Pet of the Week: Oliver

Meet Oliver, a one-of-a-kind guinea pig who overcame great odds as a piglet and now lights up the lives of everyone around him.

Here’s what his owners had to say about him:

This is Oliver, and he lives in Barcroft neighborhood. Adopted on January 10, 2012, his vet estimates that he is between two and three years old. Before moving to Arlington, Oliver was neglected and abandoned, and when adopted, was expected to pass away due to trauma. With a lot of love, Oliver began to eat better, socialize more, and he ultimately recovered.

Once shy and afraid of other animals and people, Oliver now thinks everyone is his friend. He regularly plays with cats and dogs he encounters during gatherings with friends and family, and absolutely loves to cuddle with his human friends. Due to the struggles in his past, Oliver has many personality traits that have even baffled the staff at his piggy doctor, like sleeping on his back. One of Oliver’s current favorite pastimes is to “dress for the occasion” and visit with young children or the elderly, where he is often called the “therapig” because he loves to snuggle and give kisses (he knows how!).

Oliver gets lots of love and attention from family, friends, work staff, and dog and cat friends. He’s always ready to talk when your phone rings, since he has decided everyone who calls wants to talk to him. He also loves to watch Friends, where he’ll impersonate the squawking of the chick and duck on the show when he hears them. He’s a personal alarm clock, entertaining to be around, and always ready to give hugs and kisses – you just have to ask him.

The Arlington Pet of the Week is sponsored by Dogma Bakery, which has locations at The Village at Shirlington (2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive) and the Lee Harrison Shopping Center (2445 N. Harrison Street).

Want your pet to be considered to be the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and 3-4 photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a $25 Dogma gift card.