Petrescue played out at park

Mystery as dog walker finds young guinea pig shivering in bushes – as children enjoy sledging on nearby slopes

An incredible rescue story played out in the frozen north of Reid Park in Forfar is set to warm hearts.

As the country shivered its way through the “beast from the east”, a sharp-eyed dog walker came across what has been dubbed the “beastie from the eastie” – a young, unneutered male guinea pig.

The Good Samaritan spotted the rodent shivering in some bushes and, after taking him home, contacted the Thrums Veterinary Group to see if they could find it a home.

Tessa McLellan, receptionist at the practice in Queenswell Road in Forfar, took the call on Thursday and was only too happy to help.

She said: “The dog walker who found him took him home, put him in a box with a blanket and two hot water bottles, and brought him here.

“I have two female guinea pigs so I have taken him home until he is claimed or is re-homed.”

Mystery surrounds the appearance of the household pet in Reid Park, which has been a magnet for school children enjoying sledging down its steep slopes over the last three days.

Tessa continued: “The bushes in the park are a fair bit away from houses so it does seem strange how he got there.

“He has maybe escaped and done a runner.

“He doesn’t have much of a coat, is tri-coloured and is very timid.

“He’s eating absolutely fine and has been munching away since last night.

“He does seem fine but the worry is from pneumonia, but so far so good.

“It is very surprising he survived given the sub-zero temperatures.

“We have no idea how long he was in the park.”

Normally in these circumstances the rescued animal would go to the vets’ practice in Kirriemuir, but he has taken up temporary residence at Tessa’s home.

His plight caught the imagination of animal lovers in Forfar with many posting offers of giving the ‘wee beastie’ a new home.

Anyone with information on the guinea pig is asked to contact the Thrums Veterinary Group on 01307 466967 or 01575 572643.