Helping a shelter.

[PinkGrass]

Not too long ago, I went to the animal shelter that is literally right down the street from me. They have never had guinea pigs before, and I've been there several times. But, now they do.. and they are asking $35 per pig. I kinda felt like this was costly for one pig, and I bet it discourages a lot of people from adopting (especially if they wanted to adopt a pair) since the shelter in the town next door has pigs for $15.

I don't know why the price is so high. It doesn't include any vet examinations like their other animals, and they are being kept in small unused travel kennels (3 to one kennel). I didn't see any hay or veggies either.

But, I got to thinking about things I could do to help the price or pay for better food, like selling home-made cavy cozies, hammocks, and other acccessories to benefit the pigs (I have done a lot of sewing projects before, so I know I could). 100% of the profit would go towards the pigs. Or, I thought of making enough cozies/cups so that if someone adopts one, it comes with the adopted pig. Do you think this is a good idea or could even work? Or would they think I was crazy to propose this idea?

[Charlie's_mamma]

Crazy? Ha more like genious! I think that's a great idea. I've never tried that before so I couldn't tell you from experience but at least expect to pay a little bit of the profit. Maybe you could make things for the other animals there. Shelters will take whatever they can get. Good luck and I hope you can get some cavies!

[PiggieMom]

I think that's a really good idea. If you have the money you could also bring in some veggies and hay for the poor guys and maybe a guinealyns brochure. If your patient and nice and they see that you really want to help out you may be able to teach them how to care for these and any future pigs.

[JennG]

I'm sure the piggies would definitely love the idea. I've seen where single pigs are $25 and if you get two it's another $10 for the 2nd piggie. I think Rose at Critter Corral has the same thing but don't quote me on it.

What shelter is it? Just curious. Do you know if they'll post pics on petfinder?

[fairysari]

That price does seem a little steep. When I went to adopt my Tanuki, I went in expecting to pay around $20, and it was only SIX dollars! And he's a skinny, which I've seen for sale at pet stores around here for $130.

I think that anything you can do to help the pigs at the shelter would be great. Piggiemom's idea of giving them some guinealynx brochures is a great idea. Maybe if you have the time you could volunteer to help with the pigs, maybe even just taking them out for lap time so they stay used to being handled, or giving them so floor time out of their kennels.

It's possible that the people who work at the shelter just aren't too familiar with proper guinea pig care, so they might appreciate any help or info. Maybe you could also suggest mite treatments for the pigs, just in case. I really think that the people at the shelter will think you're awesome and caring for wanting to help, not crazy.

[krittercrazy]

I believe any donation to a shelter would be welcome. I have taken fresh greens and food to the local shelter. Most shelters are geared toward dogs and cats. People regularly donate with them in mind and are totally unaware of the existance or needs of the smaller rescues. The shelter would likely welcome information to pass on to adopters, as well as help to improve the the living conditions of the guinea pigs while they are at the shelter. If they are unwilling to accept this help then they are the crazy ones.

[PinkGrass]

Jenn- It's the Hannibal Humane Society of Missouri. I'm really going to try and encourage them to use petfinder. It is free, right? I'd even volunteer to take pictures and set up any webpage complications. I'm pretty code and internet handy. I'm on here all the time, anyway. And considering I could walk to the place in 5 minutes, it really wouldn't be hard to upkeep it.

kritter and fairy- I'll look into the GL brochure! Thanks for the suggestions. I really hope they don't mind me wanting to help them out. I just didn't want to make them seem think I was insulting their care or.. I dunno! I just was worried they would turn me away. I think it's pretty obvious they aren't too cavy savvy, though. I'm actually going to the store to day to pick up veggies, so I think I'll pick up a few extras. And then talk to them about my ideas. I was also thinking about using my extra grids to build a proper cage... but I'm not sure if they would have room to put a larger table in the room they have them in. Eh! My mind is thinking of so many things I could do for them.

[JennG]

I'm not sure if petfinder is free or not. Maybe T would know or one of the mods. Good luck.

[PiggieMom]

Definately good luck to you! I'm sure they'd appriciate any help they can get. I haven't heard of any sheltures turning away voluteers.

[GSL1445]

I love your ideas! I may use some of the ideas posted on this thread to encourage my Girl Scouts to make/donate things to the SPCA in Dallas, or one of the nearby rescues. As a mentor for young girls, I am very proud of you for stepping up to the challenge. Way to go Pink Grass!

[NewToPiggies]

I think this a wonderful thing your doing. I think the shelters would be glad for your help. Most the time they need any and all help they can get. I hope it all works out great for the piggies and you.

[Katie]

Jenn- It's the Hannibal Humane Society of Missouri. I'm really going to try and encourage them to use petfinder. It is free, right? I'd even volunteer to take pictures and set up any webpage complications. I'm pretty code and internet handy. I'm on here all the time, anyway. And considering I could walk to the place in 5 minutes, it really wouldn't be hard to upkeep it.

Yes, Petfinder is free.

[weta!]

I sell piggie snuggle sacks on the NZ version of ebay to help out a guinea pig rescue (I think it's the only guinea-pig specific rescue in NZ). I can't adopt any piggies or donate any food or hay (too far away), so the least I can do is donate my labour. I think any shelter would be appreciative of any help you can offer.