Welcome Home, Jim!

This month, we've been busy welcoming the newest member of our Piggie Time family home - Jim.

Jimmy is set to become John's new partner, after two years of waiting for John to get over the trauma of his past.

John, one of the original three pigs who inspired Piggie Time, was adopted from a rescue shelter nearly two and a half years ago. The three-year-old, black and white male was brought to the shelter after his owner decided he couldn't take care of a guinea pig anymore. Tragically, when John received a medical checkup, puncture wounds were discovered all over his back, as well as a hole in his ear. The animal shelter workers were certain, they told us, that John could never be joined with another guinea pig.

But the next year brought many surprises, most of all, the meeting of Scribble, Ty and John. It wasn't expected to work out, and all throughout the first bonding session were continuous discouraging signs like rumble strutting, teeth chattering and scurrying.

It took us many long, worrying hours, but eventually, the impossible was achieved - John had been bonded with other guinea pigs! We couldn't believe it.

As the three guinea pigs began to see each other increasingly more often, it came to our attention that John seemed much happier and less sluggish during their "play-dates." Consequently, we realized that it was time John needed a buddy.

Like John, Jim was adopted from an animal shelter. His caretakers there explained that his previous owners had passed away, and family members had transported him there, having no idea what to do with him. Jimmy had lived alone his entire life, and like John, was largely unaccustomed to living with others like himself.

We've grown to know Jimmy as an explorer, who will never turn down the opportunity to try new food. He loves being pet softly, and he hates loud noises (we decided that if Jim and John were vacuums, John would be classified as a super-vacuum and Jim would be considered a Dirt Devil.) Jimmy's favorite snack is a juicy piece of Romaine Lettuce or a fresh handful of hay, either of which he will eagerly popcorn over to in seconds.

Currently, Jim and John are still in the bonding phase of their relationship. However, they still love going outside in the sun and filling themselves up with grass together - it brings out the best in both of them.

Remember to check back at the Piggie Time blog next week for some more updates on John and Jim, and the latest post on guinea pig tips.

Please join us in welcoming home Jim and watch our celebratory video:

Piggie Time - Welcome Home, Jim!