Gertie's Lonely Guinea Pig Rescue

20/07/2024

We’re All Set Up

19/07/2024

We will be at Northumberland Zoo to celebrate National Guinea Pig Day tomorrow.
Nothumberland Zoo has things going on all weekend to celebrate our little furry friends!

14/07/2024

We are all ready here at Gertie's!
Refreshment Trolley is loaded......
Dare to Dream
Good Luck England

23/05/2024

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Uv_fRWSDc02_Oo-YvfENh-8XgTCx3GhMvnSM1ixCZitUQU1RMkszMzUyRk0ySVpSMEhCTDdIMFRCMS4u

Calling Gertie Supporters............ and guinea pig lovers...
We Require your help - We have a lovely young gentleman called Seamus who has contacted us.

He is doing a very special project at school exploring how guinea pigs can help your well-being and as part of the project he has created a little survey.

Link to survey is at the top of this post.
We would be really grateful if you would support Seamus in this wonderful little project by taking 5 minutes to fill this survey out.

We will be hearing more about Seamus soon as he is doing a fab fundraiser for us - and his mum will be coming to tell us all about that soon.
Thank you all so much

06/05/2024

I am very happy to announce we have now sorted all our Great North Run Charity Places - and we have 12 wonderful people running for us! which is absolutely amazing.
This is the first time we have got places for the Great North Run and we are hoping that this will be a great way to raise funds and support the rescue.

Our Runners are all registering and setting up their pages at the moment - but you can keep an eye on how we are doing. I am also updating our information and picture on the site which I have to say has tested my IT skills.

You can see our home page here:
Gertie's Lonely Guinea Pig Rescue: AJ Bell 2024 Great North Run (enthuse.com)

Thank you so much to the brave sows and boars who have committed to running for Gertie's and will have to dedicate many hours of training. I of course will be on paw to give encouragement and training tips! Along with my nutritious p**p smoothies to keep them all at full fitness.

Go Team Gertie's !!!!!

Karen Corder
Bev Foster
Heather Snelling
Kerry Barnes
Sophie Arkell
Donna Nyberg
Robin Arkell
John Alderson
Rhianne Dixon
Maria Robson
Anne Nyberg
Alex Bell

26/04/2024

13/01/2024

Today 4 piggies arrived after a mis-sex at a pet shop and two boars became 4

We now have split the four into 2 boars and 2 sows.....

The sows will be on pregnancy watch

20/11/2023

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We could receive £1,000 in the 12 Days of Giving, Movement for Good draw.

15/10/2023

Gather Round - Gather Round - I have Gossip!
Our 6th Birthday Party Raised - DRUM ROLL
AN AMAZING
£1073.10
We are overwhelmed by your sheer generosity that is an amazing amount of money.
A massive thank you to Elaina Henderson, Anne Nyberg, Jo Londesbrough, Betty Rees, Ash, Donna Ord, Allison Chatten, Judith Brown, Jayne Muir, Karen Price, Alexia Hutchinson Lee George Corder, and Lewis Heslop - Our Party Helpers - who made yesterday happen and worked hard all day.
To all of you who came out yesterday and celebrated with us and spent a staggering amount of money! Thank you for coming to see us and supporting all the piggies. Also the people who donated because they couldn't come! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
Last but not least - Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, cakes and tombola items - Which without, we would not have been able to raise the money.
Karen Corder and Mam are so grateful for each and every contribution in whatever shape that came - We know how difficult times are and still you support us - and allow us to help the guinea pigs that we do.
THANK YOU
Lady Edith

10/10/2023

Now Available

01/10/2023

Come and Join us for our annual Fundraiser

29/09/2023

Did you spot us on Look North this week?

17/09/2023

After a week of voting - Sassy Sow Wanda and human Gemma Rees - saw off 148 other entries to win Gertie's Centerfold competition 2024.
Well done Wanda
A massive thank you to everyone who took part and supported us. With the number of quality entries we had this year our 2024 calendar is going to be the best ever.

16/08/2023

The Closing date for our competition has been extended to the 27th August 2023

19/07/2023

It's that time again!

06/05/2023

ALFONSO'S CROWN JEWELS STOLEN
Alfonso has declared his Crown Jewels have been stolen ........ In the CRIME of the century!

The top suspect he declared is the nice lady from First Vets.

Alfonso said he is going to rest up for a few weeks before being on the lookout for his very own Queen or herd of Queens - And a Palace to call his own!

17/04/2023

https://animal.movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1176936&ct=animals_and_wildlife

Take two minutes to nominate us

Nominate a charity for a Movement for Good award now.

11/04/2023

It has been a very busy weekend.....

Thank you to everyone who took part in our raffle raising a massive £659. You don't know how much this means to us - allowing us to continue to help guinea pigs in need. Times are really hard at the moment so to raise so much is just amazing - and something we really appreciate.

We also saw the arrival into rescue of a lovely group of guinea pigs - where space and mixed sexing has meant their numbers had somewhat grown. Much to the boars annoyance - we have stopped their fun! and they are all now separated off from the ladies.

Our Group members have done us proud with naming them all!

02/04/2023

Roll Up Roll up for our Easter Raffle..
To be drawn Easter Sunday.........

How to enter in picture 1
A selection of some of the prizes in picture 2

All money raised will go to helping unwanted and neglected guinea pigs - Thank you so much for your support

24/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley...The Final Episode
Back in the hall knackered I fell fast asleep,
For what felt like almost a week,
Well OK ! it was a whole week, it wasn’t meant to be,
But we have had a lot of intakes and drama’s this week you see,
I must admit this advent has been lots of fun and I don’t like to moan,
But after 24 days, I am really starting to miss my home,
Wearily, with trolley loaded – full – veg is 3 for a pound
I love it when these Christmas supermarket deals come around
I headed to door 24 – my heart not really in it,
I was missing all my friends, just a little bit,
I wondered if they were thinking of me at all,
And why they had not come to rescue me, after my fall,
A little tear rolled down my face, bouncing off my chin's to the floor
I was sobbing uncontrollably as I opened door twenty-four
The room was silent – and very very dark
I continued sobbing Christmas was looking very stark,
This must have been how Mary & Joseph felt when they got to the Inn
I sat on the floor and poured myself a very large cucumber gin,
“It will be lonely this Christmas” I sang in despair
And then I heard a giggle come from the dark somewhere
The lights flashed on – I blinked and let out a scream
There was everyone from rescue – it was quite a scene
"SURPRISE" they all shouted and let out a cheer
“Welcome home Lady Edith – now crack open the beer”
In excitement, I grabbed a party popper and pulled on the string
Streamers flying in the air - BANG! – It made the most awful din
“Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the wee donkey” Sarge cried
“Run for it – we’re being bombed - quick everyone hide”
There was a stampede and screaming as everyone dived for cover
“Lady Edith you idiot” said Ugly Stick tutting “god love her”
Sirius struck up a well-known tune by dancing on the keys of the piano,
While Boomer and Noodle operated the foot pedals below,
Scout came over handing me a mic – giving me a wink
“Shall we duet” he said – I blushed so hard, my ears turned pink
“It was Christmas Eve babe, In the drunk tank” he sang
Oh I felt so happy to be back with my gang,
We sang A Fairy Tale of New York, to get the party going
But I was soon back at my trolley getting the Carrot Cava flowing
And all that now remains to be said as I come to the end of my advent rhyme
Wherever you are, Gertie’s hope you and yours have a lovely time
We thank you for the support throughout 2022
Gertie’s would not be here without you
From every pig here, A Merry Christmas and A Happy New Years
I’m raising my Carrot Cava to you all, “BOTTOMS UP, CHING CHING - CHEERS”

17/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 16/17 December

I headed toward a big door labelled sixteen & seventeen,
This journey really was becoming quite extreme,
Entering the room, I saw my reflection in a mirrored wall
Hanging from the ceiling, spinning, was a massive glitter ball,
His paws clicking on the wooden floor, Sirius came strutting over,
All done up in spandex and bling like a real Casanova!
He took me in his paws, and spun me onto the dancefloor
He asked “Lady E, have you ever done the Waltz before?”
“I never took you as a ballroom dancer Sirius” I laughed
Looking all serious he replied “My rumba, has never been surpassed”
I’m thinking of entering “Strictly Guinea Pigs Come Dancing” he disclosed,
He spun around extending his arms above his head and dramatically posed,
Then said “I’m auditioning all the sows in rescue to find my perfect partner, you see”,
I mean I don’t like to boast - but I think Sirius was hinting to me!
“I will give it a shot” I said wiggling my hips and shouting “Cha Cha Cha”
I had images of me – swirling lace with glittery heels, becoming a TV star,
I mean I’ve never done ballroom dancing, I’m more disco freestyle,
But surely with my charisma, I was the best choice for Sirius by a mile,
Sirius said “Let's start with the Paso Doble show me Spanish emotion”
I knew I had one shot, so I took to the floor like an explosion
pretending to wave a red flag, flaring my nostrils like a bull,
shouting "Olé", as I ran stomping my paws round the dancehall
To show him I had grace, I decided to finish with a gentle step slide,
But it turned into a high-speed skid, finishing flat on my belly legs out wide,
Sirius slapped his head in absolute despair
“Lady Edith I think we will call it a day right there”
I want to showcase the rumble strut and that dance requires precision,
You just don’t have the grace or style to deliver my winning vision,
I sulked for a moment – but I’ve never been much of a mourner,
So I got up and shouted – “Nobody puts Lady E in the corner”
Hurtling toward Sirius I shouted "let’s do a big lift – here I come"
I jumped in the air, Sirius caught me, “ Lady E you weigh a TON”
Suspended for a second, like a angel, high in the air
I heard Sirius knees start cracking, and his hamstrings start to tear
As I tumbled to the ground landing on top of Sirius – I did feel a tad guilty
I think I have ruined his chances of competing in front of Motsi Mabuse
Sirius is a lovely old Gertie's sanctuary boar who has a load of wives
sponsored by Wanda, he loves his hen pecked life

15/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 14/15 December

On I went wondering, what would double door 14/15 be revealing
I pushed it open and in I went, to see who it was concealing
“Good Evening Gents” I said and smiled It was Gulliver and Bertie
“Evening pet” they said and winked, I loved that they were flirty,
“You got here just in time” said Bertie “we're just about to start games night”
Gulliver chipped in “We’re starting with Guess Who – winner stays on, alright”
I gave a squeal of excitement; I liked nothing more than a good game or two
And not boasting, but I am a bit of a pro, when it comes to Guess Who,
I took on Bertie and then Gulliver – my tongue hanging out with the concentration
After I won 5 games Gulliver declared “enough!, How about Frustration?”
“Oh yes, I love that” I nodded, quickly mixing us all a drink,
Making the boys drinks much stronger – I needed my head clear to think,
All taking turns to jump on the plastic dice dome
It wasn’t long before I got all my counters home
Bertie asked “ Lady E are you a little competitive, perchance”
“Not at all” I shouted as I lapped the room, doing my victory dance,
Gulliver got the Cluedo, I got my pad so I could keep everything noted
After intense play, “Piggy Scarlet, in the hidey, with the veg knife” I gloated
Crest fallen “Monopoly” Bertie suggested “Here lady E you can be the old boot”
After an hour the boys mortgaged up to the hilt – I shouted “get in – you BEAUT”
I could see they were not impressed with my winning streak,
So I quickly fixed them up a little something to eat,
Next came an intense game of snakes and ladders
I was so excited when I won – I leaked a little out my bladder,
Next I won Subbuteo due to my excellent flicking and the good old off-side rule
Me Singing “It’s coming home, it's coming home”, didn’t go down well with the boys at all,
Gulliver said “I know let’s finish on a game of Scrabble”
I pulled a face, It wasn’t something in which I usually dabble
Spelling not really being my thing, you see
That as a game, didn’t suit me,
I mean Carrot got me seven as a score
And apple didn’t really get me, very much more
Putting ‘BITCH’ on a double word score – Gulliver looked very happy
But Bertie’s triple word scoring SHEDEVIL just made me feel very snappy
Half an hour in and I was losing badly, this was no longer fun
I accidently knocked the board off the table and said “sorry guys got to run”
I must continue with my advent crusade
I heard the boys call out laughing – Don’t you fancy a game of “Old Maid”
Bertie and Gulliver are two lovely old sanctuary boars seeing out their days with us
Bertie has a sponsor but Gulliver does not – so finding one would be a plus

13/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 13 December

With new energy, after my snooze,
I decided today I would lay off the booze,
If I got myself fit and nice and healthy,
Surely I could bag a boar, who was wealthy,
Anyway I digress – I headed off towards door thirteen,
Thinking new year, new me - I would change my life with a new fitness routine,
You know just get Christmas out the way,
And plan my new body - starting New Year’s Day!
I drifted into the room, my thoughts were elsewhere,
My determination was set on body perfect – my tummy dreaming of a chocolate éclair
“Hello Lady E, we’re so glad you’re here, we’re starving” said Erica and Cosette
“What are your specials – got loads of lovely things for us we bet”
I didn’t really register what the girls were saying
I had my iPhone out, as my target body meant no delaying,
I had to order stuff now, if I was to be ready to start,
In auto-pilot I started dishing up the girls tea from the cart..
Putting a little salad on their plates,
I added to my online shopping bag, 2 paw held weights,
Without thinking I chopped them up a celery stick,
While throwing in my basket the latest fit-bit,
I added a few cherry tomato to their grub,
While filling out the subscription to fat fighters club,
Peppers, Cucumber, chicory I kept piling it all on,
While I ordered the latest exercise bike from Peloton
Chopping some carrot, I thought about my meal plan
No pellets, more fruit and veg – to keep things moving - I would need extra bran,
Adding some kale to their plate to keep up the girls vitamin C,
I booked up boogie bounce on a Tuesday and looked up a personal trainer’s fee,
Finishing the humongous salad with shavings of apple
I added a full high fashion gym kit to my basket – I was ready to do battle!
The girls sat wide- eyed – staring at their monster meal
“We will never eat all that, the girls said you have gone over the top we feel”,
I sighed staring at the monster portion – I couldn’t put any in the bin!
Deleting my fitness shopping basket – I joined the girls and tucked in........
We have so many piggies looking for their forever owners,
So spreading the word about Gertie’s, for us, would be a bonus.

12/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 12 December

Feeling weary, I pushed on
Surely this journey couldn’t go on for long
Counting on my paws, next was door twelve I calculated
Pushing it open, I looked inside and waited……
All was quiet – then I heard a very loud snore…..
It was Boomer, he is so old – about ninety-four,
I sat down and got myself a paw held snack
I needed refreshments, If I were to keep on track,
“Boomer” I shouted – nope nothing, he was in a deep sleep,
So I took the opportunity to do a pedicure on all my feet
“Boomer” I shouted again a little louder this time
Nope – Oh well I thought I’ll have a quick parsnip vodka and lime
I whiled away some time scrolling through my social media
And looked up if guinea pigs could eat figs on Wikipedia
I approached Boomer and shouted right in his Ear
“BOOMER WAKEY WAKEY - do you want a BEER”
He sort of snorted, shuffled and rolled over on his side
And then did that scary pig thing – fast asleep with wide open eyes
I grabbed a glass of carrot cava, and loaded up my dating app
Sighing – I swiped left a lot, my matches were the normal crap
Getting irritated, “BOOMER” I shouted giving him a massive poke
Nope – he kept snoring was anything going to wake this bloke
I sat down again and felt my eyes getting heavy
I know I thought, I will have a reviving bevvy
Grabbing another Carrot Cava – I felt my eyes closing
Before I knew it, I was dozing……..
“LADY EDITH” shouted Boomer “Your awful snoring woke me up”
“Sleeping on the job young lady, you should be ashamed” he said with a tut
Boomer is another of our old Sanctuary pigs
Who will be loved and cared for by us for as long as he lives

11/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 11 December
Still singing When a child is born, and feeling jolly,
I set off once more with my trolley,
I took a moment to calm myself outside,
Before throwing door number eleven open wide,
There sat bold as brass my favourite boar, Neville
“Hello Nev, I cried “you dirty little devil”
I gave him a wink and settled down in the hay
Ready to tell him, he became a dad yesterday
“So” I said, pausing for maximum impact
I wanted to deliver the big news with tact
“You remember Erin? who you use to live with for a while”
Neville’s eyes met mine, he gulped, then shook his head in denial
“No” he said, pulling a face like he was thinking “I don’t think I do”
“Pretty, brown face, crest” I described “cos she remembers you”
“Oh Erin” he said “trim sow, with nice ankles, and lovely smile “
He nodded and awkwardly shuffled in his hay pile
“Well, she has given birth” I excitedly said “I bring you baby news”
With a horrified face Neville asked “Have you got any booze”
“Brandy?” I asked – He nodded “you better make it a double”
“I think I may be in quite a bit of trouble”
“Two girls and a boy – they look just like you” I confirmed
Poor Neville just sat sipping his brandy and squirmed
“They have all your best features, ginger, pink eyes, full of beans”
I continued “oh you can definitely see they carry your family genes”
“Should I tell Erin you will help in their upbringing and financial care”
I fixed Neville with my best demanding hard-stare
I’ve never seen a boar move so fast
It was like a hurricane going past
Out the room and off up the hall he ran
Paws on hips I tutted “bloody typical man”
Lucky for Neville – Gertie’s will support all his little off-spring
And as for him, Lady Edith thought smiling “Maybe neutering”

10/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 10 December

Back out in the hall there was some confusion,
I wasn’t sure at first, if it was the result of a gin illusion
What was door number 4 had changed to door number ten
Outside a red light was flashing – so I headed there again
Pregnant Erin had been in there before,
I wondered if she still was, as I opened up the door
Erin shouted “Lady E, the babies are coming…. HELP ”
I ran in a headless panic round the room, Erin let out a YELP,
"Let me look" I screamed "OH OH, you are dilating!"
I grabbed my trolley for support, as I was nearly fainting
"Here bite down on this" I said passing her a celery stick
"Lady Edith" she cried "please, can you just get a grip"
"GAS AND AIR" Erin cried – "I’m having a contraction"
Shoving the mask on my face, at last I started relaxing,
"Not for you" Erin screeched "quick bring It over here"
I didn’t think now was the time to point out, she hadn’t made that clear,
“PANT PANT PUSH” I shouted screaming she puffed her cheeks out and blew,
"Is that a baby?" she asked "Nah" I shouted "You have given birth to a nutritious pooh"
"Quick Push Erin" I said - "I can see something coming now"
She asked "What the hell is it, it feels the size of a cow"
With a push out popped a pup from her baby birthing chute
I laughed and held it up high so she could see –"Isn’t it cute"
"What is it, what is it" she asked excitedly – "let me see, let me see"
"It’s a baby Erin" I replied "I think you better give that gas and air back to me"
With a screech she started puffing and panting again,
This one came shooting out her tunnel like a train,
"When a child is born" I sang as I cleaned them up
Erin started pushing again and fired out another pup
"That’s it" she declared – "I think I’m done"
Two sows and a boar, I confirmed to a very proud mum
Latching them to her baby feeding station, I popped a bottle of Carrot Champagne
And passing her a glass, promised she would never have to do that again
So today Gertie’s feels exceedingly blessed
Welcoming to the world Erin’s babies, our latest guests

09/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 08/09 December
Feeling a little squiffy from my large glass of gin,
I couldn’t quite work out what door next, to go in
The number 8 and 9 were on a double door, like a cowboy saloon,
As I got nearer, I could hear a really good thumping Country tune,
Shouting YEE-HAW Stick um up Cowboy – I entered at speed,
I couldn’t wait to see what cow-boar was waiting for a feed,
The wheels on my trolley screeched to a stop – I looked on in a trance,
There in front of me were Gracie and Fantine, trying to line dance!
Wearing pink cowboy hats and awful Checked shirts,
Little cowboy boots on each paw and denim mini skirts,
Well as you know, normally, I’m a sow who is full of compassion
But I’m telling yah-all now, this was a crime against fashion!
“Hey Lady E” the girls shouted, out of breath “come join in the line”
I looked at my wrist and replied “sorry girls – I’ve got no time”
I quickly grabbed them a drink and paw held snacks
and was discreetly about to make tracks
Hearing them both start to uncontrollably cry
“Don’t cry girls, You looked great” I said, a little white lie
“But Lady E, we’ve heard you know how to pull all the shapes”
“And we want to look good, when we go on boar-dates”
“Someone told us you could do the 4 paw stagger”
Nodding, they added “And that you danced like Mick Jagger”
My ego inflated – I totally had to agree,
There were not many sows, who could pull shapes like me……
“Woo- Hoo” I shouted as I got in line ready
I told them “OK we will take this first move steady”
I did a little side shuffle and a toe step slide,
And shouted for effect “Gertie’s Girls round the outside”
Trying to impress them, my next move was a bit complex
Picking up pace I shouted “Let’s hit the deck”
spinning my leg frantically, like I had an imaginary lasso
A little enthusiastic - without warning, I shot out like bullets a round of pooh,
Fantine and Gracie looked at me with horror
I hastily left, waving “I’ll be back tomorrow “
The girls are two of so very many we have had, arrive of late
These two are the lucky ones as they already have a boar-date!

07/12/2022

Lady Edith's Advent.... One Sow and her trolley... Continued - 07 December

Still chuckling, I was in the hall once more,
And went quickly towards the number 7 door,
“Hello” I called as I opened the door up wide,
Looking quickly around to see who was inside,
“Hello Lady Edith” Sergeant Carrot said gesturing me in,
I went straight to my trolley and poured myself a large gin,
I knew what was coming next, so poured Sarge an Ale,
Put the brake on my trolley and settled myself on a hay bale,
"It’s cold today Lady E – makes my old war wound play up",
"Did I tell you I was in the army when I was just a pup",
"No" I said having heard the story 20 times, I stifled a yawn,
"Let me guess" I said helpfully – "It was long before I was born",
He nodded gravely , "It was many many years ago",
"I was crawling through the trenches head- down low",
"Battle of the Carrot– it’s very famous you know",
"I will never forget how close I was to completing that mission",
"I zoomied on-to the battle ground and held my position",
"I almost got to the carrot – guns firing overhead",
"THEN - KERBOOM – I THOUGHT I WAS DEAD",
For effect and empathy, I stretched my eyes open wide,
Then dabbing them with a napkin, to make it looked like I had cried
"Don’t Worry little Edith" Sarge said giving me a reassuring pat,
"I picked up some nasty wounds but was saved by my tin hat",
"I was outnumbered by the enemy – HE had me surrounded",
"When I made it back to base hidey – my troop were astounded",
Sarge sighed, his thoughts taking him back to the horrors of that day,
Then said "I wouldn’t have minded, except the carrot was a posh Chantenay",
Quickly Jumping up I knew this was my exit cue,
"Sarge" I said "I will wear my Poppy with pride and always think of you",
Poor old Sergeant Carrot arrived with us, covered in infected bite,
It took numerous operations and treatments to get him back right,
So he is staying right here, our old Chelsea pensioner,
With Karen Price sponsoring all his expenditure.