My guinea pig died last Saturday... she was 7 years old.
I was glad that I witness the death. Seriously. I have been very busy for the past many many weeks and I am normally out on Saturdays. Coincidental, I was so free last Saturday at home and only planned to perhaps go for a swim at MC's place and have dinner with her during the late evening. I cancelled the plan later of course.
I was up attending to her in the morning changing the bedding in her cage, I gave the cage some extra scrubbing that day as it was really dusty after not thoroughly cleaning it for ages. Normally I will let her out to roam about and she will always jump back into the cage on her own when it is ready. A very well trained and clever pig she was...
When I place the cage back for her to go back in, I saw that she was lying rather flat on the floor instead of her usual standing or walking around. Ahhh... I knew she wasn't going to stay long. I had carried her for a long while, hugging her telling her that it was okay, and the time was right, and that Amituofo would be there to bring her to a better place if she desire. So no fear little piggy! After a long while, mum said that I can't be carrying her the whole day as mum predicted that pig will leave perhaps around 3pm ish or later. So I put her down, have her lying near to our altar where the statue of Amituofo was.
I was upstairs, and downstairs occasionally checking her out. She wasn't eating anything I placed near to her, she was lying to one side... the last time I went down because I "sensed something" and when I reach her, she was in such pain that I couldn't even touch her without her twitching. So I knew it was time. We can just tell. I stayed to chant Amituofo with her and for her... after a few minutes, I saw her drew a few, last, breath and she was gone. Rather peacefully I must say. She is now in our little garden, resting in peace.
It was really sad, especially when I pleaded (to whoever that could hear me) to let her go and not suffer anymore. However, I was glad that I was there when she left, imagine if I come back one day and discovered a dead pig! I really could not accept that... And thankfully, I had MC's and MFG's messages as company. Oh yes, the FB messages as well. Thank you all...
Life, or Buddha, will always have a way to arrange for things to take place and I trust that everything happen for a good reason. Thank you having me around during little pig's farewell. I am sure she is at a better place now.
This year is all about changes...
I woke up the next morning hurrying downstairs only to remember I no longer need to rush to feed my little pig; I walked passed where her cage used to be and there is no longer a cage. But it is a relief to have one less burden and responsibility.
Tomorrow will be a better day.