Goodbye Lemmep :(

Lemmep (Lemmy) Paul
July 2018 - March 2023

 

We lost our second beloved guinea pig, Lemmy (a.k.a. Lemmep), on Tuesday, March 7th, while we were away in the Cayman Islands. My parents said he had seemed fine that morning, eating his vegetables like always, but that around lunchtime they went to see him and he had passed.

Last pic of Lemmep ♥

Lemmy had definitely been showing signs of his age, with chipped teeth, difficulty eating certain foods, anal impaction (ick), and reduced mobility. He also had a lump growing on his back over the last few months, which must not have been comfortable. His time had come, just four months shy of his 5th birthday.

Memorable moments from his homecoming (July 2018):

Unlike his brother, Ludy, who was a squeaky, goofy and cuddly guinea pig, Lemmep was quiet, calm, and the true boss of the cage. Think Pinky and the Brain. 

He didn't like to be touched, petted, or held. The most you could get away with (that he didn't seem to mind) was a tap on the nose. What he did love: hay, veggies, sleeping, the sound of the piano, and solitude.

Lemmy had many nicknames, including Lemmep (the girls' favourite), Killer Lemmep, Meppy, Mepio, Meps, Lem, and LemBem. Killer Lemmep of course appearing after the awful fights he got into (and won) against his brother.

Together for a year...

... Then separated forever by plexiglass

There were a handful of times when we actually took Lemmy out of his cage (other than for nail clippings), usually on special occasions like Jessi's birthday or for pictures. We got some great shots from those days!

Thank you for all the memories and joy you brought us, Lemmep.

We will miss you so much!

 

Cayman Islands - Botanic Park & Flying Home

Day 8 (Cont'd)

On Saturday afternoon we had one final activity to do in the Cayman Islands: visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. There were plenty of lizards, cool plants, historical buildings, and an awesome play area for the kids. 

A pro at driving on the left now

Emily needed to cool down at the splash park

Palm tree reflection ♥

That's a BIG leaf!

Last nighttime swim on the Island

It was after this swim (and bedtime routine) that we told the girls about Lemmy's passing. We shed a few tears and talked about what a great pet he was and what a good life he'd had. It was sad to add this item to the list of unfortunate events, especially for the girls. Coming home wouldn't feel quite the same.

Day 9

I enjoyed one last backyard run & swim on Sunday morning. It was a gorgeous sunrise and such a peaceful environment. I will never forget it! What a great way to cap off my 30's (turning 40 the following day!).

The rest of the gang showed up mid-morning for their last swim too. Jessi had never tried diving before this trip, but with Aaron's help, she worked on it and made excellent progress in just a few days!

Episode 45: The Dive

All we had left to do after the swim was pack up. Unsurprisingly, Emily was the first to be ready and diligently checked the time to make sure we weren't late. She was so excited to head home!

Last walk around the yard while the parents pack

Fortunately we had a bit of time left for some group shots (Cayman Islands 2023!):

So happy!

Goodbye blues, hello grays...

What a trip!! If it weren't for all the craziness at home, it would have been hands down the best family trip ever. But we survived and still had an amazing time. 

Our ride back to Kingston was smooth -- a neighbourhood friend picked us up at the airport and took us home while Steve stayed in Toronto and (successfully!) handled the car situation. My parents greeted us at the door, and while our first night at home was a bit unsettling, it soon felt normal and safe again.

Thanks for the memories, Cayman Islands ♥