HARE Club- Guinea pigs!

So yesterday me and another guinea pig enthusiast got to talk to the Homeschool Animal Rescue and Education Club that I help teach about, that's right, guinea pigs! We brought in three little "guest stars" of the show- my two guinea pigs, Ozzie and Marconi, and another guinea pig Winnie- which turned out to be one of the each type of the three most common types of guinea pigs! (that would be the Peruvian (long-haired), American (shotr-haired), and Abyssinian (crested)) We got to talk about the history and care of guinea pigs, and talk about guinea pig rescues. Though everything didn't go exactly as planned, the class was easy-going and everyone enjoyed it- especially the spoiled little pigs!

Some easily recognizable types of guinea pigs, from top left to right- Peruvian (Long-haired), American (short-haired), Teddy, Albino, Bottom left to right- Abyssinian (crested), Skinny, White Crested, and Texel

Marconi

Ozzie

 

 

Winnie (in class)

Winnie (outside of class) ;)

What's Going On...

So basically I have two big thing going on right now in concerns to Luna's House and my volunteer time...


Like, for example, I'm actually volunteering! About every Saturday you can catch me over at the Luna's House volunteering in the small animal room! Every week I get to spend time caring for and socializing with the small and furries of Luna's House, and I'm loving it! They've put about 12 guinea pigs through quarantine already (meaning that they are healthy enough to be rehomed). One of the guinea pigs was named after me! So proud... Some of these guinea pigs have stayed at the rescue facility, but a few (especially the younger ones) have been placed in a foster home. Still, its been quite busy over there too- 2 Chincillas and 5 guinea pigs have already been adopted!

I am also working on the Luna's House video. I have the first showing of the shortened version this coming Friday, and with a little more tweaking, perhaps I'll get it up on youtube and on the blog soon. If not, you'll be able to see it at the facility soon.


Oh, and after spending time with all the squeakers over at Luna's House... I'm also spending more time with mine! Just making that extra little time to spend with them in the evening/morning feels great... even if you have to brib them to sit still with treats!

 Abner- ADOPTED!

Highlighted Guinea Pig Rescue: Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue (MGPR)

I recently received in the mail a letter asking for donations to this wonderful guinea pig rescue, and I realized that I hadn't mentioned any of the other rescues I've had contact with, heard about, or just generally exist. Yes, that's right! Luna's House is by far not the only guinea pig rescue out there.

Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue is a non-profit network of foster homes located all over the Washington DC, Virginia, and Baltimore area. Though (clearly) they specialize in guinea pigs, they do also occasionally take in a non-piggy to be adopted. I'm personally friends with one of their fosterers, and have had contact with others. 
The mission of MGPR is to rescue, rehabilitate and find forever homes for guinea pigs in their care. They also educate the public on the proper care of guinea pigs.
Though they are a network of foster homes, guinea pigs (like Rhett to the right) can be found on their website, and you can also meet guinea pigs at their monthly adoption meet. To become a approved applicant, they (like most other animal rescues) simply require you to fill out a adoption form for the guinea pig(s) you are interested in, and then the adoption process can start. MGPR is also always looking for responsible foster homes, and they are able to send guinea pigs with younger (but still responsible, and with the approval of parents) wanna-be fosterers. MGPR works in coordination with other rescues in the neighborhood, including Luna's House.
Can't make it to Luna's House? Check out MGPR! More information can be found at: http://www.mgpr.org/index.cfm

MGPR Mission

If you know guinea pigs, then you know that these animals are sweet, gentle, and loving, and they can be wonderful pets when cared for properly. Unfortunately, there are many guinea pigs who are brought into shelters because they are no longer wanted. For this reason, Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue, a non-profit Virginia corporation, was formed. Our purpose is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find new homes for guinea pigs in our area. We also work to educate the public on the proper care of guinea pigs. Our rescue works with animal shelters in our metropolitan area, and at times, we do special rescues.