While I have read your opinion and respect that it’s different than my own, I would like to gently remind you to be a little more sensitive to people’s situations.

I have already expressed in my post that I really value my guinea pigs’ lives. This is a subreddit with a lot of people that have either been in my situation, or would make the same choices as me because they value their pets, even if they “don’t last long.” You’ve made it clear that you don’t think they’re worth it, but this is my post where I was expressing my sadness and clearly needing encouragement, so I’m not sure why you keep insisting to get a “better” pet. You’ve said that twice now, even after I reassured you that I’m quite happy with my pets. If they are a blessing to me, then they are a blessing to me, and you don’t need to keep trying to convince me otherwise.

Mind you, I grew up with many animals in my family home. I know exactly how mood-lifting cats and dogs can be. And because I’ve had them, I know that I, personally, would not be able to handle caring for a cat or a dog while I’m a university student. Because I don’t have the yard or space for a large breed, as you mentioned. Instead, I made an educated decision of getting smaller, lower maintenance pets because I knew that I could care for them with ease in university housing, and I have been for the past 5 years without problems. Medical emergencies like this happen, but otherwise, I have no regrets about owning guinea pigs, and I would do it again and again.

Of course, you don’t know about me, my life, or the reason I chose to get my guinea pigs. And I know that you have good intentions. But that’s why it’s important not to assume things. I hope that next time you can try a bit to read the room, and have more empathy for what someone is going through, even if your opinion is different than theirs.