What Would You Do In This Situation?

**pennykit&amanda** · #1 07-30-08, 01:46 am

I am not looking to adopt or anything, but I was just thinking, the only way for people to get small animals (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and anything else other than dogs and cats) in my area is to buy from a pet store or look on craigslist, which has 6 posts max everyday, so it's very rare. I'm not saying buying from a pet store is OK, but the closest place to adopt is 3 hours away. Would you spend that much in gas, to look at the two pigs they have, or wait until something comes up on craigslist, or would you post a wanted, or would you (I hope you wouldn't) buy from a pet store?

**PixieStix** · #2 07-30-08, 01:52 am

Many members have driven farther than three hours to rescue a pig. I personally haven't, but it's not unrealistic in my opinion. I would not go to a store or breeder, period. Keep looking and be patient, if there are pet stores selling pigs, there will be homeless ones.

**suzilovespiggie** · #3 07-30-08, 03:52 am

I have driven 3 hours one way to adopt 2 GP's. My area did not have any, but the Humane Society in a town 3 hours away did. I found them on Petfinder.com

**Chin Lover** · #4 07-30-08, 04:01 am

Where in California are you from? That might help in finding a piggy

**pennykit&amanda** · #5 07-30-08, 04:08 am

Huh, My parents wouldn't (I asked before I got my two), but I'm not looking to adopt anyway. It's nice to know people are willing go a long way to rescue

**Chin Lover** · #6 07-30-08, 04:16 am

yup, it warms my heart to know that there are nice animal loving people around us.

**PrayerWarrior** · #7 07-30-08, 08:00 am

My mom and I drove 3 1/2 hours one way to adopt my first two, and drove the same 3 1/2 hours on Monday, to adopt a spayed girl for my loner I got off Craigslist. It's not asking to much, in my mind, to drive three hours. Yes, gas is expensive, but that likes making your final decision between expensive gas or supporting mills. There is no decision involved, for me at least.

**Toadies** · #8 07-30-08, 08:10 am

There also may be people in your area that are willing to transport at least part of the way. People that rescue are an odd lot, critters really mean something to them and they exert alot of effort to find/place in good homes.

**crazywiggy** · #9 07-30-08, 12:18 pm

I guess it depends on how much I wanted a specific animal.

I would never go to a pet store or breeder regardless - I just couldn't live with myself.

If I really wanted a specific type of animal (eg a guinea pig) and the closest was more than three hours away I would either make the drive or wait until something closer came up.

Although, I do love all small furries, so I'm not necessarily too picky about what type of pets I adopt. So if I really wanted to rescue some mice, but none were available, I might adopt a hamster instead. Or if I couldn't find guinea pigs I would consider rabbits.

**frashy** · #10 07-30-08, 12:36 pm

Well most certainly. Homing a guinea pig to me isn't about my convience, or my personal needs itself. I know buying from a pet store most certainly does nothing for pigs - all pigs everywhere, especially those in shelters - and nothing for me anyways.

I definally agree with PrayerWarrior - "Yes, gas is expensive, but that likes making your final decision between expensive gas or supporting mills. There is no decision involved, for me at least."

**pennykit&amanda** · #11 07-30-08, 02:00 pm

Well, is craigslist OK? I got mine by just looking on craigslist, and came across an add of three guinea pigs, and fell in love with the two girls (didn't have room for three) and begged my mother to get them. I ended up getting my first two piggies that day.

**frashy** · #12 07-30-08, 03:53 pm

Craigslist is a wonderful place! You adopt the pig by rehoming them and giving them another chance. Unless, the person is obviously a breeder because alot of the times people try and post their pigs like they are up for adoption. Which that is againt criagslist's policy, so if you ever see that you should flag them.

**thief** · #13 08-01-08, 04:43 pm

I'm not really fond of craigslist, but I will say that yes, I would drive three hours to give a pig a second chance at life. I drove an hour to get my pigs [and rescue four neglected bunnies] and a little over an hour to get two of my bunnies. I may be driving to Long Island soon to adopt a pair of chinchillas for my boyfriend. It's worth it, IMO.

**paperlady** · #14 08-02-08, 06:14 pm

I actually found my 2 girls in the Humboldt County Craigslist--they were in McKinleyville. (At that time, I remember that there were 3 different guinea pig listings, so it just depends on your timing!) I'm in Crescent City, so it was just an hour to an hour and a half. Of course, I think it does make a difference how far you'll go if you're an adult yourself, or if you have to convince parents.

**MCR_Rox** · #15 08-04-08, 05:39 am

There are people who will arrange transportation for you if you are too far away. Though your area may not have a gigantic over-population, many placed in CA do.

**Angelgal** · #16 08-04-08, 08:46 am

I am going to be finding myself in a similar situation. Very rarely do the humane society's around here have guinea pigs. Even the 3 local petstroes don't have guinea pigs in these days (not that I would buy from one). So, when I want another cavy in my life again I'm probably going to have to travel at least 2 hours to adopt one, but IMO it would be well worth the money in gas for the joy and happieness these little ones bring.

**naturegal592** · #17 08-04-08, 05:06 pm

I drove 1600 miles to get two of my girls. I made it a weekend vacation. I just drove 4.5 hours round trip to pick up my two foster GP's, and will have to do that again a couple times to take them and the babies back so they can be adopted.
We all just have to do what is within reason for us. Because of my schedule and living in a small town there isn't much that I get to do. When something comes up like that and I really want to do it...I do.

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