A couple from Chicago, Illinois, set off for what they assumed would be an uneventful hike in nature, unaware that a surprise awaited them.
While navigating through the lush greenery, they heard some rustling nearby. Curiosity led them closer, where they spotted a white dot.
Realizing it was an animal, Carolyn McCabe and her boyfriend, Conor Keeling, cautiously approached. To their shock, they discovered a white guinea pig nestled in the leaves.
An Absolute Surprise
After a moment of hesitation, they approached the curious creature. Once they realized it was a guinea pig lost among the leaves, they were determined to help.
“We immediately thought … ‘We have to do something about this,’” Carolyn shared with The Dodo. “He was just so sweet. So it was a very short hike that day.”
Initially thinking the guinea pig had strayed from home, they went door-to-door to locate its owner. Sadly, no one came forward, leading them to conclude that he had likely been abandoned.
He Felt At Home
With compassion in their hearts, Carolyn and Conor decided to bring the guinea pig home. They gave him a warm bath, lining the tub with towels for comfort, and spoiling him with fresh fruits and veggies to replenish his energy.
The couple decided to name their new friend Quinn, inspired by the park where he was discovered. After just a short time of eating and resting, he showed signs of feeling at home, and Carolyn shared, “When he first got here, he was a little scared. But then he really opened up and loved all the fruits [and veggies] we gave him … He was just running around and having a blast.”
Heartbreaking Goodbye, But A Happy Ending
Unfortunately, just two weeks later, Carolyn realized that she was allergic to guinea pigs. This led to a heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to Quinn. Nonetheless, the couple was determined to ensure his future was bright.
They contacted One Tail at a Time, a reputable animal rescue organization in Chicago. This compassionate team swiftly found the perfect family for Quinn, who were avid guinea pig enthusiasts looking for a new companion after their previous pet had passed.
While the separation was tough, Carolyn and Conor found peace in knowing that Quinn was now in loving hands. “This whole experience was so funny and sweet,” Carolyn reflected. “He’s in a good place now. It was a happy ending for everybody.”
