Some animals come into your life quietly…
and somehow change everything.
Mistletoe was one of them.
We rescued her on Christmas Eve 2024 — a tiny, fragile little thing who felt far too small for the world she’d landed in.
At the time, everything felt uncertain.
She had suspected hay poke in both eyes, and the initial conversations at the vets were heavy. There was a real possibility she could lose both eyes.
It’s hard to explain that feeling — holding something so delicate, knowing how much was at stake, and not knowing what the outcome would be.
But she kept going.
And so did we.
Those early days were slow, careful, and filled with constant attention.
Syringe feeds.
Monitoring every little change.
Quiet moments of worry mixed with hope.
She needed everything — warmth, consistency, patience, and care — just to get through.
And then, gradually… things began to
Fast forward to now, and it’s almost impossible to believe she’s the same animal.
Mistletoe is strong.
Glossy.
Full of life and personality.
Her soft little wrinkles, her gentle nature — everything about her now feels full of presence and calm.
Hairless guinea pigs, often called “skinnypigs,” aren’t a separate species but a genetic variation of regular guinea pigs. Without fur to keep them warm, their bodies work harder to regulate temperature — meaning they need more food, more warmth, and more attentive care.
And Mistletoe needed all of that… and more.
Today, she’s one of the favourites within our therapy animals.
Gentle, calm, and endlessly accepting of love and interaction.
She has a way of connecting with people — quietly, softly — bringing comfort without needing to do anything more than just be herself.
Mistletoe is living proof of resilience.
Every syringe feed.
Every cuddle.
Every moment of uncertainty.
It all led to this — a thriving, happy little life.
She isn’t just a guinea pig.
She’s a reminder of what patience, love, and proper care can do.
The sweetest little “house hippo”…
our Mistletoe 🤍
