* Alice found her forever home with an amazing person! *

At the end of February, Alice was found outdoors at Christie Conservation area in Flamborough. Thankfully someone spotted her and brought her to Hamilton Animal Services before she was killed by wildlife, or by the cold temperatures. She has a little bit of frost bite on her feet, but she’s otherwise in good health.
Sadly, Alice’s situation seems to be yet another case of an owner releasing their pet into the wild, thinking the animal can survive on their own. Domestic rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and other small animals do not have the genetic traits to survive without human care. They cannot find food on their own, and because of their colouring and lack of “wild animal” instincts, they easily fall prey to predators. If for whatever reason you cannot keep your pet and are considering releasing him/her into the wild, please don’t. Their chances of survival are slim, and their life until that point may be one of constant suffering…

We got Alice out of the shelter, and she’s now settling in at her foster home. She’s a sweet pig, though a little shy. Can’t blame her though… some humans have not been very nice to her during her life. Alice’s foster mom has made her cage very comfortable for her, and she’s offering lots of treats and love…so hopefully she’ll come out of her shell soon.

Welcome to Ladybird, Alice! We’re so happy you’re here!

Wondering if a guinea pig is the right pet for you? Check out this website for some of the basics of guinea pig care. They’re not the simple “starter pet” they’ve been made out to be for many years…

Guinea pigs need much more room than the typical pet store guinea pig cages offer. Here are some websites that have great examples of the type of cages pigs can live happily in, so that they have lots of room to move around and explore:
GuineaPigCages.com
Midwest Guinea Habitat
Guinea Pig cage ideas on Pintrest

Want to help? Monetary donations are always needed, but donations of Oxbow Guinea Pig food, Oxbow “Natural Science” Vitamin C tablets, timothy hay, small animal chew toys and fleece blankets (for cage lining) are very much appreciated! Donations can be dropped off (and purchased in store) at the Pet Valu in Dundas – 86 Main Street, Dundas. Or you can use our Amazon Wish List to have your donation delivered right to us!