My little buddy, Mr. Whiskers, is the ideal pet for me.

But we had a little adjusting to do when he first came home. He was rescued by the Humane Society and, as an adult animal, he had already developed some habits and fears of his own. He’s not a cuddly beast – and is definitely king of his cage. Yet, as we’ve gotten to know each other better, I think he’s learned to trust me.

My new landlord stopped by recently. Part way through his visit, Whiskers started going nuts, begging me for some more food. (There is a distinctive “I’m hungry” squeak guinea pigs make.) The landlord was amazed: I could interpret for and communicate with a two pound ball of fur! I smiled. “Oh, yes. He’s clever and always lets me know what he needs and what he doesn’t like.”

Caring for Mr. Whiskers brings me a great deal of joy, and I firmly believed he feels safe in my care. How do I know? Guinea pigs do not fully relax and rest or sleep deeply unless they really feel like nothing or no one is going to hurt them. These days, Whiskers has been progressively more at ease, fully resting during times when I am home and sitting nearby.

Here are a few things I’ve learned (or relearned) from having a piggy to love.

First, he craves the good stuff. No unhealthy choices for Whiskers. When I tried to give him sugary pet snacks that were supposed to be good for him, he refused to eat them. Only the fresh stuff will satisfy him: timothy hay from the bail, cilantro, parsley, cucumber, watermelon, tomato, celery, carrot, lettuce, kale, and spinach. When he eats any of those things, he goes after them with gusto. I need to crave and be satisfied with the good stuff.

Second, he tells me its okay to have fun. Every now and then, Whiskers will display his zany side. He will grin at me while stretching high in his cage and make a certain grunt to show the food is outstanding, popcorn (jump straight up in the air) to show happiness and excitement, hide in his hut and then stick his nose out when I ask where he is, or play peek-a-boo with me around his water bottle. Interestingly enough, he usually does these things on days when I especially need a laugh, a smile, or a heart lift. It is great to be grateful for everyday things and stop to relax or play.

Third, he knows when it’s time to rest. About the time I should be heading to bed at night, Whiskers finishes up his late evening snack and lays down contentedly in his preferred sleeping corner. If I stay up much later, it upsets him and he wants to know what the problem is, getting worked up and making a ruckus. I am learning to wind down earlier. 🙂

Thank God for the gifts of goodness and love in every package – no matter how big or how small.

In the comments, please share about a favorite pet or what you have learned from an animal.