[ctinaw]

First, I'd like to say that was a wonderfully written story. I'm so sorry for what happened to your sweet pet. Of course it was an accident - and that can happen to anyone, not just kids.

I really have to question though - parents who would leave the care of an animal solely up to a 7 year old child. It seems pretty obvious to me that a 7 year old would not be responsible enough, mature enough or even capable enough to take care of any animal without the assistance and guidance of a parent at all times.

So really, I think that saying "pigs not for kids" - isn't necessarily a true statement - guinea pigs are wonderful pets for children. But when parents buy these pets for young children - or any child - they need to realize that while that may be their child's pet - that THEY are going to be the ones taking care of it - and helping their child learn to care for it. Pets are a great way to teach children the value of life, the responsibility of caring for that life and how wonderful animals are. So no, I would not go so far as to say they are not for kids as I believe pets are extremely important to a child's full development. However - it is the parents responsibility to make sure their children know how to care for it properly - or if their children are too young to do so - that THEY know how to properly care for it.

I have a 3 year old daugher who we "got the pigs for". Am I going to allow her to get the pig out and play with it unsupervised? Or leave all of the feedings and cage cleanings up to her? Obviously not! I don't believe a 7 year old is any more responsible than a 3 year old either. Though their intention are good - the common sense just isn't there at that age. I know that I am the caregiver for those pigs. Honestly I would think a child would need to be around 11-13 depending on the child to actually be able to be responsible enough for complete care of the pigs. And even then I would still be checking all of the time to make sure they were being taken care of properly.

I guess I just don't believe that people should be disuaded from getting guinea pigs as pets if they have young children because they are such awesome pets. Instead parent involvement should be encouraged - with an emphasis upon how MUCH involvement will actually be needed. We all know how great guinea pigs are or we wouldn't be here typing on this forum!

Again, I am so sorry for what happened to your piggie. But also look at what that tought you. I bet you are one of the best piggie moms out there today because of that hard lesson you learned. Not that it makes it any easier, but sometimes those lessons are the most important.