Rest in Peace, Peanut

It is with mourning that we announce our sudden loss of Peanut the guinea pig, who passed away at the age of 4 years, 9 months on the night of December 10. Peanut had quite the reputation of being a guinea pig with tremendous health, especially considering the fact that he'd recently entered his senior years, so it was rather alarming when we noticed a lump developing under his left arm not too long after his fourth birthday. Taking this into account, we decided to book an appointment for Peanut back in November to have a biopsy performed on the lump in his arm, which would determine if it was cancerous.

When we received the results from the biopsy, we were informed that the lump was indeed cancerous, and that the cancer had rapidly spread to other parts of Peanut's body, including his lungs. In addition, his weight had dropped significantly, which we'd noticed prior to the appointment. Considering Peanut's older age and declining health, surgery to have the lump removed was out of the question. We were left with two options: to either wait for the cancer to infect Peanut's body completely, or to have him euthanised. For the time being, however, we were given some antibiotics and instructions on how to keep Peanut comfortable until we'd reached a decision.

Due to the fact that we were away from home with Peanut at the time, we did our best to cope with his deteriorating health. It was patent that Peanut had lost any interest he had left for trick training, a symptom we found alarming due to how much he relished the activity. In the meantime we attempted to raise his weight by feeding him a surplus of watered timothy hay and romaine lettuce. On top of all this, several digestive problems were introduced, so we did whatever we could to ensure that he was getting enough water in order to function properly. Overall, Peanut had no trouble taking his antibiotics multiple times a day, and we must say that his eyes and nose (which weren't in good shape at the time) cleared up. By the time the end of the week approached, we'd decided that it would only be fair to have Peanut euthanised.

On the morning of December 4, shortly after we were informed about Peanut's declining health, Peanut participated in the ritual morning routine with the family. He lay contently on his back in the arms of a family member, enjoying the belly rubs he was receiving just as he had in photos taken years ago. Peanut absolutely adored having his belly scratched, but only on specific occasions; at the time, that occasion was the completion of his morning dose of antibiotics. Using this moment as a reward, Peanut stretched out his arms as he happily showed off his little guinea pig smile, a patent look of serenity showing on his face. We couldn't help but imagine that that would be how Peanut would pass, stretched out peacefully in our arms at the veterinary clinic. Just several days later, on the evening of December 10, we couldn't help but notice that throughout the course of the day that Peanut's health had taken a drastic drop downhill. We concluded that it would be that weekend that we would have him put to rest.

Unfortunately, Peanut passed away suddenly (and, to be frank, quite unexpectedly) that night of December 10. It was clear that he had done so peacefully. We were told by many of our closest friends and family members that if any guinea pig had been peaceful at rest, it was Peanut. He had lived a fulfilled life, and there was nothing more he could ask for at the time of his passing.

The final picture taken of Peanut, several days before he passed.

We continue to find the news of Peanut's passing to be truly devastating. He left an impact on our lives in ways words cannot describe. Not only did he introduce us to clicker training and positive reinforcement, but he showed the thousands of people who viewed his videos through YouTube what positive training can do with the bond between human and animal. His videos even encouraged several viewers to begin training their guinea pigs - an animal whose charms and intelligence are so often underestimated.

We love you, Peanut. You will never be forgotten. You truly made us proud, and there is nothing more we expected from you. Thank you for sharing your 4 years with us. Thank you for always being there. We're positive that when we meet again, you will have once more made friends with Buttercup and will have showed him the 40+ tricks you learned in your lifetime. Thank you for brightening our days to clear the cloudy skies. Perhaps, one day, we will join you and brighten yours.

Rest in Peace, our little Potato. ♥

Our little Potato
March 2, 2011-December 10, 2015

In addition, we will continue to remain active on our YouTube channel. Although we will no longer upload videos, we'll do our best to continue replying to any comments we receive. This way, others can become inspired to continue to "squeak" up and spread the word of positive training methods.

Also, a big thank you to all of our supporters who never failed to encourage us through the journey of animal training. Peanut's success couldn't have happened without the support of his peers. Peanut's passing doesn't mark the end of our animal training career; although we will not house any animals for quite some time, in the future expect Peanut's handlers to be training animals of their own. ;)

We give a large amount of thanks to NanaBorderCollie, a talented and amazing animal trainer, for inspiring and supporting us to begin animal training. Visit and subscribe to her official YouTube channel to watch incredible videos of her animals: www.youtube.com/user/NanaBorderCollie

Our official YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/PeanutGuineaPig
Our official blog: www.PeanutGuineaPig.blogspot.com

Incredible Basic Guinea Pig Tricks!

In the finale of the sequence of Peanut’s basic trick videos, Peanut the American Guinea Pig showcases more incredible, basic tricks. He is trained utilizing Positive Reinforcement and Clicker Training.

In addition, in several of the video clips you may notice that Peanut has developed a lump under his left arm. We have been aware of this for quite a while, but unfortunately, there is nothing we can do. As much as we want to have Peanut undergo surgery for the lump to be removed, we fear that he would not pull through. However, we are keeping a close eye on him and will inform you all if there are any updates. Please click the link to our blog (it can be found below) for more information regarding Peanut’s health and our future videos.

Special thanks to Josh Woodward for the song, titled “Swimming in Turpentine” (Full):
http://joshwoodward.com


Don’t forget to subscribe for more of Peanut’s amazing trick videos here:
http://youtube.com/user/PeanutGuineaPig

Thank you all for the 100 subscribers. :)

Peanut’s official blog, where we post updates on our furry family. One of our most recent posts contains more information on Peanut and our videos:
http://PeanutGuineaPig.blogspot.com

“Squeak” up and spread the word of positive training methods! :)

Summer/Fall Update

It has been quite a while since we've provided an update here regarding our furry family.

This is because the end of the year has grown busy for us, thus slowing down what time we would normally have to upload YouTube videos regularly. Nowadays, it is quite difficult to find time to share videos of Peanut, and although he's learned many new tricks since his latest debut, our YouTube activity will have to become limited.

Regarding Peanut's health...

Peanut is doing well, but it is obvious that he is slowing down. For those of you who aren't familiar with the care of guinea pigs, at age 4 they are considered "seniors" and require a bit more care and attention. Peanut is currently 4 years and 5 months old.  He's beginning to develop several problems. We would love to adopt another guinea pig, however our busy schedule and Peanut's preference of having all of the attention in the family prevents us from doing so. We will let you all know if there are any future updates concerning Peanut or new additions.

We also received a request about creating a trick tutorial through our YouTube channel. As soon as Peanut's next trick video is completed, we will begin work on it (if Peanut remains in fine form). Peanut's health is of utmost importance! We apologize deeply for any delays.

November update: Over the past few months, we noticed that Peanut developed a lump under his left arm (which we mentioned in the description of his latest video titled "Incredible Basic Guinea Pig Tricks!"). We also recently noted that the lump has increased in size, and that Peanut began to lose weight.

On November 20, we took Peanut in to the veterinarian's office and they performed a biopsy on his arm to determine if the lump was a malignant tumor. When the results came back, we were informed that Peanut was diagnosed with a form of cancer. Although we aren't sure of the type of cancer, we concluded that the lump could not be removed because the cancer had already spread to other parts of Peanut's body, including his lungs, and that it would be much too expensive and risky to treat (especially for Peanut's old age). Regardless, we received some antibiotics that would help ease Peanut's pain for the time being.

Now that there is nothing left to do, we've been given two choices: to either wait for the cancer to infect Peanut's body completely (which will happen in one of the upcoming months, if not a few weeks), or to have him put to sleep. This week Peanut will be coming on a trip with us (keep in mind that this trip has already been planned, and we have no choice but to bring him), so we have decided to wait until after the trip to have him put to sleep. We believe that this is the correct choice; throughout our vacation we will do our best to keep Peanut happy and healthy. We do not want him to suffer. :'(

Peanut sleeping after his latest training session.

Moving on to the topic of our YouTube videos: we will no longer be uploading to Peanut's YouTube channel. We apologize to any awaiting our upcoming trick tutorials and videos. The reason is that Peanut has lost all interest in performing tricks, and we do not want to upload videos of him doing something he does not have the strength nor will to do. When Peanut passes away we will surely notify everyone, but other than that we will only be active in commenting. However, it will be important for you to check up on Peanut's media sites regularly; if we ever have any news regarding a new addition to the family, it will be posted there.

There are no words to express the gratitude we feel for everyone's support and encouragement throughout this difficult time. These kind words are appreciated immeasurably.  Thank you.


Our official YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/PeanutGuineaPig
Our official blog: www.PeanutGuineaPig.blogspot.com

How to Target Train your Guinea Pig

This step-by-step tutorial demonstrates how to train your guinea pig using the method of targeting. Peanut, the guinea pig starring in this video, is trained utilizing Positive Reinforcement and Clicker Training.

Special thanks to Kevin MacLeod for the music:

http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more guinea pig training tutorials here:

http://youtube.com/user/PeanutGuineaPig

Peanut’s official blog, where we post updates on our furry family:

http://PeanutGuineaPig.blogspot.com

“Squeak” up and spread the word of positive training methods! :)

Peanut Turns 4 - Peanut the Senior Guinea Pig

Happy 4^th Birthday, Peanut! Peanut the guinea pig turned 4 years old on March 2, 2015. This officially makes him a “senior” in the guinea pig world. To celebrate the occasion, we put together a video containing a handful of pictures of him.

Peanut has been a joy to our lives since the day we brought him home as a 9 month old guinea “piglet."  We are blessed to share our lives with him, and he brings smiles to our faces daily. It is impossible to imagine our lives without Peanut, and he is truly a member of the family. He is loved beyond description and there are no words to describe how much our little Piggie means to us.

Special thanks to Josh Woodward for the music:

http://joshwoodward.com. The music is titled “Hey Ruth” (Instrumental).

Don’t forget to subscribe for more videos of Peanut:

http://youtube.com/user/PeanutGuineaPig

Peanut’s official blog, where we post updates on our furry family:

http://PeanutGuineaPig.blogspot.com

“Squeak” up and spread the word of positive training methods!

Awesome Basic Guinea Pig Tricks!

In the sequel to his first basic trick video, Peanut the American Guinea Pig performs more of his awesome, basic tricks. He is trained utilizing Positive Reinforcement and Clicker Training.

Because “basic tricks” falls under such a broad category, we will showcase Peanut’s other behaviors in upcoming videos labeled up to Part 3. (Putting them altogether would have made for an incredibly long video.)

Special thanks to Josh Woodward for the songs:
http://joshwoodward.com. The first song is titled “Goodbye to Spring” (Full), and the one used for the credits is called “Crazy Glue” (Instrumental).

Don’t forget to subscribe for more of Peanut’s amazing trick videos here:
http://youtube.com/user/PeanutGuineaPig

Peanut’s official blog, where we post updates on our furry family:
http://PeanutGuineaPig.blogspot.com

“Squeak” up and spread the word of positive training methods! :)