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Post by tosca on Jul 19, 2008 17:39:54 GMT
I have finally decided to take the path of Rescue as my main involvement in Guinea Pigs. When I first joined this forum I fully intended to research breeds with a view to showing and breeding. And I still will one day. My hat goes off to all of the breeders on here for their dedication to producing healthy cavies and creating strong problem free bloodlines. I know none of you will make any profit from your animals it just does not happen that way. Only the corner cutting unscrupulous commercial breeders will make money unfortunately. And total admiration for PigPog who is steadfast on her views of not breeding without all the knowledge, direction and foresight necessary to do it right. Yet she does not come across as judge mental I feel. You defiantly gave me food for thought which steered my decision Emma thanks. So enough of the speech lol PLEASE give me your input. Any ideas you have for interviewing prospective new owners etc pitfalls we'll hit anything. Thanks Gang
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Post by Hugs-Cavies (Doris) on Jul 19, 2008 17:48:34 GMT
Good for you!
It will be very rewarding at times, upsetting at others.
You will find that some piggies will come to you in an appalling state, we had two such piggies - now you'd never know the difference and seeing the two boys now makes the whole battle getting them there worthwhile. You will also need to be prepared for pregnant sows - being a rescue you are likely to get a few of those.
I assume you are going to rescue with a view to rehome them? Something I would recommend is some kind of agreement the person taking the piggie signs, agreeing to things like not to breed the rescues, or for example if they are unable to keep them to bring them back to you.
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Post by meggiepiggy on Jul 19, 2008 19:06:32 GMT
That is absolutely brilliant Tosca Funny how life throws things at you for a good reason.......... And you know where to come for advice and encouragement too!
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Post by eppingstrider on Jul 19, 2008 19:14:39 GMT
I have an adoption certificate for Fred & George which I'll scan in and send to you if I can work out how. I think my thread on Adopting Fred & George covered my experience of the visits etc.
Good luck with this, its a great idea - provided you can cope (and your neighbours can cope with more animals as neighbours...my Rescue had to give up partly because of neighbour pressure, as I understand).
Are there other rescues within reasonable distance that you could act as support/overflow to at least to start with?
The Terms of Adoption are: ...I agree to ... ...care for this animal for the rest of its natural life. If for any reason I can no longer provide a home then the animal must be returned to (the rescue centre)
...provide correct food and housing requirments and veterinary care where necessary
...I will not breed with this animal
...If it is felt the animal is not being cared for properly we reserve the right to remove it from its new home
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Post by piggiesgalorehere on Jul 19, 2008 21:54:47 GMT
Awesome Awesome
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Post by PigPog on Jul 19, 2008 22:57:04 GMT
And total admiration for PigPog who is steadfast on her views of not breeding without all the knowledge, direction and foresight necessary to do it right. Yet she does not come across as judge mental I feel. Well, thanks for the compliment. I try not to judge people because it's not up to me to tell others what to do, I can only advise. I think it's the best way to go.... thanks for saying such nice things about me, I really appreciate it. It's great to hear you've discovered what you fancy doing. Rescue is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and for me the sad parts are outweighed by the knowledge that the piggies had a fabulous home with me. At least I hope they did! Perhaps you could print out a sheet of basic care info to give to new owners. Feel free to take inspiration from the articles around my site. Put your contact details on it too so they can get in touch again if they need advice or want to give up the pig. Remember, you can run anything by us here, and we'll all give you constructive criticism and help.
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Post by lisa on Jul 20, 2008 12:38:22 GMT
Well done you!
(I just wrote a whole load on this and it disappeared grrrrrr computers dont you just hate that!)
Anyway
A adoption agreement is a good idea and it should include some terms and conditions like if the animal should become homeless again they bring it back to you. Home visits maybe one before to see the housing and one after to make sure they are caring for the piggy. A surrender agreement (for those people you may meet) to state they are surrendering the pig into your care and once that is done there is no turning back once the pig is adopted or has bubs they have no right to babies or anything. Get as many hutches and cages you can from free ads even if you arent going to use them as you can sell them to new owners or people who are on the look out for cages and the money can go straight back into rescue. Decide on your adoption fee, some people ask for a donation some people set a amount. Set up a site maybe just a freewebs one with all your details/terms and conditions on it and piggys up for adoption also contact details and care sheets or a link to here for good information on how to care for piggy's. Contact your local RSPCA/registered rescue and foster or act as a overflow for them, they can give you support and some times they pay for medical treatment for pigs that come into them but are fostered some where else. Also contact any rescues you may know of just for support. Contact your vets or other vets and ask if they will do a special discount for rescue maybe not charging the consultation fee just charge for the treatment, some vets will do this if you ask nicely. I can give you a list of rescues around the country that have websites you can look at to get more info on adoption agreements etc
there is so much more I could say but I am sure you already know, there aren't many people out there willing to give their time to rescue piggy's I am sure you will do a grand job and everyone here will support you!!!
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Post by Tanya's Tribbles on Jul 20, 2008 21:17:01 GMT
I have sent you a pm. Tanya
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Post by Hugs-Cavies (Doris) on Jul 20, 2008 21:36:57 GMT
It might be also worth joining your local freecycle group and asking for cages etc on there.
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Post by snailspace on Jul 20, 2008 23:32:56 GMT
Well done Tosca - a wonderful decision, and one that I'm sure will reward you with some special experiences It's awesome to think of the piggies that will be safe with you.
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Post by pigmadsarah on Jul 21, 2008 6:39:51 GMT
awww great tosca ! everyone has given fantastic advice good luck xxxx
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Post by guineapoo on Jul 22, 2008 6:43:00 GMT
Well done Tosca! Thats wonderful news - theres going to be a lot of happy piggies round your way soon!
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Post by cashmincal on Jul 22, 2008 10:20:45 GMT
Well done you and I wish you the best of luck
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Post by tosca on Jul 25, 2008 17:15:00 GMT
Thanks for all the great advice. Not posted much but have been popping in reading, making notes etc. I have put together an informal 'committee' of 4 friends to toss ideas around with, help if too many piggies for my garden, home checks, vet runs and so on and we are busy but discovering lots too. Thanks again x
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Post by PigPog on Jul 25, 2008 21:44:20 GMT
Glad to hear you're so organised Karen. Do let us know when you're "open for business" as it were.
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