Chiz Whiz

 

Chiz Whiz ... who is Chiz Whiz I hear some of you saying.

Also know as 'Chiz', 'Chizzy', 'Chiz-Whiz', 'Whizwoo', 'Whizzywoo' and 'My Boy', all affectionate names given to to the most loving, funny, intelligent, playful bundle of fur and soul-mate of our Founder, Roger Whear.

He was the inspiration for Roger to write his books on chinchillas (which have been distributed world-wide) and to start Chinchilla Chat Line (CCL) which, since it's inauguration, has gone from strength to strength.

Sadly Chiz Whiz breathed his last breath while being held lovingly and being gently reassured by Roger on the 31st May 2007, aged 21 years.  He has been laid to rest in a spot that Roger can see from the comfort of his home and remember his favourite chinchilla. 

Chiz Whiz, oh, our famous Chizzy!!  He IS and always will be CCL!  His spirit will always be with us all while he looks down from chinnie heaven (poignantly as depicted in our photograph above) where he has been reunited with many close friends and patiently waits to be reunited with his soul-mate and other friends.

Oscar

I thought today I would be brave  and place a memorial for our beloved Oscar who we lost sudenly five weeks ago. We miss him terribly and so does his mate Yvvi - words still cannot how much we think of him. I thought today would be a good day to post this memorial as since he passed, we have rescued two more chins from a local rescue centre, Barney who although is elderly and partially sighted has brought us much comfort knowing that  he will spend the rest of his natural life being loved and cared for after being abandoned twice, and Jeremy, who recently lost his father -  and after much perseverance they have all finally moved in together. The room still feels empty without oscar but at least we have used the space wisley.

We miss you little man xx and you are always in our thoughts xx

In loving memory of our little friend Apollo

He was taken from us so suddenly there was no chance to say goodbye, and as it was down to Chinchat that we found him in the first place, this seemed a fitting place to say that goodbye.
He was a lovely little chin, maybe not the tamest or most affectionate, but being a rescue he probably had his reasons for that, and he had personality in shedloads. He was never happier than when running round the living room, hopping on the furniture and constantly chirruping to himself as he did so, and combined with his distinctive looks he was irresistible.
Even though we had only had him a few months, he made a big impression and we miss him so much. He was definitely one of a kind, and it’s such a shame we didn’t have longer together.
So long little guy, we’ll never forget you.

Caratooz

In loving memory of Caratooz who passed away on 30th August 2005 aged seven years. Unfortunately, we do not have a photo of Caratooz but Roger has written a lovely poem for his chinchilla.

Do not weep for my sleep

Do not cry for a goodbye

No sorrow for a life which I borrow

Life not my death, your saviour

Time is left for you to live, nature's favour

Remember me for a moment of affection

Years of mirrored reflection

Sing loud the song

I am where I belong

Swallowed by fire and returned to Earth

By Roger Whear

Chuffy

You may remember this little lady who was advertised on our re homing page a while back. Chuffy had lived with her owner for six years, this owner admitted that Chuffy had rarely left her cage in all this time and then she decided she no longer wanted her. Mandy from Plymouth was the kind lady who re homed Chuffy and they lived together for almost a year. Poor Chuffy always suffered from various health problems though and despite Mandy's best efforts, Chuffy was put to sleep on the vet's advice a few days ago. Mandy is very upset but she did all she could and certainly gave Chuffy a happy final year. Roger looked after Chuffy  for a little while before Mandy came along and he had never come across a chinchilla quite like her, she was extremely tame and would sit in his lap for hours. Here is Mandy's tribute to a brave little chinchilla.

My little Chuffy - in the corner on her own. She must have ached to be allowed to roam.

For six long years in prison, Chuffy stayed. Slowly her life was ebbing away. She lived in an empty cage with a rusty base, no shelf in sight, no morsel of delight - on her own from morning until night. Little Chuffy had no pleasure at all. Her owner was worried that if let out, she would chew everything in sight. No mortal sin, we would say, just put things away so that she can run and jump and play!

But no-one wanted to put things away so in her cage Chuffy stayed whilst the days slowly passed away, nothing to do, nowhere to play inside her cage.

The damage was already done when I came along to give her a good home. Chuffy couldn't run, she couldn't jump, she even had problems judging heights. She was very stiff and wobbly too, exercise made her blue. Soon the illnesses started pouring in, her life was looking very grim. All those years she spent inside haunted her and made her cry. She would nestle snugly in my arms for one or two hours at a time. I'd kiss her nose and she would nibble mine. Lots and lots of cuddles we shared.

She was far too poorly for exercise, I'd sit with her and cry and cry thinking about all she had been through so Chuffy I am writing this poem for you.

Never ever have a chinchilla and force him/her to be a prisoner. Play outside the cage is a must for the chinchilla to thrive and become robust. It's not too hard to hide chewable things away and let them have an hour's play. Playtime was too much for Chuff, her little body had had enough. All those years of being caged has now taken her life away.

In loving memory of my Little Chuffy.

Mandy Elliott.

NELSON  - his story

Nelson came to us when someone visited a local cats and dogs home and saw him sat in a small cage in the reception area.
He had no home to sleep in, no sand bath to clean himself in and no shelves or branches to climb on. He looked miserable and terrified.
We received a call shortly afterwards, picked him up and brought him home to a nice clean cage with plenty of food, a bath, lots of things to keep him entertained and a friend called Monica.
Within a few days he started to come out of himself began to put weight on and stopped pulling his fur out.
Unfortunately Nelson only lived for a couple of months, we found him collapsed and he died in our arms, but our relief is knowing that the last couple of months of his life were times that he enjoyed and was happy and contented.

Nelson

Four Day Old Kitten

This little kitten lost it's fight for life despite Roger's best efforts. The kitten of undetermined sex was one of triplets but it was attacked by it's stronger siblings and starved of it's mother's milk. Substitute milk was given, with no improvement. Roger gave the little kit an egyptian burial and you can see how peaceful this looked.

In Memory Of Little Mr Zag

In memory of beautiful Mr Zag, who sadly and unexpectedly passed away on 3.5.04, aged just 11 months.

From the age of three months I looked after you, I watched you play with glee,

'Barracaded' in the 'chinny proof room' you, Mr Zig and me.

Several 'nights out' a week you enjoyed, with your partner in crime you played,

You chewed and gnawed and gnawed and chewed and left my carpets frayed.

You were a rather jumpy little chap, nervous and quick to hide,

Didn't much like human contact and away you often shied.

A grumpy little chin you looked, in appearance a 'frown' you wore,

I'd give away many things  little chap, to see that frown once more.

You quickly earned a little place in my heart Mr Zag, And now that you've gone that little place is empty and feels sad. I pray that your short life was happy and that you did not suffer pain, And I write this poem for you, so people know your name. So Goodbye to you my little chap, from Mr Zig and me, Wherever you are now my little friend I pray that you are happy.

Zag

Pablo

Pablo passed away peacefully on the 19th May 2004. He had belonged to Roger Whear for the last three years of his life and despite his illness he had enjoyed a life many chinchillas often dream about. This handsome chap was a black velvet and about seven years of age.

Roger rescued Pablo from London when his owners did not want him anymore. Unfortunately, despite Roger's best efforts, Pablo was always sickly. It was discovered that he was suffering from aluminium poisoning, probably from being housed in an unsuitable cage in his younger years. Chinchillas will always chew and chewing aluminium is not good. This was slowly poisoning him and the vets could do nothing. However Pablo did not seem to be suffering to a great degree and continued enjoying his food and apple right up until the morning he died. The little chap went peacefully and can now enjoy life as a healthy chinchilla -  wherever he is.

Pablo

Clyde

Clyde, our adorable beige male chinchilla

Loveable, cuddly, cute and amusing little bundle of fun

You brought us so much joy and pleasure in your short two years

Died so sadly on 20/01/03, unfortunately from teeth problems

Evermore in our hearts, we will always treasure fondest memories of you

You are safe now, free from pain. god bless and rest in peace in chinny heaven.

Love from,

Angie and Kayleigh

BRADLEY

Bradley left us 5/26/06 she would have been 9 this year we always hear cute bark and see her rolling in her dust that she loved so well sleep well little angel we will miss you and love you always !
Your Mom & Dad,
Darryl and Sue.

GIZMO

Missing the warmth of his heart, the beat of affection from the start.  His life filled mine with adoration.  Earthly and heavenly mutual adulations, cherished memory I will have forever.  Cuddling this gentle marshmallow creature forget never

Died July 2006 aged 5 years.

Poem written by Roger Whear, July 2006