Ignorant Pig Owners - My Rant

**piggiesinpa** · #1 10-06-07, 07:09 pm

So I live in an apartment complex and recently some new neighbors moved in across from me. The other day I noticed a small animal pen that was meant to hold them while they were outside. I immediately thought that a guinea pig (or 2) were using the pen occasionally.
Well today I was sweeping outside and noticed a movement in the pen. I realized it was a pig and got really excited... but no one was out there monitoring s/he. Finally a woman comes outside with the bottom portion of a store bought cage and some bedding. She was obviously cleaning it. I wanted to be friendly so I called out 'Is that a guinea pig?'. She said yes and I proceeded to tell her I had 4 little guys. She then said 'well do you want another one'. I said I could take the piggy in if it was a guy and then asked if I could come check him out. We started to chat about the piggies and she tells me that she was debating on taking him to the SPCA because she bought him for her son and he basically lost interest after about 2 weeks of having him. He has his eye on getting a hamster and has pretty much been ignoring the pig and the mom has been caring for the pig.

They knew next to nothing about pigs. I politely explained proper care of pigs to her. He son came out and I told him to. I invited them to come inside and look at my cage and show them what I fed my babies. The mom mentioned how much room they had in my cage and said she would be interested in doing that for her son's pig, but didn't really want to do all the work. I find out that they also have a cat who has been sticking its paws inside the pigs cage and basically terrorizing the poor little guy. I showed them how to properly trim piggy nails and gave them a copy of Ly's nutrition chart.

I told the mom how having the pig alone is not good for him and he needs a buddy. On top of that the cage he is in is plain out unacceptable and he needs to be monitored any time he is outside. Anytime anyone held the pig he would just wheek and bite. I have never met such a disgruntled little guy. I figured he may have mites or be sick, so I asked to hold him. I looked for patchy fur, any eye issues, and nasal discharge but I'm glad that I didn't see any of that. As soon as I held him and looked at him, he calmed down. He didn't wheek. He laid down in my lap while I pet him and turned to let me pet his side. He closed his eyes and tried to sleep. It was so cute, the mom and son were astonished he was behaving so well because he usually tries to break free and run. He bites the kid all the time. The kid simply doesn't know how to handle him. The mother told me he barely even plays with the pig. I explained how it was important to socialize him so he won't always be scared of people. I did all the pig preaching I could.

She said she would let me know if she had any questions but I wanted to come home and cry. I feel so bad for that little guy and I feel pretty confident that the only thing that will change for the little guy will be that he gets some veggies. I think he will stay in his cage and live alone. I mentioned to the mom that if she really wants to rid of the pig to let me know and I'll take him in no problem. I hope they decide they don't want the guy and let me have him. I am so worried about him and am pretty sure that little kid is just acting on impulses with animals. He gets one and pays attention to it for 2 weeks then adverts his attention elsewhere.

Is there anything I can do without coming off too pushy about asking for the piggy? I think the mom is ready to write him off but anytime she mentions it to the kid, he throws a fit and promises to do better (but never does) and she backs down. I also fear that if I do get the pig and take care of them that I will be asked to give him back or something like that.

**HowietheGreat** · #2 10-06-07, 07:18 pm

It sounds like you did everything that you possibly could to help the little guy and educate the owner. You may have just become his guardian angel. Luckily she also knows that you will take him and it sounds to me that she may be knocking on your door soon. It really is frustrating. I'm giving my old C&C cage to a coworker that has been keeping her pig in a large petstore cage. She just didn't know better. Now he is given fresh veggies and she is adopting him a buddy. The best we can do is help to educate people. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't, but nothing will change if we do not make a effort. It sounds like you already did alot.

**piggiesinpa** · #3 10-06-07, 07:22 pm

I spent about an hour and half with them today... I feel like I should have left my number or email address --- something so they can contact me anytime they need to or if she gets the itch to rid of the pigs.

I also thought about going over there and giving them some extra veggies/fruits I sometimes take home from work. I feel like if I try to inch my way into becoming a little more involved I can oversee his care a bit more and I can earn her trust to where she will just say 'here, take him'.

I already thought of a new name for him, Beanbag. His name is Ernie, which I don't personally like. I'm horribly attached, I have a cavy problem. Hehe.

YuselinMaikel · #4 10-06-07, 08:10 pm

I think you did all that you could do at that time, well if she gives you the pig tell her/him that the pig is going to stay with you and he will have a stable and socializing life with you and your piggies, that they do not have the conditions and knowledge (hard but true), and that you wanted a new guy to introduce to your piggies. Try to convince her, but make sure you keep very clear and firm about not giving the pig back if the "kid" decides to change kids are kids and they don't have any responsibility when it comes to animals that's why they are kids =) try to convince the mom with strong and firm details. Good luck, tell me later what happened.

**babytulip07** · #5 10-06-07, 08:38 pm

Stac, I really think you did everything you could. I would have done the same. Maybe if you see her around again, ask her how the pig is doing and whether there is anything you can help with. Maybe also reiterate the fact that you would be willing to take him should they decide they don't want to keep him.

**pigsmakemesmile** · #6 10-06-07, 09:32 pm

I am so impressed with how you handled yourself. You did just what I did. My brother's 2 boys ages 13 and 12 have a little female pig and when I saw the cage she was in I was mortified. My nephews did not know I had 2 piggies when I invited them over to see my pigs and their house. Their mouths dropped. I took this opportunity to explain the importance of good housing , nutrion and about getting the little one a buddy. I encourged them to call me and I would help them construct a cage. Two days later I contacted my nephew to set a date to get together. It turned out that they liked my cage so much, the next day they went to Target and bought the panels and put it together. I was so happy. I also reminded them to be sure of safety and to make sure they give the pig plenty of fresh hay daily. They are also in the process of moving and I told them to bring the piggy to me and I will care for it while they are moving. they said they would take my offer-I can't wait.
I have a feeling mom will be knocking on your door. I'm so glad you got involved. Piggies are so helpless and need caring, loving individuals to take care of them and be their advocate. this is also a classic example of why so many piggies end up in a shelter or rescue. I will be adopting a 3rd piggie from a rescue tomorrow and I can't wait.
Good luck to you

**piggiesinpa** · #7 10-07-07, 08:40 am

Yeah, well I honestly wasn't making any plans to adopt a 5th boar, but if she wants to get rid of the little guy I couldn't say no. I would just take him in and do what I need to do in order to provide him the best life possible and make my other 4 pigs okay with a new brother.

I keep looking out of my window trying to see if the pig is outside. I really want to rescue that little guy. I think that if I don't see them or the pig in about 6 or 7 days I may go over and knock on the door to give them some fruit I get from work for the pig. Then take that opportunity to ask about the little guy and see what they are doing with him. I could restate my interest in taking him off their hands.

I was discussing this with my boyfriend last night and he feels bad for the piggy too. He and I both agree that children just shouldn't be able to be given animals when they don't have the capacity to take care of them or be responsible. I'm just really frustrated.

Also, the little guy kept turning on his side when I held him on my lap. He calmed down and just looked like he was going to sleep, but I have never seen a pig tun over and occasionally letting me touch his belly. I couldn't believe it. Is this a sign of an illness or just extreme comfort?

YuselinMaikel · #8 10-07-07, 10:02 am

I think he was in need of love and care and thats what you showed him and he felt good.

**socal805** · #9 10-07-07, 11:28 am

If I were you I would go over there and talk to them, tell them that you don't want to be pushy but that you have been thinking about the little guy and really would like to take him. They might be over there thinking of a good way to approach you about taking him. Look at it this way, it can't hurt anything at this point. Give them your number and email address tell them they can think about it if they want to but if you really want the little guy make it crystal clear to them. This way you will be able to sleep at night knowing that you said and did all that you could do.

**piggiesinpa** · #10 10-07-07, 02:33 pm

Well I wrote down my home and cell numbers as well as my email address. I wrote on the paper to please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns and to remember that I would be more than happy to adopt the pig if she needed to surrender.

She told me that her son wants to keep the pig as of right now and even wants another one but she's refusing that. She's frustrated because she is having to take care of the pig and her son doesn't really do anything. I personally think that his re-interest in the pig only really re-sparked because he saw that I had 4 and watched them interact. He seems the impulsive type. He kept saying how cute they all were and I think that he just wants something furry he can occasionally pet and then ignore. I really hope he loses interest soon and his mother gives me a call.

She's dealing with a lot right now... she is going through a divorce and the kid's dad is an alcoholic with a bunch of other problems. I know the pig isn't first on her list, but if the little guy adds on to her work and stress I think I will be getting a call soon. At least I hope.

I am just worried the kid is too rough with the pig and is therefore abusing him. I feel I have done everything I could for now, let's just hope the little guy is alright and I have proven as a good example of how to take care of guineas. -Sigh- I am just worried and frustrated. I just really feel bad that I can't do anything more than I already have then I think about how many pigs are in the exact same position and I just get depressed.

Let's all cross our fingers and hope he will be mine soon!

**sohappy2beme** · #11 10-08-07, 01:18 pm

God, I would be worried sick too if I were you. What if you offered to buy him off her--maybe $10 or so? That might spark interest in the kid.

**piggiesinpa** · #12 10-08-07, 01:30 pm

Yeah, I am very worried. I don't want to offer the money because the kid might be tempted to just adopt some other creature. Plus, I don't want to give the kid the impression animals make you money or something like that. That $10 wouldn't go to Beanbag's previous care or anything of the sort, just his little kid pockets so I morally can't do that.

**HowietheGreat** · #13 10-08-07, 02:42 pm

I thought "belly pigs" sometimes had heart related conditions? It is so frustrating.....it's hard to see a animal given care far below what you would provide.

**piggiesinpa** · #14 10-08-07, 02:45 pm

Ugh, I certainly hope he's okay. The kid told me when they first got the pig that he was sneezing a lot. I was very serious and told the mother that the piggy should probably get a check up at the vet becaues that was a sign of a URI which is lethal to a guinea pig. The mom & kid both said that the sneezing pretty much ceased but I said it was rare for pigs to get over this without any kind of medicine or anything.

I really wish I could take him.

He did not have any symptoms or display anything to me I thought was abnormal other than the laying on his side and sleeping thing. I really hope he is healthy.

**DaisyGP** · #15 10-08-07, 07:24 pm

It sounds like you handled everything perfect. There's not much you can do at this at this point if they aren't ready to give you the pig. I think there is a very very good chance that, in a month from now or so, when the boy's interest disappears again you will walk out the door to find a pig in a cardboard box on your front door step.

**luvmyzoocrew** · #16 10-09-07, 11:50 am

have you tried to see if she would adopt to you if you offer to let her son come and "visit" the pigs? worth a shot, she might be willing to give him to you if her son can see him on occasion. This way he would be in your care and you could properly teach the kid how to handle the piggies because he will bein your house. just an idea

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