[newpiggies]

This is a terrible story, however I have to disagree that this is probably just one of those things that does happen from time to time and would probably not happen with everyone. You were a kid, you made a mistake, you've probably made up for it with all the love you give your pigs now, thousands of fold over. When I was a kid I raised hamsters and rats for years - from age 8 up until my teens. They all died of old age and at their time. There were no accidents. The point being... well I don't think because of one bad experience it's right to put people off getting pets for their kids. Although I definitely do advocate that people be educated and not get a pet just for the sake of it. We've had rescue horses, we've had rescue dogs, rescue cats and now own 2 rescue guinea pigs. My daughter wanted them as pets - and yes, although I did get them with her in mind, they are as much our family pets as anything. She bonds with them but I keep a close eye and I actually take care of the pigs. I'm really sorry to hear about what happened!