outdoor cavies

[three_piggies]

three_piggies....I wish you all the best. Good luck with your mom. Just keep proving yourself to be a good, trust worthy young lady, and I bet she will come around sooner than you think.

Thanks! I just hope I can get throught to her!

[roosterboy]

Check this out:
If my parents came to me and said to me one day, "Your pigs are going out of the house and that is that," (In other words, putting their foot down, like it's their way or the highway), they would have been sadly mistaken and sorry they spoke to their daughter in such a disrespectful way. I respect everything my parents have to say, but it is a two way street. I don't think a strong stand was the way to go, rather an educated one.

Originally Posted by DaCourt

"If my child came to me one day and said,"I don't care what you say, my pigs are coming in the house and that is that" (in other words, putting her foot down), she would have been sadly mistaken and sorry she spoke to her MOTHER in such a disrespectful way. I respect everything my daughter has to say, but it is a 2 way street. I don't think a strong stand was the way to go, rather and educated one."

"I find your last statement offensive. I made no attack on you nor did I pass any judgments. You however, in my opinion, cross that line".

Making a statement of the truth that I have learned in my life, that I thought was relevant to three piggy's thread, is in no way crossing any line. It's the truth, and I've seen it firsthand. In no way was it directed at anyone in particular, except to those that it may apply to, and those that it may help or want to learn from it. If it does not apply to you, disregard it.

[mncavylover]

"Put my foot somewhere, and punish my daughter for speaking her mind, for coming to me and talking with me? Never. I got hit and yelled at when I was young, and I have never hit or yelled at or talked down to my kids. They can always come to me. We may not always agree at the start, but we will when we are through talking.

Three piggies, regardless of her age, has a voice to be heard, she is a person, and should have some responsibilities for herself and for the household. At fifteen she can make decisions on her own, and together with her parents. She should already be making decisions and plans for college, finding sources for money, getting job experience, and making a life for herself. How can she do any of that if she can't manage her own room, and take care of herself and a couple of guinea pigs?"

I honestly wish that all parents thought this way, Roosterboy, but I can't say that this is the majority. I highly doubt that I could get away with it if I "put my foot down."

I'm not trying to take any side in this, just thought that I'd post an opinion. It's great that you think this should be the way that society is, but the truth is: it's not. Not even close. As a kid, I was totally underestimated. Nobody listened, because I was just a kid. Why would it be too much different now, as a teen? I honestly wish with all my heart that this was not the case, but there are so many stereotypes concerned with teens, especially "the city kids" that just make us out as uncaring individuals who know nothing and can't make a difference. Sorry this got so personal, I'll cut it here.

[DaCourt]

OK...this is my LAST comment on the issue.

1. I listen to EVERYTHING my daughter has to say.
2. I RESPECT everything my daughter has to say.
3. My daughter HAS a say in what goes on in the house.
4. My Daughter respects ME.
5. I NEVER underestimate my daughter. She will, and IS already doing great things. (Just as the rescue.)
6. I think ALL kids can do GREAT things. Most adults will take kids seriously if they can show they are responsible, respectful, and derserving. But let's face it, with all the problems with teens in our society, more parents are scared of either something happening to their kids, or their kids turning the wrong direction. That is why some parents get more controlling...they are trying to protect. It's not always right, but I think understandable.
7. Again, I will restate that the way Roosterboy phrased PUT YOUR FOOT DOWN is what rubbed me the wrong way.

I think three_piggies knows where I was coming from. She seems to be very respectful of her parents and that will pay off. Maybe she can try making a deal. LIKE....moving the pigs in for 1 month, to prove her point that they do not smell, aren't messy, and won't get the cats sick. She should go to her mom armed with information and a solid presentation and make a deal. If her mom will go for it, then it is up to her to prove as you say, that she can manage her own room.

[mncavylover]

I agree with your views, and I know where you're coming from. I was just saying that this isn't a luxury we all have. I know quite a few responsibe teens that are not respected at all in their families or by adults. Anyhow, I'm really sorry if my post offended you or anything, I didn't mean for it to. I sincerely apologize if it did. I agree that being mature and respectful is the way to success.

[DaCourt]

mncavylover...I have never been offended by anything you have ever said to me. I think that there is someone else on involved in this post who is reading into what I have been saying. I am not trying to take anything away from you or from your experiences.

The only reason I did respond when I said I would not, was to let you know I was not offended. You obviously have a good head on your shoulders.

[mncavylover]

Ok, I just wasn't sure what you meant by the last post, that's all. Thank you for understanding that, and thanks also for your explanations. I guess it's been a long day today!

Thanks for understanding. =) (I still adore your cage. I can't stop talking about it, can I?)

Anyhow, hope you and your cavies are doing well!

[DaCourt]

Well, you are gonna die when I tell you we are expanding again. You haven't even seen the newest one because I never took pictures. The new one will be similar but bigger. We may be getting a new piggie. My daughter doesn't know yet. It is one she has been helping to socialize for the rescue. So, we are going to a 2x4 with two 1x2 lofts. We are building it next week. She thinks it's just because I am weird and want to build again.

[mncavylover]

Yay! That's so insane, I love it. Ahhh! I'm so excited, you know I love your ideas! Ooh, I can't wait! I wish I could do that, but well, some things coughparentscough get in the way.

[three_piggies]

Grr I just spent 10 mins writing what happened when I did the presentation this morning. And then I must have pressed something on the keyboard and it all disapeared! Grr now I have to type it all over again....

[three_piggies]

Ok I will tell you what happened after I gave my presentation this morning. (In the presentation I had reasons why they should live inside and not outside. And I tried to get them to agree to let me try it out (let them live inside) for a month.)

Mom- "They are not coming inside."
Me- Ok, well can you tell me why not?
Mom (my dad was silent)- "because, dust, hair, stinky, mess, shavings, poop and pee and I could go on but I am not going to. And because they will be scared of the vacuum, and the cats. How are you going to clean that humongus cage? Because you are not going to be able to carry it downstairs and outside, and you are not bringing the big trash can inside."
Me- I explained to them what measures I would take to eliminate or try my best to eliminate the things mentioned above^
Mom- "yelled my name, they are not coming inside. I am putting my foot down! They will not live inside my house ever! They are perfectly fine outside in their shed,you are lucky we let you build that huge shed outside for them. They could be living in a hutch. And we will not 'try it out' for a month because I don't want them inside for any length of time. I do not want to hear another word about this subject ever.
Me- I said nothing. I was mad that she said no, but was laughing in my head about 'putting my foot down'.
Dad- Well you heard your mother, they can't live inside end of story.
Me- "Ok"
These were exact quotes of what they said.

Well I guess it didn't go as well as I hoped. I really don't know what to say (except I think I handled it well, I didn't get snaughty or say anything when they didn't agree which was best), I guess it just isn't going to happen.... I am a tad bit sad they were quite harsh about it.......

[mncavylover]

Try writing them a letter. Keep going, just be mature about it. I'm sure you can try to work out something. Keep trying, good luck! Thanks for doing what you can, we'll try to help!

[three_piggies]

I am not going to try any more for a long long time. My dad just told me to drop it (after the presentation), for a long while. He suggested a few months or more, and I am probably going to listen to him and stop. Because my mom really really really doesn't want them to live inside. My Dad likes the guinea pigs (a little bit) and doesn't care, but my mother is totally against it and doesn't like them at all. And my mom was serious about not asking any more. I don't mean to sound like I am giving up, but it is really isn't going to happen any time soon I can tell. My parents have said no about a lot of things and still haven't given in or said yes after a long time.

And right now writing a letter wouldn't be a smart thing to do, but its a good idea I might do that next time. I think I really just need to drop the subject for a while. And maybe I will bring it up after the holidays, probably not though.... I will bring it up in the spring or summer.
But I don't feel like fighting a battle (which is what it feels like) with my parents to try to get them to agree.
One day I bet they will allow it but it isn't going to be any time soon.
For now I am just going to make the best of the situation. Which is all I can do, with out making them mad. If I bug them too much about the guinea pigs living inside, it's not going to get me any where....
Thanks for your help everyone, even though the powerpoint presentation didn't work..... I was still pretty happy with it, because it probably would have convinced someone elses parents just not mine .

[citronsoul]

Sounds like my mom when I wanted a hamster at 12 years old. I was finally allowed to get one at 15. My dad was pretty neutral about it, but my mom was dead set against it (for similar reasons that your mom gave). I'd just bring it up every now & then. Like, when I showed them my report card, at birthdays...Christmas. Eventually they cracked.

[Piglet]

I'm so sorry that it didn't go well. Yes, just drop it for a bit. If you keep on pestering them everyday they'll get even more annoyed.

[roosterboy]

There's goes that foot again!

My last post showed that your mom had already put her foot down. This confirms that is the case, and she isn't going to reconsider at this point, so let it go. Listen to your folks, and your dad's advice to drop it for now, and obey the laws of the land.

But, Congratulations! You did the right thing, and you did VERY well! We don't or can't always get what we want, but that's part of growing up. Sometimes, and eventually, we have to venture out on our own!

For now, make the best of the shed and make it their palace, make it your house. Your folks will see what and how you are doing in there. Just be mindful of the shed's security and conditions at all times. Put a thermometer in there, a fan, a heat lamp, and give them two water bottles. There will be plenty of space in there for supplies, and you could even make the shed an office of sorts. Make the best of it. Paint the outside and plant some flowers. Put a doormat, a sign, and address, and make the shed your own. It may even become your primary room, and being in there will help you to monitor it's conditions.

You can always bring a pig in on a towel while watching TV with your folks, if they will allow it. After awhile, they will come to see your progress and may come to like seeing you interested in your hobby. In any case, they'll get used to the pig concept and accustomed to having them around the overall household.

Your folks might even miss not having you in the main house much. But don't mention the room thing again, and consider that closed. You are actually beyond that now. You are setting up house for yourself. Don't hold your breath, but eventually, your folks will be curious to see what's going on in the "piggy palace," or whatever they will eventually call it, and will go and visit YOU there, more and more.

You see, one foot down and then another, and you're moving right along!