Take a look at how much Xanadu has improved even since our last update! She's drinking water and nibbling hay on her own, and her bowel functions are steadily returning to normal. ;)

Running a chinchilla-specific rescue, (and having so many of them as our own pets) has allowed us to have a greater than usual amount of experience with every imaginable potential issue. We have learned from a wide range of...opportunities. I suppose this is why folks often call or email for advice. :)

Most recently though we've had the unfortunate affrontation with a prolapsed uterus. (click for picture - WARNING, graphic image!)

This is the second prolapse we've had to deal with, and both times it has occurred with the sapphire mutation. Our little mommy chin was rushed to the vet where she had to undergo emergency surgery and spay. Fortunately her kits were already 6 weeks old when it happened, so they were able to wean early without too much stress, but I sure hated to have to force them through this so young.

Xanadu has not been recovering well and needs some prayerful support. Surprisingly, she's still fighting the effects of her ordeal, and has started drinking on her own! We still have to syringe feed her, but she appears to be more receptive to it. She is very weak, but at least she's started pooing again.

It was nice of Xanadu to hold off on this emergency until we could finish paying off Kismet's amputation costs. :) Now we have a new goal to work toward.

Jimi and Jamie, a mother/daughter pair have successfully passed their 4 month maternity watch! Thankfully, neither one has turned up pregnant by the mixed grouping they came in. *Huge sigh of relief* These girls have really warmed up to people while here and have filled out too! Now all they need is someone to devote the kind of attention to them they are craving.

Eight other chinnies have come in this week from far and wide. A small group from Richmond, and a boy pair brought all the way from Maryland, and super sweet little Chili from the DC area. Let's not forget Puff, the one from Animal Control. We're hoping to match the singles up with a new friend. Is your boy chin looking for a gentle buddy? Let's try a soft intro! Would you like to devote all your time and attention to just one pet chinchilla? We have 4 singles available who just don't get along with other chins, but are people friendly.

So far we've had 3 chins go to new homes this month...but 8 have come in. We would love to balance out those numbers. Would you like to open your home to adopt? How about a sponsorship? Hmmm....now there's a neat new idea.....

We just got in a nice supply of fresh dry hay. If you're ready for a refill, now is the perfect time to come. (I tend to be more generous with the portions when there's an abundance) ;) We have two kinds available right now. We're all excited to try the new organic alfalfa orchard mix. It's a soft third cutting with a bunch of seed heads. Usually this is not what horse people want in their hay, but chins and bunnies love it. Ours are stuffing themselves now.

If you're looking for something richer, we also have straight alfalfa which is perfect for nursing mamas or those who need a calcium boost. If your chin is low on calcium, their teeth will show it. Have you checked your chinnies teeth lately? They should be nice and orange.

We received a phone call from the local Animal Control office yesterday. *duhn duhn dunnnnn scary music plays* It turns out they asked us to take in a chin someone brought to them. It appears our positive reputation has grown more than we imagined. We are honored to be so positively recognized by "the big guys" now.

The little chinnie they asked us to take is currently under evaluation. Check back for more information about Puff!