How we became a small furries foster family

How we became a small furries foster family

By Tiffany

‍

I was scrolling through Facebook one day and I saw a request from BARKS for a foster home for two Guinea pigs.

Having had rabbits and Guinea pigs on and off for 20 years, I thought this would be a lovely idea. I’d sadly lost my last rabbit earlier that year and it upset me so much. I said never again. Which I’ve said a couple of times over the years! So the idea of fostering small furries really appealed to me.

I spoke to my hubby to see if he would be ok with this. His main concern was that I wouldn’t be able to give them up, my view was, if that’s the case then they were meant to be with us and we would adopt. But I did feel I could let them go for adoption. We also have a daughter who was 7 at the time. I explained it all to her, that we are looking after them until they find their 'fur-ever' home.

I spoke with BARKS who were amazing. Ann explained what the process was and what I’d need to provide. As they are Guinea pigs and it was November at the time, they’d have to live inside. We have a good sized lounge that can accommodate this so that was fine. I explained that we had a small, old dog that really isn’t interested in anything but food, sleep and cuddles. And, that she’d been brought up with rabbits and Guinea pigs as well.

After completing the paperwork and having a home visit I was on the books and the two foster piggies came to stay. The original owners provided all their cage set up, bedding, toys and food, so I just had to maintain, clean and buy more food and veggies as required.

As they were new rescues to BARKS, I was asked if I could get them checked at the BARKS approved vets, which I did. They were fine.

I bought their food and veggies and got in to a great routine with them. Sadly, however, one passed away due to respiratory problems. This is common with Guinea pigs, BARKS and I did everything we could to make him better, but it was too much for the little guy.

I kept the other one for a few more months to check he was ok. They like to be in pairs at least, so I agreed to keep him with me whilst he was neutered and going through the aftercare and then we’d look for a new piggie friend for him.

In the meantime, another BARKS foster lady had a single male Guinea Pig, so we decided when he was recovered from his operation, she’d have him and try to bond them.

Whilst we were sad to see him go, we were welcome to visit at any time and photos were sent weekly on their progress. It didn’t take long for the two to bond and now they are living happily ever after. It was the right move and their foster mum ended up adopting them both which makes us so happy for them.

My next fosters were two rabbits to bond. But that’s another love story for another day!

‍