Help Joey Get the Care He Needs

This is Joey — my sweet, gentle, peace-loving guinea pig. I brought him and his brother Henry home when they were just 3 weeks old. They’ve been together every day of their lives, and they’ve been with me through mine. In 2020, when the world felt upside-down, those two tiny boys kept me going. They showed me I was capable of loving deeply again, and they’ve been my joy and comfort ever since.

For the past few months, Joey has been losing weight rapidly. Despite daily syringe feedings, unlimited hay, and all the treats he loves, he continues to lose weight. Lately, he’s also developed frequent sneezing fits, a runny nose, and changes in his poop — signs that something serious is going on inside his little body.

Joey is still bright-eyed, active, and loves his brother Henry, but I know he’s hurting. Guinea pigs hide illness until it’s advanced, and the only way to help him is to get urgent diagnostics:

Dental and chest X-rays

Possible cultures for infection

These tests will give us the answers to treat him properly and hopefully get him back to his happy, healthy self.

Here’s where I need your help:

Vet visits and diagnostics add up quickly (a visit alone is $70), and I want to give Joey the best chance possible without delay. To raise funds, I’ll be creating small original paintings — each one inspired by nature, animals, and the love I have for my pets.

How it works:

Any donation, however small or great, will receive a 5"x7" painting from me. You can make a special request (favorite flower, animal, insect, concept, musical instrament, character, etc) or let me decide.

100% of proceeds go toward Joey’s vet care and testing while any extra will go to the brothers' general care.

I’ll update everyone with Joey’s progress and vet results.

The amount in this fundraiser is an estimate of how much the testing will total.

If you’d like to help but don’t want a painting, that is okay too!

Joey and Henry have been my little companions for 5 wonderful years, and I’m determined to fight for them. With your help, we can find out what’s wrong and get him the care he needs to keep enjoying life with Henry.

From the bottom of my heart — and from Joey’s tiny, gentle one — thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.