h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Before there was Shel, there was my cat Bingers. Well, actually before there was Bingers there was my guinea pig, Elvis. I had had other guinea pigs in my child, but Elvis was the first GP I'd had as an adult and the first pet I had who was solely my responsibility.

I got Elvis in 1991 or '92 I think. I'd gone to the Dayton's 8th floor pet adoption event which was held ever year on the 8th floor of Dayton's in Downtown Minnepolis on or around Valentine's Day. I did not go intending to get a pet. I just wanted to visit. In fact I may have been there just to shop for cloths or something and decided to go up to the 8th floor to check things out.

At this point it's been so long, I don't really remember what happened. I only know I left with a guinea pig. I don't remember what the name they'd given him was, but I'd always had a dream of having a guinea pig named Elvis, so I named him Elvis. He wasn't the most sociable pig, but he was a nice pig and he had a lot of personality.

He lived with me and my various room mates for several years. When I got my own place in 1994 he moved in there with me. He got sick on the day before Thanksgiving and we had to go to veterinary urgent care where he was giving antibiotics, but unfortunately it was too late. He died in my arms on Thanksgiving.

I've had several guinea pigs since then. I won't devote an entry to each one of them here. After Elvis I purchased Priscilla at a pet shop (I know always adopt, but it was sort of an impulse buy). Priscilla was followed by Ginger and Maryanne. After Maryanne died I went several years with no pigs. Then a couple of years ago I adopted Lucy and Ethel. Lucy died a few weeks ago and now Ethel is alone. Ethel seems to be OK with that arrangement. I don't know if or when I'll get another GP as I'm kind of overwhelmed with the current dog and other situations right now. But those will be subjects for other entries.

[Amy P]

My first pet was Charlie, a yellow canary. I adored him but he was very unsociable & wouldn't leave his cage unless forced. After he died I decided I could never own a caged bird again, it just didn't feel right.

I've had goldfish, too, but I think I kill them with kindness. I spend all sorts of cash on testing kits for the water, pumps & filters, and yet they never seem to last very long. One of them tried to commit suicide by throwing himself out of the tank! My brother, on the other hand, fills the bowl after it's occassional clean with cold water straight from the tap, and he's had his fish for about three years.

I'm enjoying hearing about your various pets.

Deb

I am really enjoying these entries and the stories of your pets

I tend to aquire pets like you did with Shel although to date these have all been cats

Up until now they have been socialable enough and appreciative of regular food and shelter in the cold months and a cuddle as they please

The latest one is a right home bird and definately a lap cat, lazy even by cat standards, one eared and one fanged and we him

Thanks Deb and Peanut!

I took a class on birds for a vet tech program I was trying to complete. It mostly focused on parrots of different kinds. I got the impression that canaries aren't really social with people. I'm sorry about your goldfish, Deb.

()