We adopted Freddie (our guinea pig) nearly four years ago. Our daughter's middle school had many pets in the facility, but a student who was allergic forced it ask parents to adopt.

Our daughter wanted this guinea pig. We've always had mini-daschunds, but had no experience with other animals. They thought he was about two years old at the time.

She finally convinced us, and Freddie started winning us over from the very first moment. He had a wonderful personality and was just the best little boy. We would love to feed and pet him. He would occasionally make purring noises in my wife's arms.

We could not ask for a better boy, and he brought such happiness in our lives. He would stand up on the edge of his cage to let us know "it's about time you are here to give me food," and squeal for attention.

He died in his sleep, and we already miss him tremendously!

This is the first time I have written in Rainbow Bridge when our 12'year-old min-doxie died. Our 15-year-old doxie died in 2007, but I never wrote on this web site about her because it was so, so painful...it still is.

I know Freddie and our doxies (Koko and Trudy) are playing on the bridge and have already welcomed Freddie to a new, glorious day. I (and we) love you all!

I wrote a Rainbow Bridge story about