Twisty & Carrot - Healing Together with Help

From left: Carrott, Vet Tech Meghan Delaney, and Twisty

Last December, Twisty and Carrot—a bonded pair of guinea pigs—arrived at Dakin during a time of deep transition, after the loss of a beloved member of their family. It’s never easy for animals to experience such sudden change, and from the moment they came through our doors, it was clear they would need a little extra care and compassion.

As part of their intake process, Twisty and Carrot received thorough physical exams from our veterinary team to assess their health and determine their next steps. During that exam, our staff noticed some concerning signs—circular skin lesions and patches of hair loss. Testing soon confirmed that the pair had ringworm.

Despite its name, ringworm isn’t a worm at all, but a highly contagious fungal infection of the skin. Treating it requires time, resources, and careful attention. To protect other animals, those undergoing treatment must be housed separately, and the healing process can be lengthy and involved.

For Twisty and Carrot, this meant more change and uncertainty. Already missing the comfort of their former home, they now faced ongoing lime sulfur dips, oral medications, and close monitoring. Through it all, one small but meaningful comfort remained: they had each other. Being able to stay side by side in the same enclosure provided reassurance, companionship, and a sense of stability during a stressful time.

Dakin staff and volunteers came together to make sure Twisty and Carrot received not only the medical care they needed, but also the kindness and enrichment they deserved. Every day, dedicated teams followed specialized cleaning protocols, administered treatments, and spent time offering gentle attention, play, and affection—reminding them they were safe, cared for, and not alone.

Day by day, with patience and perseverance, Twisty and Carrot began to heal. After just over 40 days of treatment, the moment everyone had been hoping for finally arrived: both guinea pigs tested negative for ringworm. It was a joyful milestone and a testament to the care, commitment, and teamwork that surrounded them.

Even more heartwarming—just one day later, Twisty and Carrot were on their way to a new home. Their adoptive family was eager to welcome them, ready to offer love, comfort, and a fresh start filled with happy moments.

Stories like Twisty and Carrot’s are a powerful reminder that it truly takes a village. From our veterinary team and animal care staff to our volunteers and compassionate community, each person plays a vital role in helping animals through their most vulnerable moments. Because of your support, Dakin can be there when animals need us most.

We are so grateful to be part of Twisty and Carrot’s journey—and we wish them a lifetime of cozy days, playful adventures, and cherished memories with their new family.