Rescue being unfair!

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samisshort

samisshort

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I'm somewhat new to this site and some of you might have read my situation..

I'm 16 and I wanted to adopt two boars from a rescue that's about two and a half hours away. I've been emailing them back and forth since last night, and they just sent me the most devestating message. :( I've already deleted it because I was so upset, but basically they told me I cannot get the boys I wanted because I live too far away, that I'm too young and that I'd probably lose interest....

What do I do? I know how to take care of piggies, I'd be excellent with them. I want two to love for a very long time. I don't believe in buying them from pet stores because there's already so many piggies in rescues, but this was the only one by me and they basically told me I can't. 8...

I'm so heartbroken. I don't know what to do. I've already got so much money to spend on their lovely c&c cage and all the supplies. My younger sisters are really looking forward to this as well. :( What would you do?
 
I'm not sure I can suggest anything helpful. Maybe they have a policy that they don't adopt to under 18's? I wouldn't take it personally. Are there any other rescues at all that you could possibly adopt from?
 
BellasMummy said:
I'm not sure I can suggest anything helpful. Maybe they have a policy that they don't adopt to under 18's? I wouldn't take it personally. Are there any other rescues at all that you could possibly adopt from?
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Yes you have to be at least 18 I think, even 21. And I told them that my mom gave me permission to email them and that my mom would sign the contracts and everything. :(

There are other rescues, but they're further than this one. This one was already a 2 and a half hour drive, all the others are even further. I need to find one though because I don't support pet stores
 
Oh I'm really sorry for you about this.

If I were your age and in your shoes I'd have my Mum call them.

I'd explain the circumstances that you live where you live but there are no other rescue's nearby and/or ask them what they think you should do? Ask them if there is somewhere else you could go.

I know, for example, that when you start surfing the internet it brings up rescues but there will probably be a lot of rescues that have guinea pigs but just don't advertise them. For example, here in the UK we have the RSPCA. They don't always update their website and often their sites are more focused on cats and dogs but if you call them they will usually have a number or be able to refer you to someone.

They'll be away around this I'm sure, but it probably will involve getting your parents involved.
 
Oh no... That's gutting... :(

Could you not get your mom to contact them directly...

I know I won't adopt any of my animals to anyone under 18... But if a under 18 showed the same amount of interest and inthisuasm that you have... Then I would concider adoption to you under the circumstances that your mom was the official adoptee...

I'm so sorry you've been let down... But don't give up...!
Ask your mom to phone them telling them the situation...

Good luck...!
x
 
Is there any way your mum could adopt them in her name and as far as the rescue are concerned they're hers? It seems such a shame that those little piggies might miss out on a super home!
I'd have a chat with your mum......
 
I dont think theyre being unfair not letting a child adopt animals,

I will think they are being unfair if they will not let your parents/guardians legally be the owners of the animal
 
The fact that you have been in contact with them for a while, the fact that you have been prepared to travel so far to see the pigs and pick them up, the fact that you have done all this research and have been prepared to get the set up spot on before you go out and get the piggies, the fact that you are so unhappy to get from a petstore and want a rescue and are fully aware of the plight of rescue animals speaks volumes to me.

We always had pets (pet shop ones sadly) when we grew up and at 16 I had my first hamster which was my complete responsibility, this was before the law changed and I am glad I did. I even did a couple of GCSE projects based on my hamster. We were never allowed a dog in the house though for the same reason - getting bored but I dont think I ever would have, well that and my sister was scared of them, I personally dont consider 16 as too young, but then on the flip side it is the age when most children are looking at moving off to college and universities so I can also understand the policies in place.

I would reply to them and explain how upset this has made you and all the reasons behind why you wanted to adopt, I have the feeling you would produce a very mature and informative message and then speak to your mum to see if she would be prepared to become the pigs guardians and adopt them (as she would have been signing the paperwork). They may turn around aware that your mum is adopting for you and still refuse but it is worth trying again, I mean you havent had this no, turned around and brought the first set of piggies from a store, you are still hoping to adopt them and I commend your commitment to them already when you dont have them in your home yet
 
I agree with the others that if your mum is stepping in and assuming the ultimate responsibility, you may yet be able to save the situation. Speaking to the rescue, she can also give you a character backup that you are one of the responsibile teenagers and that if you leave home, she will continue to take care if you can't take the piggies with you... etc.

Please don't take it personally, but I and most probably your rescue, too, have come across plenty of cases where parents were refusing to contribute or even take any interest in their teenage children's pet care (especially when it comes to vet treatment). Here in Britain, it would be a parent's legal responsibility, but I don't know how it is in the US. When it comes down to it, it is the pet that is potentially at risk - so please be patient with the rescue and get some backup help.

Great that you are going rescue! I wish you the best of luck!
 
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Its lovely that you want to rescue them. I really hope it works out for you x
 
Pepperdog said:
The fact that you have been in contact with them for a while, the fact that you have been prepared to travel so far to see the pigs and pick them up, the fact that you have done all this research and have been prepared to get the set up spot on before you go out and get the piggies, the fact that you are so unhappy to get from a petstore and want a rescue and are fully aware of the plight of rescue animals speaks volumes to me.

We always had pets (pet shop ones sadly) when we grew up and at 16 I had my first hamster which was my complete responsibility, this was before the law changed and I am glad I did. I even did a couple of GCSE projects based on my hamster. We were never allowed a dog in the house though for the same reason - getting bored but I dont think I ever would have, well that and my sister was scared of them, I personally dont consider 16 as too young, but then on the flip side it is the age when most children are looking at moving off to college and universities so I can also understand the policies in place.

I would reply to them and explain how upset this has made you and all the reasons behind why you wanted to adopt, I have the feeling you would produce a very mature and informative message and then speak to your mum to see if she would be prepared to become the pigs guardians and adopt them (as she would have been signing the paperwork). They may turn around aware that your mum is adopting for you and still refuse but it is worth trying again, I mean you havent had this no, turned around and brought the first set of piggies from a store, you are still hoping to adopt them and I commend your commitment to them already when you dont have them in your home yet
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Agree totally with this. I would imagine their decision is ultimately based on their own experience of children and pets (that sounds really old fartish but I would consider a 16 year old a child) and who would be ultimately financially responsible for the animals in a worst case scenario.
 
Do you have any free advertisement sites in the US? Here in the UK we have stuff like gumtree and preloved, on which both you can advertise pets. It might be worth looking up to see if you do and if so, if there are any piggies in need of a home near you. Maybe contact the rescue again and explain to them why you would be an excellent piggy owner. Good luck.
 
I think their attitude in saying that you can't adopt because you'll lose interest is completely wrong!

I do agree with the 16-years old thing though, I'm not sure what it is there, but here in the UK you have to be 18+ to take an animal for veterinary treatment.

As others have said, continue to present yourself in the mature way in which you wrote your first post, and speak to your mum, see what you can sort out!
 
Thank you so much everyone!

I'm going to have my mom call them and see if she can go ahead and adopt them. I know I'm only 16 but every week I'm going to put down money for them so in case they need a trip to the vet, I can cover it. If they don't let me do it (I'm not sure if I can pay the bills at my age) I'd at least hand over the money to my mom so she can do it for me. She supports me in this decision and I really hope they allow my mom to adopt them.

As of right now I am home-schooled, and when I start college I'm only taking half day classes (long story to why) but I think I'd still be able to give my piggies all the attention and love they deserve for the rest of their lives.

And it's not like I'm freshly 16 either.... I'll be 17 at the beginning of March. I just really want piggies because I love having responsibilities like pets (I LOVE my dog and cat - cat is temp living with my uncle though) I just think pets are amazing, especially piggies. I had one when I was real young about age 4, so my mom took care of him, but ever since he passed away, I've wanted more. Did the research (trust me - weeks worth) and I want to get a bonded pair of boars. :)

Plus I have two younger sisters, they know how to handle pets even though they're very young, and they are really looking forward to two little piggies. I showed them what piggies are on YouTube :)) They thought they were too precious and now all I ever hear out of them is "We should get piggies!"
 
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