This weekend we removed several chinchillas from horrid conditions. A person alleging to be a rescue and rehabber was seriously putting the animals at risk. Just because someone professes to be a rescue, does not necessarily legitimize the claim.

Sometimes weakly distinctive lines exist between rescuing, hoarding and collecting. A true rescue will improve the lives of the animals in their charge. A rescue makes sure the animals have plenty of proper food, water, and housing. At the very least, all the basic needs are fulfilled without reserve. A rescue’s objective should be to rehabilitate and re-home, not amass. Although with the economy the way it is currently, finding homes for unwanted animals can be an excruciatingly slow process.

There are gradients of goodness to animal rescue groups. We always strongly suggest that anyone who is considering giving up a pet, check out the facility first. A concerned pet owner will want to know that their furry friend is going to be taken care of. The best facilities should be clean, welcoming, with personnel willing to spend time answering any and all questions. A red flag for a highly questionable rescue is one that operates as strictly pick up only, or arranges to meet in a public place. A public facility that has an overpowering stench, empty food and water bowls, especially where the animals are already emaciated, and uptight staff are not going to be an ideal place to surrender your previously beloved member of the family.  

Animal hoarding is a psychological condition where a person sincerely loves animals and wants to help, but becomes overburdened by the responsibilities of care and provision. They simply cannot bear the thought of giving up a pet even if it means the animal suffers. When a person cannot financially support the animals in their care, some serious reconsideration should be implemented. 

A person with a lot of pets is not necessarily hoarding. Recall that the difference lies in the fact that the animal’s needs are met. Where one person can have difficulty providing for a single pet, others are perfectly at ease managing entire farms. It’s a matter of personal strength and ability.

Animal rescue is a noble goal, but it requires a lot of time, a lot of experience, and a lot of money. We are fortunate to have sufficient quantities of each. ;) As a home school family, we have the time. As long-time chinchilla owners, we have specialized experience. And operating the affiliated chinchilla supplies store, adoption fees and donations fund the rescue work. With the incredible amount of community support we have, we are able to do our job well! Thank you all for your past and future support.

Well....May is supposed to be National Adopt a Pet Month. It being midway through the month, I can understand why this particular season was chosen. By this time of the year, many live Christmas gifts have lost their appeal and many young animals are given up when they are well past the cute baby phase. 

To help address the vast numbers of unwanted pets, the North Shore Animal League America is hosting a 2012 Pet Adoptathon. http://http//www.animalleague.org/events-news/events/tours-events/pet-adoptathon-2012.html This is our second year partaking in the event. This year we have more chinchillas than ever who need good, safe, loving homes.

While we have received countless inquires from people interested in adopting, many of them fall prey to the impulse buy of a pet store animal or cheap "for sale" ad from someone who wants to recoup their losses. This is a particular pet peeve of Whimsy's. In no way is buying from a pet store or a backyard breeder considered "rescuing" an animal, no matter how pitiful the conditions.  When an animal is bought and sold, there is always another to replace the sad little creature. So why support this? Pet stores focus on what sells. A pet store will not advise when a chin is in trouble, other than to refer a worried owner to the vet, or to us ;) Thank you, mystery person at the local PetSmart.  

Is it because of our reputation for the excellent care we give these animals that perhaps is our own worst enemy? Our chin room is far from the horrific conditions seen in pet stores and even the sparse enclosures one would find in most humane societies or animal control facilities. But these chins were never meant to be here permanently. They need homes where they can receive an abundance of one-on-one attention...even more than we can provide. 

Our primary goal here is to ensure that each chinchilla is paired with another of his or her own gender, to discourage perpetuating the countless numbers of unwanted chins, but keep their need for herd living intact. We also screen and teach each potential adoptive family about chin care and handling, as well as offer lifelong support and advice. 

Your adoption fees and store purchases are applied directly to the care, vet costs and upkeep of those chinchillas with whom we are entrusted. When we are able to re-home sweet tempered, healthy chins, this frees up room and time to help the mass surrenders and medical cases that inevitably come our way. 

Won't you please help us help the animals? We have at least30 chinchillas who are ready to go to new homes right now. But if you hold off for an opportune time, you may miss out on finding your best friend. First come, first choice. ;) So, which of the chins will choose you?

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.

Bumblefoot, medically known as ulcerative pododermatitis, is an inflammation of the foot pads. It is most commonly found in captive birds and rodents. Chinchillas are most susceptible to Bumblefoot when exposed to housing conditions that are less than optimal.

Wire floored cages, or cages with wire shelves and ramps are hard on sensitive little feet and are often the culprits of this disease.  A chronically dirty cage is also one of the primary contributors of Bumblefoot. Where a chin is exposed to damp, dirty floors or where he/she is inclined to urinate in favorite spots and rest in the aftermath, these conditions are breeding grounds for bacteria that causes ulcers to form. Even a simple case of dry feet from unlimited access to dust baths can crack the foot pads and offer a doorway to this malady. 

Treatment for Bumblefoot is a long, laborious process and it is verypainful for the chin. The feet must be soaked several times each day to keep the area clean and supple. Epsom salts soaks, vinegar and water, colloidal silver, orprescription Chlorhexidine wash are the usual courses of treatment. Oral antibiotics and pain meds are normally prescribed in conjunction. Additional topicals like Blu-Kote, Silver Sulfadiazine, Bag Balm with or withoutfoot wraps are often applied after each soak. 

We had a chinnie surrendered this week with a very bad case of Bumblefoot on all four feet. The hind feet were especially ulcerated with a raging infection. The poor baby also had an infected eye and what originally looked like an ulcer on the base of her tail turned out to be a half healed bone break! The ownerstried to do their best, but treating a squirmy chin isn't easy.

Foot soaks can be simple and hands-free with this method: Fill a clean kitchen sink with a few inches of water and additives of choice. A weighted cooling rack or cage panel placed across the top of the sink will ensure the chinchilla receives all the healing benefits without the seemingly endless time it would take to hold the little bugger still. You can simply set a timer for 5-10 minutes and allow the chin to safely debride. This is one of the few instances where it is necessary to get your chinchilla wet.

A modified burrito wrap allows for easy access to the feet without fear of a toothy retaliation. In this manner, you can apply additional ointments or creams, or get a better look at the healing process. This little chinnie seems to enjoy being bundled up. After each treatment we snuggle her like a baby to give her a few minutes off her painful feet.

Bumblefoot is a serious disease with painful and lengthy treatment. The absolute best course of action is preventative. Be sure your cage is properly set up for chinchillas, practice excellent husbandry management, and be alert to any changes in behavior or condition.

For the month of March, thirty-four (34!) chinchillas were surrendered, and twelve (12) were adopted. 

Last month we had the Montgomery County mass surrender, plus our "usual" number of surrenders on top of that. On average, this type of mass influx seems to happen two or three times per year. We are very fortunate to have met so many kindhearted people who are interested in providing a loving home for the chinchillas in our care. And the outpouring of support by store orders, food and supplies donations and even monetary ($) donations has been a blessed relief.

The mass group has been doing very well since they've arrived. We've moved all the females into a huge baby safe cage where they can continue living together while on maternity watch. One female has already produced kits; one boy, one girl. The babies weighed in at the typical 41 and 44 grams. Considering the size and condition of the mother, this is quite miraculous! 

Four of the Montgomery boys have been adopted to two different homes. We have also learned just which of the boys love or hate each other and have divided them according to their preferences. At this time, we have two pairs and one group of 4 left, plus about 20 or so other chins who are waiting to meet their future families. 

Why adopt a rescue? 

These chinchillas depend on us to keep them comfortable, fed and loved. Usually, when chinchillas are surrendered, they have passed the adorable, but crazy baby stage and settled into their personalities. By that time the former owners have either lost interest, developed allergies, or had some sort of life-changing event which caused them to have to give up their pets. The little critters deserve a second chance! Baby cuteness is what makes pet stores thrive, but that period of time is very, very short. With and animal that lives up to 20 years, that opportunity for adoption is like a blink of an eye.

When you adopt from us, we provide a no kidding, honest assessment of their personalities and potential.  We also present a crash course in chin care and handling, with lifetime support. We make sure each adoptive home is properly equipped to ensure a full and happy life for the fuzzbutts, but the rest is up to you.

Now who is up to the challenge?