Rescue News

October 2006

Pigs Rescued From Catskill Game Farm

When the Catskill Game Farm closed its doors in October, many of the animals in its care were put up for auction to the highest bidder. With the game farm's array of animals ranging from small exotics to hoofstock to wildlife, animal rescue and sanctuary organizations around the country protested the jeopardy that the auction placed all the animals in. Unable to reach any kind of alternative agreement with the farm's owner, a coalition quickly formed and raised money and headed to New York State to save as many animals as possible by outbidding everyone else (except other rescue organizations employing the same strategy).

In the midst of this tragedy were 26 rabbits and 40 guinea pigs. Coalition members had the foresight to ensure the rabbits and guinea pigs did not end up on the "market" and were able to win the bids on many animals -- including the guinea pigs and rabbits. Then their task was to find rescues to take these animals in. (The rabbits were shuttled off to rescues in New York and Michigan.)

In all, 40 guinea pigs were pulled out of the game farm in tragically poor condition. Filthy, dehydrated, malnourished, and underfed, they were rescued from a foul-smelling pen in which males and females were kept together with little regard for the fact that the females would get pregnant. Although all were brought out of the farm alive, nearly a dozen were so sick that they didn't survive the emergency transport to a rescue/exotic vet in Pennsylvania who volunteered to take in the 30 surviving guinea pigs temporarily.

The Critter Connection took in 10 guinea pigs, including 7 babies that had just been born, and will bring the remaining pigs to Connecticut as soon as they are strong enough to travel. Once the pigs are healthy, they will be put up for adoption. This effort has stretched our resources, and all donations of money, food, hay, bedding, or fresh produce will provide substantial and much-appreciated help as we nurse these animals back to health. Monetary donations can be made through the PayPal link here on the site, or you can e-mail Cindy if you'd like to donate food or supplies.

Rescue Profiled By Local Newspaper

The Critter Connection, and its founder/owner/president/head critter wrangler Cindy Kuester, were profiled in "The Middletown Press" early this month. The full-page article covered the rescue's history, the fabulous care that Cindy gives to the rescue pigs, the successful rehabilitation of guinea pigs that others would likely have given up on, and the strength and uniqueness of the guinea pig personality and spirit. The article's appearance yielded an almost immediate influx of inquiries about adoptions, fostering, and donations. Keep the inquiries coming! The piggies need your help!

November 2006

Rescue Reaches The 500 Mark!

With the arrival of the Catskill Game Farm guinea pigs, and several other guinea pigs from shelters in neighboring states, the rescue took in its 500th rescue pig -- just 8 months after we took in #400!

It's been a busy intense year for us (and the other small/exotic animal rescues in the state) as we've experienced what seems to be a new record high in not only mass rescues but also owner surrenders. The help of our supporters, adopters, foster homes, and other volunteers makes all this possible and we are deeply grateful for the help. We need your continued support -- now more than ever. Whether it's monetary support or helping to hang rescue flyers around the state or educating your friends and acquaintances to "opt to adopt," no gesture of help is too small. If you're interested in helping, you can e-mail Cindy.

November Care Seminar

On Saturday, November 18, we made our first appearance at the Farmington Petco. While there, we talked with store staff about guinea pig rescue (in particular) and small animal rescue (in general) in Connecticut. We also chatted with customers who stopped by to find out what we're about and to make donations, and showed a mother and daughter how to trim their guinea pig's toenails. We were also visited by a young man who wanted to know what kind of climate controls he needed in his apartment (summer and winter, but particularly summer) in order to provide a guinea pig with a healthy and comfortable living environment.

We were kept company by a friendly male guinea pig whose family dropped him off, after having him for a couple of years, to the store staff the day before. As we left the store that afternoon, a couple with a young daughter was talking to one of the assistant managers about taking him home.

December 2006

December Care Seminar

On Saturday, December 9, we returned to the Farmington Petco for a final pre-holiday appearance. While we were there, we sold several sets of note cards featuring photos of rescue pigs, collected some donations, and chatted with customers and store staff. Sadly, a father and daughter came in to surrender their male guinea pig, a sweet little guy who was about eight months old, because the 11-year-old girl had lost interest in him after just six months. Fortunately, it did not take him long to find a new home.