Samson is an unexpected addition to Helping All Little Things Rescue. He is a special needs boy pulled from a pet store because he has congenital health issues that will need extra care.
Samson is what we call a Lethal White.
His parents were bred purposely for roan coloring in the offspring.
When breeding for roan, people risk a 1 in 4 chance of breeding a Lethal White. These guinea pigs are knowingly bred to have compromised and likely very short life spans.
Lethal whites rarely live past a few days old.
The ones that do, like Samson who is two months old, are blind and deaf.
Samson is very underweight and dehydrated. Although a vet check revealed that his teeth are in good condition right now, Samson sometimes finds it hard to eat and drink without pain.
It is likely he will have to have dental trimming every few months his whole life. He'll have to go under anesthesia, a high risk for him.
He will also have low immunity to common ailments that most guinea pigs can fight off.
Samson is what we call a Lethal White.
His parents were bred purposely for roan coloring in the offspring.
When breeding for roan, people risk a 1 in 4 chance of breeding a Lethal White. These guinea pigs are knowingly bred to have compromised and likely very short life spans.
Lethal whites rarely live past a few days old.
The ones that do, like Samson who is two months old, are blind and deaf.
Samson is very underweight and dehydrated. Although a vet check revealed that his teeth are in good condition right now, Samson sometimes finds it hard to eat and drink without pain.
It is likely he will have to have dental trimming every few months his whole life. He'll have to go under anesthesia, a high risk for him.
He will also have low immunity to common ailments that most guinea pigs can fight off.
Above is Samson minutes after we arrived home. Look at his posture. He was so dehydrated he did not poop or pee for the first four hours after digging into his Critical Care.
HALT Rescue holds a policy that we will not purchase guinea pigs from a pet store.
In Samson's case, we made an exception.
It is possible that an unknowing, yet loving and well-intentioned person would purchase Samson and bring him home, only to find out about his extensive care needs.
Bringing him into a safe haven environment with educated caregivers will improve his life. He will get good medical care and will eat the things that are best for him to eat.
In Samson's case, we made an exception.
It is possible that an unknowing, yet loving and well-intentioned person would purchase Samson and bring him home, only to find out about his extensive care needs.
Bringing him into a safe haven environment with educated caregivers will improve his life. He will get good medical care and will eat the things that are best for him to eat.
Two examples of roan guinea pigs who have come through our rescue.
Samson can help us understand his needs, and show us how wonderful life can be, despite his challenges.
Below, as you can see, his "Critical Care" mustache proves how hungry he is and how good it probably feels to have a nice full belly.
Below, as you can see, his "Critical Care" mustache proves how hungry he is and how good it probably feels to have a nice full belly.
Samson responds to none of the visual or audible cues other guinea pigs give him.
His is a life of complete joy and abandon. Even baby guineas respond to the chutters, rumble strutting and pushiness of other pigs in a cage.
Aside from a few nose bumps which he avoids by running backward, Samson is carefree in his popcorning and play!
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In our next blog, we will talk more about the difference between lethal whites and normal pink eyed whites. and maybe more about pet stores and why we do not support them.
His is a life of complete joy and abandon. Even baby guineas respond to the chutters, rumble strutting and pushiness of other pigs in a cage.
Aside from a few nose bumps which he avoids by running backward, Samson is carefree in his popcorning and play!
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In our next blog, we will talk more about the difference between lethal whites and normal pink eyed whites. and maybe more about pet stores and why we do not support them.
