Just wanted to share my experiences and my thanks :)

[flintstones]

Recently the debate of rescue piggies is coming up alot, I just wanted to share my opinion. I do believe Rescues are amazing but I was racking my brain and thinking of pro's.

All piggies as we know regardless of were they came from deserve a loving home they don't choose were they end up afterall, but I do find enjoyment in taking in older animals but then again I always did want the ugliest dog in the home .

I have heard people mention the fact they want tame pigs, and how you cannot guarantee but surely you can't guarantee this with a baby pig either, but at the end of the day, a rescue is working on behalf of the animal. Rescue's have the opportunity to get to know the animal and his or her temperment which I think is a wonderful thing to pair them with the correct home.

Ie, if someone is looking for an animal that is too be part of a family I am sure the rescue would not pair the most terrified animal with a child, please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

I have heard of piggies biting, and my little marvin was a biter but I wouldn't hold that against him but he wasn't a rescue and sadly had to go to a new home. We all know that story!

I was just curious to know if rescues felt they could tell the temperment of there pigs before rehoming and if for whatever reason would consider not rehoming a piggie to a certain person because they didn't think they were the ideal match?

I must confess my girlies I never met until they were mine and I was terrified I may have not liked them or more importantly Fred may not like them. Who couldn't like a piggie? It is a nerve racking process especially when you can't meet them and have no idea what to expect!

My start to piggies wasn't fun, I have enough anxiety in my life without thinking my piggies may kill or hurt one another. Maybe one is being horrifically bullied, Can you just leave them?

Me and Fred did have an immediate bond, he is such a terrified wee soul and he needed time, love and affection we are still making slow process but if he weaks for his veggies or not is insignificant to me the main thing is he is happy and knows I adore him no matter how he acts!

One thing I know for certain is Fred and my girlies were destined to be together they are just the most gorgeous piggies and mean so much to me, For my first pets since leaving home and especially my first guinea pigs they have taught me the most important lesson of all, the joy of earning and loving an animal and having that appreciation returned, regardless of the fact they can't talk I know we have a bond it maybe because I feed them, clean them but any which way we do have a bond and I know my darlings would never hurt me for that I am truly thankful!

 

[pigpig479]

Lol! Apart from that, i don't know what to say! Very good tesimoney!

 

[nutmeg]

That's a good post Joanne, some interesting points. The one about rescues matching temperament...yes I think we do, we often look for experienced or adult homes if we think it best for the pig. We also look at the breed as well. For example, we would not let a LH pig go to a family because the child thinks it's cute and would like to brush it's hair! Guinea Pigs are not dolls.
A lot of good reasons for supporting rescue. xx

 

[LesaC]

For me there has only ever been one downside to getting piggys from a rescue - there are too many and I want to take them all home.

 

[Claire W]

When I wanted to adopt a friend for Eliza, I adopted one from Sokel guinea pig rescue. Anyway, at the time, there were 3 guinea pigs that I could have had and I was undecided as they were all so cute. Of course, I had to think of Eliza and because she is a dominant pig, we felt it was best not to put another dominant pig with her. After much discussion with Helen, I chose Eleanor as Helen explained that she was a placid guinea pig and she was around the same age as Eliza. I remember that one of the guinea pig was quite a bit older than Eliza so I didn't want Eliza feeling put out or to lose another friend. So yes, I think that rescues do know their guinea pigs and do try and match their temperament.

I now have 2 gorgeous guinea pigs who are a match made in heaven, so thank you again to Helen xx

 

[Little Piggles]

I, unfortunatley, have no experience of rescues (at the moment) as all three of my girls are shop pigs.

However, I just want to add that I think that you made a lovely post and some very good points. I would not hesitate for one second in rehoming a rescue and this was my intention before Pixel came along.

Good post Joanne, it's clear that Fred and your girls are very well loved! :rose

 

[Wiebke]

For me there has only ever been one downside to getting piggys from a rescue - there are too many and I want to take them all home.

Don't I just know!

The other problem is that however determined you are NOT to add to your group, there is always another heartbreaker waiting JUST FOR YOU around the corner... rolleyes