Rescue vs Adoption? Help!

[Owen&George]

Hello Everyone! Cameron and Michael Here. So we have a difficult decision to make. Those of you who have seen our recent posts know that our piggy George passed away, and we have been extremely upset about it but we know that our other pig Owen is in need of a new cage mate. A few days ago we submitted an application to adopt from a local rescue here in Tennessee, our application was accepted and we set up a date to take Owen to find a new friend (about 2 weeks from now). Here's where it gets complicated, today a family friend asked us if we would like to take in one of her pigs as she is trying to re-home them since she has no room for a big enough cage (they are all in small pet store cages and her kids don't provide quality care). First off, We are conflicted because we already have our date scheduled with the rescue for a meet and greet but know our friends pig needs a better home. Secondly, all the pigs that the friend has are female where as ours is a male, so she would have to get her pig spayed in order for us to even be able to try getting them together. We know that we like our friends piggy but at the same time we don't want to disappoint the rescue. If y'all have any opinions on the situation PLEASE let us know.

Love,
Owen, Cameron, and Michael

 

[HeatherRose]

It is better to get the male neutered than the female spayed, it is just a less involved and risky surgery for the male. So if you are considering taking the female, I would get your male neutered if you are comfortable with that. If you do get him neutered, you could wait the 6 weeks and then take him to the rescue and try adding another female to the pair. I have two trios of a neutered male and two females and they are very happy together. That’s assuming you have the room and funds for more guinea pigs.

 

[Lady Kelly]

There's also a risk that your piggy wouldn't bond with your friends pig after the surgery whereas at least the rescue will help you find a compatible friend. Perhaps suggest your friend contacts the same rescue to surrender the piggies to?

 

[Owen&George]

There's also a risk that your piggy wouldn't bond with your friends pig after the surgery whereas at least the rescue will help you find a compatible friend. Perhaps suggest your friend contacts the same rescue to surrender the piggies to?

Unfortunately this is the only rescue in the area and they are at capacity right now and aren't accepting any surrenders

 

[Swissgreys]

If it were me I would be honest.
I would tell your friend you have a date set up with the rescue, but if that doesn't work out for some reason then you would consider her piggy.

The problem is that it would make more sense to have Owen neutered becasue this is the least invasive option, so you are shouldering the burden and expense of putting him though an 'unnecessary' operation.

Clearly your friend needs to surrender her guinea pigs, but it also doesn't sound like it is life or death for them, so she should contact the rescue and go on their waiting list.