Gadgets, Gizmos and Guinea Pigs in Need

Alright, I can be as sappy as the next person when it comes to Disney movies; I’ve watched the trailers for G-Force and there’s no doubt that Darwin, Speckles, Hurley and agents Juarez and Blaster are adorable. And there, good people, lies the rub.

Snowcap, Blizzard and Snickers are in need of a home.

Don’t you know that almost every child who sees this movie will want a guinea pig for a pet? But before you rush out to satisfy your young one’s every desire, consider this:

-Guinea pigs (also called cavys) are not stuffed toys. The cavy has a life span of 4 – 8 years. That’s 4 – 8 years in which he will require your care and attention to all his needs (feeding, watering, cage cleaning, veterinary care, exercise, nail trimming, etc.) at, sometimes, considerable expense.

-Guinea pigs are not “starter” pets for your child. In fact, there’s no such thing as a “starter” pet. Any creature you bring in to your home will require, and indeed deserve, your diligent ministrations.

-A pet cavy is not the way to teach your child responsibility. Few children instinctively value animals’ lives so don’t risk the health and welfare of any living creature by assuming your kids will follow any directive to feed their critter, or clean his cage.

-There are already thousands of abandoned and unwanted guinea pigs in shelters and listed on places like Craigslist. Don’t add to those numbers!

If you must get a guinea pig…

Do your homework. There’s a lot of good information at cavyspirit.com and the aspca that will help you determine your new pet’s needs.

Rescue a guinea pig. Give a cavy a second chance. Check local shelters or look online at guineapighome.com (where, as of this writing, you’ll find the cavys shown above) or petfinder.

“All of us are guinea pigs in the laboratory of God. Humanity is just a work in progress.” ~ Tennessee Williams

Guinea Pig Rescue

Things You Should Know Before Bringing a Rescued Guinea Pig Home:

During Adopt-A-Rescued Guinea Pig Month, which is recognized annually every March, guinea pig rescues and animal shelters around the country work hard to educate pet owners about the proper care of guinea pigs, also known as cavies. Unfortunately, there are countless guinea pigs living in less-than-ideal conditions, facing neglect, malnutrition, and abuse at the hands of their owners.

In some cases, the abuse isn’t intentional but it still exists. Because they are docile creatures and rarely bite, guinea pigs are often considered ideal pets for children. The downside is children can be rough with guinea pigs, making it essential for their parents to supervise them. Children can also tire of a pet quickly, leaving their parents to care for the guinea pig or to abandon her altogether.

Anyone who’s ever had a guinea pig knows how affectionate they can be, making them a wonderful addition to the right family. But, in the hands of the wrong person, a guinea pig can suffer unless someone steps in to rescue her.

Guinea pigs are wonderful pets, affectionate and well-suited to apartment or small home living. However, you should be aware of what you can expect when adopting a rescued guinea pig, especially if you are unsure of what has happened in her past. Even a guinea pig who was handled roughly in her former home will need extra care.

Before you adopt a rescued guinea pig, prepare her new home. You may want to get her a pen to run around in or a cage that is big enough for her to explore. Never house your guinea pig in an aquarium no matter how big the aquarium is because your cavy won’t get the ventilation she needs. In addition, avoid using a cage that has a wired bottom which could hurt your guinea pig’s feet or cause her to become stuck in the wire.

Make sure there are plenty of places for your guinea pig to hide in her cage. You can purchase tubes and igloos or put boxes in the cage. If your guinea pig becomes frightened or needs a break from her new surroundings, she can hide. Guinea pigs should also be allowed to run around a room supervised to give them the exercise they need.

You can hold your guinea pig and pet her, but don’t be too aggressive, especially until she begins to trust you. When guinea pigs are uncomfortable or frightened, they will squeak. If your guinea pig squeaks, put her back into her cage or put her down to run around.

Because guinea pigs are prey animals, they will hide their illness, often until they are extremely sick. After you’ve adopted a guinea pig, take her to an experienced exotic vet to get a complete check-up. That way, you will know if she has any ongoing medical problems and what you need to do to keep her healthy and comfortable.

Before bringing a guinea pig home, whether she has been rescued from abuse or she is a baby, make sure you do your research so you know what to expect from caring for a cavy. Remember to make sure you have the financial means and the commitment to caring for your guinea pig for the whole of her life.