Impossible Guinea Pig Rescue Expectations

TheGothianLolette

TheGothianLolette

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Apr 3, 2019
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Location
Olympia, Washington USA
I know it has to be different in other areas, but with that being said....

It is RIDICULOUS the expectations that rescue places have in our area for adoption of Guinea pigs!

We have over 30 animals in our home and most are exotics. The rescue places here deny us to rescue or adopt Guinea pigs unless ALL ANIMALS IN OUR HOME ARE SPAYED AND NEUTERED! EVEN OUR FANCY MICE! EVEN OUR CORN SNAKE! EVEN OUR BEARDED DRAGON! EVEN OUR DWARF HAMSTER!

They have even denied us because our boars are neutered but our females are not spayed! It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a female spayed in our state because our Veterinarians believe it is too risky for the Sows and, as long as our boars are neutered, they believe that is the best outcome.

This has FORCED us to have to BUY from pet stores instead of rescue some elderly ones that we would like to take over the cost of their care and have proven we have the financial means to. We have 4 Veterinarians that we work with and a 24 hour emergency Veterinarian as well. I am also a retired Veterinarian Technician and have an entire set up for emergencies in my home! I use to do rescue work for HSNT out of my home and was dang good at my job!

I just wanted to point out how ridiculous things have become in this world when you cannot even save a life! I do hope that if any of you on here are rescue facilities, that you do not have this ridiculous mentality.

Sorry for the rant. But the two elderly sows I wanted to help save are being Euthanized today...all because my Hamster and Mice are not spayed!
 
TheGothianLolette said:
I know it has to be different in other areas, but with that being said....

It is RIDICULOUS the expectations that rescue places have in our area for adoption of Guinea pigs!

We have over 30 animals in our home and most are exotics. The rescue places here deny us to rescue or adopt Guinea pigs unless ALL ANIMALS IN OUR HOME ARE SPAYED AND NEUTERED! EVEN OUR FANCY MICE! EVEN OUR CORN SNAKE! EVEN OUR BEARDED DRAGON! EVEN OUR DWARF HAMSTER!

They have even denied us because our boars are neutered but our females are not spayed! It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a female spayed in our state because our Veterinarians believe it is too risky for the Sows and, as long as our boars are neutered, they believe that is the best outcome.

This has FORCED us to have to BUY from pet stores instead of rescue some elderly ones that we would like to take over the cost of their care and have proven we have the financial means to. We have 4 Veterinarians that we work with and a 24 hour emergency Veterinarian as well. I am also a retired Veterinarian Technician and have an entire set up for emergencies in my home! I use to do rescue work for HSNT out of my home and was dang good at my job!

I just wanted to point out how ridiculous things have become in this world when you cannot even save a life! I do hope that if any of you on here are rescue facilities, that you do not have this ridiculous mentality.

Sorry for the rant. But the two elderly sows I wanted to help save are being Euthanized today...all because my Hamster and Mice are not spayed!
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I'll never understand when rescues would rather kill an animal instead of letting someone else take care of it
 
SkyPipDotBernie said:
This is what i am thinking, there must be a reason behind this. Its like they are trying to make it impossible. But then again, if they are euthenising those sows. Why?
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I thought maybe it was because we have so many animals (we have 33. All small critters) but they assured us it was not that and showed us in their policy.
I have connections to the SPCA, as I use to work with them as well and my best friend of 25 years, her father is one of the head members. I am going to contact him and see what can be done about this one place in particular that SPECIFICALLY said they are euthanizing the two elderly sows today.

I'm so broken hearted! :(
 
I think it is good to follow up. Just because something is written in a policy doesn't mean it's the right thing to do. Hopefully your discussions can lead to the right person reviewing and rewriting these policies to give the animals a chance
 
TheGothianLolette said:
I know it has to be different in other areas, but with that being said....

It is RIDICULOUS the expectations that rescue places have in our area for adoption of Guinea pigs!

We have over 30 animals in our home and most are exotics. The rescue places here deny us to rescue or adopt Guinea pigs unless ALL ANIMALS IN OUR HOME ARE SPAYED AND NEUTERED! EVEN OUR FANCY MICE! EVEN OUR CORN SNAKE! EVEN OUR BEARDED DRAGON! EVEN OUR DWARF HAMSTER!

They have even denied us because our boars are neutered but our females are not spayed! It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a female spayed in our state because our Veterinarians believe it is too risky for the Sows and, as long as our boars are neutered, they believe that is the best outcome.

This has FORCED us to have to BUY from pet stores instead of rescue some elderly ones that we would like to take over the cost of their care and have proven we have the financial means to. We have 4 Veterinarians that we work with and a 24 hour emergency Veterinarian as well. I am also a retired Veterinarian Technician and have an entire set up for emergencies in my home! I use to do rescue work for HSNT out of my home and was dang good at my job!

I just wanted to point out how ridiculous things have become in this world when you cannot even save a life! I do hope that if any of you on here are rescue facilities, that you do not have this ridiculous mentality.

Sorry for the rant. But the two elderly sows I wanted to help save are being Euthanized today...all because my Hamster and Mice are not spayed!
Click to expand...
That’s sound absolutely ridiculous, how on earth do you spay a bearded dragon or mouse!
 
Not sure how they think they can call themselves a rescue - if they want to euthanize a healthy if elderly animal!

Could u try taking in the veterinary receipt that says your male Guinea is neutered, so they know you're not wishing to breed from the females?

Is the rescue attached/connections to a shop, so they can kill off the adoptables & sell other pets at a profit instead?

Could you get someone else to take in some of your documents & rehome them, but just say they have no pets at home yet?

Are they going to let you/anyone adopt the girls if they're not already spayed? Or are they expecting adoptees to adopt a pet then get it spayed or neutered?

Plain bl:cen:dy hypocrisy if they are!

I would try and speak to a manager about their policies & how ridiculous and inhumane they are & see if you can delay the inevitable for these poor ladies.

In the UK I think vets have to take an oath to prevent them killing an animal unnecessarily or cause suffering & to promote /protect/ treat a healthy animal?

Good luck and keep us posted.
x
 
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TheGothianLolette said:
I know it has to be different in other areas, but with that being said....

It is RIDICULOUS the expectations that rescue places have in our area for adoption of Guinea pigs!

We have over 30 animals in our home and most are exotics. The rescue places here deny us to rescue or adopt Guinea pigs unless ALL ANIMALS IN OUR HOME ARE SPAYED AND NEUTERED! EVEN OUR FANCY MICE! EVEN OUR CORN SNAKE! EVEN OUR BEARDED DRAGON! EVEN OUR DWARF HAMSTER!

They have even denied us because our boars are neutered but our females are not spayed! It is IMPOSSIBLE to get a female spayed in our state because our Veterinarians believe it is too risky for the Sows and, as long as our boars are neutered, they believe that is the best outcome.

This has FORCED us to have to BUY from pet stores instead of rescue some elderly ones that we would like to take over the cost of their care and have proven we have the financial means to. We have 4 Veterinarians that we work with and a 24 hour emergency Veterinarian as well. I am also a retired Veterinarian Technician and have an entire set up for emergencies in my home! I use to do rescue work for HSNT out of my home and was dang good at my job!

I just wanted to point out how ridiculous things have become in this world when you cannot even save a life! I do hope that if any of you on here are rescue facilities, that you do not have this ridiculous mentality.

Sorry for the rant. But the two elderly sows I wanted to help save are being Euthanized today...all because my Hamster and Mice are not spayed!
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HUGS

That is truly appalling! Thankfully none of our UK rescues are that inflexible.

Have you been in contact with Portland Guinea Pig Rescue? I know that they spay their sows, but not their boars.
 
The rescues in our area have similar, really restrictive rules... it is really counterproductive to not let good homes raise animals who need homes because they don't meet some arbitrary restriction. A friend was recently turned down to adopt a shelter dog because she and her spouse both had full-time jobs and a commute... apparently they only adopted out dogs if someone was there to be a stay-at-home parent to the dog. How is a shelter better than a loving home with two people who happen to work? Crazy!
 
Freela said:
The rescues in our area have similar, really restrictive rules... it is really counterproductive to not let good homes raise animals who need homes because they don't meet some arbitrary restriction. A friend was recently turned down to adopt a shelter dog because she and her spouse both had full-time jobs and a commute... apparently they only adopted out dogs if someone was there to be a stay-at-home parent to the dog. How is a shelter better than a loving home with two people who happen to work? Crazy!
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I've been looking into adopting another pig in a couple months, hope the shelters around me aren't like that...
 
Eviolus- said:
I've been looking into adopting another pig in a couple months, hope the shelters around me aren't like that...
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Hi!

None of the UK rescues is like that - they can't afford to be too choosy in the first place.

If you follow the forum welfare recommendations re. housing, safety and care and are accepting of any requests for changes by the rescue (which is always made with good cause and is never unreasonable), you will be generally accepted with flying colours. It is often worth waiting with buying a cage or hutch and rather ask the rescue for their recommendations in that respect; their recommendations are not unreasonable and in line with welfare recommendations; they are there to ensure safety and enough space to allow room for exercise and stability for any boar bond (which need a bit extra space).

What no good rescue in this country will condone, is to rehome guinea pigs as singles unless it is as a bonded companion for guinea pigs of yours. Guinea pigs are a group species; the right to companionship of their own kind and to live as they are wired to is one of the five animal welfare freedoms. True singles are in fact extremely rare, and are usually the result of being failed by humans tending to their social needs.

I would strongly recommend to contact East Peckham Guinea Rescue. They also offer rescue dating with any piggies of yours to make sure that you come home only with a stably bonded new friend of their liking. They are the best bonding rescue in your area, so for a little extra effort you'll get total peace of mind!
If you haven't any guinea pigs, then please always adopt a bonded pair.

You can find more recommended and vetted rescues via this link here: Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

None of the UK rescues is like that - they can't afford to be too choosy in the first place.

If you follow the forum welfare recommendations re. housing, safety and care and are accepting of any requests for changes by the rescue (which is always made with good cause and is never unreasonable), you will be generally accepted with flying colours. It is often worth waiting with buying a cage or hutch and rather ask the rescue for their recommendations in that respect; their recommendations are not unreasonable and in line with welfare recommendations; they are there to ensure safety and enough space to allow room for exercise and stability for any boar bond (which need a bit extra space).

What no good rescue in this country will condone, is to rehome guinea pigs as singles unless it is as a bonded companion for guinea pigs of yours. Guinea pigs are a group species; the right to companionship of their own kind and to live as they are wired to is one of the five animal welfare freedoms. True singles are in fact extremely rare, and are usually the result of being failed by humans tending to their social needs.

I would strongly recommend to contact East Peckham Guinea Rescue. They also offer rescue dating with any piggies of yours to make sure that you come home only with a stably bonded new friend of their liking. They are the best bonding rescue in your area, so for a little extra effort you'll get total peace of mind!
If you haven't any guinea pigs, then please always adopt a bonded pair.

You can find more recommended and vetted rescues via this link here: Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues
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Hi :)

I'll get in contact with them but I have been asked about adopting a pair of satin's, if all goes smoothly then hopefully I can adopt them in a couple months, they haven't gotten back to me yet on their ages or how much/if osteodystrophy is present though, if it's too bad then I'm not sure I can handle the stress of putting another pig down
 
Eviolus- said:
Hi :)

I'll get in contact with them but I have been asked about adopting a pair of satin's, if all goes smoothly then hopefully I can adopt them in a couple months, they haven't gotten back to me yet on their ages or how much/if osteodystrophy is present though, if it's too bad then I'm not sure I can handle the stress of putting another pig down
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If you can't handle pts, then any satin is high risk country. The illness cannot be bred out and will often manifest later on in life. There is no gene test available to test for carriers. Any satin can potentially develop OD. :(
In Australia the OD gene has now spread into the normal population through careless backyard breeders and is affecting more and more normal piggies with a satin ancestor several generations back. It is a very insidious, painful and heart-breaking illness. More and more of them are fetching up in rescues due to the high vet fees. :(

Satins are high risk, potentially very expensive piggies (vet cost) that frankly should be banned as a breed; sadly this has so far only happened in Finland.
 
Wiebke said:
If you can't handle pts, then any satin is high risk country. The illness cannot be bred out and will often manifest later on in life. There is no gene test available to test for carriers. Any satin can potentially develop OD. :(
In Australia the OD gene has now spread into the normal population through careless backyard breeders and is affecting more and more normal piggies with a satin ancestor several generations back. It is a very insidious, painful and heart-breaking illness. More and more of them are fetching up in rescues due to the high vet fees. :(

Satins are high risk, potentially very expensive piggies (vet cost) that frankly should be banned as a breed; sadly this has so far only happened in Finland.
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I think I could handle it but I would hate it, but it's not like anyone enjoys having a pet pts

I assumed it's illegal to breed them in most countries now :( so sad that it's spreading into other breeds too
 
Eviolus- said:
I think I could handle it but I would hate it, but it's not like anyone enjoys having a pet pts

I assumed it's illegal to breed them in most countries now :( so sad that it's spreading into other breeds too
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It's definitely not banned in Australia and there are plenty of backyard breeders churning out satins there!
We have run a satin rescue story from an Australian rescue a few issues back in Guinea Pig Magazine.

I just wanted to warn you that you have to accept the risk; there is no guarantee, except in the very elderly, that they will be free.
 
Wiebke said:
It's definitely not banned in Australia and there are plenty of backyard breeders churning out satins there!
We have run a satin rescue story from an Australian rescue a few issues back in Guinea Pig Magazine.

I just wanted to warn you that you have to accept the risk; there is no guarantee, except in the very elderly, that they will be free.
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Thank you, I have been looking into satin's because of the rescue pigs but a lot of the information is repeated and vague :(
 
Eviolus- said:
Thank you, I have been looking into satin's because of the rescue pigs but a lot of the information is repeated and vague :(
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You may find this firsthand video link here from Cavy Central rescue in Sydney interesting; it might contain further links to help you? It is their most recent satin post from just a few days ago:
 
Wiebke said:
You may find this firsthand video link here from Cavy Central rescue in Sydney interesting; it might contain further links to help you? It is their most recent satin post from just a few days ago:
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Thank you :) I'll watch it when I can
 
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