Pigs Not For Kids: True Story

[Alyndra]

That is a sad story. I'm so sorry for your loss and sorry for your feeling of guilt. Everyone makes mistakes, not just kids. Placing blame is only helpful the way you have done it, to take responsibility for our own mistakes and learn not to repeat them. Graciously, you have left the mistakes of others from your story. It was a mistake to use a poisonous product on the lawn. Your piggie was probably not the only living thing to die from it. It was a mistake to leave out a pen that shouldn't be used. It seems to me you are a wonderful pet owner, even as a child, with caring parents who take responsibility for you and your pet. You are a wonderful pet owner who made a mistake, just like other pet owners of any age sometimes do.

[newpiggies]

This is a terrible story, however I have to disagree that this is probably just one of those things that does happen from time to time and would probably not happen with everyone. You were a kid, you made a mistake, you've probably made up for it with all the love you give your pigs now, thousands of fold over. When I was a kid I raised hamsters and rats for years - from age 8 up until my teens. They all died of old age and at their time. There were no accidents. The point being... well I don't think because of one bad experience it's right to put people off getting pets for their kids. Although I definitely do advocate that people be educated and not get a pet just for the sake of it. We've had rescue horses, we've had rescue dogs, rescue cats and now own 2 rescue guinea pigs. My daughter wanted them as pets - and yes, although I did get them with her in mind, they are as much our family pets as anything. She bonds with them but I keep a close eye and I actually take care of the pigs. I'm really sorry to hear about what happened!