Read the story in Sue's own words.
When Sue Walters of Aurora, Ont., was looking for suitable pets for her
two autistic sons, Devin and Michael, she decided guinea pigs might be
perfect. "Our lives are too hectic for a dog, and a cat would not be a great fit either," she says.
To begin her search, she visited Petfinder. "Knowing how many pets are put up for adoption, we were glad to find Piggles Guinea Pig Rescue close to our area," she says. "We fell in love with Morris and Victor when we saw their pictures on the site."
Soon the piggies had a new home and were introduced to "pats" parties, which they enjoy. "We put the piggies into the boys' laps with a special treat (carrots and flat-leaf parsley are favorites); while they snack, the boys pat them," Sue says.
"Morris is
happy to be snuggled; Victor will put up with it as long as there is
some snack on hand, and then he's off to explore. My older son, Devin,
especially loves doing this, and worries if the piggies try to go to far
afield. He's really good at shepherding them out from under the
table." Once the pats party is over, it's back into their cage and Morris and Victor's very own pigloo.
Sue's younger son, Michael, can't wait to run downstairs in the morning to give the guinea pigs their breakfast. "Victor especially has gotten used to this routine and waits expectantly by the side of the cage each morning," Sue says.
She adds that guinea pigs are the easiest pet she has ever had. "We use the expensive pet bedding which is made of recycled cellulose, and it really pays for itself. There is no odor and the bedding lasts a long time before needing to be changed." When the time comes to change it, she just scoops it into a disposable bag and puts it in the trash bin.
From time to time, Morris and Victor go to the vet for a "once-over" and professional nail clipping. "We've been able to clip Morris's nails, but Victor isn't having it, so we bring in a pro," Sue says.
The bonus in all this is that the family feels good about having given "previously loved" pets a new home. The bonus for Morris and Victor? A loving home with plenty of pats.
March is Adopt-A-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month, a perfect time to learn more about these friendly pets. Join our free Ask the Experts Forum on guinea pig adoption and care this week only.
From our library:
Guinea Pigs: An Introduction
Companionship for Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pig Health and Safety
Guinea Pig Illness Warning Signs
Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?
How To Care for Guinea Pigs
More Happy Tails:
Four little guinea pigs brighten a new home
A senior guinea pig settles into retirement
It's Adopt-A-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month! A class pet goes home
Two adopted rabbits make one hoppy family
February is Adopt-A-Rescued Rabbit Month
A frozen screen + a little luck = a great home for this shy Pit Bull
A rescued Pit Bull fits right in with a family's six kids
Once stray, a rescued bird chirps his way into his family's heart
It's Adopt-A-Rescued Bird Month! Meet Elvis, the African Grey
A shy Pomeranian comes out of his shell with TLC
A Pit Bull's foster home becomes her forever home
After five years in a cage, one rescued dog finds her forever home
A rescue dog brings joy to fellow seniors
One dog changes a family's life in a 'Flash'
Two senior cats are even better than one!
One senior dog finds a great home for her golden years
Sue's younger son, Michael, can't wait to run downstairs in the morning to give the guinea pigs their breakfast. "Victor especially has gotten used to this routine and waits expectantly by the side of the cage each morning," Sue says.
She adds that guinea pigs are the easiest pet she has ever had. "We use the expensive pet bedding which is made of recycled cellulose, and it really pays for itself. There is no odor and the bedding lasts a long time before needing to be changed." When the time comes to change it, she just scoops it into a disposable bag and puts it in the trash bin.
From time to time, Morris and Victor go to the vet for a "once-over" and professional nail clipping. "We've been able to clip Morris's nails, but Victor isn't having it, so we bring in a pro," Sue says.
The bonus in all this is that the family feels good about having given "previously loved" pets a new home. The bonus for Morris and Victor? A loving home with plenty of pats.
March is Adopt-A-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month, a perfect time to learn more about these friendly pets. Join our free Ask the Experts Forum on guinea pig adoption and care this week only.
Guinea Pigs: An Introduction
Companionship for Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pig Health and Safety
Guinea Pig Illness Warning Signs
Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?
How To Care for Guinea Pigs
More Happy Tails:
Four little guinea pigs brighten a new home
A senior guinea pig settles into retirement
It's Adopt-A-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month! A class pet goes home
Two adopted rabbits make one hoppy family
February is Adopt-A-Rescued Rabbit Month
A frozen screen + a little luck = a great home for this shy Pit Bull
A rescued Pit Bull fits right in with a family's six kids
Once stray, a rescued bird chirps his way into his family's heart
It's Adopt-A-Rescued Bird Month! Meet Elvis, the African Grey
A shy Pomeranian comes out of his shell with TLC
A Pit Bull's foster home becomes her forever home
After five years in a cage, one rescued dog finds her forever home
A rescue dog brings joy to fellow seniors
One dog changes a family's life in a 'Flash'
Two senior cats are even better than one!
One senior dog finds a great home for her golden years
