UK's loneliest degu looks for love this Valentine's Day
Since his best friend died, Greg has been desperately sad and lonely.
The three-year-old boy arrived at the Blue Cross rehoming centre, Burford, in November, with his elderly friend Charlie, six, who was sick and in pain due to dental issues that could not be fixed.
Katie Stiles, Veterinary Supervisor, explained: “Charlie had really bad teeth. They were growing in different directions, affecting his cheeks and lips and so he was struggling to eat.
“He was in a lot of pain and, as he was an older chap, we didn’t think it would be fair to operate – and he was unlikely to survive an anaesthetic, so the kindest thing to do was put him to sleep.”
Degus are sociable animals and should never be kept alone as it can make them stressed. So, our team immediately set about finding Greg another companion for him to enjoy his sand baths with.
But while Greg loved both degus he was introduced to, the feeling wasn’t reciprocated – leaving the poor boy feeling lonelier than ever.
He has now been neutered in the hope he can instead be matched with a lady friend in a new home – but has so far had no luck.
The team are now hoping that, with Valentine’s Day round the corner, love may be on the horizon for him.
Hannah Wiltshire, Centre Manager, said: “Greg is so lonely. We have tried to pair him with some young males, as he has been matched successfully in the past, and he loved them – but they didn’t like him.
“We’re now hoping to find him a female friend, but he so far hasn’t had any interest. We hope that he finds love before Valentine’s Day.
“Degus really don’t cope well on their own, so we really want to find Greg a new best friend as soon as possible.”
