Newspaper Article, #2

Abandoned Pet Gets Loving Care

Previously thought to be paralyzed, a formerly abandoned guinea pig is alive and kicking in Simpson County.

"I don't think it's a matter of paralysis because he's able to kick and move," said the animal's owner, Dutch Maris.

Dutch and his wife, Jo, dubbed the white, furry critter Tiny Tim because he was unable to use his hind legs when discovered in a basket at Franklin's Goodnight Memorial Library early one nearly-freezing January morning.

"On his left hind leg, the bottom of the foot is always aimed skyward," Dutch said. "He's not able to pull up either leg under him to plant."

Jo said she's taking Tim to the veterinary clinic in Nashville today to determine if any of his tiny bones are broken.

Tim has gained weight and mobility since moving in, she said, after vitamin supplements and lots of tender, loving care.

"We feed him at the kitchen table", Jo said.

Art the table, he rests on a synthetic pad donated by his website, which was created by San Francisco resident Kathy Anderson.

Anderson said she contacted the Marises to offer advice and support after reading about Tim's plight at an online guinea pig forum. She sent the Marises specialized guinea pig hay, small dishes and a "cozy" (a climb-in pillowcase).

"I was hoping that it was something simple such as scurvy, which can be treated with an increased amount of Vitamin C," Anderson said. "There are a variety of things that could cause that situation - paralysis or pseudo paralysis."

Anderson already had a web site for her own guinea pig, Jasmine, so she added a section for Tim so people could help. She said water bottles, a comb, and brush were purchased with monetary donations.

Another person, who works at a pet store, is shipping a cage and stand soon so Tim won't have to live in a 10-gallon aquarium any longer, she said.

"There are a couple of other people who are waiting for me to tally up the expenses and see if there are any other needs," Anderson said.

One woman even pledged $400 recently to cover Tim's medical bills, she said.

Although the Marises have never owner a guinea pig, Anderson said they've given Tim lots of baths and physical therapy, researched guinea pigs, and have been open to suggestions.

"They have provided input for his web site and truly love him," Anderson said. "He's one lucky little guy."

Anderson expressed hope the guinea pig's original owner would provide helpful, anonymous information. The Marises would like to know Tim's age and whether he was dropped, hit, squeezed, or not fed a proper diet.

"The goal is not to get the person in trouble but to better understand his treatment needs," Anderson said. "The x-ray tomorrow, hopefully, will shed some light on why he currently has limited movement in his legs."

Article used with written permission