It’s been a really tough week, overshadowed by the death of Eric, our beloved guinea pig.
Here’s our week in pictures…
Day 35 – Sunday 4th February – I’d been worrying about Eric for about a week and feeding him in the kitchen. After eating well for a few days, he’d stopped eating, so I took him to the vet. I was given the devastating news that he was very poorly and would need to be put down. I took him home and put him on the grass with Wilfred. They don’t go on the grass between November and February because it’s too damp and cold for them, but I figured it couldn’t do any damage at this stage. He loved being there and ate a lot.
Day 36 – Monday 5th February – a long and horrible day, counting down the hours until I had to take Eric to the vet. I managed an hour’s work, but couldn’t do any more. I just kept holding Eric and crying. This is a last photo with my daughter before she set off for school.
Day 37 – Tuesday 6th February – I managed a few hours’ work, which I actually enjoyed, but I burst into tears seven or eight times during the day. I was in bits when I looked at a guinea pig breeder’s website and saw all those lovely tiny, furry guinea pigs. It snowed in the afternoon and evening, but didn’t settle. You can just about make it out here.
Day 38 – Wednesday 7th February – I only burst into tears three or four times, so that’s an improvement! I’m very proud of the way my eldest and particularly my daughter have stepped up to help Wilfred get over Eric. He’s getting a lot more attention now he’s all on his own.
Day 39 – Thursday 8th February – work has got a lot busier this week and it looks like it’s going to be even busier for half-term, not ideal, but that’s life as a freelancer. This is life as a freelancer too. I won’t put the heating on when there’s only me at home, but it does get very cold!
Day 40 – Friday 9th February – my mum knows how much Eric means to me, and she also knows I love daffodils. She brought these round just after I’d taken Eric on his final journey. They’re looking at their absolute best now(although apologies for the sideways picture, my laptop is in for repair and I’m really struggling to edit anything!).
Day 41 – Saturday 10th February – my husband always says he doesn’t see the point of the guinea pigs, or pets in general, but he’s been a great support to me (and Wilfred!) this week. He bought this for me to put locks of Eric’s hair in. His hair was three colours and I cut off a little bit of each colour.
Here’s hoping for a more cheerful week next week.
Project 365 is a bloghop. Hop over to see what others have been up to this week.
February 10, 2018
Oh I am so sorry to hear of your loss. We don’t have pets but I always imagine it must be awful when they pass. I hope next week is much better for you all. #365
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much, it’s been incredibly tough, much harder than I imagined it would be.
February 10, 2018
Oh Sarah, I’m so sorry to hear about Eric. It must be very sad for you all, and for Wilfred too, of course. I don’t think I’d want to go below 15C at home, I already feel cold-ish at around 17C, though I also try not to put the heating on when kids are at school.
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much. I feel cold at 17 degrees too! I do wear a lot of layers at home.
February 10, 2018
So sorry to read about poor Eric, so hard to loose a pet and Wilfred wont understand where he has gone.
How lovely of your husband to buy that for you.
Hope the children get over the loss as well but nice that they are spending more time with Wilfred.
Glad the work is picking up.
Hubby turns the heating off when I am out and I feel it uses as much power to boost it back up as it does to keep it on low all day.
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much. I think Wilfred knew something wasn’t right as he’d sat right next to Eric for the last few days.
February 10, 2018
so sorry to hear about Eric a family pet makes for a huge loss. Those daffodils are beautiful, they are my favourite flower! X #project365
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much, it’s been a really sad time. x
February 10, 2018
I am so sorry about Eric. It sounds like you have all been affected by his death. What a lovely box your husband bought you. So thoughtful of him.
Ahh! I try not to have the heating on when it’s just me in but sometimes I do give in. I turn into such a grumpy cow when I’m cold x
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much! The little box was perfect.
I’m very strict with myself about not putting the heating on, but I do hate being cold! x
February 11, 2018
So sorry about the tough week Sarah. I didn’t even know Eric and I can’t believe he’s gone. I know he had a very special place in your family x
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much, you know how much we all loved Eric! x
February 11, 2018
Such a tough week for you all Sarah, but lovely pictures of Eric with your daughter and being on the grass with Wilfred. I forgot to ask but how is Wilfred doing ? I bet he is feeling lost without his little friend. Hugs xx
February 12, 2018
Thanks very much. When Eric first went, I really felt that he was looking for him. I don’t think Wilfred has been eating quite so much lately either. He’s definitely missing him! X
February 11, 2018
that’s such a lovely thing for you husband and mum to do for you. poor Wilfred, I hope he’s not too lonely now without Eric. Now when I say it’s cold at 20c I get mocked, at night it drops to around 13c and I’m enjoying having the duvet on the bed and wearing socks, a few times I’ve wished we’ve had heating to put on
February 14, 2018
I think Wilfred has been struggling without Eric, so we’re going to get him a new friend. He’s too young to be on his own. I would love it to be 20 degrees right now!
February 11, 2018
Such a shame about Eric, guinea pigs are such lovely creatures #365
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much, they really are! They’re such characters.
February 13, 2018
Sarah I know exactly what I was like when I had to say goodbye to my cats, so can totally relate to how you’ve been feeling over Eric. I hope Wilfred is doing ok #365
February 14, 2018
Thanks very much, it’s so hard! I didn’t realise it would be this bad. Wilfred is definitely missing him, so we’re going to get him a new friend.
February 15, 2018
I’m so sorry to hear about Eric. It is so sad and for Wilfred too, of course. Sending big hugs xx
February 16, 2018
Oh no! So sorry to hear about Eric! It is heartbreaking when we have to say goodbye to our pets.
So lovely of your mum and hubby for the thoughtful gifts!
February 18, 2018
I think it’s natural to get attached to a pet and it must have been heartbreaking to say goodbye.
February 27, 2018
We have an elderly dog who has arthritis and my fiance is worried that the end is nigh. Love for pets is so strong and I hope your memories are happy. #project365
March 1, 2018
Oh bless you all, how sad. Pets are such a big part of the family. Hugs.