[Gpdd] Misc: response about allergies

[Ruth Leibowitz]

Allergies can be very strange.  I had pet rats a long time ago and was not 
allergic to them at all, while at the same time I was extremely allergic to 
hamsters (my skin immediately breaks out and I begin to wheeze).  When I 
first got my guinea pigs, I was not allergic to them -- but now I have 
developed an allergy, although it is nowhere as bad as is my allergy to 
hamsters.  This is sad for me, because I handle them less than I would like, 
and after my two present guinea pigs go over the bridge I will not be able 
to adopt any more). So the allergy situation is not predictable.  I think 
the best thing is for your friend to handle a number of guinea pigs before 
adopting or buying any.  She should be sure to hold them against her bare 
skin, and stick them close to her face, and see if she has any reaction 
afterwards.  I think this is the only way to tell.

Ruth, allergic in Portland

_________________________________________________________________
http://newlivehotmail.com