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