Bernadette (originally named Papaya; nicknamed Bernie) the guinea pig was adopted by HappyCavy on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from the Multnomah County Animal Services in Troutdale, Oregon, along with her late sister Mathilde. Bernie was just a baby at three months old when she arrived to her forever home with us.

Bernie is the third Teddy guinea pig to join HappyCavy, after Rosie and Winnie.

Bernie and Mathilde were rescued from an owner who had too many pregnant sows and had asked the animal shelter for help. They were born shortly before the rescue, and they were the few surviving babies. We don’t know much else about Bernie’s life before she joined HappyCavy, but she needed lots of holding and patience to acclimate to humans.

Bernie is a super spry, energetic and mischievous pig. She popcorns often, runs sprints daily and enjoys standing on her back feet for cucumber treats (a trick she learned from her new big sister, Annie). If there’s something to play with in the cage, Bernie will find it.

Since Bernie is a young cavy, her adjustment to HappyCavy life has been relatively easy. Introductions with Baby Roo and Annie were a breeze, and she’s already settled into the routines of floor time and daily cuddles. We’re so excited to have a Teddy again, and for many happy years ahead with Bernadette!