* If responding to a Craigslist ad meet in a public place, or go with a friend. Google the phone number of the poster to
ensure it matches the name he or she gives *
FLAGGED FOR REMOVAL. Virginia Beach, VA: Black and white girl, very happy and friendly, needs a new home. She is a year and a half old and comes with her cage, food, and bedding. Reason for rehoming is listed as "My daughter cannot take care of her." The next statement is not a reflection on this poster, obviously I don't know their specific reasons for rehoming the piggie girl, and this may be a tragic situation.However in general, this is a frequent occurrence when children are given pets to learn responsibility. They find the pet too time consuming, too much work, or boring, or some combination of the three, and often parents will then take away the pet to punish the child and to, in theory, find a better home for the pig. Rather, this doesn't really teach the child responsibility--their tiresome responsibility is actually just removed from them, and the animal often winds up in inadequate housing. It reflects more on the parent's irresponsibility to not care for the pet when the child is unable or unwilling. If you adopt a pet for your child, you must be prepared to care for the pet the length of its life.
helpful links: Quality Hay and Pellets in bulk & Pampering your Pig & Cheaper, Larger Cages & Bedding & Essential Guinea Supplies & Proper Diet & Cavy Savvy Vets & "What's Normal? What's Not?" & "What is Rescuing and Adopting?" & Social Cause Marketing & Guinea Pigs in PA/NY/NJ/WV
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