We are Reeces and Patches, 2-year-old guinea pigs adopted from the Connecticut Humane Society. We share a tiny wooden house in a big cage. We spend our days eating, sleeping and posing adorably. We live in the kitchen and whistle loudly for fruit and vegetables when we hear someone come downstairs in the morning. We enjoy sitting on our owners when they read or watch TV and chirp contentedly when petted. Sometimes we get territorial and make funny noises at each other. This is called “rumble-strutting,” the silly but official term. We live with two cats who completely ignore us despite the fact that we are rodents. Happily, we also live with 5-year-old twins who are devoted to us. We are sometimes nicknamed Thera-pigs for all the love and laughter we bring!

Meredith A. Jannusch

Mystic

My Pet Pal is a reader-submitted feature that highlights local residents and their favorite furry, feathery or scaly friends. Send a photo of you and your pet, along with a short description of what makes them a great companion, your name and what town you live in to times@theday.com. Include “pet pal” in the subject line.