Introducing Phil (and myself, of course)...

[ferndalezoo]

Hello, my name is Mo (short for Melissa, but no one actually calls me that.) My partner and I live in a suburb of Detroit, MI, with our three children (15, almost 13, and 8), and an ever evolving crew of mostly rescued creatures we call our "zoo". We work in animal rescue, so we never know from one day to the next what kinds of critters will call us "home", either temporarily (like two of our Painted Turtles, who will be released back into the wild in the spring) or permanently. So long as we have the wherwithall to care for them, there's always room for one more.

Merry, our foster hound, started her training class last night, at a local PetSmart. As I pulled into the lot, I found the spot I wanted to park in was blocked by a buggy. I got out of the car, moved the buggy, and parked. On our way into the store, I decided to bring the buggy inside. There was a box in the buggy, which I didn't even really thing much about, until I noticed the box was moving. Inside the box, it turned out, was a cute little guinea pig (actually a rather large guinea pig), with a note that said "Free Guinea Pig. His name is Phil". Someone had actually abandoned the poor thing in a box, in a buggy, in the parking lot. In DECEMBER. WHAT is wrong with people?!
Anyway, meet Phil, the newest member of the motley crew we call the "Ferndale Zoo". Please pardon the "dog crate" enclosure and shredded newspaper bedding. We weren't exactly planning for this guy's arrival. Later today, I will retrofit an existing cage to move our female rats into, and then Phil will have their old cage, and just over 8 square feet of floor space. All our "small and furries" have a bedroom to themselves, and rotate "free-roam time", so cages are used relatively minimally, anyway.

[JarBax]

Hello, and welcome ferndalezoo, and Phil!

It is unbelievable what some people do, nevermind give up a beautiful guinea pig like Phil - but to abandon him, in winter. It is absurd.

Sounds like he came up trumps though, and has found a great new home with you! Will you consider adopting a friend for Phil - if you plan on keeping him?

[ferndalezoo]

Oh, absolutely. Once we build the permanent cage (the one he'll be in for now is big enough for him, but not more than that) we'll get him a buddy. All my previous Cavies have been female pairs, but I am assuming (and have been told) that a younger male should get on just fine with Phil when we get to that.

[JarBax]

I have girls, but there are many folk on here who have boys who get on well together! I believe that it is usually easier to introduce a younger, less dominant male to an existing boar.

This site has loads of fabulous information on all aspects of guinea-pig care, there will be loads of folk here interested on hearing how Phil gets on, we always love pigtures!

[zambonigirl]

I am so, so glad that you found him when you did! Poor little guy!

A baby boar would be perfect for him as a companion. Keep your eye on Craigslist and Petfinder.com for a companion, as well as our adoptables section. I'm sure you'll have a friend for Phil soon!

[wickedrodent]

Welcome..!

Thoses people who left him must have been crazy.. How could someone abandon such a cute little guy like that.. in a parking lot no less..

So glad that you found him.. I wonder how long he was out there before you got to him.. or how long he would have been out there if you hadn't..

Anyway.. Welcome Welcome Welcome! Seems like you are off to a great start!

I also foster small animals from time to time when they need homes.. Its amazing how many there are all over.. There are TONS here in TX.. I just found a home for the last two mice that I had been fostering.. someone just dumped them all at a petco.. mixed sexes all in one tiny 20 gallon aquarium.. luckily.. I passed by before they were open.. so I found them before the could become snake food.. There were actually only 15 when they were dumped.. but by time I separated them.. I had 3 pregnant females.. coming to a grand total of 42. I did end up finding them all good homes though, although it did take about 4-5 months to do so..

I have some pics of them..
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...7-12-06031.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...trapics017.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...trapics015.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d9...trapics001.jpg

Sorry.. Going off topic again..

Very Nice to meet you.. Im Allie aka Wickedrodent

[ferndalezoo]

Wow, how time flies. This time last year, we found Phil in a box in a petsmart parking lot. several weeks ago, we rescued Oswald from someone who was pawning his cavies as snake food. He was the last one, and we were just in time. We think he's going to turn out to be a silkie, or at least a silkie mix. He's only about 2 months old, and his hair is already nearing the ground. After a 4 week quarantine, he and Phil hit it off, and are great friends. Anyway, meet Oswald.

[JarBax]

I have just replied to Oswald's gorgeous pigture in the gallery! he is so like my Mellow - though she is blackish throughout.

She is a sheltie (I think that's the same as a silkie - just the UK way of saying it!), although when adopted at 9 months, she was still a fluffy ball - but her previous existance was not condusive to good hair-growth. I think you are right, and he will probably need regular trimming to keep things fragrant and pleasant. Watch out for tugs too - their delicate skin being what it is, they don't like tugs - but need regular brushing to keep them away!

So pleased to hear that both Phil and Oswald are buddies!