Maxine passed away this evening :' (

Unfortunately my guinea pig Maxine passed away early this evening. My
mum found her this afternoon lying on her side very still. I picked
her up and cuddled her in my arms. For the next few hours her
condition deteriorated and she started to breathe noisly every 10-15
seconds or so. After about 30 minutes of this, her breathing slowed
down and eventually she just stopped breathing and died.

I was there with her till the very end lying next to her, holding her
paw and stroking her back to help comfort her in her final moments. I
hope she did not suffer in any way, but I have to say I did find the
noisy breathing distressing although her body was very relaxed during
this time. She also had her eyes open, but I think she may have been
unconscious because when I put my finger over her eyes, she did not
blink they were just glazed over.

When she died I kissed her on the cheek and shut her eyes. I told her
to go be with Josie (my other guinea pig that passed away) and not to
be scared.

I'm glad she is at peace now, but I will miss her so much.