MintyAndGarry (TEAS)
Adult Guinea Pig
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2007
- Messages
- 3,282
- Reaction score
- 647
- Points
- 705
There seems to be some confusion as to exactly what TEAS is and how we are run. Hopefully the information below will give you more of an insight into what we do and how we manage to do it.
What is TEAS?
The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary was established in 2011, to provide permanent care for guinea pigs with additional needs, chiefly dental. We are lucky to have two exceptional vets nearby, who are both knowledgeable and skilled in guinea pig dentistry, with many success stories to their names. It is for this reason that we exist, as the only dental sanctuary in the country.
We are currently HMRC registered, in the process of applying for registered charity status. It has always been important to us to be registered as we wanted everything we do to be official and transparent, rather than just be a ‘back yard’ operation.
Where are we located?
Contrary to popular belief, TEAS is not a large, multi-staffed centre. The charity is run predominantly by Debbie from her modest, semi detached house in East Hunsbury, Northampton, which is where all the hard work happens. Additional permanent places and supportive care are provided from another modest, semi detached house in West Hunsbury, Northampton.
Who runs TEAS?
There are currently three individuals who form the board and are involved in the decision making at TEAS, two of whom work directly with the pigs. The day to day running of the charity is carried out primarily by Debbie Postles, who accommodates the majority of the residents at her home. Emma and Andrew Hartley currently have nine permanent residents at their home.
Steve Turner acts on behalf of TEAS as the Sanctuary accountant.
What do we do?
As well as providing care for poorly piggies, the board members of TEAS also have to make time for full time, paid employment.
Does TEAS have any volunteers?
No. The daily care of the residents is carried out exclusively by the board members of TEAS. Despite appealing to volunteers to help out with the ‘hands-on’ work at TEAS on several occasions, we have had no uptake, so have to complete all care and cleaning ourselves.
We do have two or three wonderful foster carers, who care for some of the more stable pigs under the care of TEAS.
How is TEAS funded?
Unlike a rescue, who may charge a surrender fee for any animals it takes in, or an adoption fee for any animals it rehomes, TEAS residents will stay at the Sanctuary for life. Each animal immediately becomes a financial drain as soon as they arrive; many will have ongoing additional veterinary costs, as well as every day care requirements. The charity is funded solely by public donation. This is why fundraising is so important to us.
Does TEAS receive discounted rates for veterinary treatment?
In 2014, the average vet bill for TEAS was £400 per month. We pay the same for treatment as any member of the public. The only discount we receive for veterinary treatment is for neutering. Due to the nature of our sanctuary, it is rare that we need to neuter any of the pigs in our care.
Do TEAS board members take any money for themselves?
No. All money raised for TEAS goes towards paying the Sanctuary vet bills. Other than a few bags of food donated by some kind supporters, food, hay, bedding, fuel and time are paid for out of the pockets of the board members. At no time has anyone ever been financially rewarded for work at TEAS.
How much time can it take, to care for a dental pig?
Assuming a piggy is totally reliant on syringe feeding, in addition to being medicated, the care will take up most of the day. In order for a pig to maintain their weight, it is important to aim to get 100-120ml of syringe food into them, per 24 hour period. If a pig is willing and able to take syringe food well, this may be possible to administer in five or six sittings, spaced throughout the day. If a pig is struggling to take syringe food, feeding them little and often can be an endless task throughout the day – and night in the worst cases. Many people have dealt with a poorly pig at times, but trying to do this for four or five piggies at a time is utterly exhausting! Couple that with caring for all the other residents of TEAS and it soon becomes apparent that there aren’t enough hours in the day!
What is TEAS?
The Excellent Adventure Sanctuary was established in 2011, to provide permanent care for guinea pigs with additional needs, chiefly dental. We are lucky to have two exceptional vets nearby, who are both knowledgeable and skilled in guinea pig dentistry, with many success stories to their names. It is for this reason that we exist, as the only dental sanctuary in the country.
We are currently HMRC registered, in the process of applying for registered charity status. It has always been important to us to be registered as we wanted everything we do to be official and transparent, rather than just be a ‘back yard’ operation.
Where are we located?
Contrary to popular belief, TEAS is not a large, multi-staffed centre. The charity is run predominantly by Debbie from her modest, semi detached house in East Hunsbury, Northampton, which is where all the hard work happens. Additional permanent places and supportive care are provided from another modest, semi detached house in West Hunsbury, Northampton.
Who runs TEAS?
There are currently three individuals who form the board and are involved in the decision making at TEAS, two of whom work directly with the pigs. The day to day running of the charity is carried out primarily by Debbie Postles, who accommodates the majority of the residents at her home. Emma and Andrew Hartley currently have nine permanent residents at their home.
Steve Turner acts on behalf of TEAS as the Sanctuary accountant.
What do we do?
As well as providing care for poorly piggies, the board members of TEAS also have to make time for full time, paid employment.
Does TEAS have any volunteers?
No. The daily care of the residents is carried out exclusively by the board members of TEAS. Despite appealing to volunteers to help out with the ‘hands-on’ work at TEAS on several occasions, we have had no uptake, so have to complete all care and cleaning ourselves.
We do have two or three wonderful foster carers, who care for some of the more stable pigs under the care of TEAS.
How is TEAS funded?
Unlike a rescue, who may charge a surrender fee for any animals it takes in, or an adoption fee for any animals it rehomes, TEAS residents will stay at the Sanctuary for life. Each animal immediately becomes a financial drain as soon as they arrive; many will have ongoing additional veterinary costs, as well as every day care requirements. The charity is funded solely by public donation. This is why fundraising is so important to us.
Does TEAS receive discounted rates for veterinary treatment?
In 2014, the average vet bill for TEAS was £400 per month. We pay the same for treatment as any member of the public. The only discount we receive for veterinary treatment is for neutering. Due to the nature of our sanctuary, it is rare that we need to neuter any of the pigs in our care.
Do TEAS board members take any money for themselves?
No. All money raised for TEAS goes towards paying the Sanctuary vet bills. Other than a few bags of food donated by some kind supporters, food, hay, bedding, fuel and time are paid for out of the pockets of the board members. At no time has anyone ever been financially rewarded for work at TEAS.
How much time can it take, to care for a dental pig?
Assuming a piggy is totally reliant on syringe feeding, in addition to being medicated, the care will take up most of the day. In order for a pig to maintain their weight, it is important to aim to get 100-120ml of syringe food into them, per 24 hour period. If a pig is willing and able to take syringe food well, this may be possible to administer in five or six sittings, spaced throughout the day. If a pig is struggling to take syringe food, feeding them little and often can be an endless task throughout the day – and night in the worst cases. Many people have dealt with a poorly pig at times, but trying to do this for four or five piggies at a time is utterly exhausting! Couple that with caring for all the other residents of TEAS and it soon becomes apparent that there aren’t enough hours in the day!
If I lived nearer I would gladly help with cleaning out, feeding etc as the Sanctuary does a sterling job!
) and was tucking in to some hay that we swept up earlier on. Even though he still had his own stash! I'm not complaining though as this is the first time since June I have caught him properly chomping on hay! 
I posted it here because without Auntie Debbie and Auntie Emma's help, he would not have been here today melting our hearts. He is such a lovely character and I am so grateful of your help and the ongoing treatment from Simon too. Thankyou, from the bottom of my heart! 
I hope he now realises that the hay is there for him to eat and it won't cause him discomfort. 
