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Post by Mal on Aug 4, 2008 1:22:21 GMT
I've decided to start a Piggie rescue instead of breeding/showing.
1. There are no rescues here for Guinea Pigs or small animals in general. 2. The one shelter that actually takes them never gets any in, so that could be a good or bad thing. I don't know. 3. I think it would be better to save the unwanted ones then bring more in while there could be some out there on the brink of trouble. (Not to offend anyone, FYI) 4. Maybe they don't think of brining them there (shelter talked about above) because it usually only has Dogs and Cats and literally never any other animal. So, one strictly for Piggies might get them in. (I may also take other small animals)
So, I will update you on how things are going. I was thinking instead of having them adopted out I would make a sanctuary type things and just keep and care for them here, so at least I would know for sure they would be in good care.
So, think it is a good idea?
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Post by PigPog on Aug 4, 2008 3:33:33 GMT
Well, personally I'm proud of you. Choosing to breed or rescue is ultimately your decision, but you didn't immediately jump right into breeding and you're considering other options. You've shown a great deal of maturity and you make me smile. I think your ideas are very good so far. You seem to know roughly what sort of coverage there is for homeless guinea pigs in your area which is always an important place to start. You will probably have to rehome some of them eventually. I have 28 at the moment and they eat me out of house and home. Not to mention the time they take up. It's a sad fact that many homeless guinea pigs come to rescue centres in need of medical attention, which further drains your funds and means you'll need to consider rehoming after rehabilitation as a serious option. There are ways you can do your best to ensure they go to good homes. For example, you can insist on a home check to inspect new homes, or have prospective new owners agree to a contract whereby they must return the animal to you should they no longer able to care for it. You can also hand out care sheets with every rehomed pig. I'm not sure exactly how old you are, but I expect there will be a legal age over there at which people can sign a legally binding contract with you - in other words, you may have to be 18 or 21 (depending on your state laws) before you can enter into a legally binding contract. Having a good exotics vet is also essential to any guinea pig owners, especially people like me and many of our members here who have a shed full of piggies. Most "normal" vets will obviously know their stuff but guinea pigs are best treated by a vet trained in treating exotic species, which guinea pigs are classed as. My vet Ian is an exotics vet with a degree in microbiology, and he's constantly studying for new qualifications. You'll also need an emergency fund to pay for the treatment of neglected or mistreated guinea pigs. Put some money away each month for the purpose, and perhaps one day if your rescue became well established you could kindly ask for donations via something like PayPal or even become a registered charity. Obviously the latter is something that would come in time, but still something to consider. Anyway, I'm very tired but I just had to reply to you before I went to bed. I hope this helps.
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Post by Mal on Aug 4, 2008 4:42:15 GMT
Why Thank You! I am sure I will have to rehome some, yes. Lirl, once on Animal Cops I saw one lady who owned a sanctuary for actual Pigs and had over 60. I don't think I could handle that many squirming G-Piggies. xD I in the future plan to start a rescue for all animals (Seeing as I love all animals and have owned about every kind) plan to do home checks, and I think it would be a good idea for Piggies as people seem to think they aren't as hard to take care of as they can be, and don't learn/read enough before they decide to take on one (Or any animal). I am not sure about the age thing, but I am 13, and my mother also is allowing this and wanting to be a part of it. (Out of all the animals she loves Simba and Pumba the best. ) So, she once I look into everything and figure everything needed, she could handle those things on the most part, and I would mostly be the care-taker, web page manager, things like that which I am good at, but like I said above we will have to see what all needs to be done. Vets are another thing I need to look into. There aren't many around here you really really know their stuff on these small animals, so I need to see where a near vet would be that may specialize in smaller animals. I plan to get more books about illnesses in Guinea Pigs, so I would too, have an idea about what one could have and ways to treat it. Or along the lines of that, but vets would still be tops.
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Post by tosca on Aug 8, 2008 14:09:23 GMT
Good on you Mal. Like you I am just setting out to rescue and am researching lots of stuff so if you wish I can pass on anything useful I find
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Post by eppingstrider on Aug 8, 2008 15:37:08 GMT
I admire you both. I'd love to think I could, but I know this one's beyond me. Maybe I could foster when needed, but that's about it. Good luck both of you.
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Post by Tanya's Tribbles on Aug 12, 2008 22:16:44 GMT
I now have rescued over 70 piggies and i find that you can get attached to the ones that come in very fast. You do have to find some homes for them or you would not have room for more that need to come in. I hope that all goes well and yes please let us all know how you get on. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions that i may be able to help with. Tanya
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Post by piggiesgalorehere on Aug 13, 2008 0:53:24 GMT
Aww this is awesome! I think it is a wonderful idea I wouldn't mind starting a little rescue I think it would be nice buuuuut I would have to be totally set on my way and all that jazz. So maybe in the future. But anyway good luck with your new coming rescue!!
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Post by PigPog on Aug 23, 2008 0:25:23 GMT
How's it going Mal?
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Post by Mal on Aug 23, 2008 7:41:49 GMT
How's it going Mal? Good, have the site up (On website section), and am in the process of planning and building a shed, plus some other things.
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Post by PigPog on Aug 25, 2008 0:40:39 GMT
Ooooh, great to hear. You know you can pick our brains here if you need anything.
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