pinnie-gig
New Born Pup
I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience to me? I want to adopt some piggies (I'll be a first time owner, but I'm in my late 20s so it's a considered decision ) and rather than get a couple from a pet shop, I would like to give some abandoned piggies a loving home.
I have found a couple I really like the look of at a local rehoming centre, and I called today to enquire about them. The lady I spoke to wasn't rude, but she was fairly dismissive when I explained I intended to keep the piggies indoors, and said "you do know they eat grass, don't you? They are outdoor animals" ! Now, I know they eat grass if they are put in outdoor runs, of course, but I also know that indoor piggies are very happy being inside and eating plenty of hay along with their other food! So I politely said that I would ensure they had plenty of hay they could graze on. The lady at the centre then asked if I had 'accommodation'. I said I didn't, but I have found the enclosure I want (a C&C cage) and would be happy to buy it… she said I needed it all set up and in place, then a home check would be performed, and only then would I be allowed to meet the piggies. I said OK to all of this…and then she ended the conversation by saying "we won't reserve them for you, you know."
I am not criticising the work of the centre, they are amazing and of course, I completely understand why they need to check homes… I was just disheartened by her reaction. And frustrated that she didn't seem to think keeping guinea pigs indoors was a good idea - I am worried I won't pass a home check now (although otherwise, there is no reason I wouldn't). Has anyone else had a similar experience (and had a happy ending where they ended up with the piggies!)?
Thanks!
PS I have ordered my C&C cage now
I have found a couple I really like the look of at a local rehoming centre, and I called today to enquire about them. The lady I spoke to wasn't rude, but she was fairly dismissive when I explained I intended to keep the piggies indoors, and said "you do know they eat grass, don't you? They are outdoor animals" ! Now, I know they eat grass if they are put in outdoor runs, of course, but I also know that indoor piggies are very happy being inside and eating plenty of hay along with their other food! So I politely said that I would ensure they had plenty of hay they could graze on. The lady at the centre then asked if I had 'accommodation'. I said I didn't, but I have found the enclosure I want (a C&C cage) and would be happy to buy it… she said I needed it all set up and in place, then a home check would be performed, and only then would I be allowed to meet the piggies. I said OK to all of this…and then she ended the conversation by saying "we won't reserve them for you, you know."
I am not criticising the work of the centre, they are amazing and of course, I completely understand why they need to check homes… I was just disheartened by her reaction. And frustrated that she didn't seem to think keeping guinea pigs indoors was a good idea - I am worried I won't pass a home check now (although otherwise, there is no reason I wouldn't). Has anyone else had a similar experience (and had a happy ending where they ended up with the piggies!)?
Thanks!
PS I have ordered my C&C cage now