INPUT ARTICLE: Article: It is a special wedge-shaped tool that's mounted onto a handle. The wedge has curved lines carved into it, which mimic a woodgrain texture when you rock and drag it across a painted surface. It is often sold as a kit with a smaller woodgrain rocker as well as a comb-like tool. You can find it in hardware and paint-supply stores. This method is best suited to large, flat surfaces, such as doors and tables. Choose tan or beige-tinted latex primer. Apply the primer using a synthetic bristle brush in overlapping rows from one end of the surface to the other. Let the primer dry completely before moving on. This may take up to an hour, or even longer. The paint may take longer to dry if it is very cold or humid where you live. Choose a latex paint color that is 2 to 3 shades darker than the one you just applied. Mix it with equal parts of acrylic glaze in a jar. Close the jar tightly and shake it to mix the color. You'll get a translucent glaze. Do not paint the entire surface just yet. Instead, use a synthetic bristle brush or a roller to apply the glaze in a 6 in (15 cm) wide strip on the left or right edge of your surface. Work your way from the top of the object to the bottom.  If you are right-handed, apply the paint to the left edge. If you are left-handed, apply the paint to the right edge. Do not apply the paint to the entire surface. You want to work in 6 in (15 cm) wide strips at a time. Place the woodgrain rocker on top of your surface, so that its top edge aligns with the top edge of whatever you are painting. Slide the rocker down towards the bottom edge of your surface, while slowly rocking the tool downward.  Pull the comb along the edge of your completed grain for a more natural appearance. For a smaller grain, rock the tool up and down while dragging it. Wipe all of your brushes, woodgrain rockers, and combs clean first. Apply another 6 in (15 cm) wide strip of your glaze-paint solution right next to the first strip. Immediately drag and rock the woodgrain rocker down the newly-painted strip. Run the comb that came with the kit along the edge, if desired. Keep working like this until you reach the other side of the surface. If the texture is too bold for you, tone it down by running a soft-bristled brush over it. Do this before the glaze finishes drying.

SUMMARY: Obtain a woodgrain rocker. Apply a tinted latex primer to the surface, and let it dry. Mix a darker wood shade with acrylic glaze. Apply the translucent glaze to your surface in a 6 in (15 cm) strip. Drag and rock the woodgrain rocker across the wet paint. Wipe your tools clean, then repeat the process.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: When you bring your guinea pig home after surgery, let it recover in a calm, quiet area. Place your guinea pig’s cage in an area that does not get a lot of foot traffic from you or other members of your household. If you have other guinea pigs, keep them in a separate cage from the sick guinea pig. If the surgically-removed lump was an abscess or infected cyst, your guinea pig will need antibiotics to prevent post-surgical infection. Because certain antibiotics can make guinea pigs extremely sick, your vet will prescribe a guinea pig-safe antibiotic. Do not purchase antibiotics at a pet store; they may not be safe for your guinea pig.  Guinea pigs typically need at least one round of antibiotics following surgical removal of an abscess. Your vet will determine how long your guinea pig will need antibiotic treatment. To give the antibiotic pill, hold your guinea pig, open its mouth, and put the pill as far back in the mouth as you can. If you can place the pill near the molars, your guinea pig will not be able to spit it back out easily.  Give the full course of antibiotics. Do not stop the antibiotic treatment when your guinea pig starts looking and feeling better. This could lead to the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. After surgery, keep the incision site clean and free of dirt and debris. To clean the incision site, use a clean, slightly damp towel and gently dab around the incision. That area may be a little painful for your guinea pig, so you do not want to use too much pressure. Examine the incision site for signs of infection: redness, swelling, discharge. If the incision site looks abnormal, take your guinea pig to your vet for treatment. Your vet may want to see your guinea pig again after surgery to monitor its recovery. During this follow-up appointment, your vet will examine the incision area, remove sutures (if necessary), and generally assess how your guinea pig is doing.

SUMMARY:
Place your guinea pig in a quiet environment. Give your guinea pig antibiotics. Clean the affected area. Schedule a follow-up appointment.