Winona was found outside a building on Hamilton mountain and brought into Hamilton Animal Services. It’s hard to imagine how someone could allow an animal to get to this horrific condition, only to abandon her outdoors to fend for herself.
Winona was bone thin, but has many lumps, open sores, overgrown nails, urine scalding, and her genital area was so infected, it was tough to tell what sex she was. All of these issues made walking difficult for her, but she got around by shuffling.
We took Winona to the vet and she was started on pain medication, antibiotics and was given a flea/mite treatment. The vet also gave us a medicated shampoo to help clean up Winona’s fur and skin. The vet was hopeful for Winona’s recovery and we made a plan to bring Winona back in two weeks for a re-check.
Winona was been placed with a foster home who had extensive experience with guinea pigs, and for the next few days, Winona did really well there. She was taking her medications like a champ, she was eating up a storm, and was even good for her medicated bath. She seemed to be enjoying the attention and love her foster family were giving her, and we’re sure she was happy to be in a clean cage with access to proper food and lots of veggie treats.

Sadly, after five days in foster care, Winona’s foster family woke up to find that she had passed away during the night. It was quite a shock, especially since she had been doing so well.
Postmortem at the vet showed that Winona passed due to heart failure, which was most likely the result of poor nutrition and neglect.
Thankfully Winona passed peacefully and quickly. She had already suffered enough…

Thank you to all who reached out with words of love and encouragement for Winona. And special thanks to Dr. Stubbs at Spencer Creek Animal Hospital, and Winona’s foster mom for giving her such great care.

We’re so sorry we couldn’t get you better Winona, but we’re thankful you knew a lot of love for the short time you were with us. Hopefully that big, big love made up for the neglectful life you lived before we met you.
We’ll never forget your sweet face, little one…