I Am So Angry

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TheAurora

TheAurora

Adult Guinea Pig
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A conversation I had at work today…

Colleague: Can guinea pigs be outside in the cold right now?

Me: How old are they?

Colleague: A few months.

Me: Why would you get a pet and not do some research into how to look after that pet?

Colleague: It’s nothing to do with me, my wife and kids wanted them. I’m staying out of it.

Me: Ideally guinea pigs shouldn’t be outside if the temperature drops much under double figures.

Colleague: They have extra hay.

Me: They need a house cage.

Colleague: A house cage, I’m not buying that.

Me: You are talking about a life. A living thing. They are not a toy.

Colleague: I feel like I’m being judged.

Me: This is why children shouldn’t be bought pets. You have no idea how to look after them and their lives are being put in danger. You don’t want to buy the things they need and they will probably end up abandoned.


I may have gone too far…
 
No, you didn't. This is a living thing we're talking about, something with a beating heart and personality. Some people take information and accept it, they understand what they may do wrong and go to correct it. Others will try to fight taking in information and will even deny the facts. Think of it as taking some sort of examination for school, some people may fail and realize they have to study harder for next time. Others will fail and blame their teacher/professor for not teaching the information correctly and not bother trying harder.

I just hope this guy does take some of what you said into consideration and let his guinea pig into the house. I don't see why he'd be asking you a question without accepting both possible options. It's scary how pet store guinea pigs (I assume) can be going to ANYONE.
 
This kind of attitude makes me angry to. Sounds like his wife got them against his wishes. Fingers crossed his conversation with you has made him think and he will quickly back down and do the right thing for the poor piggies.
 
Someone has to stand up for animals who can't speak for themselves. I don't blame you one bit.
 
It annoys me when people buy animals on a whim or assume that because it's a guinea pig (or a hamster or a fish, etc.) that it's 'easy' to care for and doesn't need any research. People would spend a long time making sure they have the correct habitat, the funds, etc. if they were getting a snake or other exotic animal but because guinea pigs are 'kiddy' pets, everyone is an expert?!
 
My husband doesn't like the Guinea pigs and doesn't have anything to do with them, we aren't allowed them in the house, but he wouldn't be cruel to them and has not said anything about me buying stuff (including a radiator) to keep them comfortable in the garage.
 
AbiS said:
I don't think you went too far but I don't think he will asking you any more questions about them - got a little bit more than he bargained for I bet!
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I keep replaying the conversation in my mind and wonder if I could have potentially helped those piggies more by being supportive instead of angry. Hmmmmm x
 
When we got the first guinea pigs, many years ago, my now ex husband didn't allow them into the house. They lived outdoors all year round, although we did pack the hutches with hay and always covered the hutches at night and protected them from damp and draughts. They always felt really warm and toasty when we checked on them each morning and in fact they were all very healthy and lived to between 6 and 7 years. I do think piggies can live outdoors all year round, without it being detrimental to their health, and as long as they are protected from the elements they will be fine. Hay is very insulating and as long as they have it constantly topped up, so they can burrow under it, they won't be cold.

I do believe you should've been more supportive and suggested ways to keep them warm, rather than get on the defensive and alienate yourself against this person. Helping educate rather than judge is my philosophy. Just because someone isn't doing things the way you do, isn't always necessary wrong.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
When we got the first guinea pigs, many years ago, my now ex husband didn't allow them into the house. They lived outdoors all year round, although we did pack the hutches with hay and always covered the hutches at night and protected them from damp and draughts. They always felt really warm and toasty when we checked on them each morning and in fact they were all very healthy and lived to between 6 and 7 years. I do think piggies can live outdoors all year round, without it being detrimental to their health, and as long as they are protected from the elements they will be fine. Hay is very insulating and as long as they have it constantly topped up, so they can burrow under it, they won't be cold.

I do believe you should've been more supportive and suggested ways to keep them warm, rather than get on the defensive and alienate yourself against this person. Helping educate rather than judge is my philosophy. Just because someone isn't doing things the way you do, isn't always necessary wrong.
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I was thinking about the hutch covers in the night... I have one and was going to suggest this.

I take your point about being supportive.
 
@furryfriends (TEAS) and @AbiS

I actually went back to him today and I said I wanted to be more supportive and gave him lots of ideas (including those which don't involve spending money) for making the hutch nice and snug and cosy.

@furryfriends (TEAS) I promise you I do want to be supportive. All the guinea pigs I have owned have been adopted either from people who didn't want them any more or rescue centres. I think it makes me a bit sensitive. x
 
It's good you are looking at how you can offer suggestions of ways to keep them safe and warm. I would've hated for anyone to have thought we were bad owners when we kept the piggies outdoors. In fact it was my daughter who set up this forum because of her love of piggies. They didn't have any less attention for being outdoor piggies either. All the TEAS piggies are in an insulated and heated shed but I still get them out into the runs whenever I can, all year round. We recently posted a video on the Facebook page of some of the lethal piggies enjoying time outdoors. I guess we all do things in different ways and as long as the piggies are safe, well and happy that's all that matters.
 
Good on you for going back to him. I think it needs to be dealt with logically. He made it clear they weren't getting a house cage so providing more help rather than criticisms is going to 1.) give the pigs a better life and 2.) keep him coming to you for info and tips which leads back to outcome one. I know animal welfare is a really sensitive subject on here but just from what's been said it sounds like this family want to care for the pigs and not abuse/neglect them.
 
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