Animal Welfare: Main Stream Idea's - Ignorance, Love and Learning

[Reason&Rage]

Yesterday I saw a family member that i have not seen in a while, that like I, has a sweet spot for animals. We got to talking about our homes and kids and animals came into play. I told her i have two dogs, (whiskey and Denver) and that my boyfriend and I have recently gotten two pigs! She told me that she to had two pigs and that all they did was squeek and clang there teeth on the bars of there cage. I asked her if she ever had any issues with the piggers and if they ever got sick. Her husband (who I can NOT STAND! So ignorant, but i put up with) told me that green stuff was crusted around there eyes and that one actaully died. I know that it was more then likely a respitory infection... he then decided to add - in all his wisdom of g. pigs - that you are suppose to put some sort of drops in there water... and carrots are suppose to be good for them!.... or something.

OOOOOK! KILLS ME! Really does, that people just dont... get it! People dont relize that what they are doing is wrong, and the ideas are very main stream and I really cant blame people for thinking like that, because honestly, they do no know better! and it kills me. Last night my boyfriend and I were doing a total clean of the cage together, and feeding our boys some grass and veg ... whatever.. and I was telling him what they had told me. Thinking, I know these people are not the only ones that have treated there pigs like this, and think of how many have suffered and died because people are.... stupid. AHHHH!!! I really had to speak out and say this, it was really burdening me. I know everyone who follows this site, and lives and breathes on this site like I have been can probably relate to my story and my feeling.

Thats why I think that when people make mistakes on this site, or show cages that dont match to standards should not be critisized or put down. They should not be voted a one, and told that they are hurting there pigs blah blah blah.... because even an animal lover like I.... can be making simple mistakes for pet care! Even 4-H for goodness sakes! MAIN STREAM ideas for MAIN STREAM people.... you see the pig in the pet store, you see the BIG cage the pet store sells... you think its normal and thats how you take of your pig!!


Anyways, Enough! I just needed to tell the story and tell people that its ok to make mistakes, so lets help correct them! I wouldnt have found this site if I didnt want to know more.

[sealion]

Have you told them about C&C cages ? I'm sure they would be glad to give their piggies a better life.
Yes, people make mistakes, and people learn, but what I espacially hate is when people know about the proper way but try to ignore it (like if someone knows not to buy a petstore pig etc. but still get one because there aren't any to rescue).

[Seonta]

Perhaps what you could do Reason&Rage is try to proactively spread the word about proper Cavy care.

[snistopher]

I've posted about a neighbor on here who's performing this type of ignorance. I love her and all (in a neighborly way, of course), but I can understand your infuriation with this. I've told her about this site, that her gp should have a friend and a bigger cage and should be fed veggies daily, but it's always met with indifference. They recently got a kitten too, which I'm sure will create a greater "shun effect" for their cavy. But I've done everything I can possibly do, and while it does upset me that she's not doing the right thing by her, I don't see much more that I can do