* We are shocked and saddened to report that Travis and Jason have both passed away. Everything went normally with their neuters, and both surgeries were routine and uneventful. But the next morning, Jason was struggling. He was rushed to the vet, but was sadly beyond help. As a precaution, Travis had an exam at the vet. He was behaving normally, so he was sent back to his foster home. Travis was doing well over the next few hours – active and eating, but the next morning, his foster family awakened to find he had passed away during the night.
We, and Jason and Travis’ foster family are beyond devastated, as is their vet. It’s not known exactly what happened, but an undetected abdominal issue the pigs had, might have been affected by the surgery and caused the complications afterward.
This loss is heart shattering. Travis and Jason had been coming out of their shells since their rescue, and were blossoming into sweet, friendly piggies. We were looking forward to finding Travis and Jason a wonderful forever home where they could live a peaceful, spoiled life.
We’re heartbroken to have lost them in such a sudden and tragic way.

For those who may question the choice to neuter guinea pigs, there are several reasons. Number one being, to eliminate their ability to reproduce. There are thousands of homeless guinea pigs in rescues and shelters across the country, and we don’t want to contribute to that overpopulation issue. Neutering also opens up the option for male pigs to be integrated into an existing herd of females or other neutered males when they’re adopted.
Further, male guinea pigs can develop prostate cancer and mammary tumors if left un-neutered. Their rectal muscles can also atrophy as they age (a condition called Impaction), which neutering can eliminate. We have had several guinea pigs come into our care over the years who suffered from Impaction, and though not painful, it’s not a pleasant condition for the pig, or caregiver.

All surgeries carry risk, and we have to weigh the pros and cons each time. When trying to do the right thing goes horribly wrong, it opens the door to criticism and doubt. While we know Travis and Jason’s passing in this manner is an anomaly, it doesn’t make their deaths any easier on our hearts and minds.

Rest in peace, Travis and Jason. We will never forget your sweet faces.

Someone dumped two guinea pigs in a forested area in Dundas. Thankfully they were found before anything happened to them, and they were brought to Hamilton Animal Services. These pigs survived their ordeal, but not all animals are so lucky. Domestic animals don’t have the survival skills that wild animals do. They often starve to death, or are killed by predators. There is always an alternative to abandoning a pet and there are many resources available. Dumping a pet is never the answer.

After spending an extended time at the shelter, we finally had a spot open up so we could take the brothers in. Travis and Jason, as they’re now known, had a vet visit on their rescue day, and they received a clean bill of health. Travis and Jason’s foster family are just getting to know their personalities, but so far, they’re quite shy. Hopefully they’ll come around once they realize that the humans now caring for them will never abandon or hurt them.
We had Travis and Jason neutered, and they will be made available for adoption once they’re healed from surgery.

Welcome to Ladybird, Travis and Jason! We’re so happy you’re here!

Wondering if guinea pigs are the right pet for you?
Check out the many informative videos by Skinnypigs1 for lots of pig education!

Guinea pigs need much more room than the typical pet store guinea pig cages offer. Here are some examples of appropriate cages pigs can live happily in, so that they have lots of room to move around and explore:
C & C Cages

Midwest Guinea Habitat (1 cage per pig)

Can’t adopt but want to help? Monetary donations are always needed, but donations of Oxbow Guinea Pig food, Oxbow “Natural Science” Vitamin C tablets, timothy hay, small animal chew toys, and fleece liners are very much appreciated!
Options for donating items:
🐾 Dundas Pet Valu – 86 Main Street, Dundas, Ontario. Purchase items in-store and leave in the donation bin.
🐾 Amazon Wish List – Purchase items and have them delivered directly to us!
* SUPPORT SMALL ONLINE BUSINESSES *
Order items from any of these Ontario based businesses, let them know your order is for Ladybird and they’ll send your donation to us!
🐇 TINY PAWS EMPORIUM
🐇 GREEN BUNNY STORE
🐇 ZOEY and LILO’s TOYBOX
🐇 MISCHIEF STITCHES
🐇 HOPPY’S HAY
🐇 KNEE DEEP FARMS
🐇 PROFESSOR FLOP’S BUNNY SHOP