Happy June everyone!

For the month of May, four (4) chinchillas were surrendered and eleven (11) chinchillas were adopted. It would have been ideal if three of those surrendered hadn’t come from a legal intervention breach of contract case.

Folks, we take our adoptions and contract very seriously. Whimsy believes that people in general are basically good, honest individuals. The contract is there to deter those who otherwise have less than stellar ideas for becoming a rescue mom or dad. To date we have won 100% of the cases involving breach of contract with our chinchilla adoptions. 

The latest legal round caused us to revamp the contract. In the words of our lawyer, “To give it more bite”. The updated version of the contract includes the usual promises to care for and not neglect the chinchillas, keep bonded pairs together unless a fight occurs, to refrain from breeding and the specification regarding keeping a single gender chinchilla home, and other no-brainer items one would find in any rescue contract. But now we have included the provision that all attorney fees, court costs and other related costs are payable entirely by the individual adopting if Whimsy has to take legal action.  It’s truly a shame that this has become necessary.

The adoption contract is a pre-screening device. It is viewable to all and we require potential adopters to review it prior to arranging an appointment. Those who do not agree with our terms are welcome to find a chinnie friend elsewhere. Those who do choose to adopt from us get the assurance of lifelong support, including expert advice, comprehensive history and behavior information for every individual chinchilla and access to wholesome, comparatively inexpensive care products.

The majority of our adoptive families are wonderful, caring people, many of whom we are happy to call our fellow chinnie friends. Some adoptions do not take root as we hope, and the individuals or families find that chinchilla ownership is just not for them. We understand. Chins aren’t the perfect pet for everyone. And not every chin is a perfect pet even for long term owners! We are obligated to accept the return of any animal adopted from us, therefore providing assurance that no one is left with an animal they may otherwise neglect. We like to think of our adoption contract as a safety net for all involved.

For the month of April, five (5) chinchillas were surrendered, and (7) chinchillas were adopted. It's been an interesting balance, but we did also take in 3 chins for boarding this month. Out of necessity, we've expanded the chinchilla room, yet again. Whimsy is digging in her heels to keep from moving her office out of the chin area. Instead, we're strategically moving appliances. ;)

On a totally different note, we've been contemplating the variety of folks who contact us regarding adoption. Many times it's a sheer joy to meet people whose hearts are reaching out to give a home to an unwanted animal. Other times it's rather disheartening to know that some come to us with less than heroic intentions. Some unabashedly call looking for cheap exotic animals to breed. Others want a play toy for their children with absolutely no idea about the requirements for housing, food, handling, etc. And then there's always the joker who wants to adopt and inquires about how many chins it takes to make a fur coat. It was amusing the first time, and the answer is 150 for a short coat. Now can we get serious? 

Is it any wonder why we require a signed contract?

The sad part happens when we take in and care for these animals, do our best to screen for a good home, adopt the chinnies out, and never hear from the adoptive family again. We truly want to know that the fuzzbutts are well, and it's frustrating when, months later sometimes chins are returned with crappy pet store food and treats and filthy cages. *gasp!* Did I say that out loud?

We DO appreciate those who stay in contact, continue their chins on the same high quality food, treats and chew toys that we offer and keep us updated on the fur babies. We want to help! Stuff happens. Emergencies happen and it's not necessarily the fault of the adoptive family. If something goes terribly wrong, we can assist.

Happy New Year Everyone!

For the month of December, 14 chinchillas were given up for adoption, and 10 chinchillas were adopted. For the entire year of 2011, 134 fuzzbutts were adopted to new homes! Not only is this a remarkable success, but some of the amazing people we've met through our rescue efforts have been a blessing in many, many ways.

We have quite a following now of young volunteers and hard core customers who religiously return for supplies while eagerly looking forward to our newest creative cage accessory or chew toy. We've even had our first completed international order!

This year has had its share of struggles too while we have played the role of supportive care for chins in hospice, advised people in emergency situations, become privy to, and called to help alleviate some rather shocking living conditions, been a relief agency for various animal control facilities, and dealt with the occasional broken contract.

All in all, it's been quite a learning experience. Thank you, everyone, for a year well spent.

Earthquake,

Hurricane,

Broken Contract...

It has been a very eventful month! 

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for their well wishes and prayers during Hurricane Irene. We were shocked to experience it without loss of power. Our attempts to locate a generator in time went without success, but fortunately didn't need it...this time. However, the reality of the situation has caused us to take a serious look at our setup.

Our efforts are therefore going to concentrate on building a fund to cover the cost of an emergency standby generator large enough to keep the air conditioning and heat operable in the event of a power outage. We simply cannot risk 70 + little furry lives who depend on us to keep them safe and secure. We also endeavor to remain a safe place for those in need who find themselves in dire straights. With that being said...our new goal is to bring in $3000 (above and beyond our normal operating costs) to have a generator installed. 

This is a prime time to take advantage of our store items for sale. New releases coming very, very soon. Watch for our next in a summer series of creative items!

Or, if you would like to donate to this cause through PayPal, you may do so from our donations/payments page.

Please state whether you would prefer to remain anonymous or if we may publicly thank you. :)