I<3MyBabies
Well-known Member
Cavy Slave
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2007
- Posts
- 329
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2007
- Messages
- 329
Hey everyone,
I went into Petsmart today to get some new water-bottles for the piggies (the ones we have are leaky and making a mess of the fleece). I always make a point of checking on the state of the GP's. The last time, I had to speak to an employee because their water bottle was too low, the nozzle was under the Carefresh bedding. One top of the obvious problem (they can't get any water), the bedding was soaked through. Well, today as I was leaving, I bent over to look at the piggies. Again, the water bottle was so low that the piggies couldn't possibly be getting any water. I went to the cashier and spoke calmly but firmly. I said, " This is the second time I have had to come to one of the employees here about the guinea pigs. Their water bottle is so low that they cannot reach the water." Before I really finished she cut me off, yelled across the store to some other employee and told them to check it.
Now, the real problem is not the water bottle...its the cage size. It is definitely not deep enough to fit a water bottle and have it NOT be too low. Since this is the second time... I told them, " If I see this a third time, I will be setting up a personal meeting with your manager to give him/her proper information on Guinea Pig care."
So, I am thinking of putting together a pamphlet/handout of all the essential care guidelines for guinea pigs. Now, be it as it may, this is a pet store. They do not think of animals as we do. They consider the pet store as a temporary home until someone takes them home. So, I'm not out to change them into avid c&c'rs, I just want to be realistic. I still am against the selling of animals for profit, but for their sake, giving the manager the best information I can may help, even if just a small bit.
So what information do you guys think is essential for this manager to know. I will be setting up a meeting as soon as I have this information together. Things like unlimited hay, vitamin C (not in their water or orange slices), proper nutrition from veggies, at least minimum cage requirements (obviously, its a pet store, they aren't going to build huge 12 sq.ft. cages for their 5 piggies, but something better than an itsy bitsy aquarium with one pigloo and 5 pigs)...ect. Just give me your opinions on what you think is necessary information - even send me a PM and write it out. I'll just make up the hand out. ( I'm also looking for health reasons why these essentials are so important...E.g. disease, health problems, ect)
Also, after I'm done with this handout, I am planning on making it accessible to all C&C forum members. I hope that this way you will be inspired to set up meetings with your local pet store managers, and instead of yelling or quickly telling them you are unpleased and then leaving, actually sit down for 30 minutes and educate them. I'm hoping to do this with the Petsmart's in my area.
Thanks so much guys,
Heidi
I went into Petsmart today to get some new water-bottles for the piggies (the ones we have are leaky and making a mess of the fleece). I always make a point of checking on the state of the GP's. The last time, I had to speak to an employee because their water bottle was too low, the nozzle was under the Carefresh bedding. One top of the obvious problem (they can't get any water), the bedding was soaked through. Well, today as I was leaving, I bent over to look at the piggies. Again, the water bottle was so low that the piggies couldn't possibly be getting any water. I went to the cashier and spoke calmly but firmly. I said, " This is the second time I have had to come to one of the employees here about the guinea pigs. Their water bottle is so low that they cannot reach the water." Before I really finished she cut me off, yelled across the store to some other employee and told them to check it.
Now, the real problem is not the water bottle...its the cage size. It is definitely not deep enough to fit a water bottle and have it NOT be too low. Since this is the second time... I told them, " If I see this a third time, I will be setting up a personal meeting with your manager to give him/her proper information on Guinea Pig care."
So, I am thinking of putting together a pamphlet/handout of all the essential care guidelines for guinea pigs. Now, be it as it may, this is a pet store. They do not think of animals as we do. They consider the pet store as a temporary home until someone takes them home. So, I'm not out to change them into avid c&c'rs, I just want to be realistic. I still am against the selling of animals for profit, but for their sake, giving the manager the best information I can may help, even if just a small bit.
So what information do you guys think is essential for this manager to know. I will be setting up a meeting as soon as I have this information together. Things like unlimited hay, vitamin C (not in their water or orange slices), proper nutrition from veggies, at least minimum cage requirements (obviously, its a pet store, they aren't going to build huge 12 sq.ft. cages for their 5 piggies, but something better than an itsy bitsy aquarium with one pigloo and 5 pigs)...ect. Just give me your opinions on what you think is necessary information - even send me a PM and write it out. I'll just make up the hand out. ( I'm also looking for health reasons why these essentials are so important...E.g. disease, health problems, ect)
Also, after I'm done with this handout, I am planning on making it accessible to all C&C forum members. I hope that this way you will be inspired to set up meetings with your local pet store managers, and instead of yelling or quickly telling them you are unpleased and then leaving, actually sit down for 30 minutes and educate them. I'm hoping to do this with the Petsmart's in my area.
Thanks so much guys,
Heidi
