Two weeks ago today, I went to three different pet shops to try to find a female guinea pig. Females have fewer heath problems as they get older, because of biological differences. The last shop I went to, an independent pet store with a great reputation, had only males, but told me that not all males developed impactions and it was entirely possible that my next pet wouldn't. There was a brown one who put his paws up on the cage wires like Dora used to do. That seemed to be a sign. They let me cuddle him for awhile, which is a great sales technique, and he was very mellow and affectionate. So I took the plunge and bought him home.
Since I'd been planning on a female, I didn't have any boy names selected. But after setting him up in his new home, I watched him for awhile and a couple suggested themselves to me. Then I went to the grocery store to get him veggies and decided on one of them while I was shopping. I named him Rollo, because on one side of his face, he has a little mustache which makes him look dashing and Rollo sounds like a very European and adventurous name.

My sister saw him the next day and pointed out how his coloration is very similar to a collie, from certain angles, he also reminds me of a squirrel or rabbit. He's a bit more skittish here at home than he was at the pet shop, which worries me that I might be doing something wrong to make him nervous. But he's gradually trusting me more all the time. I'm looking forward to when he feels completely comfortable and settled in.