Maisie is a five year old little girl
who is full of energy and personality.
Rocky was the class guinea pig in Maisie’s pre-k class.
I want to eat a sushi!
- The first time I remember Rocky even being mentioned
is when I asked her how her day was, and Maisie responded,
“Oh, it was great. Rocky and I read stories.”
And then sure enough, there’s a picture of Maisie
with a book with this guinea pig.
In her mind this guinea pig was there for her,
and she wanted to be there for that guinea pig.
We built Rocky a guinea pig carousel.
We invited Rocky’s buddy, Oreo, from the other pre-k classroom over.
Towards the end of the year Maisie’s teacher reached out
and asked if anyone knew of someone who would be willing to adopt Rocky.
I wanted to help find him a home.
I had heard that my coworker, Marti, was a really big fan of guinea pigs.
I have been interested in a guinea pig as a pet for a long time.
And I heard about Rocky, so I thought maybe it’s just meant to be.
- So I told Maisie that Rocky was actually going to be in a great situation,
and I think that made her feel really good.
- I went to Maisie’s preschool,
and he was waiting for somebody to get him.
When I picked Rocky up I could tell he was very nervous.
I also live with a dog named Boo.
She’s a twelve year old Yorkshire Terrier.
She had never met a guinea pig
so I had no idea how she was going to react to Rocky.
So little by little they started getting comfortable with each other.
- Maisie would always still always ask about Rocky.
- It’s just so cute that she loved this little creature so so much.
So I thought, I’ll just make this short video saying hello.
Hi Maisie! Rocky just wanted to say hi to you.
He’s doing really, really well.
- I showed the video to Maisie.
Hi Marti! Thank you for sending the video.
I used to read Rocky books.
- I was so happy to see Maisie happy,
so I sent another video.
- I have another Rocky video. - Yay!
- Hey Maisie, this is Rocky checking in.
- He looks happy.
- What was your favorite book to read to him?
- Hey Rocky, it’s me Maisie.
I want to read you The Three Billy Goats Gruff.
- “Who’s that tripping over my bridge?”, roared the —
- Troll.
- Rocky and Maisie became video pen pals.
- Hey Rocky, hope you’re having a good day.
- Obviously Rocky doesn’t recognize
that he’s pen pals with a little girl.
However, this is something that makes Maisie so happy,
and that is why I keep sending videos.
Hey Maisie! Rocky is really late to getting all of your messages.
Do you think you want to come visit him sometime?
- We’re going to go visit Rocky today. - Yay!
I get to go visit Rocky today!
- What?
- Uh-huh!
Let’s make him some sushi.
- That looks nice, huh?
- It’s for Rocky.
- All right, where are we going? - To Rocky’s house!
- Nope, we’re going the other way. Other way.
So we have about, I don’t know, 20 more stops to go?
- So I don’t know if Rocky is going to recognize Maisie,
but I hope that he can come out of his shell a little bit.
- We’re here! - Come on in.
Hi! Hi Maisie!
- Rocky!
Marti, can I hold Rocky? - You can, yeah.
Okay, put that in your lap, and I'm going to grab Rocky for you.
Do you hear him purr?
Yeah, hi. - Look!
Yeah! Oh, he would love that.
He hasn’t had sushi in so long.
- Rocky, it’s so good to see you.
- Are you checking for poop?
I remember Rocky
kind of being really nervous and shy.
But he was just so chill the entire time Maisie was holding him.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest —
(Giggling)
- You’re not paying attention.
She cut the apple.
Did you like the story, Rocky?
So I have to go out of town for a few days,
and I need somebody to pet sit Rocky.
Do you think you would be interested in spending a few days with him?
- Yeah. - You would?
- That means that we’re bringing Rocky home with us tonight.
- When? - Tonight.
- Yay!
Thank you for watching him.
He’s going to have the best time, Maisie.
- Bye! Have fun you guys.
Take care of Rocky. Thanks Maisie.
- Rocky, we’re going to have the best time this weekend.