Ben (what on earth happened??)

Question
Today i had to break my little girls heart by telling her that her little Ben had died.  Ben was a male, 2.5 yrs old,we've had him since he was a baby and hes never had a health problem.  Ben was played with daily and very well loved and cared for by the entire family.  His cage wasnt ever wet so i know it wasnt wet tail, he ate large amounts, ( averaging a cup a day of a mix of fresh carrots, romaine lettuce, pellets,ocassional diced apple and that dried grass stuff)   I used all 100% pine shavings, changed 2 times a week... recently the fish tank that was above him broke and had a leak that got his bedding wet over night, but he just stayed on the other side and i changed it right away... he seemed fine, even out playing on the carpet last night.  This morning when i was moving about the kitchen he didnt squeak a greeting like he always does, so i went to see what was up and say good morning, he was dead, but had to have just died because he was still somewhat warm and not stiff.   My daughters are crushed, and I have to admit im pretty heart broken myself,... what could have happened to him?  What did i do wrong?

Answer
Hello Penny,

I am so sorry for your loss I know how heartbreaking it can be. Unfortunantly with no symptoms, it's difficult for me to say anything for sure. Guinea Pigs can have heartattacks and strokes and this is possibly the cause as are many other things. It sounds like he had very good care and I'm pretty certain it's nothing you or your family did wrong. When a precious pet dies it's hard not to blame ourselves, but try not to. From what you've told me it doesn't sound like it was your fault at all. My heart goes out to your and your family. I'm going to include a link to a pet memorial site. It may help you and your daughters deal with your grief to create a memorial for her precious little Ben. Again I am so sorry for your loss and I wish I could be of more help.

http://www.in-memory-of-pets.com

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs