REALLY want to adopt a pig. But......

[gpigluver14]

Well...I want to get another pig (so I will have three.) I won't even ask my parents until more towards my birthday in October. But...I just don't know how they would feel about adopting. I can see them saying, "But it takes so long- you have to sign adoption papers, and you might not be approved to adopt it. Why cant you just get it at Fins, Feathers, Paws, and Claws?" (That's the petstore where I got my first pig, unfortunately.) I really don't want to have to get anymore there, I would definitely adopt if I had a choice. It would cost less too- adopting, since the adoption fee is less than the cost at the store. And there is a S.P.C.A. literally less than five minutes away from me. But- checking their website, they don't have any pigs right now. I will keep checking it daily, and it says they do house pigs, but if they don't have any, I don't know where I would go. I searched on Petfinder and most of the other rescues and shelters are between 40 minutes and an hour away from me. Honestly, a half hour would be pushing it for them, especially since there is that petstore barely 15 minutes away. My pig never had any problems coming from there, but knowing about the horrible breeders they got it from, I just wish I could adopt. If I was the one with the car wanting to save a poor piggy's life I would definitely drive out the way, a couple hours to adopt one, but it's my parents, and they certainly would not. So...I don't know. Anyone know what I should do?? I really shouldn't even be thinking about it though, I don't even know if I am allowed to get another one. But, I'm just looking into the future.... Thanks.
I'm sorry I couldn't make this look any better mods, but I had it in paragraphs and after I submitted it, it went back to one whole thing. I edited it, and it didn't fix either. ???

 

[heatherbunnie]

Have you explained to your parents about why buying from petstores is so bad? I think you should talk to them about wanting another pig to make sure it is ok with them. After that, if they won't drive you far to a rescue, I think the best thing is to just be patient, maybe put out an ad that you're looking to adopt a piggy?

 

[caribear]

First of all, you need to make sure your parents will let you. Adoption doesn't always take along time. I was approved from 2 rescues within the next day.

If your parents truly don't want you to get another at a shelter, you shouldn't get any more. You should think of the big picture & not just that you want another pig.

At our local SPCA you can fill out a wish list so that if the animal that you want comes in, they will call you. After parents approval, I would contact the SPCA to see how long their adoptions take. Usually SPCA's are only 2 or 3 days.

Really even if it is longer, whats the big deal? You aren't even talking to your parents till Oct. I would bring it up ahead of time though, your parents can have more time to think it over. I am a parent & I prefer to know things ahead of time for planning, consideration, etc.

 

[gpigluver14]

Thank you everyone for your opinions. Caribear, you're right, it's not a big deal, if they don't want to adopt, I'm not going to just go right ahead and get it at that pet store. That would be totally missing the point of trying to save a pig's life. If I can't adopt, I won't get another one at all. And since I unfortunately can't get it anywhere else, I will just have to hope that the SPCA will get some piggies.

 

[caribear]

Sounds like you are very level headed. I wish you luck on finding one & talking with your parents.

 

[Jennicat]

You could try convincing them the backwards way. Let them know that the guinea pig you decide to bring home might not get along with yours. If you adopt from a rescue, they'll be happy to help you pair up your guinea pigs, to make sure they're going to get along. At the pet store, you're probably going to be stuck with whatever pig you bring home -- and you may end up with two pigs and two cages!

Even though that's not the best reason to adopt, sometimes people who are less enthusiastic about it for moral reasons will see the more pragmatic side of doing so.