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Post by Whimsy on Apr 3, 2011 6:34:43 GMT -5
We've been operating a rescue facility for nearly three years now and it never ceases to amaze me the stories I hear.
We often get groups of 5, 6, 8 or more chins in whose owners thought it would be cute to have baby chinchillas, or a quick buck to turn, or who were given the wrong information about the gender of their chinchillas. Or even worse, those who believe they can house a male and female together and be quick enough to "keep them from mating" or who think that the female can ward off the male or some other lame reason. (oops! Did I say that out loud?)
The people who try their hand at breeding, then decide it's not for them often pass on their animals after a short period of time. Ok, granted, some people feel they need to experience it for themselves. But what about the chins?
They have brought into this world animals who will need care for another decade or more. Ours and other rescues are nearly always full to the brim with unwanted animals.
The way I look at rescue work though, is that there is someone out there who can love a rejected pet. The person who recognizes their limitations, yet extends the animal to another is not only freeing themselves of a perceived burden, but is also looking out for the chinchilla. I would much rather see this than someone who sticks it out and grudgingly keeps their pet out of a sense of duty.
Any thoughts on this?
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Post by charliebunny1 on Apr 3, 2011 6:57:44 GMT -5
i agree that there are some really irresponsible people out there and thank god for rescues or else god knows what would happen to these poor animals, but also true that some people give their pets up for the good of their animal which is very hard and i applaud these people because it would be so easy to keep an animal for selfish reasons even if you can't care for it correctly and then the animal suffers. i also believe that people should always rescue at least one animal, some people will want a puppy from a breeder because they want a specific breed but i would always say you should rescue at least one dog in your lifetime. same with chins. sometimes you will want a baby and a specific colour like i did, so i reserved a little baby but also rescued my little black velvet boy from the rescue i volunteer at, i am going to pick my baby up today and hoping they will get along lol i would always tell people that rescuing is the most rewarding thing you can do. to see a mistreated animal learn to trust you is amazing or to give someones beloved pet a new home. its a wonderful thing to do  |
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Gabby
Junior Member
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Post by Gabby on Apr 3, 2011 7:48:42 GMT -5
very well said, tofu is my rescued chinchilla and i will say that rescued animals are actually very appreciative and rescuing has been very rewarding for me even though tofu will not let me pick her up from memories of her past (before i had her) but she will let me scritch her anywhere i want to no matter where it i and still wont let me hold her but i am respectful of her space and she is to mine i know in time that she may let me hold her but i do defenitally think that rescuing is very rewarding |
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Post by charliebunny1 on Apr 3, 2011 8:02:03 GMT -5
it may not be from her past that she wont let you pick her up, some just don't like it. only thing i can say in way of advice is when trying to handle her, don't think about her past or feel sorry for her, humans are the only animal that live in the past. chinchillas just like dogs live in the presant but they do pick up on your energy so if you are weary or feeling sorry when you try to handle her then she will pick up on this and will not want it to happen, just keep working with her and be positive and relaxed around her and she may come round:)
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Post by feistychins on Apr 3, 2011 11:16:30 GMT -5
LOL, that's funny. That seems to happen to a lot of us on here!  Charlie ~ you made a very good point. Although I would love to see everyone adopt all animals, I know that is simply not realistic. However, if people were to adopt at least one homeless animal in addition to one they want to buy, the experience would be very rewarding for them. It teaches you so much about love, patience and understanding. Whimsy ~ All the reasons you gave are things I have heard when rescuing chins. I have even been told "I went into the pet store for a hamster and came home with a chinchilla". I'm amazed how someone goes to buy a $10 animal and ends up with one that is $150 not including all the supplies. As much as I would like to see people take responsibility for the full life of an animal they have chosen to get, they don't. Then neglect almost always plays a part whether minor or severe, the chin suffers somehow. I would rather see someone surrender a chin and not just hold on to them for the sake of keeping them. When a chin is banned to a dark basement which is just used for storage or a garage with the fluctuation of the weather temperature and they are just fed and cleaned, that is no life. People who rescue bunnies, guinea pigs, cats, dogs and really all animals I'm sure have the same problems. Society can be brutal on what we think we 'own' or what is ours to use as we see fit. Of course those of use who respect, love and adore animals don't look at them that way and it will always be a battle as long as we are willing to fight it. Education is the key. |
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Gabby
Junior Member
Posts: 57
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Post by Gabby on Apr 3, 2011 19:02:06 GMT -5
it may not be from her past that she wont let you pick her up, some just don't like it. only thing i can say in way of advice is when trying to handle her, don't think about her past or feel sorry for her, humans are the only animal that live in the past. chinchillas just like dogs live in the presant but they do pick up on your energy so if you are weary or feeling sorry when you try to handle her then she will pick up on this and will not want it to happen, just keep working with her and be positive and relaxed around her and she may come round:) I will defenitally remember that and i will work with it to  |
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Post by chichismama on Apr 3, 2011 21:17:14 GMT -5
it may not be from her past that she wont let you pick her up, some just don't like it. only thing i can say in way of advice is when trying to handle her, don't think about her past or feel sorry for her, humans are the only animal that live in the past. chinchillas just like dogs live in the presant but they do pick up on your energy so if you are weary or feeling sorry when you try to handle her then she will pick up on this and will not want it to happen, just keep working with her and be positive and relaxed around her and she may come round:) that's good advice. you have to be confident about it, too. if you are afraid that she will freak out, then usually they will. and i'm still trying not to put so much stock in picking them up. there are so many other experiences to look forward to--scritches, climbing on my shoulders, nibbling on my toes, goofy kisses and stares...the list goes on and on;-) |
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