By Marna Gale of the Beach Metro News - Filed October 2007

Geoffrey (Photo by Marna Gale )

Things are looking up for Geoffrey!

Of course, being a Guinea Pig, looking up goes with the territory. But, I'm referring to his miraculous makeover from hopeless ham to giggly piggly.

He owes it all to Guinea Pigs R Us Rescue ("GPRU")!

If you didn't know there was a Rescue specifically for Guinea Pigs, Geoffrey is about to enlighten you!

He arrived for our interview by way of a well-furnished crate, complete with fleecy blanket (especially nice for the practically hairless Skinny Pig), his pink igloo (in case overcome with shyness or, more likely, fear - courtesy of my beagles) and plenty of Timothy hay to munch on.

Through his interpreter, GPRU's delightful founder Sarah Levett-Fuller, a homely yet strangely adorable Geoffrey told his story and opened my eyes to the fascinating world of Guinea Pigs!

He was yet another Guinea Pig surrendered to a local animal shelter where they've heard it all. Reasons like "the children have outgrown him" or "no time for a pet anymore" are at the top of the list. In Geoffrey's case, he'd become sick and incurring a vet bill from a specialist wasn't part of the plan.

Such excuses are nothing new to Sarah either but she's surprisingly sympathetic. It's a common misconception viewing Guinea Pigs and other small domestic critters as the perfect family pets for a busy household.

But, Sarah's rescue is "Guinea Pigs R Us", not "Toys R Us". These sensitive little beings have specific needs and, without proper care, can get sick like any other living thing. Their survival depends on humane education - another important component to Sarah's special work.

The shelter staff called Sarah soon after Geoffrey was surrendered in August. They knew she was his only hope.

Geoffrey was a mess. He was so thin, his hip bones were protruding. He was also suffering from Bumblefoot. It may sound funny but it's a serious disease usually caused by poor living conditions resulting in grotesquely swollen, painful feet. Confined to an unclean wire-bottom cage or living on cedar or pine shavings (both contain a natural but harmful chemical) is all it takes. While Geoffrey's symptoms could have also been signs of heart trouble, it was thankfully not the case.

An immediate treatment of antibiotics and pain medication made the difference - that and the comfort of a spacious play pen. Guinea Pigs like the open road as opposed to spinning around on a wheel. They also like curling up on a soft blanket or aspen shavings. Geoffrey scored blankies!

Sarah has played nurse to many a sickly pig since establishing her rescue over 2 years ago, but something set Geoffrey apart. His feet needed to be soaked in solution on a daily basis. As a rule, Guinea Pigs don't enjoy being handled. A prime target for predators in the wild, we can't blame them for viewing us as "Giant Hands of Doom"! But Geoffrey somehow knew that wasn't the case. Every day, he nestled on Sarah's lap while she soaked his toes. From that first finger bowl bath, he became known as Special Little Geoffrey.

Although still undergoing treatment, Geoffrey is making a full recovery! He's gained back his weight thanks to all the hay his little heart desires, along with side dishes of leafy green veggies and red peppers! Admittedly, Geoffrey has become somewhat of a Diva, demanding fresh vegetables be served immediately upon Sarah's return from work. He's also come to expect a daily nose massage.

Yeah, I'd say things are looking up for Geoffrey. When vegetables are practically falling from the sky, how can life get any sweeter?

Geoffrey is a 3-year-old hairless Guinea Pig in the care of GUINEA PIGS R US RESCUE, www.guineapigsrusrescue.com . He's almost ready for his forever home and would love to share it with a fellow Guinea Pig! To ensure he maintains his Diva lifestyle, however, Geoffrey insists you familiarize yourself with the following informative sites: www.guinealynx.info and www.cavyspirit.com. Regular trips to the vegetable market are also required!