I was thinking about this today and figured I would see your opinions. It confuses me as to why so many people choose pet stores over rescues. Somea re ignorant, but there are alot of people aware of rescues who buy anyway. If you were aware...I mean lets look at the benefits (Note this is a buyers ponit of view, not what I would see)
Also, this isnt just guinea pgs, but all animals.
Rescue
- You get a cheap animal.
- The animal is already spayed/neutered for you, most of the time
- Some are already trained in lots of things
- Lots to choose from.
Pet Store/Breeder
- Prices tend to be higher
- Usually not spayed/neutered.
- Risk of wide range of problems
- If they are puppies, generally untrained.
I have a story that looking back on it is horrible. My sisters old best friend (now hate eachother) had a sheltie from a puppy store! Had some hip porblems. But know they loved the store. So many years later we went back with them, as they wnated to get a pommeranian pup. Doing this knowing full well of rescues. The store was packed with puppies in tiny cgaes. Loud and dirty. Full of kids poking at them. She picked him out and wnat to know how mcuh she payed for him? $1,100! Its not like he is an amazing dog with champion blood lines or anything. Oh, no, probaly just a breeder mill puppy. I payed a whopping $50 to my local sheleter for my Border ColliexBritney Spaniel. He was 11 months old. Well that dog is the best I have ever met. He could easily excell in agility. Loves people, I have had him for about 4 or 5 years now and he has never bit anyone. Ever. Beofre I knew better I boguht Chex my petstore pig. Payed $35 for him. Got Chester from the same shelter for, are you ready? Brace yourslefs...$5, complete with petstore cage, food dish and water bottle.
So why do you think people do this? What can we do to help people do the right thing?