Guinea Pigs are a Commitment!
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
August 10, 2008 11:27pm CST
I thought I would post this since so many people have been dumping guinea pigs around here this summer. They want to go on vacation, the kids got bored, they got allergies, etc.
Before you decide you need a pair of guinea pigs, please remember that even smaller pets are a commitment. Guinea pigs live 5 to 8 years when cared for properly. Kids will likely get bored of them, but they still need to be cared for. Yes, you will need to find a pet sitter for vacations. And if you're allergic to guinea pig fur, urine, or more likely, the hay that they need to eat, try to figure that out before you get a pair. In return for your commitment, guinea pigs will amuse you with their cute antics and enjoy watching TV with you.
And if you're thinking about getting a pair of guinea pigs, check your local rescues and animal shelters and consider saving a life instead of supporting a pet mill. But make sure you're ready for a commitment, this is not a hasty decision.
3 responses
@frankiecesca (2489)
•
11 Aug 08
Very well said! I always think so many people do think that the smaller pets are more disposable and don't think of them the same as they do dogs or the like so this is a nice reminder to everyone out there! x
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
12 Aug 08
People often think of smaller pets as training pets for their children. I am shocked by the number of people who will get their kids a guinea pig, the kid does okay with it for about a year, so they dump the guinea pig and get a dog. What kind of lesson is that teaching their children?
Although, I think people also tend to think of dogs as being pretty disposable too. I am always saddened when I go to the animal shelter.
@frankiecesca (2489)
•
12 Aug 08
Yes it is very sad when I see them all homeless - I am doing a sponsored bike ride next year to raise money for my local animal shelter. I wonder if I could put the link on here to raise money or would I have to do it as a private message? x
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
13 Aug 08
Oh that is cool. I should look around here to see if there is anything like that. I'm currently training for a 100 mile ride that is just a "fun" ride, no prizes, no causes. But I'd love to do a shorter ride (or even 100 miles I guess) for a cause sometime.
@starjmom (88)
• United States
24 Aug 08
We adopted a guinea pig this summer, and yes, they are adorable pets. He is so social and loves to hang out with me. It's funny, right now he is upstairs in my boys room and everytime I pass by he jumps up to look to see if I am coming into the room! I just had him out roaming around. If you want to care for them properly you need to spend time with them, make sure they get exercise and love daily.
@ElicBxn (63640)
• United States
11 Aug 08
I know what you mean. And if they think 5-8 years is a long time, well, a cat can live 15-20 years.
Like guinea pigs, cats need to be protected, fed, and cared for, and that cute kitten is only a cute kitten for a few months, then they be come big cats.
Thanks for posting something like this.
