Okay, it’s not a dog. Or a cat. Or a ferret.

But we got a guinea pig.

Why? Because Kendra wanted a guinea pig. She says it’s because they’re cute. I think we’re both tired of not having a pet. Now, we have a female guinea pig named Penelope. Did I know anything about guinea pigs? No. Should I have? Yes.

The first thing I’ve learned is that, after the first week or two with Penelope, I’ll have to go out and adopt another girl pig. Guinea pigs are herd animals and social and get bored/depressed when the only pig in the house. So, once Penelope is used to us, we’ll go out, get another, let it acclimate to us, then introduce her to Penelope, and then have two. That’s what I’ve gotten myself into.

Another thing I learned is that I need to make a salad of specific veggies twice a day for Penelope. Green leafs, carrots, cucumbers and corn, among other meals. Plus, guinea pigs can’t produce their own Vitamin C, so I have to to give it an orange or apple twice a week. And guinea pigs can be picky and take a while to like a food, or maybe they will never like it! These things are finicky!

Now I’m all in. Buying toys, researching the best hay, chopping vegetables, letting her run around in the hall for exercise. My wife comes home from work and cuddles it. I’m basically Penelope’s chef. What the heck!