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Meet River the Skinny pig that had our rescue and our exotic vet confused which led to misgendering.
*** LOCATED NEAR SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA ***
River was initially identified as female due to significant underdevelopment. At a week old his foster mama observed that he wasn't gaining weight like his siblings and seemed to trip over his own feet, which led to a consultation with an exotic veterinarian. The vet recommended daily physical therapy to strengthen his hind legs and scheduled a follow-up appointment. At the recheck, River had improved, and the vet was 99% certain he was female. Consequently, River's foster mama, who is also a board member, decided to adopt him and his sister Remi, intending to bond them with her older, blind skinny pig, Poppy. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to bond Poppy with other guinea pigs, this time the bonding appeared to be successful. However, after some weeks, the foster mama, still uncertain about River's gender, kept checking and one evening, she heard unusual squealing. Approaching the cage, she saw Remi and Poppy running from River, who was in pursuit. Upon immediate inspection, it became clear that River was not a female but a MALE, leading to his pairing with his brother Asher as bonded companions.
This instance aptly demonstrates the ease with which guinea pigs can be misgendered, leading to unintended pregnancies. Fortunately, in this case, River was underdeveloped, which prevented proper gender identification and the possibility of impregnating any females—a highly unusual occurrence. Misgendering of guinea pigs typically happens when they are not assessed by a professional, rather than due to underdevelopment. Even in River's instance had he been in a home that does not know the signs to look for an accidental pregnancy would have still occurred due to the owner still believing he was a female and wouldn't have known to separate immediately nor known how to sex the guinea pig on their own.
River is now doing perfect as all this happened in February and he is now a normal piggy living the good ole life with his brother Asher! River enjoys lounging around in or on top of his hide, loves cuddling up to his furry brother for more warmth and comfort as his brother nibbles on his ears. His favorite veggies are spring mix, carrots, and green bell peppers. He is a fast little thing that enjoys roaming around more than being cuddled. His favorite thing to do all day is WHEEK very loudly to let you know he is there and is wanting something!
If you are interested in adopting this perfect brother duo, please use the link below to apply:
If you're hesitant about adopting a guinea pig or you're unsure they are a perfect fit for your family, why not foster a pair instead? Joining our fostering program means you're contributing to the rescue of more guinea pigs that need our care. We are a small foster based rescue and rely on foster homes to help provide care for these piggies. By working together, we can make a difference and save lives!
We are in DESPERATE NEED of foster homes! If you're interested in our fostering program, please apply using the link provided or contact us for more information at somdguineapigrescue@gmail.com.
Want to learn more information about our fostering program or adopting from our rescue, please email us at: somdguineapigrescue@gmail.com
To stay updated with our rescue and see our available guinea pigs, please like and follow us on our Facebook page: "Southern Maryland Guinea Pig Rescue."
Meet River the Skinny pig that had our rescue and our exotic vet confused which led to misgendering.
*** LOCATED NEAR SALISBURY, NORTH CAROLINA ***
River was initially identified as female due to significant underdevelopment. At a week old his foster mama observed that he wasn't gaining weight like his siblings and seemed to trip over his own feet, which led to a consultation with an exotic veterinarian. The vet recommended daily physical therapy to strengthen his hind legs and scheduled a follow-up appointment. At the recheck, River had improved, and the vet was 99% certain he was female. Consequently, River's foster mama, who is also a board member, decided to adopt him and his sister Remi, intending to bond them with her older, blind skinny pig, Poppy. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to bond Poppy with other guinea pigs, this time the bonding appeared to be successful. However, after some weeks, the foster mama, still uncertain about River's gender, kept checking and one evening, she heard unusual squealing. Approaching the cage, she saw Remi and Poppy running from River, who was in pursuit. Upon immediate inspection, it became clear that River was not a female but a MALE, leading to his pairing with his brother Asher as bonded companions.
This instance aptly demonstrates the ease with which guinea pigs can be misgendered, leading to unintended pregnancies. Fortunately, in this case, River was underdeveloped, which prevented proper gender identification and the possibility of impregnating any females—a highly unusual occurrence. Misgendering of guinea pigs typically happens when they are not assessed by a professional, rather than due to underdevelopment. Even in River's instance had he been in a home that does not know the signs to look for an accidental pregnancy would have still occurred due to the owner still believing he was a female and wouldn't have known to separate immediately nor known how to sex the guinea pig on their own.
River is now doing perfect as all this happened in February and he is now a normal piggy living the good ole life with his brother Asher! River enjoys lounging around in or on top of his hide, loves cuddling up to his furry brother for more warmth and comfort as his brother nibbles on his ears. His favorite veggies are spring mix, carrots, and green bell peppers. He is a fast little thing that enjoys roaming around more than being cuddled. His favorite thing to do all day is WHEEK very loudly to let you know he is there and is wanting something!
If you are interested in adopting this perfect brother duo, please use the link below to apply:
If you're hesitant about adopting a guinea pig or you're unsure they are a perfect fit for your family, why not foster a pair instead? Joining our fostering program means you're contributing to the rescue of more guinea pigs that need our care. We are a small foster based rescue and rely on foster homes to help provide care for these piggies. By working together, we can make a difference and save lives!
We are in DESPERATE NEED of foster homes! If you're interested in our fostering program, please apply using the link provided or contact us for more information at somdguineapigrescue@gmail.com.
Want to learn more information about our fostering program or adopting from our rescue, please email us at: somdguineapigrescue@gmail.com
To stay updated with our rescue and see our available guinea pigs, please like and follow us on our Facebook page: "Southern Maryland Guinea Pig Rescue."
The interview is to confirm the interested animal would be a good fit for the potential adopter/family. Will ask for ID/documents needed etc
3.
Approve Application
4.
Sign Adoption Contract
5.
Pay Fee
6.
Take the Pet Home
Additional adoption info
We will ask for an ID, and you must be at least 18 years old or older to adopt from our rescue. Once you find the guinea pig you are most interested in, you will then fill out an application and we will contact you shortly after.
We will ask for an ID, and you must be at least 18 years old or older to adopt from our rescue. Once you find the guinea pig you are most interested in, you will then fill out an application and we will contact you shortly after.
Meet & Greet Adoption events held at St. Mary's County Animal Services in Maryland. Please check our Facebook page for more information/dates @ Southern Maryland Guinea Pig Rescue
Meet & Greet Adoption events held at St. Mary's County Animal Services in Maryland. Please check our Facebook page for more information/dates @ Southern Maryland Guinea Pig Rescue
More about this rescue
We are a small foster based guinea pig rescue in Southern Maryland. Our 501c3 nonprofit rescue's mission is to educate the public on proper guinea pig care and husbandry as pet stores often misinform the public about cage size, nutrition, what is and is not safe, and guinea pigs are often mis sexed or sick at pet stores which leads to guinea pigs being surrendered or worse, abandoned outside. By adopting from rescues like ours, it helps to ensure adopters won't have surprise/unwanted pregnancies, unhealthy piggies, mis sexed guinea pigs while also helping guinea pigs to stay in their furever homes!
We are a small foster based guinea pig rescue in Southern Maryland. Our 501c3 nonprofit rescue's mission is to educate the public on proper guinea pig care and husbandry as pet stores often misinform the public about cage size, nutrition, what is and is not safe, and guinea pigs are often mis sexed or sick at pet stores which leads to guinea pigs being surrendered or worse, abandoned outside. By adopting from rescues like ours, it helps to ensure adopters won't have surprise/unwanted pregnancies, unhealthy piggies, mis sexed guinea pigs while also helping guinea pigs to stay in their furever homes!
Other pets at this
rescue
We'll also keep you updated on Harrison's adoption status with email updates.
