R.I.P., Dear Carmine

The last picture taken on 8/17/08.

Carmine made the trip up north with us as he does most often, but this time he didn't come home with us. Carmine passed away sometime during Sunday night into Monday morning. I did notice on Sunday evening that his breathing sounded very labored, like a rattle or wheezing sound. His appetite was also diminished. I had a bad feeling that he might have penumonia and so I took him outside for some fresh air and cuddling and I took a few pictures of him. I was hoping that he would make it back to Chicago with us on Monday so that I could get him in to see the vet. It was not meant to be. Patrick found him passed away in his cage on Monday morning. We buried him in his Pigloo beneath an apple tree on my parent's property. I was feeling sad and weepy of course, but also guilty for not noticing his illness sooner. Was I a bad guinea pig mommy? Patrick told me that I should not be hard on myself since no one could even save Bernie Mac from HIS pneumonia! That made me smile. (R.I.P., Bernie Mac!) I bought Carmine on a whim in May of 2003 the day my cousin left from a visit and I was feeling blue. Carmine Ragusa Prater was the most adorable piggy ever and he was a good little friend.

Update: I just read online that guinea pigs have a life expectancy of 4 to 7 years, with 5 being average. Carmine was between 5-6 years old. It makes me feel better to know that he was not totally cheated by "dying young".