[Gpdd] MISCELLANEOUS: Why guinea pigs?

[family.duffy at virgin.net]

I know we all get cross when we hear bad advice being given about pet care, but if I hadn't received bad advice, I would never have got into guinea pigs! As a child I had goldfish, tortoises, budgies and a cat and when I stayed weekends with my best friend from school I can actually remember being not at all interested in her guinea pigs! Fast forward 25 years, and we were having a family day out at a local Farm Park where there was a "Pets Corner" for children to go in and cuddle the rabbits. All the other children were enjoying playing with the rabbits but I was embarrassed that our two sons didn't have a clue how to stroke one, let alone pick one up. I decided that they really ought to learn how to handle and care for a pet of their own. Shortly afterwards, we got two female rabbits. Much as we loved them, they were a bit hopeless as cuddly pets because although we persevered and persevered with trying to handle them, they weren't having any of it. We were never able to cuddle them properly! One was always petrified of us, but the other was like a lovely puppy who would bound towards you to greet you - but would only want stroking, not picking up. When the terrified one died, the friendlier one looked so lonely and sad. I was told I could never introduce another rabbit to her (!) but instead I should get some guinea pigs to keep her company. I didn't know any better at the time, and although they shared a pen, they didn't share a hutch. The guinea pigs were adorable - and we could cuddle them without having to wear heavy duty gardening gloves!! As the boys grew up, the guinea pigs became mine and I enjoyed keeping a little herd of 5 or 6. About 5 years ago, I discovered that it wasn't only dogs and cats that could be adopted from rescues. That's when the numbers rapidly started to rise, and I wouldn't have it any other way!!Stefanie  -  slave to Budweiser, Frascati, Bandit, Chutney, Scampi, Orinoco, Noodle, Truffle, Mickey, Pawpaw, Squash, Espresso and Cappuccino.