Whitney Potsus is vice president of The Critter Connection guinea pig rescue in Durham, CT, which has taken in more than 800 animals in seven years. She also writes the group's blog, Guinea Pig Connection. She got her first guinea pig when she was 30 and has shared her home with 14 pigs of her own and nearly two dozen foster pigs in the years since.

Each year, Adopt-A-Rescued-Guinea Pig Month educates a few more people about guinea pigs and the rescues dedicated to their welfare. Invariably, when we do public appearances in March, we hear over and over again comments like:

• I didn't know guinea pigs needed rescues.
• I didn't know there was such a thing as a guinea pig rescue.
• How can such a small animal be given up so often? I mean, they don't take up nearly as much space as, say, a dog or a horse.

The truth is that all species of animals can run into trouble if they land in the care of the wrong humans, or if they're taken in by people who didn't do enough research beforehand or weren't realistic about what they could take on.

Guinea pig rescues are full of sweet critters who have been abandoned outdoors, left behind in empty homes, seized by authorities in abuse/neglect/hoarding cases or, quite literally, thrown away. There are pigs who were surrendered because kids lost interest, adults lost jobs, families had to relocate or caretakers were overwhelmed by the costs and/or labor required for the proper care of this species.

Why adopt and not buy?
Despite all this, rescued guinea pigs remain open-hearted to good humans willing to make a serious, long-term commitment. The advantages of adopting these sweet critters are numerous. Here are just a few:

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.

Calico Jack, then named Larry, was among 14 senior guinea pigs who found themselves homeless when their pet parent passed away.

The Critter Corral in Steger, IL, took them in and set about finding them homes. One person who learned about the pigs was Ilana Ostrar, who had worked with the Critter Corral in the past and who'd been thinking of adopting a friend for her guinea pig.

"I contacted The Critter Corral and told them I could offer one piggy retirement," she says. "I told them my pet situation and let them decide who would best fit in my environment.

Annie was the center of attention as a classroom pet, but when the school year ended, her glory days seemed over.

She was surrendered to Piggles Guinea Pig Rescue in Unionville, ON. Fortunately, Cassandra Jackson of Barrie, ON, was looking for a friend for the family's piggy, Spunk.

Cassandra filled out an application and the Jacksons went to visit the rescue. But there were many adoptable guinea pigs. How could they decide?

Fortunately, they received expert advice from Caroline at Piggles and adopted Annie.