Gorgeous GP's in Shop

[Jenni75]

Right, so if you're not in the right area, answer the questions correctly and basically meet up to their very tight requirements you haven't got a hope - no wonder so many people keep going to pet shops then! You don't get the third degree in the pet shop, just hand over the money, fill out a livestock form and there you go, you have yourself a new furbaby!

 

[piglover]

Yep thats about it! When we were trying to get my mum a cat after Dad died we had terrible trouble. I appreciate Rescues have to monitor who the cats go to and be strict but it was ridiculous I ended telling some woman that no wonder she had so many cats she wouldn't let go! We ended getting an RSPCA Pensioner - basically an old cat that no one wants and that the RSPCA will put down if no one takes. We got Minnie Min two years ago she looked like an oven ready chicken - shved from head to toe becuase she had gingivitis and had her teeth out couldnt groom herself so her fur had matted. My mum fell in love with her I was more sceptical a cat with no fur and no teeth?! Needless to say it is a happy ending becuase Mins got a lovely coat now but she is a little madam and I'm glas she hasnt got teeth because she still trys to bite!
But yep Jenni it is a difficult process!

 

[daftscotslass]

Right, so if you're not in the right area, answer the questions correctly and basically meet up to their very tight requirements you haven't got a hope - no wonder so many people keep going to pet shops then! You don't get the third degree in the pet shop, just hand over the money, fill out a livestock form and there you go, you have yourself a new furbaby!

I think it's a bad thing that you don't get the third degree in a pet shop. The fact is, they will sell to anyone who is (or looks) old enough. That is not a good thing.

 

[Beaney]

Right, so if you're not in the right area, answer the questions correctly and basically meet up to their very tight requirements you haven't got a hope - no wonder so many people keep going to pet shops then! You don't get the third degree in the pet shop, just hand over the money, fill out a livestock form and there you go, you have yourself a new furbaby!

I think it's a bad thing that you don't get the third degree in a pet shop. The fact is, they will sell to anyone who is (or looks) old enough. That is not a good thing.

I would like to start by saying that I have bought from pet shops and I never say never so I may well again in the future. I am for all animals having a good home but I am very pro rescue...

Some rescues will home outside their area - some have almost a 'network' of homecheckers so homechecks can still be done. Alternatively, some will allow you to send photographs or use a web cam. I think it is fantastic that you have to meet a set critieria (though admittedly not everyone does things the same way so there should be room for some compromise) and I think it is great that you get the 3rd degree. For most of us on here, we own piggys and we love piggys. Everytime we take a new one on we know what to expect and how to look after it so it is a bit like' why should I be checked, I know what I am doing'. It can make you feel a bit put out but it is the only way the rescue can know for sure.

On the flip side - some people who go to a rescue have never had a piggy before. The homecheck and the questions allow that individual to fully understand what they are taking on. Also, the piggy in the rescue has potentially already had a rough start in life. The last thing the rescue wants is to put it an unsuitable home.

I am not against pet shops in principle but for me, the main reason why I dislike them is because all they care about is the sale. For any of us who buy a piggy, it is fine. As I said, we know what to expect, we know what to do. But, some people will buy a piggy and have no idea what they are doing. A lot of pet shops don't ask anything, they just hand over the animal and take your money. Some of these piggys may then end in rescue - for me, these are the lucky ones as they will then get a good home. For me, the ones I feel for are the ones that live their lives in a hutch in the bottom of the garden...... :'(

As said, I am not against pet shops. My local pet shop is brilliant - but does sell livestock - but OMG, you get the first degree when you buy anything from her and you get a care sheet and she gives you her phone number (and takes yours!). Personally - if all pet shops were like her, I would be singing their praises. Unfortunatley, most others in my area are not so good.....

I'll get off my soap box now

 

[kayjay]

When we bought Fudge in July the lady seemed fairly knowledgeable about pigs, told us he was an Abyssinian, male, all correct. She then packed him into a little box and allowed us to walk out the shop with no food, hay, cage or anything - for all she knew we were going home to feed him to our pet snake. Of course, we'd already got everything set up but it is bad that anyone can buy one with no care guidelines or anything, at the very least they should HAVE to supply everyone buying an animal with up to date advice on housing, companionship, care etc.

Kathryn x

 

[cavykind]

An interesting and diverse set of posts.

As we live in a society where people are used to going into a shop, pointing at something, saying "I want" and getting the cash out ~ there will always be the demand for animals in shops.

Adopting from a rescue takes more time and effort. There will always be people who aren't willing to make this, for whatever reason. Thankfully some will and the rescue piggies thank them

All I'd ask people who buy from petshops to do, is that when they are loving and caring for their new babies...to ask themselves where it's mum and dad is. What kind of a life they are living and what will happen to them when their breeding days are over?

*Before anyone gets upset and takes offence, where none is intended.This is a general post about all types of animals sold in pet stores.

Barbara

 

[Jenni75]

True enough, when I bought Freddy and Flo from PAH and Badshot Lea I did wonder where there mum's and dad's were but at the same time I fell in love with them and couldn't resist my little guys!

I know rescuing is the preferred option for many people and if you can rescue then good for you. I think I would rescue my next set of gp's or rabbit and I have someone here that runs a rescue so know who I can get them off and she knows I would look after them well so I wouldn't have to be checked up on regularly which I would hate. I realise it has to be done before anyone says anything but I personally would not want someone checking my house out and how I treat animals before deciding I was not suitable. Surely its enough that I can give the animal a good, clean home with love, food and care?

 

[cavykind]

I don't think many if any rescues continue to check up regularly and visit homes periodically after adoption? A phonecall or two perhaps.

It's a shame that some people have this preconceived idea that a home check is about looking over your home as if the "homechecker" is considering purchasing it. It's nothing like that.
I personally just want to see that the person actually lives at that address and has a nice cage set up. I don't expect or want to be shown into the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms etc. Yes, it is a chance to see how existing animals look as that is a good indication of the treatment and care the guineas will receive.
I can't personally see what all the fuss is about, all good rescues are keen to find the best homes for their animals and this is just a simple and effective way of doing so.

If rescues stated that they didn't home check...then surely we would be considered irresponsible? Not acting in the best interests of the guinea pigs etc.

But you see that is the difference between a good guinea pig rescue and a pet shop is that we do care about our animals and want to be as sure as we can be that they go to the right homes.

Guess we can't win :-\

Barbara

*This is a general comment and not directed at anyone personally

 

[piglover]

I know rescuing is the preferred option for many people and if you can rescue then good for you. I think I would rescue my next set of gp's or rabbit and I have someone here that runs a rescue so know who I can get them off and she knows I would look after them well so I wouldn't have to be checked up on regularly which I would hate. I realise it has to be done before anyone says anything but I personally would not want someone checking my house out and how I treat animals before deciding I was not suitable. Surely its enough that I can give the animal a good, clean home with love, food and care?

I agree. Even if your home was spotless then you would feel uncomfortable having a stranger assess whether you were competent and able enough to rehome a pet.

 

[Jenni75]

I'm afraid I would Sue.....I know that my pets are happy, healthy and well looked after. Even my mum who has a zoo going on at hers always remarks on how lucky my pets are etc (and no, not trying to make myself sound wonderful!) but if I had someone coming around to check.....not sure I could do that.

I realise Barbara that you have to check where the gp is going to be kept but what if their way of keeping a gp is entirely different with your way? I keep my gp's and rabbit outside and it seems that most on this forum keep their gp's inside. This is mainly because of space and the OH not liking the smell (though I don't notice it). But I bought them a big hutch outside and they're really happy out there. But if I was to be assessed by someone who keeps their gp's inside - wouldn't this be held against me?

 

[cavykind]

I realise Barbara that you have to check where the gp is going to be kept but what if their way of keeping a gp is entirely different with your way? I keep my gp's and rabbit outside and it seems that most on this forum keep their gp's inside. This is mainly because of space and the OH not liking the smell (though I don't notice it). But I bought them a big hutch outside and they're really happy out there. But if I was to be assessed by someone who keeps their gp's inside - wouldn't this be held against me?

Hi Jenni,
I can't speak for other rescues, but before I even consider a homecheck, I'll have an informal chat about what we may have available. The first thing I always say is "Tell me what you have in mind and I'll tell you if I might be able to help." I'll also chat about guineas you have and where they are kept etc. To be honest, I find a good chat speaks volumes and if I am not happy with something about the way a person keeps their guineas, it's a waste of my time and "yours" (not you personally) coming out to see you
So if I wanted Guinea Pig A placed in an indoor home, I would be straight and tell you that on the telephone.

I think if everyone is honest from the beginning, and I am sure you would be, there will be no surprises for anyone at the homecheck and everything will be okay.
If someone paints a wonderful picture then shows me a rat infested garden and manky hutch (and no it's never happened) then I'd walk away.
To me the home visit is more of a formality than anything else, but sometimes it is a great opportunity to have a good guinea chat and a nice chocolate biscuit or two.

Barbara

 

[Jenni75]

I suppose when you put it that way then that would be ok - though I only have ginger nuts in the house....!

A friend of mine tried to rescue though, a cat, and apart from getting the third degree she was told she was unsuitable because of being at work all day. Cats are independent! They don't want you around all day.....Anyway, she ended up getting a rescue from the cat protection and it was an old ladies cat that needed lots of TLC so in the end she managed to rescue, and she got another rescue a couple of months later. However, the first experience very nearly put her off rescuing and nearly got a kitten instead.

Really, what I'm trying to say is, that some rescues get over zealous about putting the animals in the best home and so end up losing that animal a loving family.....and putting off the family of every going to a rescue again.

 

[cavykind]

I
Really, what I'm trying to say is, that some rescues get over zealous about putting the animals in the best home and so end up losing that animal a loving family.....and putting off the family of every going to a rescue again.

That may be true, but I hope it won't put people off keeping an open mind and trying again

I once rang a breed rescue and everything was going fine until I mentioned I had cats and the woman was horrified and wouldn't entertain me! It made no difference that my cats were so laid back, had grown up with all manner of rescue dogs etc.
But I just : accepted that this was what she believed to be true and moved on. I do believe that she thought she was acting in the dogs best interests though and respected her for that. Her rescue dog...her choice

Oh and as for biscuits...I'll eat anything!

Barbara

 

[bevs]

I once rang a breed rescue and everything was going fine until I mentioned I had cats and the woman was horrified and wouldn't entertain me! It made no difference that my cats were so laid back, had grown up with all manner of rescue dogs etc.
But I just : accepted that this was what she believed to be true and moved on. I do believe that she thought she was acting in the dogs best interests though and respected her for that. Her rescue dog...her choice

Oh and as for biscuits...I'll eat anything!

Barbara

I may be missing something here, admittedly i'm very tired today! But why did you having cats prevent her from homing a dog with you? :-\

 

[cavykind]

I once rang a breed rescue and everything was going fine until I mentioned I had cats and the woman was horrified and wouldn't entertain me! It made no difference that my cats were so laid back, had grown up with all manner of rescue dogs etc.
But I just : accepted that this was what she believed to be true and moved on. I do believe that she thought she was acting in the dogs best interests though and respected her for that. Her rescue dog...her choice

Oh and as for biscuits...I'll eat anything!

Barbara

I may be missing something here, admittedly i'm very tired today! But why did you having cats prevent her from homing a dog with you? :-\

She was frightened in case the cats would scratch it's eyes. Sure it's not impossible, but if the right dog is placed in the right home, I wouldn't have thought it a major concern?
But I just thought oh well

Barbara

 

[BEATRICE]

Ive had German Shepherds with cat for years, they love each other My latest German Shepherd who is 2 loves to be washed by an over the top 3 month old rescue kitten ! Its so cute to watch ! :o

 

[minky]

Well i did a lot of research on my piggies before i had them i rang some rescues but they had no piggies close to me. So i checked around some petshops, I went to one at our local shopping centre and was horrified to see the condition of the piggies and rabbits in the hutches or shud i say cages they were small. In fact i was horrified and walked out the store.

I then went to our Local Pets at Home and yes they did house pigs with the rabbits, i asked for information about them and i can tell you that she was very good told me of all the pros and cons, not to keep them with rabbits etc. I fell in love with my boys i dont regret it for a minute. I have since been back to the horrible pet store mentioned above there was a black aby in there for weeks i decided today that if he was still there i would buy him, he had gone and i hope to good home he was a cutie but i cud tell he was unhappy and that he had mites i could see them crawling by his nose, i mentioned this to one of the assistants and she said they were all being treated,

yes i do want some more and when i get the shed sorted which my mom is buying me i shall have 2 girls where from i have no idea yet

 

[Jillybean]

I think one of the reasons why a lot of people don't go to rescues rather than petshops/breeders is that they want a 'baby' animal, whether it's a guinea-pig, cat or dog. They don't realise that rescues have babies too, although trying to get a puppy from a rescue centre is not an easy task, probably because they can pick and choose who the pup goes to, fair enough.

They don't want an older pet from rescue often because they think the animal will be (a) vicious, or (b) have something wrong with it and will end up with a £££ vet bill. People don't know enough about rescue centres, many can't be bothered, many - to be honest - don't care! It's like Barbara said, people see something they want - they get it. That's how society is unfortunately. So many people treat animals as a phase - how often do you hear parents say they want a pet so their child learns how to be responsible for something (1 year down the line & they don't want it, you never hear the parents say, well actually I failed there because I've actually taught them how to be irresponsible).

Does all that make sense?! God I sound a real pessimist.

 

[minky]

Thats very true what you say, however though my children say the piggies are theres they are actually mine i just let them think it, But one rule we do have is that every week one of them helps me clean out the hutch and they do it without fuss but with mess \!