither german, nor english).
And now a question of linguistics: i always had the impression that happiness is a much stronger emotion than contentment. Contentment is, for me at least, when one is settled and has found its place. Happiness is a much stronger emotion, which implies being content, at peace and a sensation of euphoria. For me at least, complete happiness can never be achieved, since we humans always think that it could be better. From how you phrased your answer 3pigglets, it gives me the impression that it's the other way around.
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Post by Bean on Jul 12, 2019 7:05:31 GMT
I'm glad your mum enjoys getting away, even if the travelling is tough for her and she can't explore Vienna as much as she might like. Will she be able to stay on and spend time with you before you go away or after you get back?
For me the word happiness, while a strong positive emotion, is generally used to describe a transient or temporary state. Something happens and it makes you really happy whether it's meeting up with friends, eating a nice meal, going to a party or watching a good film.
Contentment implies a more permanent and enduring state of happiness, something more than just a reaction or temporary experience. So in that respect it's more meaningful.
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Post by amber89 on Jul 12, 2019 14:19:53 GMT
Yeah, we have 4 days before our departure and 4 days afterwards. So, we can spend also some time together.
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 12, 2019 19:58:52 GMT
I haven't looked up contentment or happiness, but it's my understanding that contentment doesn't have to include happiness. It's a feeling of being satisfied with the situation, even pleased. Not necessarily happy, which is a much stronger emotion. Happy is more of a low level passion. When we are happy, body chemicals help keep us that way, so we experience a much stronger feeling than with contentment. Neither is necessarily permanent, or even lasting. So having a roof over your head, food to eat, clothes to wear, and good future prospects will make you content. Seeing a beautiful flower. Having a wonderful meal. Enjoying a laugh with friends, etc., makes you happy. For animals, contentment is much more important than happiness, but there is body language that says they like their situations, which makes it more than just contentment. To me, their body language said they were both happy and content. They don't have to popcorn to show their happy. But their level of relaxedness said told me they were both happy and content I think we all worry, no matter how much we trust the caregiver, but I hope you can maybe contact her periodically, and know the piggies are okay, so you can just enjoy your trip
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Post by amber89 on Jul 14, 2019 13:22:44 GMT
I will definitely write her daily to ask her how my piggies are doing. I am too much of a control freak. I am even writing her a handbook on how to care from them.
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 14, 2019 17:31:05 GMT
I call that considerate. She doesn't know what you know about your piggies, so a handbook she can follow is a fabulous thing to leave with her! Contacting her daily lets her know you're aware of her situation, and she can contact you if she needs to. You are a good daughter
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Post by Bean on Jul 15, 2019 7:32:36 GMT
I know some people who write such complicated and detailed instructions for their pet sitters that it can overwhelm the person looking after them as it makes everything seem much more complicated! But I know for the people who look after my lot that they appreciate it being detailed enough that they don't have to guess at anything.
I agree with this - I sometimes look after other pets and if it's animals I've never had - like cats - and they just say 'Give them some dry food' I have no idea whether it a handful or a massive bowl!
I have a couple of documents on my computer for pet sitters - one for the odd weekend visits (where I prep the veg and put hay and pellets in paper bags so it's an easy drop and water change) and another for if it's longer and they'll need changing etc. It saves me loads of time when situations change and I need to adapt it!
My mum says my instructions have become much more concise since I had kids haha!
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 15, 2019 21:34:06 GMT
I did that, too, then never could find anyone I'd leave them with, lol It is a great idea to leave instructions. Leave the right measuring cup or whatever, so they know, and even prep veggies in servings, so there are no worries about over feeding them. The Pigloo City food bowl is huge, as it needed to be big enough for multiple heads to get in at one time. The amount of food that goes in is really small compared to the bowl. I'd hate to have someone fill the bowl with veggies a few times a day!
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Post by amber89 on Jul 15, 2019 22:41:12 GMT
I realize now, while writing this handbook for mom, how hard it is for me to write in my own mother tongue. It feels like someone has to use some pliers to pull the words out of my mouth. Since i am so little speaking it, i start to loose the exercise. I am still reading and listening Romanian, but i speak it only occasionally. It is quite a struggle now to write the text... I have started to the last days to try to teach the trio their first trick: they are supposed to step with their paws onto my palm and then they get a treat. They all seem to learn it quite fast and in this way i can steal some touches with them. Pufu seems to get a bit more used and i am able to shortly pet his cheeks, chin, chest or head. He doesn't stay long, but it's a small victory. The girls are still to scared of touches, they back away immediately. Also, i have said that Pufu plopped at the last health check. here are also the pics: And some pics with the girls, so that they don't get jealous:
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Post by Bean on Jul 16, 2019 7:33:12 GMT
Ah you have gorgeous pigs and can certainly take a great photograph too - it's a dangerous combination! The look in his eyes in that first one - he adores you!
I've had a couple of pigs who have really enjoyed learning little tricks, even if they were accidentally started. The clever ones can like a challenge! You can quickly tell who's up for a game and who isn't anyway. I wouldn't try to teach Josh anything, he's a bit of a goofball and not the brightest pig I've ever had haha!
That's really interesting that it's now so hard for you to write in Romanian. Which language do you tend to think in? Friends who have become fluent in other languages always say you know you've got to a competent level when you're not always translating things back and forth but just genuinely thinking in that language. I've never got to that stage!
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 16, 2019 19:29:08 GMT
They are so beautiful, and Pufu reminds me so much of my Morty, who was also very colorful Good you've found a way to get them to physically interact with you, so they get used to the idea. Treats seem to be the way to their hearts
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Post by amber89 on Jul 17, 2019 8:54:10 GMT
Hiihi. The pics are taken by my hubby. Of course Pufu has his puppy eyes in that first photo...i am holding a very tasty pea flake Yes, treats & veggies are the best ways to get to their hearts. There is definitely some truth in the saying "Love passes through the stomach" I am thinking and dreaming in English. My inner voice is in English. Only very rarely i still dream in Romanian, almost never in German.
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Post by 3piggles on Jul 17, 2019 20:31:22 GMT
I imagine you are probably less than half my age. By my age, I think I'm pretty much stuck with English. If I would younger, and moved to another country, I would focus on that language. It makes sense that you are now thinking/dreaming in English. If you returned to Romania, though, I think your Romanian would come right back to you. It's there in your brain, just not up front anymore
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Post by Bean on Jul 18, 2019 5:27:53 GMT
Haha at Pufu making eyes at the pea flake! He looks so relaxed and trusting though - you can tell when a pig is truly at ease rather than anxiously approaching you only for the snack!
I can't imagine thinking in another language besides English, but I've never really got to a truly fluent level with any of the ones I've learned some of. I've just studied them really, rather than used them regularly enough for them to be instinctive.
My favourite conversation I had in a language other than English was actually in Spanish, and my Spanish is very minimal. It was with a lovely and very animated Spanish lady who was ranting about the fact some idiot had used the swimming pool as a toilet during the night meaning we weren't allowed to swim. Despite only understanding about a third of the words she was saying, the way she expressed herself meant I could easily fill in the gaps! And I'd only need say a few words in Spanish and she'd be off again! The fact there's been a poo in the pool was not so funny though...
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