R.I.P. Clarissa (the Guinea Pig)

We have had two guinea pigs for a long time. We've had one of them, Clarissa, a few weeks shy of 7 years. When we bought the guinea pigs we didn't anticipate them living for more than 2 or 3 years. I will be the first to admit that we had grown tired of them. They were kind of smelly, and very noisy and demanding. But we kept on taking good care of them, while murmuring under our breath.

This morning, Jeffrey went to feed the girls, and discovered that Clarissa had died. I think we were both surprised at how sad we felt. Much sadder than we thought we would feel. I can't really say that we will miss her, but it was sad to find her gone.

Here's a picture of Clarissa shortly after we got her. Bailey was fascinated with her, although she never tried to hurt her. She just liked to look at her.

I'm a little worried about our remaining guinea pig, Charley. She is actually Clarissa's daughter, having been born in November of 2003 (which is another story in and of itself), and has never been without her Mom. I'm not sure how she is going to do by herself.

R.I.P. Clarissa. As guinea pigs go, you were a good one.