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Back to Rationing Day 5 – I lost my little friend

To be honest, I can’t remember eating anything on Friday, at least not until early evening when I realised that eating some food might be a good idea.

I’d already been up very early and had been offering some mental health support to one of my grown up children who lives with me. I then got ready for work and popped downstairs and noticed that Truffle, my Guinea Pig, was unwell. I won’t go into detail as it’s still hurting thinking about it.

Needless to say, I rang the emergency vets and headed over shortly after 8:30 am. They were very sympathetic and we did all we could but it was Truffles time to go and we assisted him to pass quickly and without further pain. I returned with little Truffles body later on that morning and buried him in the garden in the afternoon.

I’m heartbroken, I’m still tearing up as I write this. I know, I know, a Guinea Pig is just a little rodent but this little cavy was my cute little friend and I loved him so very much.

RIP Truffle.

As a woman who has had to weather some hardship and challenging moments over the years (like most of us have I hasten to add) I find the only way to cope with these times is allow the tears, give myself a few hours, or a day or two and then simply get back up and keep busy.

Truffle loved carrots, he had a bit of a sweet tooth so in his honour I decided that I’d keep my mind occupied by making a “carrot flan”. Once again from the “Vegetables for Victory” cook book.

The pie was impressive looking but also very sweet. It was like a cross between a savoury and sweet dish, a bit like sweet potato. I honestly think I could have added cocoa powder to it and some golden syrup and made it into a delicious chocolate mud pie!

I didn’t really have much of an appetite but did enjoy a large slice with a little salad. My eldest daughter ate a slice too and I have two slices for the weekend. I’ll share this recipe on the blog sometime this week as I took step-by-step photos.

Much love C xxxx (I’m keeping calm and carrying on)

27 thoughts on “Back to Rationing Day 5 – I lost my little friend”


  1. Some one recently did some research and found we grieve more for our furry little friends than people, and I believe it. They are so important to us and depends on us. So sorry about this.

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  2. Oh I’m so sorry to hear that you have lost your beloved pet. These animals often become the newest, and youngest, and most dependent on us members of the family, and we turn these animals into babies, We had to have our beloved Lily Dog put to sleep last August, she was a rescue, part Collie and part Dalmatian, had the sweetest of natures, and we had her for 16.5 years and the vet reckoned that she was about 18 months old when we adopted her. I work from home (childminding) and we never had a whole day apart from each other; I still miss her desperately now. So you have my deepest commiserations Carolyn. But Truffle will have had the best of lives, well cared for and greatly loved, and no animal could ask for more. Take care, and send you love and a hug, Frances xxx

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  5. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Truffle Carolyn….. such a sad time for you. We are so attached to our pets, they are part of the family. Whether it be a Guinea Pig, cat, dog, mouse, snake….. we always miss them. Sending hugs to you and your family.

    ….and as a side note…. the carrot flan does look delicious 😋. Mel. X

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  7. I’m so sorry you have lost such a loving part of your family. I thank you for your writing and sharing so much with us especially at this touching time.

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  10. So sorry for your loss Carolyn. Our boys had guinea pigs and we got quite attached to them. When we sold our house, the two year old daughter of the new buyers would not go until we had agreed to include the last guinea pig in the sale. She screamed and cried and her parents gave in. Obviously it was love at first sight. Such cute fur babies!

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  12. I’m so sorry. We have lost many furry babies and it is always hard as they become part of our family. Yes keeping busy is important. The tart looked good.

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  14. Truffles was very beautiful. I had guinea pigs as a child, and I know how playful and fun they are. My condolences. We recently lost an elderly cat, and I think “she was a cat!” But we do mourn them (as we keep calm and carry on). I look forward to making the carrot flan after you share it the blogpost. xx

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  17. Truffles was not “just a rodent”, he was a sentient being who knew you, and you knew him & loved and cared for him. I’m sorry for your loss, it hurts, but that is a reflection of how much you cared.

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  18. Thank you sooooo much EVERYONE for your lovely comments which I’ve read just now before getting ready for work. His brother, JoJo is missing him and a bit lonely but we are giving him lots of attention and doing what we can. With boar Guinea pigs we can’t really introduce another pig so it will just have to be him. Thanks again, it means a lot xxxx C

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  20. I’m so sorry to hear about Truffle, I know how much you love your little furry family. Guinea Pigs seem to go downhill so quickly don’t they, many years ago our little Jasper caught a cold one day and was gone by the next. They take a little piece of your heart with them. Rest in Peace Truffle. xx

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  25. I do hope that Truffle is enjoying time over that Rainbow Bridge and maybe even my little Abbygayle and Hollyberry will meet up for some play time! Happy memories to you. We love them with all our hearts.

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  27. I’m so sorry to read of Truffles. Our friends mean so much and we miss them accordingly. Keeping busy is a good idea. I love the photo of the two of you.

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