Thank you!

[makemesmile]

I used to be really active before than I disappeared for a while (life became very hectic). I just wanted to thank everyone for their support on this site.

Many of my friends and family members aren't very supportive of my guinea pig's lifestyle. I was ridiculed by my father and people at work for spending $200 on my guinea pigs teeth procedure. I've also been told that my guinea pig cage is "TOO big" and I waste a lot of time and money on cheap rodents. What they don't know is how the changes in diet and living space have change their lives for the best and how it makes me proud to own them.

I have seen a huge difference in my 6 year old guinea pig Hilton's personality and attitude since I've built him a bigger cage and have been feeding him appropriately. He seems so much happier and more affectionate than he used to be.

About a month ago I purchased (I KNOW, not good) a guinea pig from a local pet store. I wasn't in the market for another guinea pig but he was in such a small cage (smaller than a 10 gallon fish tank!) and he looked so pitiful and I knew I would take better care of him than they were. He had no hay, his pellets looked stale there was a large amount of poo in his dish. I HAD TO SAVE HIM! LOL Baxter was so shy when I brought him home but since he's getting a better diet and unlimited hay he is doing so much better. I call him my little popcorn because that's all he does now! LOL

Hilton and Baxter adore each other. They have their tiffs but overall I know they enjoy each others company. So thanks again for the support you all offer and enriching my pigs lives.

[SFailed186]

I know exactly how you feel about being ridiculed. My grandfather went wild when he found out that we took our girl Freya to an exotic vet. He thinks a "normal cat and dog vet" would have been fine. He was even more upset when he found out we spent about $80 on the visit. He laughed in our faces. And I cannot tell you how many of my friends make fun of me because of the cage. Some of them even get mad at me when I tell them useful information about the proper care of their pets. -sigh-

[makemesmile]

I don't understand why guinea pigs aren't viewed as pets like cats and dogs are. If a dog is sick people think nothing of taking them to the vet but with guinea pigs they're like !?!?!?!

[fieryone]

I haven't gotten any major snarkiness from people, but I did get a snotty "I understand" when I told my boss that I had to leave early to bring my (then) new pig to the vet for a check up. I'd just gotten him from craigslist and he had a little runny nose and his eye membrane (?) looked a bit raw. Plus he needed a pre-neuter check up anyway. I was also chuckled at when I brought him in to be neutered. Would I have gotten the same tone if it was a dog or cat? I doubt it.

They're pets, just like any other animal. They deserve to be spoiled, loved, have medical care, and a proper life just like any other pet. I don't get this attitude at all.