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R.I.P. little Rolo

rescue guinea pig

We’re really sorry to have to tell you some very sad news today. Unfortunately little Rolo was not doing very well over the weekend, and was taken to our vet. As soon as the vet took off Rolo’s bandage this time, it was clear that the tissue had begun to necrotise and the infection had spread into the bone and up his leg.

There had been a chance that the infection was only a very bad abscess that might heal with treatment, which was the outcome we were all hoping for – but it was now obvious that it was in fact a very aggressive tumour which had become infected, and the situation had deteriorated rather than improved. Unfortunately, in this case, amputation was not even an option due to the extent of the infection.

Rolo would have been in a lot of pain and the decision was therefore made that the kindest thing would be to put Rolo to sleep, and this was done by our vet this weekend.

We are so sorry. We are all absolutely gutted. He was such a very sweet boy and didn’t deserve any of this to happen to him.

If only Rolo had been brought to us a month ago instead of being dumped and left in some woods, this story may have had a very different ending! There are rescue centres and vets everywhere, and there is NEVER any reason for ANY animal to be dumped or abandoned or “set free” into the wild! It’s absolutely inexcusable when we are always only a phone call or an email away.

We are so grateful for everyone’s kindness and lovely messages of support for this little man. This is the sad side of rescue that you don’t always see – over the years there have been many animals like Rolo, who only reached us when it was too late, and though we always do everything we can to help every animal sometimes there is just nothing more that can be done.

Thank you so much everyone for all your amazing support of our work with South Devon’s needy pets. With your help we will continue as always to do all that we can for every animal that comes through our gates. Thank you.

Need to hand over a pet? If you can no longer care for your pet we are here to help. Call us on 01803 812121 or email info@animalsindistress.uk.com. We will always help if we can.