Advice

Status
Not open for further replies.
Lessie

Lessie

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Feb 15, 2009
Messages
147
Reaction score
0
Points
165
Location
England
Hi,

I am in a really difficult position at the moment; therefore I’m seeking for an honest advice, which you're probably my only chance as there's no one else I could talk to.

Under what circumstances do you personally think it’s acceptable and a right time to‘re-home’ your pets?

I’ve recently lost my beloved Rabbit which I am still traumatized from. It was totally unexpected and such a cruel shock for me especially with the current circumstance we’re currently in. So this has hit me rock bottom.

Sadly we’re moving house very soon, well trying to find somewhere to live. I am um-employed at the moment and not in the right frame of mind however I still want what’s best for my pets.

At the moment I’ve only got Revolver my darling 5 year old guinea-pig. I was suppose to get her a companion(s) however the past few months have been difficult financially and because we’re moving soon, I felt it was wrong of me to find her a friend however I still feel awful and sad that she’s on her own which I as a responsible pet owner shouldn’t allow that. I know how sociable guinea-pigs are and the fact that they will get depress if they remain on their own. But I’ve always made sure she receives all her needs and looked after her wellbeing apart from not being able to find her some friends.

I am upset writing this but I have to do something about it because she deserves better, I feel she is not receiving unlimited time and love from me as she should be. Also because it’s winter soon I normally bring her indoors however because we will be moving to a much smaller property and we have 2 dogs – so we would not have the room for her. Also once again she shouldn’t be on her own so if I do get her a friend then there will certainly be no room in the house.

I’m in a horrible position at the moment because quite frankly I don’t know what to do but I do want to do the right thing and whatever best for her. I’d never dreamt of being in this position at all, now I personally know what other pet owners have been through with regards to‘re-homing’ their pets.

Just be honest with me and tell me what’s the best thing to do. I know it is probably the most selfish thing to do - to give up your pets when you shouldn't ever have to if your a responsible pet owner. However I never meant for this to happen and I've had too much to deal with for the past year and I really need to sort myself out.

Thank-you

Lessie
 
I think you know yourself what you want to do, and maybe want some re assurance to help you not feel so guilty about it. With regard to 'it being winter soon'. It has been winter weather for some time and a single guinea pig outside? is not good, that needs to be addressed today irrespective of what decision you come to about rehoming. xx
 
That is a tricky situation. Sorry to hear about your rabbit I have lost some rabbits in pretty awful ways and it takes so long to stop feeling so sad all the time.

I agree though, firstly your piggie will be lonely on her own. Also she will be cold, if it is cold for you outside it is cold for her as they feel the temperature similarly to us. Is she in a shed? Insulated hutch? Does she get in the house much? Will this all change when you move?

I think if you are unable to get her a friend and unable to bring her in the house now then you do need to think about re-homing her quickly, you don't want her to suffer.

It is a horrible decision to make but just do what is right for your piggie.

Where about are you located? Maybe someone locally would be able to give details of a local rescue....if any have room.

Hope you are ok x
 
TwoPiggies said:
That is a tricky situation. Sorry to hear about your rabbit I have lost some rabbits in pretty awful ways and it takes so long to stop feeling so sad all the time.

I agree though, firstly your piggie will be lonely on her own. Also she will be cold, if it is cold for you outside it is cold for her as they feel the temperature similarly to us. Is she in a shed? Insulated hutch? Does she get in the house much? Will this all change when you move?

I think if you are unable to get her a friend and unable to bring her in the house now then you do need to think about re-homing her quickly, you don't want her to suffer.

It is a horrible decision to make but just do what is right for your piggie.

Where about are you located? Maybe someone locally would be able to give details of a local rescue....if any have room.

Hope you are ok x
Click to expand...

I'm just so full of anger and frustration but devestated. I'm just not myself. But because of what's happened to Velvet - it hit me and made me realise that I don't want the same thing to happen to Revolver and more importantly I want her to be happy. I've always kept saying to myself I will get her a friend, I will etc Over and over again - I meant it but just when is the right timing?

If we've already moved in the Summer I probably would have but that didn't happen and we're all unemployed at the moment. It's doing my head in - I just feel crap all the time. As she doesnt deserve this.

I could bring her into our garage but again what about when we move etc. We might not have a garage, might have a small garden. Etc.

She's currently in her 6ft hutch - with ample of bedding in and heat pad. But I know she shouldnt be outside.

I'm located in Warwickshire.

I just feel so bad - that I shouldn't be a pet owner - and I feel as if I should be punished. Horrible horrible situation to be in.
 
Do the dogs have to take priority over the guinea pig? If you are moving to somewhere smaller, perhaps it would make sense to rehome a dog/s and keep your guinea pig. xx
 
Try not to feel bad about it - you are putting her needs first and even if that means rehoming her for her own sake then that doesnt make you a bad pet owner at all in my opinion.

Personally I think its worse to hang onto a pet you cant look after than rehome it. I had a wonderful rescue hamster for a few months (she was old when I got her) and I was pleased someone gave me the chance to know her for the months she had left.

If you know yourself that she would be better off somewhere else then have a look to find the very best home or rescue centre you can for her - or maybe someone on here can help - and dont beat yourself up about it.

Hope things look up for you soon,

x
 
nutmeg said:
Do the dogs have to take priority over the guinea pig? If you are moving to somewhere smaller, perhaps it would make sense to rehome a dog/s and keep your guinea pig. xx
Click to expand...

The dogs are not mine.

Revolver is - so I'm taking responsibility and because I am umemployed at the moment, I am willing to do anything - especially long hours jobs, which I've been looking at. It still wouldn't be fair for Revolver if I work long hours jobs especially she's on her own.

I could keep her - and wait until we move and once I get a job I can get her a friend and change her accomodation - but is it worth the wait? Even though I've always made sure she's safe, warm, fed, cleaned etc.

That's the main issue - I just want her to be happy.
 
i think she would be a lot happier with a friend, but if you dont have the space or money then i think re-homing her would be the best option. hope you can make a choice :(
 
Right I've took out all the dogs bedding and toys in my bedroom - so have just found some space for Revolver.

She's happily munching her vegs at the moment.

I'm going to see how she gets on - hopefully it should give her more comany as she will have our attention 100% of the times since we are all indoors. More importantly she's warm and safe indoors.

Thnak-you for your advice and like I said i'm willing to do anything and am trying my best.

Lessie
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top