Don D. Job, age 14, of Boise, Idaho, for his question:

Will a guinea pig's eyes really drop out if you lift him by the tail?

The guinea pig is a fat, friendly little fellow who will let you pick him up any way you please. However, it is best to lift him so that all four feet are comfortably supported. In fact, it is better to lift any four‑footed pet in this way. No four‑footed beastie likes his head and shoulders lifted with back legs left dangling. Besides, this careless way of lifting an animal is bad for his internal organs.

Naturally, none of Andy ls friends would. ever dream of lifting a pet by his tail. The pet would be hurt anal you might get bitten or clawed. However, it is quite safe to tell someone to pick up a guinea pig by his tail. He won't bite or claw and his eyes won 1t drop out. You see, the fat and friendly little guinea pig has no tail ‑ no tail at all.