Vanellope Guinea Pig Sanctuary

01/02/2025

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12/31/2024

Let's end the year with a bang!!! Can we reach $1,000 before the new year?!

12/30/2024

Whew, what a weekend!
We had an adoption, received a donation from , and got $17 in cash donations.
We're still about $2700 below our target of $3k 😱
To sweeten the deal, the manager of PetSense in Chehalis has agreed to take a pie to the face if we hit our $3,000 goal!!!

12/26/2024

Shed Fundraiser Day 3!
Total Progress: $222
Goal: $3,000
We hope everyone had a great holiday yesterday! We're checking in with numbers, we're at $222! Can we double that number today? 💝

12/26/2024

Day 2 down... We received $65 through Venmo!

"All we want for Christmas is youuuuuu" (you, in this case, being a shed)

12/24/2024

Day 1 complete - we've raised $91/$3,000 - way to go everybody!

Nikki still has eyebrows. Which is nice, but we'd rather have a shed!

Want to help a great cause AND see our founder eyebrow-less?! Join in the fun and donate to help the guinea pigs! We challenge you to shave an eyebrow off & post a photo of your new look on the event page, or donate $20+ to help us meet our goal of $3,000 to get a storage shed for the rescue.

Paypal: [email protected]
Venmo:
Or Donate through Facebook!

Event link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/13xMoVFqFC/

We're coming to get those eyebrows!!!

Vanellope Guinea Pig Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organization
Tax ID 93 4080303

12/23/2024

UPDATE: Chehalis store leader Ashley has volunteered to take a pie to face in addition to our founder's sacrifice of her eyebrows! Come on guys let's get to 3k!!!!

Want to help a great cause AND see our founder eyebrow-less?! Join in the fun and donate to help the guinea pigs! We challenge you to shave an eyebrow off & post a photo of your new look on the event page, or donate $20+ to help us meet our goal of $3,000 to get a storage shed for the rescue.

Paypal: [email protected]
Venmo:

Event link:

https://www.facebook.com/share/13xMoVFqFC/

We're coming to get those eyebrows!!!

12/23/2024

Remember that big rescue we did in August out of Oregon? The Ochoco Piggies?! These 2 boys, about a year old now, GOT ADOPTED!!! Bruno & Mars went home today 💕 Just in time to spend the holiday with their wonderful new family! Merry Christmas to Bruno & Mars and congrats to them on finding their furever home 🏡

12/21/2024

Can you see all 3? They're there. All 3 boys from the meat breeder. I can't overstate how terrified they are. I stood 2 feet back and zoomed in to get this photo, as not to further upset these poor babies.

When the time comes for them to be placed, they really, really should stay as a trio. They're certainly not for the uninitiated guinea pig family.

12/20/2024

HUGE thanks to all of you that have donated to our organization!
Lisa Jablinske for the vet account knockdown!
The Secret Santas that have donated to our fundraising efforts!!!
The Secret Santa that sent food, dishes, a carrier and an exercise pen from our Chewy wishlist!
Your contribution, no matter what amount or type, makes a difference in the lives of every animal we care for.

THANK YOU ALL 🥳😍

12/18/2024

On the night before Christmas, all through the house... There were 2 stowaways, small as a mouse. 🐁 🐁

Eve, from the 7 meat pigs we rescued, is a mom to be. She's due in about 2 weeks from what Dr. Ferguson can tell.

It's a little guinea pig blizzard 😶‍🌫️❄️❄️❄️

Link to our original post:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EChFujik4/

12/17/2024

If I had a dollar for every time someone tried to use the "but they eat them in South America!" as justification for inhumane treatment, we could fund the rescue forever!

I want to make it VERY clear - no one within our organization is out here harboring hate over another culture, especially for their cuisine. There are several hills to die on regarding food choices. Last time I checked, that's not in our mission statement. Food scarcity is a real problem in parts of the developing world, and while we most definitely do not support eating guinea pigs, we can't solve all the world's problems. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Making a statement about another culture to defend or deflect blatant neglect and abuse isn't a good look, sweetheart. But if it helps you sleep at night... You're not going to hurt our feewings 😂 Please, show us on the post where you felt the need to defend an animal abuser. We're waiting.

Original Post, link to our foster app at the bottom and donate button too:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14pn4pLLxo/

12/17/2024

Sometimes I wonder if there'll ever be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel that is rescue. It feels more like a black hole at times.

"30 or 35"

This is the ballpark estimate we were given by the woman with the guinea pigs the 4th of November after another rescue reached out to us in an effort to network placement for them. We reached out directly to the owner for more information. 2 days messaging back and forth, a couple of amicable phone calls, followed by radio silence. Weeks passed. Attempts to contact the owner went unanswered until December.

Final head count given by the owner... 6.
On December 8th, we received 7 - 3 boys, 4 girls.

The woman's husband butchered all the others.

We'll never know how many, what the survivors witnessed, how they were handled previously. How many times the momma guinea was pregnant, though it's taken a visible toll on her frail body.

As we close the book on 2024, we're looking to the new year as a time of new beginnings for these 7. Today, all 4 ladies were seen at Pine Tree Veterinary Hospital for radiographs and exams. Eve, the sweet crested tricolor girl, is expecting and due in about 2 weeks. Her babies will never know how lucky they are, as it should be. The other 3 girls are on pregnancy watch at this time.

None of these 7 will be available for adoption any time soon. They're still decompressing, still adjusting to living indoors, a new and better diet, regularly seeing humans that only bring good things. We are looking for experienced homes that can foster the boys, as they need the most work socializing with people.

We need your help! After today's visit and a $200 payment, our vet bill is still $813.

Foster application:

https://forms.gle/G4HzWkbojx9qWa9q8

12/16/2024

Little Critter Crew said it best!

Guinea pigs are often seen as cute and cuddly companions. They are easily purchased or acquired and often marketed as good first time pets for children…but they come with their own set of challenges that potential pet parents should consider before bringing one home.

💔 The Reality of Rehoming: Sadly, many Guinea pigs find themselves in shelters or being rehomed due to a lack of understanding about their needs. It’s crucial to remember that these adorable creatures require more than just love; they need proper care, attention, and a suitable environment to thrive.

🔍 Here are a few reasons why Guinea pigs can be challenging pets:

1. Social Animals: Guinea pigs are highly social creatures that thrive in pairs or small groups. Keeping them alone can lead to loneliness and stress, so it's essential to adopt more than one.

2. Dietary Needs: They eat a lot! Guinea pigs require a balanced diet rich in hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets. This means regular grocery trips to keep their bellies full. Understanding their nutritional needs is key to keeping them healthy and happy.

3. Space Requirements: Guinea pigs need a spacious cage to roam and explore. Small cages marketed for Guinea pigs are not suitable. A cramped environment can lead to health issues and behavioral problems.

4. Regular Grooming and Care: Long-haired breeds need regular grooming to prevent matting, while all Guinea pigs require routine health checks and nail trimming.

5. Lifespan: With an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years, adopting a Guinea pig is a long-term commitment. Prospective guardians must be prepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for them throughout their lives.

6. Vocal Personalities: Guinea pigs are very vocal! They communicate with a variety of sounds, from squeaks of excitement to low murmurs when they're content. While it’s adorable, it can also be quite loud, especially if you have multiple pigs chatting away!

7. Frequent Poopers: Be prepared for the fact that Guinea pigs p**p a lot! They have a high metabolism, which means you’ll need to clean their living space regularly to keep it fresh and healthy.

8.) Exotic Vet Care: Guinea pigs are considered exotic pets, which means they require specialized veterinary care. Finding a vet who is experienced in treating Guinea pigs can be challenging, and their care can sometimes be more expensive than traditional pets. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to any health issues are crucial to keeping them happy and healthy.

9.) Allergies are a big reason why Guinea pigs are often rehomed. Hay and Guinea pig dander are common irritants to people with allergies. You may want to visit some pigs at a shelter or consider fostering before committing to adoption.

10.) Handling: The truth is that most pigs do not enjoy being held. Some tolerate it, but most prefer to be interacted with on a ground level. They are a prey species, meaning their instinct is to watch for predators and avoid being scooped up or carried away.

✨ The Takeaway: Before welcoming a Guinea pig into your home, take the time to research and understand their needs. Consider factors like their social nature, dietary requirements, space needs, vocal habits, and cleaning responsibilities. By doing thorough research, you can ensure that you’re ready to welcome Guinea pigs into your life and keep them for the entirety of their lifespan.

12/11/2024

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12/11/2024

Guinea pigs are often seen as cute and cuddly companions. They are easily purchased or acquired and often marketed as good first time pets for children…but they come with their own set of challenges that potential pet parents should consider before bringing one home.

💔 The Reality of Rehoming: Sadly, many Guinea pigs find themselves in shelters or being rehomed due to a lack of understanding about their needs. It’s crucial to remember that these adorable creatures require more than just love; they need proper care, attention, and a suitable environment to thrive.

🔍 Here are a few reasons why Guinea pigs can be challenging pets:

1. Social Animals: Guinea pigs are highly social creatures that thrive in pairs or small groups. Keeping them alone can lead to loneliness and stress, so it's essential to adopt more than one.

2. Dietary Needs: They eat a lot! Guinea pigs require a balanced diet rich in hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets. This means regular grocery trips to keep their bellies full. Understanding their nutritional needs is key to keeping them healthy and happy.

3. Space Requirements: Guinea pigs need a spacious cage to roam and explore. Small cages marketed for Guinea pigs are not suitable. A cramped environment can lead to health issues and behavioral problems.

4. Regular Grooming and Care: Long-haired breeds need regular grooming to prevent matting, while all Guinea pigs require routine health checks and nail trimming.

5. Lifespan: With an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years, adopting a Guinea pig is a long-term commitment. Prospective guardians must be prepared for the responsibility that comes with caring for them throughout their lives.

6. Vocal Personalities: Guinea pigs are very vocal! They communicate with a variety of sounds, from squeaks of excitement to low murmurs when they're content. While it’s adorable, it can also be quite loud, especially if you have multiple pigs chatting away!

7. Frequent Poopers: Be prepared for the fact that Guinea pigs p**p a lot! They have a high metabolism, which means you’ll need to clean their living space regularly to keep it fresh and healthy.

8.) Exotic Vet Care: Guinea pigs are considered exotic pets, which means they require specialized veterinary care. Finding a vet who is experienced in treating Guinea pigs can be challenging, and their care can sometimes be more expensive than traditional pets. Regular check-ups and prompt attention to any health issues are crucial to keeping them happy and healthy.

9.) Allergies are a big reason why Guinea pigs are often rehomed. Hay and Guinea pig dander are common irritants to people with allergies. You may want to visit some pigs at a shelter or consider fostering before committing to adoption.

10.) Handling: The truth is that most pigs do not enjoy being held. Some tolerate it, but most prefer to be interacted with on a ground level. They are a prey species, meaning their instinct is to watch for predators and avoid being scooped up or carried away.

✨ The Takeaway: Before welcoming a Guinea pig into your home, take the time to research and understand their needs. Consider factors like their social nature, dietary requirements, space needs, vocal habits, and cleaning responsibilities. By doing thorough research, you can ensure that you’re ready to welcome Guinea pigs into your life and keep them for the entirety of their lifespan.