Two New Friends

My friend Annu and I visited the Herkkutassu pet store last week, in hopes of getting me a chance to volunteer time at the shop (taking care of guinea pigs, to be exact). I tried using some broken Finnish phrases to communicate my love of guinea pigs, and my desire to be a pet store helper. Annu graciously stepped in to translate the rest. Taina, the owner of the store, told me that the store already has student interns helping out. So, a few hours later, after some thought, I went back to Herkkutassu and bought two baby female guinea pigs!

Initially, I thought they would be a strain for on my student budget, but their cuteness and affection is well worth it. Here they are: Mina (left) and Olivia (right). Mina is quite laid back in temperament, eats nearly everything, and likes to cuddle. Olivia is curious, active, a picky eater, and seeks adventure – even if it means crawling under my bed and continually evading my attempts to get her back in the cage! I am now a guinea pig Mom.