Jolly Pauly Stone

March Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Pet People”

The first piggy arriving and leaving.

My pet sitter said he was in a dangerous situation. Can you keep him long enough for me to find him another home?

I knew nothing about rodents. Cats and dogs, yes — rodents, no. I agreed to give him a safe space for a limited amount of time. It was two weeks before Christmas. My grandson saw him and immediately thought the guinea pig was his Christmas gift. I’d forgotten that he mentioned wanting one 7 months before.

The guinea pig stayed. My grandson named him Jolly Pauly Stone. But, we only called him Jolly.

He was “the first” because guinea pigs are better in pairs. We rescued another one during the first week of January.

I never thought I’d fall in love with guinea pigs but I did. So did Captain Argentina.

Although the second piggy was older, Jolly was the first to leave us in 2020. He had a blockage. After several vet visits, meds, and special food, we thought he was getting better. But, guinea pigs are experts at hiding illnesses. He didn’t make it. But, we had the pleasure of his company for almost four years, and two years later, we still miss him.

In response to the March prompt Pet People: