How the Rescue is Run

 

Several different rescue groups network together to try and pull animals that have been dumped in city or county animal shelters.  If the animals are sick, in danger of being euthanized, or in poor conditions we try to remove them from the shelters immediately and bring them into rescue.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After 3 weeks animals are moved into the main areas of the house, where they can get used to the noises of general life and become socialized.  If appropriate, and a suitable animal is available, they are paired up so that they can be adopted out with a mate.  Except in very rare circumstances, animals are not adopted out to be single pets—the guinea pig is a social animal and is much happier with a friend!

All our animals are housed in C&C Cages .  Guinea pigs in quarantine are sometimes bedded on Carefresh on top of aspen shavings, but all other animals are bedded on fleece.  Fleece is vacuumed every day and changed out and washed every second day.  Hay bins (which are generally newspaper lined) are cleaned and replenished every day.  All water bottles are rinsed and refilled each day.  Once a week all cages are thoroughly cleaned with either bleach and water or vinegar and water, and all dishes and water bottles are thoroughly disinfected.

All cages have a constant supply of Timothy hay from KMS Hayloft.  They are fed timothy pellets (also from KMS Hayloft), unless they are under 1 year, in which case they are given alfalfa pellets (usually Oxbow).  Each guinea pig receives fresh leafy green vegetables each day along with small pieces of other vegetables and fruit. 

All the animals that come to Cavylove are treated with 3 doses of Ivermectin to kill possible mites, quarantined in a separate room for 3 weeks, and checked by the vet.  Most are supplemented with Vitamin C tablets for a few weeks, since many show signs of scurvy.  If the animals are sick they are given the appropriate care and treated by a cavy-savvy vet when necessary.  Everyone is weighed on intake, and then once a week at a minimum thereafter.  Records are kept of weights, treatments, and health concerns so that future adopters have a complete history.  Animals are only bathed when necessary; and all are routinely brushed, have their nails clipped, and are given daily hugs and attention.

Spot was one of our permanent residents.  He was a special needs pig who was rescued from another high-kill shelter, where he stayed for two weeks with a large hole in his side where he had chewed at a benign tumor.  He had a wonderful 9 months with us and is our mascot guinea pig.

The kitchen provides a nice, busy space where it’s easy for the guinea pigs to ensure that treats are given every time the fridge door is opened!

The family room (above) and the library (left) provide busy and quiet spots, respectively.  Some animals prefer a quieter space while they figure out what’s going on!

All our animals love the timothy hay from KMS hayloft.  We try to buy enough of the soft 3rd cutting to last the year.