MD/DC/VA-Ways to Help Rescues

Every rescue and shelter I post, every shelter and rescue that exists, every shelter and rescue that is in the making, needs assistance. Donations of your home, time, materials, and/or money will always be of use and incredibly appreciated. The three listings below just happen to be ones that are easy for me to post and link to.

MGPR is in need of foster homes. They accept fosterers from the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area. They're also the organization I foster for and love! That's why there's a permanent button on the side bar linking to their site--I'm biased. Below is the listing they have to call for foster homes:

"All I ever wanted was to find someone to love me. Someone who would be good to me, give me lots of scratches and snuggles, and plenty of my favorite veggies! That was my dream. When I met my foster mommy, she gave me those things. She loved me so very much. She taught me that it was OK to trust again. I had a really hard time understanding why giants like her -- I think you call them humans -- would be mean to something so small and cute like me. All I wanted was to be loved and cared for. She gave me that, and more. Now, I am with my new family. They love me a lot! And I know. . . no, I trust. . . that they will love me. . . FOREVER!" This is Mongo's story. Thankfully, his story has a "happy ending" and we at MGPR were simply the conduits to helping that happen. Would you like to help? We are currently accepting application from "giant humans" (as Mongo would say) who are interested in volunteering to foster. If you have room in your heart and in your home, please contact us. Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue is comprised totally of volunteers who love cavies. Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue: we Rescue, Rehabilitate and Find Forever Homes for our loving cavy friends.

Small Angels is another great organization in need of foster homes. They're located in Northern Maryland. I've copied their post below:

Small Angels is in need of foster parents for guinea pigs. We will supply an appropriate habitat and other needed supplies. Foster parents are asked to provide food, bedding and love. We have discounted food and bedding available for foster parents. Fostering does require some driving -- to pick up and drop off foster animals and/or to attend some adoption events. You must live within a practical driving distance of Frederick and Mt. Airy, Maryland. If you are interested in helping guinea pigs get a second chance in life, please email guineapigs@smallangelsrescue.org for more information. Please include your phone number.

Small Angels is also in need of "Twilight Homes" for sanctuary pigs. I do this for MGPR, and it is probably the most rewarding continual experience of my life. I've copied the posting below.

Small Angels is in need of Twilight Foster Foster Homes for special needs guinea pigs. These piggies are not suitable for adoption for various reasons such as dental problems, deformities, congenital heart defects, chronic disease. We will supply an appropriate habitat and other needed supplies along with funding the veterinary care for the life of the piggie. Foster parents are asked to provide food, bedding and the extra care and love needed to give these piggies a happy and comfortable life, however short it may be. We will provide the necessary training and guidance. We also have discounted food and bedding available for foster parents. Fostering does require some driving -- to pick up and drop off foster animals and/or to take the piggie for check ups or treatment. You must live within a practical driving distance of Frederick and Mt. Airy, Maryland. If you are interested in helping a special needs guinea pig please email guineapigs@smallangelsrescue.org for more information. Please include your phone number. Thanks! (The guinea pig in the photo does not need your help as she is already in a Twilight Foster Home.)

VA-Craigslist-two bonded sows

* 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 *

POST DELETED. Springfield, VA; bonded sows being rehomed for small, very reasonable adoption fee. They are very friendly guineas, one a short-haired sow with white and brown fur, the other is a long haired gray guinea (peruvian?). They come with their cage, two bowls, a pigloo, water bottles, a bag of litter, bag of alfalfa (only feed if they're under a year old), and their food. Pictures available upon request.

The poster recommends them as an early x-mas present. I disagree with this, because the person receiving is not consenting to care for the guinea pigs. You also might wind up in the same position as the poster, who gave these guineas as a present to her son's girlfriend. Once they broke up and the girlfriend moved, mom got the guinea pigs back and is now posting them on Craigslist. I would think this would be a lesson against giving animals as presents, but what do I know.

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?"

295

Rescues and shelters need assistance paying for hoarder's crime

* * * CALL FOR HELP * * *

Like Judge's Park, The Critter Connection (a CT based rescue) is assisting in the rescue of the enormous MA guinea pig surrender. A hoarder who had become ill gave up around 150 cavies he had been keeping in his shed. They were in terrible condition, some blind. All of the females are assumed pregnant. That means that any rescue that takes in any of these pigs is going to have to cope with a huge increase in medical bills. You can help ease that burden by donating either time, supplies, a foster home, or finances. Judge's Park donation information is here and The Critter Connection donation information is here. (If I have missed any rescues who are assisting with this effort, please post them in the comments section, along with contact information).

* * * CALL FOR HELP * * *

There's also an individual (I e-know her from GuineaLynx) who at this very moment is driving from PA to MA to pick up thirty piggies. I've donated just ten dollars to her myself, and stacked against all the other donations, it made a difference. Just one dollar would even! The cost of just feeding thirty guinea pigs is going to make a huge dent in the wallet. Read information about her journey and the tremendous act of taking in the pigs here. You can find donation information in this thread, as well as more information on this case.

* * * CALL FOR HELP * * *

Here are some articles. One Two. The second link also gives you information on how to donate to the shelter.

VA-Craigslist-Boar

* 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 *

LISTING REMOVED. NoVa Boar looking for a forever home: He comes with food and accessories and is used to kids, that's all I can tell you. Email the poster for more information.

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?"

294

VA-Craigslist-Texel Boar

* 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 *

POST DELETED. Norfolk, VA: A vocal and friendly texel guinea pig is available for a small adoption fee. He's a small little boy. Because of the location and the orange and white description, I wonder if this is the same adorable guinea pig pictured here. That guy is one of my faves.

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?"

293

MD-Small Angels Rescue

Small Angels Rescue has two new guinea pigs (sort of). Before we get to the cuties, a reminder about this rescue. They're a foster based network in Frederick, MD and they are always looking for new foster homes or ways to promote their organization. A giant, somehow fr33, billboard with these two beautiful faces would have calls rollin' in!



ADOPTED! Serenity and Lillie are a mother and daughter pair. Serenity spent most of her life outside, and when she was brought to the rescue Small Angels realized she was pregnant. She gave birth to Lillie in October of 2006. These girls were adopted (of course, they're beautiful and sweet), but they had to be returned becaue of health problems. For whatever reason, it is so sad for the piggies and the rescue when a "forever" means "for now." They're both very active and talkative. Lillie is even a zoomer! Can you give these girls their real forever home?

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?"

292

MD-Craigslist-Boar

* 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 *

LISTING DELETED. From what I've seen of Potomac, MD, it's a darn rich area. Schmaltzy in places. Maybe that's why the poster giving up his or her guinea pig can afford to give him away for fr33, thereby putting him at risk to hoarders, bunchers, and br33ders! The poster makes the argument that normally if you were getting a guinea pig you'd have to spend around a hundred dollars. But this is such a deal! WOW!

This healthy playful boar is brown, black, and white. He comes with a large cage, water bottle, food, toys, bedding, bowls, vitamin drops, and pigloo. Save this poor boy and get him a friend from a rescue or shelter.

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?"

290

MD-Talbot County Humane Society

LISTING REMOVED. The aforementioned Talbot County Humane Society boar, Jerico, now has a photo! It's visible on this page, as well as below.

This boy's incredibly cute. He reminds me of one of my dear guinea pigs, Peaches, so I might be biased. Jerico was given up because his owner could no longer care for him. Knock on wood, I'd like to think I'd have to go in to a coma to be unable to care for such a cute creature. Adopt him and post pictures!

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?"

289

VA-The Humane Society of Fairfax County

The Humane Society of Fairfax County, not to be confused with Fairfax County Animal Services, has a new guinea pig available for adoption, and he is a wonder!

LISTING REMOVED. Chumley is a young boy, exact age unknown. He's small in stature, vocal, and loves to be pet. He's friendly, outgoing, and loves his carrots! As illustrated by his cute photograph.

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?"

289

VA-Virginia Beach SPCA

Virginia Beach SPCA is an amazing shelter. They accept every animal brought to them. And right now they have two stray guinea pigs who will soon be available for adoption. Significantly for November (and every month really), they are both four years old, and therefore "seniors," though guinea pigs can live up to nine years of age. Do something good for yourself, your family, and these pigs. Adopting a senior animal is a very special type of adoption. Lots of Brownie points with that one.

LISTING REMOVED. Costello is a four year old boar who loves carrots and romaine lettuce. He is super friendly and comfortable with new people. He has short black hair. The neighbor of the person who brought them in abandoned them. That's despicable. Embarrassment at a shelter or rescue is worth saving your former pet's life. If you're dumping them you owe them that much.

LISTING REMOVED. Abbott was abandoned with Costello. He is a short haired boy with gray fur. No info posted on him. I would hope the shelter is going to only adopt them together.

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?"

288

A Happy Adoption Story pt. 2

This is part two of A Happy Adoption Story begun at AAGP2. In part one PooksiedAnimals wrote about her adoption of Vicky and Athena. Though her time with Athena was very happy (as was Athena's time with PooksiedAnimals), Athena eventually developed a mass in her lung and passed away. PooksiedAnimals decided to adopt some friends for Vicky, and this is where part two begins.

Part Two: Willow (L) and Pippin (R), past guinea pigs, and guinea pigs in the daily life


"When Vicky had lost Athena, I decided she needed friends. At this point, I knew I needed to find younger pigs, so I wouldn't lose them in a short time. I was looking for another pair, since I knew Vicky's days were numbered, and I didn't want to have to go looking for company for a single pig in another six months or so.

"Again through petfinder, I found young pigs, this time at the main MSPCA shelter at Angell Memorial in Boston, MA. I remember there were 11 pigs in that room when I went to see them, most of the pigs were under 6 months of age. I chose a mother-daughter pair named Alberta and Sheba, and renamed them Willow and Pippin. Adopting them wasn't quite the high as adopting Vicky and Athena, simply because the number of animals in there were overwhelming. But I was so happy to have brought them home.


"Both were infested with mites and were very high strung. Trying to introduce them to Vicky did not go well, and they ended up living in a very long cage that was divided. It suited Vicky fine - it didn't take long for her to eating her favorite foods just close enough to the grids to drive Willow and Pippin nuts, but far enough they couldn't reach through and grab it.

"I've had them for just over two years, now. Willow has mellowed a bit. She actually took Vicky under her protection before Vicky passed away, and they got along during floor time. Pippin, who can be a holy terror, actually likes to be held, and loves exploring during floor time. Unfortunately, they both terrorize other pigs during pignics, much to the amusement of many people there (and the consternation of their mommy). Not as flat-out cuddly and lovable as some of my pigs, they are extremely people-oriented, and will always come to the edge of the cage to see who's come over, and will let people reach in and pet them - even complete strangers. Willow loves nose-rubs, and Pippin's a sucker for chin-scritches.

"My boyfriend has gotten a kick out of these two, and laughs over their antics as much as I do. He takes wonderful pictures of them, and tells lots of people about my guinea pigs. Even my 2-year-old nephew is on board with guinea pigs: When he was just learning to talk, and associate pictures with words, my sister was going through a farm-yard book with him. She pointed at a pig and said "pigs", and he said, "Aunty Sally!" Pigs is pigs, I guess!

"I had owned a previous pair of pigs I had purchased from a large chain pet store. One of them died within 18 months due to a congenital heart defect, and the other had battled cysts since she was 6 months old. After dealing with the problems and heartbreak from them, I vowed never to purchase from a chain store again. It took me another pair of pigs before I found out about the option to adopt.

"Over the years, especially becoming active on a couple of guinea pig oriented forums, I have become aware of the overbreeding and mills for guinea pigs and other pets. I now have changed my buying habits to stay out of pet stores entirely. I do my best to advocate that others do the same. I figure it may not be much in the grand scheme of things, but ever little bit helps."

VA-Virginia Beach SPCA

The Virginia Beach SPCA has a new guinea pig in! She doesn't have a photo up yet though. LISTING REMOVED. Rocky is a two year old guinea pig who was given up because of allergies (research before you adopt any animal, and remember that many people who are allergic to dogs and cats are also allergic to guinea pigs. Try petting and holding a guinea pig before you adopt if you have doubts). Rocky is a smooth short hair with brown and black fur. Though she is good with kids, she is not compatible with dogs or cats.

And as a reminder, here are the guinea pigs already at this shelter.

LISTING REMOVED. Jules, a year and a half old sow, is a smooth black and brown haired guinea pig. She was given up because her owners didn't have time for her. Picture at link.

LISTING REMOVED. Simba is a beautiful pink eyed white boar who is fourteen months old. He is good with kids. His owners gave him up because they didn't have time for him. Picture at link.

LISTING REMOVED. Powder is a pretty seven month old sow. She is a solid orange color and is good with kids. In her photo she's on a wire floor. This is very bad for guinea pigs because they can develop bumblefoot.

LISTING REMOVED. Pumpkin was removed from the website, but is back again. I can't see why, he's a gorgeous black/brown pig with a white crest. He likes to be held and is an outgoing sweetie.

LISTING REMOVED. Panda is another relisting, and I believe he is bonded with Pumpkin. He is three years old, outgoing, and gorgeous looking--black with orange stripes.

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?"

286

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE NEW GUINEA PIGS

NOVEMBER is adopt
a senior pet month!

Click here to see what senior guinea pigs are available for adoption. Check your local shelter or rescue too!

There aren't as many specified seniors as in the other blog, so also try searching for adults.

MD-Craigslist-two bonded boars

* 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 *

IN A RESCUE! Germantown, MD: Two six-eight month old boars for adoption. Six months is around the time boars go through their adolescence, so prepare yourself for some grumpiness, and possibly temporary biting. They are friendly, energetic, and love to play.



Now, I don't ever want to reduce a guinea pig post to saying some are "a good deal," but these guinea pigs come with a C&C cage. That's one of the first times I've seen guinea pigs being given away with an actually useful cage. They also offer fleece blankets, which are wonderful on a guinea's footsies. AND they come with a large cage, food dishes, water bottles, Animal Planet care guide book, vitamin C drops, hay holders, cuddle cups, treats and toys (double check safety of these on Guinea Lynx), three tunnels/houses, a small fence, grooming brush and shampoo, cage cleaning spray (check for safety), and carrier.


These people are so prepared for guinea pigs I actually wonder whether they might be adopters not wanting to go back to the rescue. Just a possible theory; it happens.

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?"

285

VA-Fairfax County Animal Services-Reminder

B e c a u s e Gracie and Rose now have new pictures, and the other guinea pigs have been there for a dangerously long time, I'm going to do a quick recap post on Fairfax County Animal Services guinea pigs. You can find them by going to PetHarbor and searching by ID.

ETA: Bob and Abby!








From Left to Right, beginning at the top.

WITH A RESCUE!--> Bob: ID#A024090, boar, age unknown; WITH A RESCUE!--> Abby: ID#A023821, sow, age unknown; WITH A RESCUE!--> Gracie: ID#A02456, sow, age unknown; WITH A RESCUE!--> Liza Minelli: ID#A024269, sow, age unknown; WITH A RESCUE!--> Rose: ID#A024575, sow, age unknown; WITH A RESCUE!--> Zeke: ID#A024094, boar, 2 years, 1 month; WITH A RESCUE!--> Zane: ID#A024093, boar, 11 months; WITH A RESCUE!--> Judy Garland: ID#A024268, sow, age unknown.

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?"

283