Disney's G-Force Movie - Pet Guinea Pigs - Should You Get One?
Disney film makers know the combination of animals and animation will be a hit with all ages. It is great for entertainment, but most don't think about the real animals the fims are based upon. All of the sudden a certain breed of dog, cat or rodent becomes the next pet desired by kids and adults.
Years ago with the advent of Lassie, the Collie breed of dog became very popular. But as the novelty wore off, many "Lassies" ended up with no home. The same happened with 101 Dalmations; sadly Dalmations are a high energy breed and can be distructive if not properly crated and exercised. So, many Dalmations ended up in shelters or worse, euthanized. Bolt brought to the forefront the White Shepherd breed of dog. Fortunately, for White Shepherds, Bolt was not a big hit and breeders were not so inundated with requests. Now comes Disney's "G-Force", an animated tale of guinea pigs that rescue the world.
My family has owned guinea pigs and loved having them around. They are full of personality and form an intense bond with their human. They can be trained, but this pet is for the person who wants to spend their at-home time with their pig on their shoulder.
Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue offers suggestions if you or your child think you MUST have one of these cute and cuddly, but high maintenance animals.
They recommend you realize the lifespan (5-7 years) and the frequency of cage cleaning. In the pig's lifespan, you will clean a cate between 250-350 times! This is NOT an animal you let outside to do its business. You get to clean it all up.
Keep in mind this animal will require vet visits, food, bedding and carefully measured veggies. If you give them too much of some veggies, they get rather runny stools. Also, guinea pigs require certain supplements. Not giving the right care can result in a fatal illness for the pig.
Don't just look at the chubby, cute characters on the big screen. Please remember. When you adopt or purchase any animal you are taking on the responsibility of your new pet's life. Check out the site below for guinea pig information.
http://www.theguineapigrescue.com/
Article submitted Tuesday, August 04, 2009 & read 243 times.
Leave your comments through My Pet Tale:
» left by Teresa Ortiz (2 years 183 days ago.)
Lorrie, this is a wonderful reminder to parents to think and explain to their children the responsiblity of caring for animals, especially these little guys, I had no clue they needed a certain amount of the right kinds of veggies. Great job! TeresaRespond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(663)
Hey Teresa, amazing isn't it, that they need vitamins. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Respond to this comment
» left by Dianne Lehmann (2 years 178 days ago.)
Hi Lorrie.My sister and I each had a guinea pig when we were very little. I loved them! But they were more than two little girls could care for and my mom soon tired of having to add them to her list of things to do. I don't really know what became of them, only that one day they were gone. :(This is a very good article. It reminds parents of the responsibility of pets and will probably save some child a great deal of sadness.DianneRespond to this comment
» left by Lorrie Davids(663)
Oh my, Dianne! Even a little pet is a big responsibility. I tend to lean toward dogs now to keep as pets. Our 50+ pound dogs are easier to keep than the little guinea pigs ever were. Of course, at least once a week I have the icky job of scooping up their uh...contributions to our landscaping! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Respond to this comment