Valentine's day alternative: fill yourself with love by adopting a degu

The three-year-old boy, called Greg, arrived at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Burford in November, with his elderly friend Charlie, who was sick and in pain due to dental issues that could not be fixed.

Charlie passed away shortly after that, leaving Greg on his own.

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Greg, the degu, is in need of a home this Valentine's day
Katie Stiles, veterinary supervisor, said: “Charlie had really bad teeth. They were growing in different directions, affecting his cheeks and lips and so he was struggling to eat.

“He was in a lot of pain and, as he was an older chap, we didn’t think it would be fair to operate – and he was unlikely to survive an anaesthetic, so the kindest thing to do was put him to sleep.”

Degus are sociable animals and should never be kept alone as it can make them stressed.

The Blue Cross team is now trying to find another companion for Greg to live with.

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Degus are small, social, and vocal rodents. They have long silky coats that are grey-brown tinged, and a long, thin tail with a tufted, black tip.

Typically, degus can live for 6-7 years in captivity.

Greg has now been neutered in hope that he can be matched with a ‘lady friend’ in his new home, but so far, he has had no luck.

Greg, the degu

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Hannah Wiltshire, centre manager, said: “Greg is so lonely. We have tried to pair him with some young males, as he has been matched successfully in the past, and he loved them – but they didn’t like him.

“We’re now hoping to find him a female friend, but he so far hasn’t had any interest. We hope that he finds love before Valentine’s Day.

“Degus really don’t cope well on their own, so we really want to find Greg a new best friend as soon as possible.”

Are you interested in adopting Greg? See here for more information.