CASPER, Wyo. — Imagine guinea pigs Buster and Lamb Chop, abandoned and alone on Casper Mountain. How they ended up there remains uncertain, but rescuing them took a collective miracle.

Because she works long hours at multiple jobs, Erika Batchelor of Casper decided it would be best to give Buster and Lamb Chop a loving home where they would receive the attention they deserve.

And so, that is what Erika did. At least, what she thought she did.

A few days later, Erika was shocked to receive a picture of a guinea pig on Casper Mountain posted to the “Casper Pets: Lost N Found” Facebook page.

“I instantly knew that was Buster,” she said.

Pet guinea pigs Buster and Lamb Chop, in back, were lost for days on Casper Mountain. (Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)

Meantime, Sydney Schwindt and Rodney Jones saw the post. Both are guinea pig fans who have two of their own. Without hesitation, they drove to the location described. They found both Buster and Lamb Chop, scooped them up and posted the pair on Facebook, where they were seen by Erika’s sister, who contacted Erika.

And so, after several days in the wild, Buster and Lamb Chop are back home, where they will remain.

“At this point, it’s fate that returned them to me,” Erika said. With heat, thunderstorms and marauding predators, “It’s a miracle they were found safe.”

“Casper Pets: Lost N Found” is one of several pet rescue groups on Facebook, including “Casper’s Lost Pets” and similar efforts in Mills, Bar Nunn and Evansville.

A typical post reads, “My kitty must have slipped out last night without me knowing when I took the dogs out to go to the bathroom before bed. Her sister has been walking around the house meowing looking for her. She is not an outside cat so I’m sure she is very scared so please if you see her contact me. She has on a blue collar and no name on it. My kids, my husband and myself really miss her and want her back home safe.”

(Dan Cepeda, Oil City News)

In this case, kitty came back home on her own. But when an elderly woman lost her beloved feline, the cat was gone for days until she could be coaxed out of her hiding place with the help of a neighbor.

Some pet recovery efforts unfold almost in real time. Someone might report a dog on the loose with pictures, and concerned people will update its movements from street to street, topped off by happy comments if the owner is found.

Buster the guinea pig survived his harrowing adventure on Casper Mountain in good condition. However, Pork Chop required a trip to a veterinarian, where he was treated for severe dehydration. He was prescribed a critical care formula, which needed to be administered by syringe several times a day. Between Erika and her neighbor, they ensured Pork Chop was fed around the clock.

And his condition improved. Before long, Pork Chop dove into a salad and played with a strawberry like a toy. 

“I’d say it’s safe to say he’s feeling better!” Erika posted. “Thank you to everyone who has been sending their kind thoughts and prayers for this speedy recovery!”

Of course, not all stories have happy endings. Sometimes animals disappear and are not seen again, or are found dead on Casper streets. Anne Stanley, an administrator of local lost pet groups, said if killed in traffic, the cat or dog should be moved to the sidewalk and Metro Animal Services notified so it can be scanned for a microchip. 

She added that if a pet goes missing, it is also a good idea to file a missing pet report with Metro and check with the Casper Humane Society.

Anne said the Facebook groups have excellent working relations with Metro and the Humane Society.

Craig Cummings, director of the Casper Humane Society, said his staff members visit the lost pet sites regularly.

“No matter what people say about social media, it made it a lot easier for people to network and spread the news,” he added.

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