May 31, 2007

Abandoned guinea pigs need your help

Twenty-eight guinea pigs were recently dumped in sealed cardboard boxes and left at a local animal shelter. Early in the morning, shelter staff discovered several boxes stuffed with living guinea pigs, although one guinea pig had already perished. Staff said the conditions were tight and they were surprised more did not die. The shelter called for help. All of these guinea pigs were rescued by The Rabbit Haven's Cavy House in Scott’s Valley because the shelter didn’t have enough room for all of the guinea pigs.

Of the group it appears that 12 are females, and at least five are pregnant. One female gave birth to three tiny babies recently. Several have injuries.

Cavy House was already full, and with the addition of 34 animals it is overflowing. As more and more mothers give birth, staff fears that they will be completely inundated. They are looking for foster help, support with supplies and donations to cover medical costs for those injured.

The staff is asking for the public’s help in donations, adoptions, foster care and even asking for volunteers to clean cages.

If you would like to adopt a sweet guinea pig, there are many types, colors, sexes and ages from which to choose.
All of the new guinea pigs are now being triaged to vet care. Urgent wound care has been provided and some of the animals will require more care.

If you are interested in helping by donating money to the Rabbit Haven Cavy House, you can access their Paypal account on the Web site www.therabbithavenl.org or a check may be sent to P.O. Box 66594, Scotts Valley, Calif., 95067, attention: GPig rescue. Supplies are also needed for foster homes including cubes, larger guinea pig cages, Marchiaro cages, Care Fresh litter and guinea pig food.