When Brigette Brouillard laces up her running shoes and heads to the trails, she’s not just seeking exercise—she’s searching for a rare moment of tranquility. As the Executive Director of Second Chances Wildlife Center, a non-profit organization focused on wildlife rehabilitation and education, her life is a whirlwind of responsibilities, often centered on the care and protection of animals. For Brigette, trail running is a chance to disconnect, leaving behind the constant demands of her phone and the emotional toll of her work. However, fate had other plans on this particular day.
Her chosen retreat was Cherokee Park in Louisville, Kentucky, a sprawling area known for its serene beauty and well-worn trails. Brigette had covered three miles when her peaceful run took an unexpected turn. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something unusual along the trail—a large cardboard box sitting just off the path.
At first, she hesitated. After all, she was out here to clear her mind, not to add more tasks to her day. But something about the box piqued her curiosity. It wasn’t discarded trash; it was too deliberately placed. As she approached, her instincts began to tingle—a feeling she’d learned to trust in her years of wildlife work.
The box was turned on its side, with the top flaps open as if someone had left it that way intentionally. Brigette leaned in to take a closer look. What she saw made her gasp. Inside were six tiny animals, some covered in soft fur and others completely hairless.
“They were guinea pigs,” Brigette later recounted, “and the hairless ones, known as Skinny pigs, were especially vulnerable.” Skinny pigs are unique—they have a higher metabolism than their furry counterparts, meaning they require more frequent feeding to survive. Both types of guinea pigs looked frightened and confused, huddled together in the cardboard box.
Though Brigette had come to the park for a break, she couldn’t ignore what she’d just found. Her training and natural compassion took over. Guinea pigs are not native to Kentucky, nor are they equipped to survive in the wild. “If I hadn’t found them,” she explained, “they would have likely starved to death or fallen prey to local wildlife or dogs.”
It was clear that someone had abandoned the animals, possibly hoping they would be discovered by a kind-hearted passerby. While Brigette couldn’t know the motives behind the act, she knew one thing for sure: these guinea pigs needed her help.
Brigette carefully lifted the box and began her trek back to her car. The box was heavier than it looked, and the uneven terrain made the journey even more challenging. Three miles suddenly seemed much longer. But Brigette was determined.
As she trudged along the trail, it became clear she wouldn’t make it back alone. She stopped and flagged down a fellow trail user, explaining the situation. The man, moved by her story, offered to help. Together, they loaded the “six talkative guinea piggies,” as Brigette called them, into his car and drove back to her vehicle.
Once home, Brigette shifted into high gear, drawing on her years of experience. She set up a safe, comfortable space for the guinea pigs and provided them with fresh food and water. Watching them eat and begin to relax, she couldn’t help but feel relief. The animals were safe for the first time in what must have been a terrifying ordeal.
Brigette’s work was far from over. While she had rescued the guinea pigs, they needed permanent homes. She shared her story on social media, where it quickly gained traction. Her heartfelt post described the unexpected discovery and her determination to ensure the guinea pigs found loving families.
The response was overwhelming. Dozens of people reached out, offering to help. Guinea pigs are social creatures, thriving in pairs or small groups, so Brigette made sure to place them in pairs. Within days, all six guinea pigs had been adopted into caring homes, where they would never have to face abandonment again.
Reflecting on the experience, Brigette shared how surreal it felt. “I came out here to take a break from animals, and yet, somehow, they found me anyway,” she said with a laugh. “It’s as if they knew I could help them.”
Her story isn’t just about one woman’s kindness; it’s a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership. Pets, no matter how small, depend on us for their care. Abandoning them in the wild is not only cruel but often fatal.
Brigette’s journey that day was far from what she had planned. Instead of solitude, she found six little lives that needed saving. But for her, it was a meaningful encounter that reaffirmed why she does the work she does.
Shortly after being released, he became overcome by rage and frustration and began violently wailing on his poor, trembling, frightened dog. It's clear that this man's violent tendencies didn't decrease after serving his time.
“Sometimes, life has a way of reminding you of your purpose,” Brigette said. “These guinea pigs reminded me that even in moments of rest, we have the power to make a difference.”
Thanks to her quick thinking, compassionate heart, and the help of a kind stranger, six guinea pigs got their second chance—and a new chapter in loving homes.
Toledo, United States.