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| Name: |
Whiskey
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Age: |
Six years old
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| Gender: |
Female
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Kind: |
American Guinea Pig
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| Home: |
New Jersey, USA
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December 25th, 2011 was the first official day the baby guinea pigs Flicker and Whiskers spent with our family. Unfortunately, Flicker passed on August 31st of 2016 before she could make it to her five year anniversary with us, but she lived a life of luxury and carrots. Her sister's name is Whiskers, however it has evolved into Whiskey because "Whiskers is too generic."
The story started out with a fourth grader using her wonderful sales talent to convince her parents to get her guinea pigs (Side note: She originally wanted a chinchilla or rabbit, but dad shot those down right away). She spent the next few months chipping away to win the sale, and eventually got it. When she first held them, it wasn't exactly a natural talent and the poor furry babies had to help teach her the proper ways. The girl slowly showed the two about love and treats and that she would always be there for them.
Flicker was a very healthy girl, but Whiskey had some health issues from early on. She has a history of bladder stones that cause her some occasional discomfort or major pain when they pass. While during an X-Ray to try and find the stones, it was discovered that the little girl had an overly curved spine! "Disabled?" said Whiskey, "More like enabled!" While she couldn't stand to beg for treats like her sister, Whiskey showed off her strength by re-designing the cage layout and shoving her huts around. She often moved her favorite hide to the food bowl for her eating convenience. Clever piggy? I think so!
Three years after the first two girls came into our home, two more joined the family. Flicker did not like these new babies, but Whiskey tolerated them for a while. Sadly, one passed away very soon after arriving. Lightning, Flicker, and Whiskey continued to enjoy many treats and lots of snuggles. The girls both knew their names by then, along with the different voices of the family members. They knew who would cave if they begged loudly enough.
After Flicker passed, Whiskey was a little sad, but she filled her time with munching for the two of them. She was almost five years old, a little old lady, and no longer seemed to tolerate the energy of Lightning. Fluffy kids just aren't her thing anymore.
What does she like? Human snuggles of course! She will loudly call for human attention and demand treats. Whiskey gives kisses, thus earning the nickname Kisskers, and is also potty trained! When she needs to go back in the cage, Whiskey will pull on the human's clothing to alert them to this situation (We suspect she also uses it just to go back in her home).
As she's gotten older, Whiskey has only gotten more mellow (Though slightly picky!) She happily chirps at those who pet her head the way she likes it, and works hard to be a model piggy. She likes to show off how well a guinea pig can do if given the time and love to adjust to home love. At now six years old, she's very proud of herself and only allows the finest veggies and fruits in her mouth. Carrots are no longer satisfactory, so she demands apples and lettuce with a large side of timothy hay. She's hoping to have a quiet rest of her golden years.
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Talk about Whiskey in Pet Talk!
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