Our family’s first guinea pig came into our life when he was needed most.

My son’s behavioral health diagnoses prevented him from participating in life and essential services he needed. Occasionally I would get him to go to OT with a promise of a trip to PetsMart across the street to look at guinea pigs. One day a worker was carrying a guinea pig around while doing things and Henry asked to pet him. We found out this adult pig named Queso lived at the store and had been returned 3 times because he couldn’t get along with other pigs, but really enjoyed a few people. He was like my son, not really liking anyone, but able to attach to animals. I asked if we could adopt him, convincing them he would have the best care, bought a stupid pet store cage, and took him home.

Queso connected with my son and he started attending therapy sessions, getting testing done, and even attending school (even though it was just 2 hours) all with Queso. Queso and I spent a lot of time together waiting on Henry and he had a special travel cage (made from the stupid pet store cage)

Queso was an essential part of our life and I learned within days what he needed. He was only in the pet store cage for a week (I immediately ordered a C&C cage from Guinea Pig Cage Company) and when Henry started attending school more, we adopted three more pigs from the Manchester SPCA.

His psychologist and I looked into it and learned how neurodivergent children uniquely connect with guinea pigs. In several large studies in Australia, researchers discovered guinea pigs calmed neurodivergent children while neurotypical children had huge spikes in their brain activity, resulting in the ability to form connections to other children and regulate and read emotions.

Unfortunately, my son’s needs meant he had to face hospitalization and eventually residential therapeutic school. I was heartbroken and a bit lost. I had to give up my teaching career years prior to care for Henry, so I went and volunteered at the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA. I was overwhelmed by how many pigs there were and I decided I could help. I started rescuing male guinea pigs, providing proper housing for them, medical care, rehabilitation, etc. My den turned into a guinea pig room and I called it my wheektopia.

In August 2023, I rescued my first bigger group (10 piggies) and this included brand new babies who were born moments before I rescued. At this point my husband and I realized this was more than a hobby and I had my first adoption later that month. From then on, I have been slowly growing, focusing on rehabilitation and finding the perfect home for the guinea pigs in my care.

Queso is nearly 8 years old and still lives with us in Wheektopia, he blesses many people and is a wonderful friend.