Meet Pearl and Sandy, first-year Lindy Stoner’s guinea pigs! Earlier this year, Stoner and her family started looking for pet guinea pigs to adopt. Instead of getting them from a generic pet store, Stoner’s father found an ad on Craigslist for two guinea pigs that needed rescuing. Their previous owner sadly couldn’t afford to take care of them anymore, but Pearl and Sandy fortunately found a new home with the Stoner family in March 2023.
Pearl is two years old, and she’s as loveable as ever. She’s a true homebody who loves to snuggle up and nap, especially with her family. Her favorite food is nectarines, perfectly complementing her sweet personality.
Sandy, however, is only ten months old, and she’s as hyper as a puppy. Energetic and spunky, Sandy loves to sprint around in circles when let out to play. Her favorite food is bananas with the peel, an unusual combination for such a unique guinea pig.
While Sandy and Pearl are polar opposites, they highly enjoy each other’s company. “I like their personalities because they complement each other well,” Stoner said. “They like to get each other’s attention to play. Sandy is hyper and Pearl is mellow, so they balance each other out.”
As many may know, guinea pigs require companionship. When Pearl and Sandy were living in an environment unfit for their physical needs, they had each other to keep them company, and that bond remained strong through the rescue process. Despite their differences, Pearl and Sandy are each other’s best friends. Pearl’s gentleness balances out with Sandy’s rambunctiousness, while Sandy’s hyperactivity prompts Pearl to play with her. These two love to release their energy by fighting over food. For example, when Pearl is given a banana, Sandy will steal it from her or vice versa. Although they have a tendency to be naughty, as many pets do, they are truly sweet at heart. Pearl and Sandy love to snuggle with each other under a towel, which Stoner’s brother cleverly refers to as a “pig taco.”
Instead of getting them from a store, Stoner and her family truly valued giving these guinea pigs a second chance. Because they rescued them, they saved them from malnourishment, disease and neglect, providing them with a loving and nurturing home. When Stoner and her family first set eyes on Pearl and Sandy, they knew that they were destined to become a part of their family. “I’m glad that I could give them a new home,” Stoner said.
These guinea pigs are a vibrant source of energy and happiness for the Stoner family. While some may believe that guinea pigs are too much of a hassle to take care of, Stoner believes otherwise. “I really didn’t think that guinea pigs could have so much personality,” Stoner noted. “I was kind of expecting them to sit in their cage and do nothing, but they bring so much life and joy to my family.”
Pearl and Sandy were named after the iconic SpongeBob characters, Pearl Krabs and Sandy Cheeks. Pearl, having more white fur than Sandy, was named after the lighter-colored whale, while Sandy, having predominantly brown fur, was named after the brown squirrel.
