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Tiamolly123

Tiamolly123

Senior Guinea Pig
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i hope I won't offend anyone but this is how I feel, I realise you are pro rescues & I feel that a lot of people totally agree with you. Some times there are no rescues close to you. Then the choice is narrowed down to breeders or pet shops or people who want to get rid of some. I think it is very disheartening to go against what you say. I think a person was saying maybe she didn't belong on this forum. Then that could have been terrible if we lost her. The amount of valuable advice we have on this forum is so great, without this advice she maybe could have, lost her piggy through ignorance. Can we not have have a banner that says we are a pro rescue forum, but we are to help you regardless or something like. This is the best forum I have ever been in. But I would hate to lose members because the piggies were non rescues.
Sorry it's just a view.
 
I have to say I do agree. This forum is amazing and I completely agree with rescuing guinea pigs and understand fully why it doesn't recommend breeders/shops etc but there are some people who aren't aware of this view, who join the forum not realising why it's pro rescue. Perhaps some people have no option of going to a rescue so have no choice but to use breeders/pet shops and sometimes I feel like the attitude can be that any non rescue piggies don't deserve to be looked after or offered a home..

I am against intentional breeding and would always opt to rescue any animal but not everyone has rescues near them or even any in their country. I understand that buying from breeders just keeps the cycle going (which I hate) but all piggies deserve a loving home, regardless where they came from, and I'd hate to see any members leaving the forum because they have non rescue pigs and feel unwelcome, especially as this forum is full of knowledgeable people and great advice which I've found to be invaluable at times.

Again, as @Tiamolly123 said, just a personal view and not aimed at anyone in particular.
 
Thanks for this post and your opinion.

The forum does not wish to be judgemental on where people get their Guinea Pigs from and members of the forum should not be doing this as it is not friendly or welcoming.

I would like to take this time to clarify the forum's ethos and stance. The forum is a 'Rescue Friendly' forum and is 'Pro Rescue' in it's ethos. The emphasis on the word friendly here.

Many people new to the world of piggies or those who find the forum when looking for advice are unaware that rescues exist. I was until I joined the forum and I know others were to from my time being here.
We try to spread the rescue word and hopefully let people know that they can get healthy, bonded piggies from a reputable rescue instead of more traditional routes such as a breeder or pet shop.
HOWEVER it needs to be appreciated that not all people have a recommended rescue close to them and have to look at alternative ways of getting a Guinea Pig. Or simply wish not to use a rescue. I would deeply hope people are not judged for this as there is nothing wrong in that. Guinea Pigs are Pigs wherever you get them from.

We wont however promote any Breeder regardless if that are 'reputable' or not because we believe breeding is wrong. Pet shops again using 'mass breeding mills' which again are against our ethos so we don't promote those either. BUT anyone is welcome here regardless of where they get their piggies from.

What we do not allow is the discussion on Intentional Breeding or Showing. We also do not allow Free-ads because the rescue section of the forum would be full of them and many backyard breeders use these to sell or dump excess stock.



 
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We do not need a banner. Actions are louder than words and you can all do your bit in making this forum the friendliest least judgmental forum on the internet.

if you see anyone being jumped on for having a pet shop pig or a piggy from a breeder then use the report button. This highlights a member of the staff team to investigate.

Questions, comments, concerns welcome to myself please

Lee
x
 
sport_billy said:
Thanks for this post and your opinion.

The forum does not wish to be judgemental on where people get their Guinea Pigs from and members of the forum should not be doing this as it is not friendly or welcoming.

I would like to take this time to clarify the forum's ethos and stance. The forum is a 'Rescue Friendly' forum and is 'Pro Rescue' in it's ethos. The emphasis on the word friendly here.

Many people new to the world of piggies or those who find the forum when looking for advice are unaware that rescues exist. I was until I joined the forum and I know others were to from my time being here.
We try to spread the rescue word and hopefully let people know that they can get healthy, bonded piggies from a reputable rescue instead of more traditional routes such as a breeder or pet shop.
[you]HOWEVER[/you] it needs to be appreciated that not all people have a recommended rescue close to them and have to look at alternative ways of getting a Guinea Pig. I would deeply hope people are not judged for this as there is nothing wrong in that. Guinea Pigs are Pigs wherever you get them from.

We wont however promote any Breeder regardless if that are 'reputable' or not because we believe breeding is wrong. Pet shops again using 'mass breeding mills' which again are against our ethos so we don't promote those either. [you]BUT anyone is welcome here regardless of where they get their piggies from.
[/you]
What we do not allow is the discussion on Intentional Breeding or Showing. We also do not allow Free-ads because the rescue section of the forum would be full of them and many backyard breeders use these to sell or dump excess stock.

[you]

[/you]
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... I think your above post is worth putting somewhere where members can refer back to it Lee. If you don't like the idea of a banner - how about putting your statement in an " about the forum " link on the bottom tool bar ?
 
PiggyOwner said:
... I think your above post is worth putting somewhere where members can refer back to it Lee. If you don't like the idea of a banner - how about putting your statement in an " about the forum " link on the bottom tool bar ?
Click to expand...

Nice idea, thank you.
 
sport_billy said:
We do not need a banner. [you]Actions are louder than words[/you] and you can all do your bit in making this forum the friendliest least judgmental forum on the internet.

if you see anyone being jumped on for having a pet shop pig or a piggy from a breeder then use the report button. This highlights a member of the staff team to investigate.

Questions, comments, concerns welcome to myself please

Lee
x
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Thanks lee I am totally with you I think you should still be pro rescue but maybe take a balance, don't promote pet shops or breeders but make people that have got piggies from the later shouldn't be Discrimated against
Sue x
 
Tiamolly123 said:
Thanks lee I am totally with you I think you should still be pro forum but maybe take a balance, don't promote pet shops or breeders but make people that have got piggies from the later shouldn't be Discrimated against
Sue x
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I wasn't aware that they are... Staff can't see all threads and every post. That is why we rely on your guys hitting that report button :) but I take your comment on board

*kate* said:
I think rescue is ideal but sometimes that just isn't possible.
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Absolutely Kate and people shouldn't be made to feel bad for not being able to rescue or not being aware
 
Look at our forum logo and read the writing underneath. ;)
 
I have to be honest I didn't even realise that there were such things as rescue centres for guinea pigs! I knew about the obvious like dog and cat rescues but totally unaware that smaller animals were in them too! It was only because I was lurking around this forum before joining doing some research that I even found out about it. If I'm honest I lurked rather than joined because I've been in forums before where the people on there just seem to be out to slate you and nothing you do or say is ever good enough, I realised that this forum was a completely different beast very quickly so I joined and never looked back! Xx
 
I have to say that I have never tried to hide the fact that all 4 of my piggies come from a breeder.
I have also made it clear that I am very pro rescue (all my previous pets were from rescues) but in Switzerland it is almost impossible to get a rescue guinea pig.
In all my posts on here I have only once felt that someone was being slightly judgemental about where my pigs come from. But in that case, before I could even reply, one of the Forum Rescue Gurus leapt in to explain why I was using a breeder, and went on to clarify the situation in Switzerland (probably far better than I could have done myself).

I do feel that overall everyone is kind and supportive and willing to help as much as they can.
Unfortunately there will always be the occasional person who is a little more dogmatic with their opinions, but on a public forum you also need to remember that it isn't personal - take what you need, give something back, and enjoy.
 
Anarchybmc said:
I have to be honest I didn't even realise that there were such things as rescue centres for guinea pigs! I knew about the obvious like dog and cat rescues but totally unaware that smaller animals were in them too! It was only because I was lurking around this forum before joining doing some research that I even found out about it. If I'm honest I lurked rather than joined because I've been in forums before where the people on there just seem to be out to slate you and nothing you do or say is ever good enough, I realised that this forum was a completely different beast very quickly so I joined and never looked back! Xx
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We had exactly the same experience when we signed up, our first girls where from a hobby breeder.
Thanks for taking the time to let me know about your experience. We really do work hard behind the scenes to keep the forum harmonious and resolve any disputes.


Swissgreys said:
I have to say that I have never tried to hide the fact that all 4 of my piggies come from a breeder.
I have also made it clear that I am very pro rescue (all my previous pets were from rescues) but in Switzerland it is almost impossible to get a rescue guinea pig.
In all my posts on here I have only once felt that someone was being slightly judgemental about where my pigs come from. But in that case, before I could even reply, one of the Forum Rescue Gurus leapt in to explain why I was using a breeder, and went on to clarify the situation in Switzerland (probably far better than I could have done myself).

I do feel that overall everyone is kind and supportive and willing to help as much as they can.
Unfortunately there will always be the occasional person who is a little more dogmatic with their opinions, but on a public forum you also need to remember that it isn't personal - take what you need, give something back, and enjoy.
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Thanks Swissgreys :) I was hoping you may comment as I know you don't have access to rescues and I was hoping to hear a honest appraisal of the position you found your self in upon joining the forum

I am in particular very conscious of the need of the forum to be inclusive and not to be preachy, back when I joined there was a clique that could be a little overpowering regarding rescuing being the only way and we do not wish this to be the case. I like you last sentence by the way - take what you need, give something back, and enjoy.
 
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I have only had negativity from one member on here.Some of mine are pet shop that were alone or with rabbits and very scared and I got slated for it by this person.This forum is to give information and a shoulder to cry on when things go wrong.It is a great community and I don't believed pepper should have to justify their actions when looking for advice.All cities deserve the best life possible and I don't think people should be put off just because their piggies weren't from a rescue.
 
I know people who refuse to join this forum because they bought their piggies from a pet shop and they feel that they will be judged for it. Even though my two were left outside my door, I felt iffy about joining.

I did join because I needed help in looking after them properly. Their needs came first - and they still do, even though I'm going through a reaction to either their new hay or the green leafy bits on carrot tops (I have strange skin).

But there is no way that I am rehoming my girlies if the reaction is from them.
 
Hi everyone,
I've never owned a pet b4 and after 10yrs of being nagged by my children finally bought 2 Guinea pigs from a pet shop. Since joining your forum I have
1. Changed my choice of cage to a more appropriate one.
2. Received advice on how to home Guinea pigs in cold weather.
3. Changed their diet to a healthier one.
4. Received reassurance about Guinea pigs behaviour
5. Read good advice about how children should handle Guinea pigs.
6. Realised that u can get rescue Guinea pigs if we ever want to home another Guinea
7. Never felt in the least bit judged - awesome job thanks everyone!
 
Guineapig lover said:
Hi everyone,
I've never owned a pet b4 and after 10yrs of being nagged by my children finally bought 2 Guinea pigs from a pet shop. Since joining your forum I have
1. Changed my choice of cage to a more appropriate one.
2. Received advice on how to home Guinea pigs in cold weather.
3. Changed their diet to a healthier one.
4. Received reassurance about Guinea pigs behaviour
5. Read good advice about how children should handle Guinea pigs.
6. Realised that you can get rescue Guinea pigs if we ever want to home another Guinea
7. Never felt in the least bit judged - awesome job thanks everyone!
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Thanks for that. :)
 
Flamestriker said:
I know people who refuse to join this forum because they bought their piggies from a pet shop and they feel that they will be judged for it. Even though my two were left outside my door, I felt iffy about joining.

I did join because I needed help in looking after them properly. Their needs came first - and they still do, even though I'm going through a reaction to either their new hay or the green leafy bits on carrot tops (I have strange skin).

But there is no way that I am rehoming my girlies if the reaction is from them.
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i am very shocked to read this as incidents do seem to be few and far between, but of course appreciate your feedback. I hope your experience here has been a positive one.
 
The forums been very welcoming to me, I tend to be wary of bothering with rescues as it involves either lying about what pets I have (which I dislike, so dont do) or getting turned down almost immediately or treated like a criminal because I have a load of snakes in the house. That doesnt leave many options, so I get my piggies where I can and just avoid going into too much detail because I know the rules so no point breaking them as theyre fair enough.
But yeah, either way, had no judgement since being here for 'buying' rather than rescuing...although 2 of 4 were free so not really buying I guess.
 
Eriathwen said:
The forums been very welcoming to me, I tend to be wary of bothering with rescues as it involves either lying about what pets I have (which I dislike, so dont do) or getting turned down almost immediately or treated like a criminal because I have a load of snakes in the house. That doesnt leave many options, so I get my piggies where I can and just avoid going into too much detail because I know the rules so no point breaking them as theyre fair enough.
But yeah, either way, had no judgement since being here for 'buying' rather than rescuing...although 2 of 4 were free so not really buying I guess.
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Keeping snakes must be a real skill!

thanks for taking the time to add feedback :) it all helps
 
2 of my guinea pigs (4.5yrs old sisters which both have health issues) were from RSPCA (adopted them since they were 6 weeks old) and one is from a pet shop (she's almost 2.5 yrs old now and she was around 12 weeks when we got her). We had another one that died after 4 months of rescuing from RSPCA as well (he was around a year old), hence we bought from the petshop because no other near rescue centres from us that have available guinea pigs at that time. My husband has kept piggies for the past 15 yrs and all of them came from petshops and most never had any major problems.

After having my 2 girls and the one that died experience major problems and operations in the past 2 years, I do feel glad that we rescued them even if we ended up spending so much on them, because we sometimes think what if someone else not knowledgeable and caring enough have adopted them instead. Although I can't deny that I'm really glad my other girl that we bought from the petshop is perfectly healthy (as of now at least).

I didn't realise that there are members who felt unwelcomed because they don't have rescued piggies. I always felt welcomed here. I hope this is now sorted at least. :)
 
I've rescued/rehomed all 4 of my pigs - Alfie from BARC and the three girls from 2 members of this forum. I have bought from a pet shop before I knew about rescues, so I wont judge anyone on where they got their piggies from. ;)
 
I bought my first piggies from a pet shop without knowing about rescues, then my next was from a breeder. Then I found the forum when looking for advice and realised that there were rescue centres. I now adopt all my piggies but like others have said, I never felt judged and learnt valuable information on here which in some cases have saved a piggies life. Since my pet shop,piggies I must have adopted over 15 piggies which I would not have done without the welcoming attitude on this forum. Indeed I would not have found the lovely Sarah from Hazelcroft!

Awareness is what's count and if on the journey we learn more and make these wonderful creatures a better quality of life then that's great.
 
Eriathwen said:
Youre welcome :)

Snakes are surprisingly easy, once you get them set up! For every snake poop theres about 10,000 piggy poops lol theyre far less work!
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I used to keep snakes before I had piggys, I used to have a milk snake, a Boa Constrictor & a Royal Python
& a bearded dragon, never once did I feed them live food. The dragon had to be fed on crickets & locusts if you won't quick enough the damn things jumped out the cage. I suppose that's live.
 
Guineapig lover said:
Hi everyone,
I've never owned a pet b4 and after 10yrs of being nagged by my children finally bought 2 Guinea pigs from a pet shop. Since joining your forum I have
1. Changed my choice of cage to a more appropriate one.
2. Received advice on how to home Guinea pigs in cold weather.
3. Changed their diet to a healthier one.
4. Received reassurance about Guinea pigs behaviour
5. Read good advice about how children should handle Guinea pigs.
6. Realised that you can get rescue Guinea pigs if we ever want to home another Guinea
7. Never felt in the least bit judged - awesome job thanks everyone!
Click to expand...


Thanks for your great feedback @Guineapig lover. Good to hear you are enjoying the forum and finding so much useful information to help you to enjoy your Guinea pigs. They are complex little creatures but are so rewarding. I still learn something new most days from the forum.
 
sport_billy said:
i am very shocked to read this as incidents do seem to be few and far between, but of course appreciate your feedback. I hope your experience here has been a positive one.
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My experience here has been nothing but positive, and this forum has been my lifeline for my girls. I have never owned piggies before in my life, and 30 years experience with hamsters doesn't count.

Yes, I have piggie books. Yes, I prefer this forum. It is because of this forum why my girls snuggle in my lap after 7 weeks of them being with me. Why I am upgrading their Skyline Maxi to a C&C 2x5 cage. It's also the reason why I am going out of my mind about substrate (again) as I am still trying to find the best one for me and my girlies.

This forum was there when I needed it after the girls were dumped on my doorstep. I do not think that the care I have given them would have been to the same standard if I was not on this forum...simply because of the wealth of information and support available.
 
This is really interesting, and something I've noticed (rarely) before with a few subjects on here.

You definitely get those with a slight sense of superiority, but you get those anywhere and I think most people just ignore it (or I hope, as everyone should feel welcome).
 
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