Just last night I posted about how I finally got the okay to get a bearded dragon. And, for my birthday no less! I was so excited (you can read my thread here: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=209952). But, God has a funny sense of humor and things have certainly turned on a dime. Goodbye beardie, hello rescue/foster hamsters
.
I used to do some small animal rescue and fostering with one of our local humane societies, but it's been at least two years since I've had any little ones in the house. I've pretty much run the gamut with small animal rescues -- hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats, guinea pigs and rabbits, and even chinchillas. But, since I fostered and adopted my first cats (as an adult), I've pretty much stopped the rescue and fostering. That is, until now.
I got a call from the humane society about a couple of small animals who were taken from a home after neighbors called animal control about a potential hoarding situation. I don't know all the details, but, from what I understand, it was a pretty bad situation. And, it involved solely small animals. So, within the next couple of days, I'll be bringing home some fosters -- at least 2 hamsters and a gerbil. And, there's a very good chance that the hamster count will quickly become 3 or even 4. The hamsters' conditions are not yet known, but the gerbil is in pretty bad shape. I let the humane society know that I'd be willing to take in 6 fosters at the most due to space and time constraints, but I'm hoping for a slightly lower number. It's hard, though, knowing that there are animals in need...
Being that I'll be taking in the fosters, I don't feel like it is the right time to introduce another new animal into the house. So, for now, the bearded dragon will be put on hold
. These little guys will need my love, care, and attention -- it's not going to be easy. And, as much as I'd love a beardie, I just can't do it knowing that I'll have additional animals in the house.
So many people think that hamsters and gerbils are throw-away pets. I know the same holds true for the larger small animals as well as cats and dogs, but there are few people who think that working with hamsters and gerbils is a worthwhile project. But, they are living creatures just like any other and deserve to live happy and healthy lives. They deserve to be respected. And, right now, even though I wasn't in the market for a small pet, I can provide them with that. I have the experience, know-how, and space (a spare bedroom in the house set away from the kitties and dogs). Thankfully, I'll have help with the finances through the humane society, but, I am willing to do what I can financially when possible. As far as whether or not they'll be staying...that is yet to be determined. But, I do have a soft spot in my heart for the wee creatures. I guess time, vet visits, and socialization will tell.
I'll try to post updates and pics when I can. Prayers and vibes for all the animals removed from the home would be most appreciated. Thankfully, those that survived will have a new lease on life. And, what better a way is there to celebrate the New Year?
I used to do some small animal rescue and fostering with one of our local humane societies, but it's been at least two years since I've had any little ones in the house. I've pretty much run the gamut with small animal rescues -- hamsters, gerbils, mice and rats, guinea pigs and rabbits, and even chinchillas. But, since I fostered and adopted my first cats (as an adult), I've pretty much stopped the rescue and fostering. That is, until now.
I got a call from the humane society about a couple of small animals who were taken from a home after neighbors called animal control about a potential hoarding situation. I don't know all the details, but, from what I understand, it was a pretty bad situation. And, it involved solely small animals. So, within the next couple of days, I'll be bringing home some fosters -- at least 2 hamsters and a gerbil. And, there's a very good chance that the hamster count will quickly become 3 or even 4. The hamsters' conditions are not yet known, but the gerbil is in pretty bad shape. I let the humane society know that I'd be willing to take in 6 fosters at the most due to space and time constraints, but I'm hoping for a slightly lower number. It's hard, though, knowing that there are animals in need...
Being that I'll be taking in the fosters, I don't feel like it is the right time to introduce another new animal into the house. So, for now, the bearded dragon will be put on hold
So many people think that hamsters and gerbils are throw-away pets. I know the same holds true for the larger small animals as well as cats and dogs, but there are few people who think that working with hamsters and gerbils is a worthwhile project. But, they are living creatures just like any other and deserve to live happy and healthy lives. They deserve to be respected. And, right now, even though I wasn't in the market for a small pet, I can provide them with that. I have the experience, know-how, and space (a spare bedroom in the house set away from the kitties and dogs). Thankfully, I'll have help with the finances through the humane society, but, I am willing to do what I can financially when possible. As far as whether or not they'll be staying...that is yet to be determined. But, I do have a soft spot in my heart for the wee creatures. I guess time, vet visits, and socialization will tell.
I'll try to post updates and pics when I can. Prayers and vibes for all the animals removed from the home would be most appreciated. Thankfully, those that survived will have a new lease on life. And, what better a way is there to celebrate the New Year?
