I was actually very fortunate that five years ago, when I first considered having guinea pigs, that I did a lot of research and stumbled upon GuineaLynx. Had it not been for that site, I would have never known adopting from a rescue was an option. I remember going to PetSmart every weekend and staring at their guinea pigs for sale and thinking about how sad and lethargic they all looked.
From GL I was directed to this site where I learned about how to make a C&C cage. My adopted boys were both born with genetic defects. One had severe neurogical and physical abnormalities and trouble with seizures which ultimately caused him to cross the Rainbow Bridge at a young age.
There was a couple of years where I did not own cavies and focused more on my dogs and cats. Then, one day, I realized I wanted cavies again. Then my mother and sister also decided they wanted to participate. I started lurking here again and, while I knew a C&C cage was the only way to go, I had never seen fleece bedding used. I had always used Carefresh in my boars' cage. So I got a ton of great ideas that I incorporated when making Abby's cage.
I've learned so much from Ly&Pigs about cavy nutrition. I printed out the pdf version of her charts and refer to them daily. Since I've never owned a sow before, I've learned a lot about their reproductive cycles, behavior, potential health issues, etc. One thing this site has really made me aware of that I wasn't as aware of when I had my boars is supporting pet stores that sell small animals. Even though I adopted my boars, I still patronized PetCo and PetSmart for their supplies. Now I know that even that supports them purchasing from breeding farms, so I buy at the local feed store and online.
I've always been involved in taking care of animals, from the time I was a little girl. I cannot remember a time in my life when we didn't take in strays, foster animals from the Humane Society and other rescue agencies, have horses, etc. Animals have always been a part of my life. We've had rabbits, turtles, lizards, horses, dogs, cats, cavies, hamsters, gerbils, fish, fancy rats. When I was in high school, my mother and I were involved in equine activism. I went to horse auctions to see if anyone was engaging in illegal practices. I visited stables pretending to be interested in boarding my horse and if I saw horses that were being abused or neglected, I reported the owners.
For awhile, though, I wasn't as involved. While I still took in strays, fostered animals, etc. I wasn't as passionate about being a vocal activist. Being here, surrounded by people with a love for animals and their wellbeing, lit a fire under my rear.
I got to thinking earlier. Every so often when I am bored, I'll go back through the older threads in The Kitchen. There are so many people who come here and poo poo all over the whole premise behind this site. I thought about Teresa and about all of the hats she wears. I thought about how little some people appreciate the thought and tremendous effort behind what she, and all of the moderators, have done here.
Teresa didn't have to add forum host to her list of things to do, but she did and this is one of only a few guinea pig related forums online where discussions don't turn into ego strokes for the easily offended. Where people will get (or give) bad information simply to prevent stepping on someone's toes. I don't have to worry about posting a serious question here. I am confident that my question will be answered promptly and the advice will be accurate and beneficial to my cavy's wellbeing.
Anyway, I just wanted to give my most sincere gratitude to everyone who has made this site available to us. To everyone who puts in the hours of volunteer work to help cavies and cavy slaves.
eek: )
