Not Another Newbie!

[SummerAnne]

Hello all. My name is Summer, and I'm not a guinea pig owner yet, but I have been doing my research for about a week now. An acquaintance purchased a guinea pig from PetSmart a couple of weeks ago, and is already complaining about the work involved in taking care of it. My husband told me about it, the wheels started turning, and if this person does decide to 'get rid of it' (their words) like they've been talking about, we're going to try to step in and rescue the poor thing.

I've got lists upon lists upon lists of what we'll need, where to get it, and how to do things, I've saved pictures off this gallery of cage designs I like & accessories for the cage that look interesting & other creative things. I feel pretty prepared, I'm going to call around Tuesday the vets in the area so I can get him/her checked out if we do end up adopting.

Anyway, that's the story so far, I know this forum is very anti pet store, and who can blame you, but I can't sit here and worry that this person might end up just setting his guinea pig loose or worse.

Thanks for having me.
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[Snowflake]

Hey and welcome here.

I think it's great how you react to the GP's situation. I'm sure it will have a better home being with you.

If you adopt the cavy, you wouldn't be buying from a pet store, right? And if you want to get a second cavy as a friend to your first one (in case you do adopt it) you could still try to find a shelter or something and get it there.

Even if your acquaintance does not like to "get rid of" her pig, I would suggest watching her whether she really does take good care of her pet. If she already complains after a week I assume it doesn't take too long until she neglects it.

[seagirl96]

Snowflake is right, SummerAnne. Taking in an unwanted piggy is not in any way the same as buying from a pet store. I have ten piggies now and most of them have found me. People know I like piggies and will call and ask if I can take one who was in a bad situation. My avatar pig is the only one who has come from an actual Rescue. It is never a bad thing to give an unwanted piggy a good home. I think your plan is great and I think you're so smart to do all this research first.

[Ly&Pigs]

Hello, welcome to the forum.

As was previously stated, you would not be buying this pig from a petstore. Your acquaintance did. If they "dump" the pig and you take it in, it would be considered a rescue in my book. Just please find a rescue or shelter and adopt a buddy as they are very social creatures.

I think it's terrific that you are doing research before possibly bringing a cavy into your home.

[SummerAnne]

Thanks guys! That's what I figured, the damage is already done, the pet store has already made their sale, not much can be done about that now. Should they change their mind about wanting to 'get rid of it' I'll definitely be keeping an eye & ear out... I can just tell they aren't the good pet owner type.

I'm getting pretty hyped about things now, so if this potential adoption doesn't work out I'm going to keep an eye on craigslist & the adoption sites and the like. There doesn't appear to be much in our area, but you never know!