‘Rewarding to watch these two become more confident’ May 9, 2025

“I adopted my guinea pigs, Lorenzo (NHS Snow) and Pepe (NHS Gibby), in 2022 after my emotional support piggy passed away. He had been a huge presence in my life, and I felt completely lost without him.

I was already volunteering with NHS at the time, so when I felt ready to open up my heart and home again, I knew right where to go. Pepe and Lorenzo were extremely timid when I first brought them back to my apartment, and would often bolt into their hiding places the second I entered the room. It took several months (and lots of bell peppers and carrots!) before they learned to trust me. I was so excited when Lorenzo finally let me touch him with one finger!

Three years and one move halfway across the country later, they race up to the side of their cage when they hear me coming, climb onto my lap during floor-time, and have no problem with being petted. At least, Lorenzo doesn’t. He will sit still and sometimes purr appreciatively for scratches and pets. Pepe is a very busy piggy and is only okay with being petted if it doesn’t interrupt his important jobs of zooming, popcorning and snuffling out yummy things to eat.

It’s been so rewarding to watch these two become more confident and comfortable. They even do a great job tolerating my little nieces and nephews, and have inspired the neighbor kids who watch them when I’m away to write school essays about why Guinea pigs make the best pets. I love sharing my life with these little fellas and am super grateful to NHS for making space within their walls not only for dogs and cats but for other animals who have the potential to be amazing companions and friends in their ‘furever’ homes.”

-Samantha

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