Teens here - just tossing out my opinion

[Duffinvt]

I have not been a member long, but just wanted to say it is disheartening to see young folks come on the boards and say their parents are not letting them make a C&C cage, adopt a companion for their (well cared for) guinea pig, buy the proper food, etc.

Sheesh..... the kid is at home, with a pet, wanting to do some project that could be fun for the entire family. Thank your lucky stars ! The kid down the road is on drugs, having sex, contracting an STD, getting pregnant, in jail... sadly... etc., etc.

I know the guinea pig's kid might be doing all of the above, too, but chances are they are just kids wanting to set up a cool environment for their pets and have researched the things guinea pigs need for a healthy life.

I am not looking to start an argument. I know the parents are probably decent and hard working folks. Perhaps money is an issue in these tough economic times or there are other concerns. I am just frustrated at the posts of this nature that come through.

[Paula]

I agree. There was a time years ago when I found such posts annoying, but now I find that I wish some parents would be half as concerned and caring as their kids are when it comes to these animals.

If the acquisition of a pet could be viewed as a family venture, rather than just a kid's project, the battle would be half won already. Which is really all the more reason to push for adoption from shelters or rescues, where a minor can't adopt without parental consent and at least some basic education on the animal, rather than pet stores, who pretty much sell to any and everyone with cash to pay.

[fieryone]

I have to agree. I'm a mom who was asked if we could get a guinea pig. Granted my son was only 8 at the time so I already knew that I would be taking on the care and expense of the pigs if we got them so maybe that's what prompted me to do the research. I like to think that even if my son were a little older when he asked and expected to take on more of their care that I would have researched them first just as I did this time. I do believe that I would have. I think it's a must to find out as much information as you can before you take on the care of another living being.

[JD In Van]

I'm a parent too. I've commented many many times though that when minor children are living at home and financially dependant on their parents they really can't be responsible for another living being. This is why all rescues and the SPCA require that a person be over 18 to adopt and often require the home owner/head of the house hold to be the one to do so.

I applaud our teen cavy owners for trying to give your pigs the best life they can. I'm frusterated though that your parents don't understand their responsibilities to the living creatures in their house.

[angiekay]

I agree with you girls, it's sad that the parents aren't more involved in what interests their kids, and try to be responsible pet owners, regardless of what type of pet it is. The kids obviously care and love them very much but are unable to do what they need to because of limitations the parents have placed on them and all. But just like fieryone said, if they were going to purchase a pig for their young teen or child, then why not research what's involved and talk to the teen/child about the responsibilites involved, and then the parents would be well aware. I dunno, I guess it's just a matter of opinion.

[Peggysu]

Yes, the posts described do bother me as I wish these teens/young adults were able to give their guinea pigs the life that they would want. When parents hinder the care of pets I find it very sad. These parents need to learn from their children and I would hope that the guinea pig would become part of the family and not just the teens pet.

If I was living at home and I did some research on taking of my guinea pigs and wanted to build a big cage and feed proper food, my parents would have been proud and helped me with whatever I needed.

Shoot my parents are proud about the way I take care of my animals now.

[Paula]

But just like fieryone said, if they were going to purchase a pig for their young teen or child, then why not research what's involved and talk to the teen/child about the responsibilites involved, and then the parents would be well aware.

Unfortunately, a lot of parents don't actually think of these animals as living things in any real sense, but more as a hobby or way to pacify their child, and as long as they're marketed as "starter pets" by pet stores, I doubt some folks are going to have much inclination to give it much thought beyond that. It's tragic, really, because in such cases, unless the kid takes a serious approach, the animals often end up mistreated or suffering.

[Buddy4]

I must say, I am saddened as well. I am a parent, and only know about this web site because of my daughter. She had been wanting a guinea pig for 2 years. She is now 10, and because of her persistence and great salesmanship, we gave in this past spring. I was so impressed with her responsible behavior that I was compelled to learn more. I was intrigued by the web site, and now have kind of taken over the care of the GP's, because I am home more and quite frankly, have become quite attached (as I look over and they are chomping on a snack of organic greens) Now the kicker, is seeing my husband sit in front of their C&C cage and pet them. They have gotten to all of us!

[Duffinvt]

Originally Posted by Buddy4

I must say, I am saddened as well. I am a parent, and only know about this web site because of my daughter. She had been wanting a guinea pig for 2 years. She is now 10, and because of her persistence and great salesmanship, we gave in this past spring. I was so impressed with her responsible behavior that I was compelled to learn more. I was intrigued by the web site, and now have kind of taken over the care of the GP's, because I am home more and quite frankly, have become quite attached (as I look over and they are chomping on a snack of organic greens) Now the kicker, is seeing my husband sit in front of their C&C cage and pet them. They have gotten to all of us!

Thanks for posting !! Yours is an uplifting post for sure. They are such engaging little critters, I wish more parents got involved with their care. I bet it would mean a lot to the kids, too.

I know what you mean about guinea pigs getting to other family members. I slept a bit late on Sunday and when my husband went by the pigs' home they wheeked at him. He said "the pigs were hungry so I opened the cage and gave them some hay". He also helped me put the C&C cage together, and that was very nice of him !!

[fieryone]

Originally Posted by Buddy4

Now the kicker, is seeing my husband sit in front of their C&C cage and pet them. They have gotten to all of us!

The pigs that my son asked for are definitely my pigs, as are the 2 others that have been added since then. I clean their cage and everything else, except my husband gives them their breakfast veggies. My husband always thought they were cute but was rather indifferent to them. Then he would hold them every once in a while, maybe talk to them on occasion, but now he seems to adore them. He picks them up more often than he used to and will sit right next to me when I have one and talk to and pet them while I have them in my lap. He'll also steal them from me from time to time

They're rather charming little creatures when they're allowed to be what they are instead of a bored, depressed captives in a little jail cell

[Buddy4]

Originally Posted by fieryone

The pigs that my son asked for are definitely my pigs, as are the 2 others that have been added since then. I clean their cage and everything else, except my husband gives them their breakfast veggies. My husband always thought they were cute but was rather indifferent to them. Then he would hold them every once in a while, maybe talk to them on occasion, but now he seems to adore them. He picks them up more often than he used to and will sit right next to me when I have one and talk to and pet them while I have them in my lap. He'll also steal them from me from time to time

They're rather charming little creatures when they're allowed to be what they are instead of a bored, depressed captives in a little jail cell

Fantastic! It's nice to see their softer side sometimes. My husband is so big, just seeing him try to get to the level of the cage to touch them fills my heart!! Same with my 6 and 7 year old boys. My 7 yr old cried the other day because he is so worried that something could happen to the little critters. I said, honey, they have a very good life here! (again, chomping on organic greens and running laps!)

[vicky2]

Originally Posted by JD In Van

I've commented many many times though that when minor children are living at home and financially dependant on their parents they really can't be responsible for another living being.

Sorry, but I have to disagree with this statement.
Teens are fully capable of taking up the financial responsiblity of pig/s. After all, you can start working when your fourteen in most places, and saving up change after shopping or something isn't too hard to do either.

If my mom cared about Lucky as much as me, I might just like her some more. That's our primary problem.
I'm going out to buy Lucky food, want something? It's too expensive.
I'm getting more stuff for the cage. It's already too big!
etc.

Of course not all parents are like this but when your stuck under their roof, minor or just living at home, you have to listen to what they have to say.
Personally, I admire most people on this forum because of how opening and informed they are.
For example:
We're adopting another Guinea Pig.
Fine, we'll go to the pet store.
No we can adopt one.
They have rescues for things like that?
Yes.

I know that my mom will never be proud of me for the way I take care of my pets. I know that she's selfish and doesn't care if someone else is paying. That's just the way she is.

The only thing I can do is be proud of myself and continue taking care of her in the best way possible, no matter what it takes.

Well, that's my opinion and view on the topic.
Hmmm, I think I rambled too much...

[wigglesgiggles1]

Before I got my pigs, I typed a 3 page essay stating what I will need them to do which is only drive the pigs to the vet and what I will do which is every thing else because they were making sure we could give the pigs the best life that they can have.

[JD In Van]

I know that teenagers can often work and pay for their pets but they're still reliant on their parents to provide them shelter and that gives parents the leverage to say what does and does not happen under "their roof".

Which means regardless of who is paying the bills, the parents are still ultimately calling the shots. If they don't care for the animal themselves, if it's an incovience to them or they feel indifferant to it then they are not going to 'allow' their teens to build huge cages, or wash their fleece in their wash, or drive their teen and said teens cavy to the vet on a cold rainy night because the cavy's sick.

If a parent is on board with taking on a pet - they interact with the pet, care for the pet, want what's best for it - then all the power to the teen caring for it. But unless that is the case, they should wait until they're out from under their parents control before taking on responsibility for a living thing.

This is why the rescues only adopt to adults no matter how responsible and financially able a teenager is.

[vicky2]

Sorry, but another disagreement.
I don't care where I am living, I will make the best life possible for the being under my care. I mean, if you had a baby and lived with your parents and they told you to leave it in the crib forever, would you do it? I certainly wouldn't.
I built the cage against my moms' will and made arrangements to the vet without her. She has no control in her life regardless of what she says unless it means adding to the herd.
Actually, I'm happy rescues don't adopt out to teenagers because most of them think a Guinea Pig is a Rat or a Gerbil.
When I talk about Lucky sometimes and say I'll be late for plans because I have to feed her they'll be like, "What kind of dog is she?".
No one is really aware of the care an animal needs until they actually have it.

[rahunter]

It was my 9 year old son's idea to get guinea pigs. I did some research and learned that my pigs that I had as a teen were neglected. I printed off care info for him to read and understand that they are not just cute and furry but a lot work also. Together, he and I are their care providers. I make sure that he has done is daily piggy chores and insist that he helps me w/ the weekly cleaning. Though, I do love these little girls just as much as he does. I even have my 3 year feed our dogs each evening and put down the new puppy pads when they are soiled

It makes me sad to know that some parents are not involved in the safety and health of animals that I'm sure they purchased for their child or took them to pick out.

[JD In Van]

Originally Posted by vicky2

Sorry, but another disagreement.
I don't care where I am living, I will make the best life possible for the being under my care. I mean, if you had a baby and lived with your parents and they told you to leave it in the crib forever, would you do it? I certainly wouldn't.
I built the cage against my moms' will and made arrangements to the vet without her. She has no control in her life regardless of what she says unless it means adding to the herd.
Actually, I'm happy rescues don't adopt out to teenagers because most of them think a Guinea Pig is a Rat or a Gerbil.
When I talk about Lucky sometimes and say I'll be late for plans because I have to feed her they'll be like, "What kind of dog is she?".
No one is really aware of the care an animal needs until they actually have it.

Unfortunitely this is NOT the case for most teenagers. Many teenagers face dire consequences if they defy thier parents or are not even in a position where they can contemplate doing so. I'm glad it worked out for you but you are definitely the exception not the rule.

I think the abundance of 'my parents won't let me (buy good food/use fleece/have a livable sized cage/give my cavy veggies) threads is pretty clear testimate to that.

[vicky2]

I understand what your saying but most teens are willing to go to the next level.
Most of those threads state that their parents pay for everything. If the teens were the ones willing to pay, most parents would respect the care they're providing.
I think if the teen cares enough about the pig and can't give the proper care, they should do the responsible thing and rehome them to someone who can. Most of the time their feeling come in between their emotions and what's best for the animal in their care.

[Froggirl009]

It is just so frusterating sometimes. I know you guys just care about the welfare of guinea pigs, but you need to understand that sometimes things are out of us kid's controll. I have had many pages and many people have sent me messages telling me that I need a bigger cage and how I could make a bigger cage. I have said this countless times, If I had my own place, my pigs would have a huge cage with a lot of friends. But I don't. I don't mean for this to have a rude tone but sometimes people make me feel like I am horible to my pigs. I have a 2x3 cage with two pigs and that is the minimum. My parents won't seem to budge on anything else.

[JD In Van]

Originally Posted by Froggirl009

It is just so frusterating sometimes. I know you guys just care about the welfare of guinea pigs, but you need to understand that sometimes things are out of us kid's controll. I have had many pages and many people have sent me messages telling me that I need a bigger cage and how I could make a bigger cage. I have said this countless times, If I had my own place, my pigs would have a huge cage with a lot of friends. But I don't. I don't mean for this to have a rude tone but sometimes people make me feel like I am horible to my pigs. I have a 2x3 cage with two pigs and that is the minimum. My parents won't seem to budge on anything else.

I think you're fine with 2x3!

But that's exactly my point. And I know we have several other teen members in the same position.

Even when you're able to pay for, build for and care for your pigs it's their house and ultimately they're in control.