Feeling frustrated trying to influence people

[monikah]

Because I have 4 guinea pigs, people often ask me about them. Usually they're interested in getting a guinea pig for their children.

Most people I talk to are planning on getting only 1 guinea pig. I explain carefully about their social needs, their needs for lots and lots of space, the hard work involved in keeping the cage clean. I think alot of the time, it goes in 1 ear and out the other. Sometimes I wonder whether anything I say is making a difference. Alot of people just seem to get it in their mind that they want just 1 guinea pig, are going to the pet store to get it, and are going to buy a petstore cage or worse yet, keep the pig in an aquarium. I find myself repeating the same thing over and over and nothing seems to sink in.

I try SO SO SO hard not to come across as some crazy guinea pig-lady. But when I hear that someone wants a pig for their child, I just get so upset inside. I've seen so many people who don't look after their pigs, I hate to be so negative about it, but I sometimes think that *NOBODY SHOULD HAVE GUINEA PIGS*. I try not to come across like this. But really, how many people really have the space or the time. There's just so many pigs that start off as a pet for the kids and end up sitting lonely in a stinky cage.

I have recently had several conversations with someone looking to get a pig for their child. Each time, they tell me they're thinking of getting a guinea pig and each time, I explain that they need to get at least 2 pigs and that they would require lots of space and time.

1 year ago, I helped someone who got new pigs. I gave her the link to cavycages, emailed her pictures of my cage, talked about minimum cage sizes, the importance of hay, and timely visits to the vet. Nothing changed. The cage was way too small, they refused to give their pigs hay because it was 'too messy', and they lost a pig to a URI because they waited way too long to take it to the vet.

Please, please, give me some worse of encouragement. Has anyone out there actually been able to change someone's way of thinking?? I'm not talking about people like us who frequent cavycages and are very insistent that we look after our pigs properly. I'm talking about people who can't be bothered to do much research and get an animal without even knowing their life expectancy. Is there any hope??

[envisionary333]

I think most of us here relate very much to what you are going through. I hate to be a downer, but I think with many of those people you really can't change their mind. If they don't want to do research and become fixated on some cute little animal without realized what ownership really entails, it can be very hard to stop them. They can't see past the adorable little piggy eyes and fur, where there are hours of work and tons of money that go into keeping that little creature happy and healthy. When the people you talk to are receptive and responsible, give them links to this site and be as helpful and kind as possible. But when they are ignorant and uncaring, sometimes it's best not to be polite, and to instead be downright discouraging to give them a taste of what ownership is really like. Explain to them that guinea pigs eat far more and create far more waste than the average pet, requiring more frequent cage cleanings. They are naturally shy and skittish, will not seek you out for cuddles, and do not have the same kind of bond with their owners as dogs and cats do. Children usually get bored with them and the great deal of upkeep they require, and they live for up to eight years. That's a lot of time, money, and effort. Now of course, you and I know all the joy that these little creatures bring. But we also know how much effort is required, and that's the message you need to get across to give them a reality check.

As for those that continue to give improper care, explain to them that guinea pigs are social creatures- just like humans. Ask them if they would want to live alone in a closet their whole lives? That is exactly what it is like for the guinea pig. Not only that, but they will enjoy their guinea pig more when they provide a friend and a larger cage. The guinea pig will be exciting and enjoyable to watch, healthier- requiring less vet visits, and the cage will stay cleaner- requiring less cleaning. Sometimes people need to realize that it doesn't just benefit the pig to provide proper care, but benefits them as well. (Personally I wish more people actually cared about proper care for the animal's sake rather than their own, but some people just don't get that...)

Don't bear the burden on your shoulders if they go right ahead and get a guinea pig anyway without giving proper care. You did your best, and that's all you can do. You've already done more than most, and you should be pleased that you made the effort. At least you can always come home to your happy, healthy, loved little piggies and know you made the world a better place for them.

[HowietheGreat]

I gave one of my co workers my old 2X4 C&C cage with extra grids, and a print out of facts from this site. Her pig was moved from his pet store cage to the new cage two weeks ago-she has video of him popcorning about in it. She also now gives him Timothy hay and fresh veggies-she didn't know to feed them-because of my influence. She is talking about adopting him a buddy soon. I also gave her my brand new baby nail clippers I never used, to clip his nails. I joke that I am his godmother now. I had the extra supplies and was happy to donate them to her pig. His little life is better because of it. I wish I had the funds to do that for everyone but that of course is impossible. I spoke to another co worker about not placing their pigs on cedar bedding and after a few chats, they did switch to Aspen. I find if you are gentle in the approach, people are more likely to listen. Not everyone will though. I think it is the difference between those that do not know and those that simply do not care.

[QuackXP]

For as much information you give and back it up with examples or try to relate it in other terms there is an old saying that still rings true: "You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink."

I always wondered when I posed on motorcycle forums when new riders insisted on getting a bike that was too much for them, when they stopped posting was it because they just didn't want to listen anymore or something worse happened.

Don’t focus on the ones you’re are not sure are getting the message focus on the people here and out in the real world that you have successfully educated into making better and more educated decisions.

[ctinaw]

I can tell you from experience that your message *does* make a difference in cavy live around the world! Take my babies for example! I am your typical - bought a guinea pig on an impulse, planned to keep him in a petstore cage, pet for my "daughter" (though I knew I'd be the primary caretaker, I just wanted to make sure she had exposure to pets at an early age for many reasons).

Well so I did my researching a bit late - the night after I bought him and all of his supplies - but I'll tell you what - my pig was in a C&C cage within a week - and had a buddy in less than a month! I just got a 25lb shipment of kleenmama's, I threw out their old food and got oxbow cavy performance (they are under 1 yr), they receive floor time and fresh vegetables every day! And they have fleece bedding too! Not to mention the custom snuggle sacks and cuddle cups I've already made for them.
I've even read guinealynx about a dozen times or so and want to learn more!

Now believe me I know - not everyone is going to make the commitment and FAST turnaround I did once educated - but it never hurts to throw it out there. At least you know that you've done your part by communicating what needs to be done. I plan on printing out some of the pamphlets and information sheets from guinea lynx for the animal rescue league near me. I think education is the most important thing here - some people will care - some won't. But if we don't bother to *try* and educate potential guinea families, who will? PETCO? I doubt it!!

I would never discourage anyone from owning a guinea pig because they are "hard work" because I honestly don't think they are. My ferrets were far more demanding. But people do need to know there is a certain level of care involved.

Just do what you can - and when someone doesn't take your advice - what can you do? You go and try to educate 3 more people. There are plenty of owners and owners-to-be who want to learn and want to be great piggie parents! Trust me!!

I believe this site alone has probably changed thousands of cavy lives. That is a wonderful thing we can all be proud of!

EDIT: geez, I just re-read this and realized how fanatical I sound - scary! LOL

[MCR_Rox]

I stopped someone from BYBing. I've also stopped people from buying animals at pet stores.

[aaronmeister]

I don't think guinea pigs are hard work at all. The cost isn't a factor either. Once you have all the proper investments in place (i.e. fleece, c&c cage, toys, etc) you are really only purchasing fresh vegetables, pellets, and hay (and bedding if you don't use fleece). Cleaning the cage once a week isn't too much of a problem I think, maybe about an hour or so.

[envisionary333]

I hope I didn't come across as too harsh. In relation to other animals of the same size, guinea pigs are much more work- they eat more and poop more. I think they require more money and effort than most people would expect for a small animal, and that's my main point. Keep in mind that I have 11 guinea pigs in their own bedroom with a 79-square-foot cage, so I forget sometimes that it's not as much work for everyone else as it is for me! It takes me MUCH longer than an hour a week to keep the cage in check. I love my piggies though, and I hope that every responsible and informed individual that would like to bring them into their homes gets to, and I'm sure they will love them as well.

[ellenvega]

I know how you feel. You just have to try, keep trying, and try again. You've done good if you can even get one person to change their ways.

I spend a lot of time on Yahoo! Answers, and believe me that site is frustrating. I can hardly believe how many petstore-purchased, mite-ridden, single pigs whose owners are on there. And the ignorant child breeders! Another thing that drives me CRAZY is all the posters who say: "I'm getting a pig!! How much will it cost?" And most of the answers are like, "Oh, around $25-$30." Ummm, pet ownership is an ONGOING expense, you'll be continually spending money on them for the rest of their lives!

But occasionally I'll get people who say thanks, my answer was just what they were looking for, and I feel I've made a difference. So I keep at it.

BTW, if anyone has free time on their hands the pet categories on Yahoo Answers are swarming with people who give bad advice and haven't a clue. Especially in the rodent section. There are several GL members who get most of the guinea pig ones (although more backup is always helpful!) but there are tons of hamster, rat and mice questions that I'm not sure are getting the attention.

[crazywiggy]

I know how you feel, I'm getting more and more disheartened every day.

Within this week I have tried to convince a friend not to breed her dog (I don't think I will succeed - when I explained about overpopulation she told me I should be talking to kids about contraception as that was more important!).

I've also just received a reply from DEFRA, who I wrote to suggesting codes of practice for small pets. By the sounds of it they barely read my letter - they clearly didn't understand the point I was trying to make. They even had the cheek to suggest guidance on small animal care was unnecessary. I've just finished writing a response - a 3 page essay on why it is necessary, though I'm starting to feel I wasted my time.

I know a few people listen to good advice, and that makes it all worthwhile. Every little helps I guess. I just feel like I'm fighting a losing battle and it sucks! (Sorry for the rant, just a bit angry and miserable right now)

[pigsforlife]

Originally Posted by ellenvega

I spend a lot of time on Yahoo! Answers, and believe me that site is frustrating. I can hardly believe how many petstore-purchased, mite-ridden, single pigs whose owners are on there.

I agree. I also spend alot of time on Yahoo! Answers, one of the questions that frustrates me the most is; "Help me work out what colour my sows babies will be." The amount of backyard breeders over there is alarming, the amount of people who go out and buy a pig and then come and ask questions on Yahoo! Answers because they dont know anything is shocking.

[ctinaw]

Originally Posted by envisionary333

I hope I didn't come across as too harsh. In relation to other animals of the same size, guinea pigs are much more work- they eat more and poop more. I think they require more money and effort than most people would expect for a small animal, and that's my main point. Keep in mind that I have 11 guinea pigs in their own bedroom with a 79-square-foot cage, so I forget sometimes that it's not as much work for everyone else as it is for me! It takes me MUCH longer than an hour a week to keep the cage in check. I love my piggies though, and I hope that every responsible and informed individual that would like to bring them into their homes gets to, and I'm sure they will love them as well.

True enough! You do have quite a few pigs! I only have 2 so their care doesn't take nearly as long as I'm sure yours do! I'd say veggie prep is 5 minutes if that per night, cage changing only half an hour tops including changing the litter pan and spraying it all down... BUuuuuuut there may be more piggies in my future, so that could all change! hehe.

I think once we get a house I might start a piggie rescue out of my home. This is probably about 3 years into the future, but that gives me time to plan

[MCR_Rox]

I agree that Yahoo! Answer people are frustrating. A ton of people put down the stupidest answers. There are a few that are great, though. I haven't been there in a little bit. I will start again, though. It's the same way with hermit crabs, except it's VERY VERY hard to breed hermit crabs. It is nearly impossible.

[Pigs N Blankets]

I know the feeling of being that "crazy guinea pig lady". I'm pretty sure my two best friends think that about me, but luckily in not a bad way
There is hope in convincing some people, I have brought my boyfriend from not liking any type of animal to loving them due to my guinea pig. He even just bought one of his own (to actually be a friend to mine but mine died last night) and then he immediatly said ok I need someone to be friend with my guinea pig. So, now we have two once again. But anyways, as soon as I saw the C & C cages I asked if it would be ok to build one, and he was suprising enthuastic about it.
The real problem with people not wanting to put the time and energy into a guinea pig is that stereotypically they are known as the simple pet that is easy to care for. That stereotype may never change but the least we guinea pig lovers can do is convince people on an individual basis how special these little friends can be!

[ellenvega]

I agree that Yahoo! Answer people are frustrating.

Like the people who say: "I'm going to buy a {insert small rodent here} today, tell me what I need to know!"

Grrr.

[Sugar]

When I first joined this guiena pig forum, I had only got my first guiena pig two days before. I didn't understand what I needed for her (Sugar) and I didn't think she'd need a buddy. However, I listened and learned that she would need a large cage and a buddy, and thats exactly what I got for her, and two weeks later she got a new friend - Spice, and the day after we ordered a large two story cage for it (which is soon too be upgraded too a three story cage).

My best friend in real life was talking about getting a guiena pig. She said she would only get one, and she would keep it in her small rabit hutch, with her rabit. I thought that was a complete no-no, and I talked about what she would have needed to do to keep a guiena pig, and she listened. She didn't end up getting a guiena pig becaus