Happy Tails: Fenrir and Quark

By Jamie Emming, Satellite Adoption Manager

It was the week of Christmas when I received an early morning phone call from one of our staff members, Linda. Her foster guinea pig, Zelda, who we had all suspected was pregnant when she arrived at HSSV, proved us right with three little babies appearing overnight. The little ones were up and running around right after being born, as guinea pigs, otherwise known as cavies, come out with their eyes open and fully covered in fur. Relieved the birth had gone well, we knew had 4 weeks to wait until they could be placed up for adoption. A month may seem like a short time with Mom, but guinea pigs develop very fast and females can get pregnant at just four weeks of age!

The first few times Irene and Kevin stopped by our Saratoga satellite adoption center in PETCO looking for cavies we didn’t have any available. We knew Zelda’s babies were coming up for adoption soon and set up an appointment for Irene and Kevin to meet the piglets and Mom. The first-time owners purchased a large 2X4 chloroplast enclosure for their new arrivals and began the task of choosing which two would come home with them. They decided on two little girls, which they named Fenrir (Kevin’s choice) and Quark (Irene’s pick). Since their foster Mom happened to be their adoption counselor, Kevin and Irene learned not just about guinea pig care but a full overview of the girls’ upbringing.
A few weeks after the adoption, we received an email from the new pig parents. They are enjoying watching the girls grow up and develop their own personalities. Quark is more friendly but a little slower than her clever sister. Fenrir may be more picky about who she makes friends with but both guineas have begun to bond with their people. And don’t worry about their Mom. Soon after Fenrir and Quark were adopted, Zelda and her last baby Tokyo were placed separately in wonderful homes looking to add a second pig.


Are you are looking to adopt a guinea pig? Get started by submitting an online adoption survey for pocket pets and our Satellite staff will get you started down the right path for pig parenting. For more information on how guinea pigs make great companion animals check out this PDF on guinea pig care.

(Photos provided and taken by Kevin Lee)

Passion for Guinea Pigs

By Linda Ngo, Satellite Adoption Staff


My love for guinea pigs grew after adopting my first group from HSSV shortly after I was hired. My first pigs were three siblings and while I adored them, they didn’t love me. In fact, they were downright frightened of me! They had not had a lot of attention in their last home and needed to rebuild trust with people. When they saw me they would freeze, only moving their tiny chests in and out breathing fast. I knew they just needed some time and someone to show them love to earn their trust. I started by sitting quietly with them reading a book to get them use to me and show them I wasn’t the big scary monster they thought I was. By going slowly and offering yummy treats they only got when they were with me, we made steady progress. A few months later when they were brave enough to eat out of my hands, I felt like such a good piggy Mom!

My latest foster was Zelda, a black and white female who was turned in as a stray at the Hayward shelter with her litter of pups and “boyfriend”. Since guineas are very good at making more guineas, we knew she was probably pregnant again. This hunch was confirmed 62 days later when she gave birth to three little ones right before Christmas. They were the size of a kiwi fruit at birth, and tripled in size 6 weeks later when we they were ready for adoption.

Fostering has been an enriching experience and has taught me so much about guinea pigs that I now can pass on to adopters. No two guinea pigs are alike, and each of my fosters hold a special place in my heart. From the shy ones −to the outgoing Mama’s − they are all special. Sometimes I think my Pomeranian, Puma, believes he’s just one of the pigs. After all, they outnumber him at home!


Join us in two weeks as our Happy Tail features Zelda’s three babies and an update from their new home.

Pet of the Week

Meet Casper

Hi, I am Casper the Friendly Guinea Pig!

I’d love to curl up in your lap while you watch scary movies and I am going to be a great help when it’s time to carve pumpkins by cleaning up the tasty bits you cut out!

Let’s greet trick-or-treaters together; a pair of wings would make a super cute piggy costume.

Come meet me at HSSV's satellite adoption center inside Petco Saratoga! Learn How to Adopt Casper!

How You Can Help

Every week, we ask the community to help us find one special pet a loving home. There are three easy ways to help, and you can do them all from the comfort of your home!

1. Click here to see Casper's video, then share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, etc.

2. Print out Casper's profile and post it at your local hangouts.

3. Donate online to help animals like Casper get the care they deserve.

How did you help the Pet of the Week? Post a comment and let us know!