I wasn't going to post anymore on the subject of rehoming, however, in reading many of these posts I believe my words were misunderstood. I certainly believe if you can no longer care for an animal it's best to rehome it. However, I know we've all seen the Craigslist ads that say "the kids no longer pay any attention to this pig and we don't have the time for it". Shouldn't getting a pet be a family decision and what is that teaching the kids, that it okay to get something and then once you tire of it, it's fine to just get rid of it and get something new. Something new which they will probably quickly lose interest in.
I realize this subject is particularly heartbreaking to me because I spent five years working at a county animal shelter and then I went into veterinary medicine. I've seen more than a fair share of people treating animals as disposable commodities. One situation that was appalling to me was of a client and her two dogs. This particular lady was bedridden for many years and her dogs were her constant companions. Near the end of her life she told me how her husband would be continuing to care for the dogs after her death. However, that was not to be. Four months after her death he brought both dogs in and told me his new girlfriend doesn't want the dogs around anymore. I asked him what he wanted us to do, his reply was I don't care, find them a new home or just put them to sleep, it makes no difference to me. I really wanted to ask him if this was how he was honoring his wife's memory by disposing of her beloved pets.
This situation and many others are why I get upset at the notion of people just getting rid of something when it's no longer fun or it becomes inconvenient to your lifestyle.
I have the greatest respect for people like [MENTION=13918]foggycreekcavy[/MENTION] and [MENTION=15081]pinky[/MENTION] and [MENTION=32203]Rodent[/MENTION] Cuddles. These wonderful people take in and care for, at their own expense, the abandoned piggies that people purchase on a whim.
I'm sorry if I upset anyone with my initial post. I certainly didn't mean to step on anyone's toes. I just have such strong feelings on this subject. Although, let me add if it weren't for people rehoming their pigs, I wouldn't have my six wonderful girls.