Wow. Unbelievable. My family has decided to get a Guinea Pig. My daughter is 4 and has been trying to talk us into a pet for quite some time. We have decided to try and give the little piggie the best that we can. So I decided to do a lot of research before we go and choose our new pet. I want to be sure I am well educated, and do things right. In doing so I happened across this site and decided to register. I thought it might be nice if I got to know some Cavy owners. I thought it would be a wonderful source of information.
Instead I found personal attacks on a new member, who by the way never disagreed that it isn't a wonderful thing to rescue a pet. She only said that for some people, a petstore is their only "reasonable" option if they would like to have a Guinea Pig. If you aren't one of those people, Good for you. But to personally attack this person's character is uncalled for.
I have changed my mind. I would not like to come back and learn from any of you. It scares me that it might rub off. I don't want to become so obsessed with an animal that I forget how to properly interact with humans.
By the way, I will be going to a petstore for our new little piggie. I HAVE researched the rescue option. I would have to travel at least 4 hours away. I will not be doing that. Not because I am lazy. But because I am a mother of two young children, work 2 jobs from home,and my husband works 2 jobs as well. With gas being the price that it is, I will not travel out of state for a Guinea Pig. Say what you would like, call me what you will. Unlike the member that you trashed earlier, I will not be shedding any tears. I don't care what you think. I have more important things to worry about.
There are very few places that are an exception to the rule.
As I have said... I live in a rural area, there are no pig rescues within 4 hours of me, and shelters don't accept pigs. There is, however, a Petco (several of them, in fact) within a 20-30 minute radius of me ... Where there are Petco's selling pigs, there ARE adoptable pigs looking for homes. Guaranteed.
It happens every day...People impulse buy not knowing how high maintenance they are, they buy pregnant or mis-sexed pigs and wind up with litters, their kids become bored with their pig, they aren't any fun, and a list of various other excuses why people wind up wanting rid of their guinea pigs.
There's petfinder, freecycle, news papers, there is even an adoptables forum right here on this website..and if you can't find anyone offering pigs then it takes very little effort to place your own ad asking for adoptable pigs in any of these places or by posting signs at the local vets and feed stores etc.
Most rescues are willing to transport half way or more to home their pigs in good homes.
In 99% of cases "a petstore is their only "reasonable" option if they would like to have a Guinea Pig" is piss poor way of saying "I simply want the gratification of having THIS species of pocket pet, right now, and I am unwilling to put the leg work and time into saving ones life rather than funding animal abuse".
I adopted 7 baby pigs in October, even though I live in a rural, rescue-less area. How? I posted a want ad, right here on this website, and I had patience. A month later a member on another website contacted me. We each drove half the distance (an hour or so each) for me to get the piggies. Since then I have learned of no less than 3 people local to me that bought pregnant pigs and had babies that needed homes.
With a little bit of leg work, time, and patience you almost always can adopt...and it is a much more valuable lesson to teach your kids.
I have two kids, a working husband, and plenty of commitments.... if 4 hours of my time was too much....well, then I wouldn't need to own pigs, and you probably shouldn't either. They are expensive and time consuming little animals. If you don't have 4 hours to commit to a pet, and to give your kids a valuable and touching lesson, then you don't need pets.
You can get angry and shout "nana nana boo boo I am going to purchase at a pet store to spite you" all you want, but it only makes you look like the shallow, reckless, and heartless fool. My hands and conscious are clean. I am sorry for you, and your kids, and especially your future pigs.
I only hope your pigs aren't sick and dead within a few short months as many pet store pigs are. What a terrible thing for your kids. All to save you a little time. *shaking head*
By the way, just for the record. If you, or the original poster read any of the policies and guidelines you would know this website is run by a rescue that deals with pet store rejects every day. You would know this website is strictly pro animal. You have no more right to come here, reject our opinions, and then cry foul when we bark up your tree....than you would if you went to an anti abortion rally and waved your pro choice poster. Same difference. Get over it.
