A family of guinea pigs are in desperate need of new homes after they were abandoned.
An adorable guinea pig Hettie and her friends Vera, Mavis and Nora were found abandoned by an RSPCA inspector in July.
Now the sociable animals are on the lookout for new owners and forever homes in Buckinghamshire.
Volunteer small animal co-ordinator Jane Chaney from RSPCA Bucks South said: “Nationally abandonment is becoming commonplace and every week local branches such as RSPCA Buckinghamshire South are asked if they have space to take in any animals.
“Frequently we are full, but we had been successful in rehoming a number of guinea pigs recently so I consulted with our guinea pig fosterer Tina and we decided that we could take in four more females in an effort to help out.”
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By the time Hettie and others arrived to Bucks from Northants with a volunteer driver on September 1, Hettie had become a mum of two “beautiful” boy guinea pigs named Terry and Dennis.
The duo will be neutered when they are four months old so they can live together or with females.
Experienced guinea pig fosterer Tina has already rehomed 16 animals to approved homes and she’s currently fostering ten others, Jane explained.
Guinea pigs, who all have their distinct personalities, should live with a friend or even in a small group because they are “very social animals,” Jane said.
“They have a range of wheeks and whistles and frequently chatter to each other as they forage for food or snuggle up together.
“Hettie and her friends are only youngsters themselves of six or seven months old and have a lifetime ahead of them. In their previous situation they had probably not had much handling, but Tina is already working with them to increase their confidence around people. They are nice guinea pigs that will make lovely pets for some family that has plenty of love and care and all-important patience to help an animal who needs a second chance of a kind home,” she added.
Scores of RSPCA volunteers in Bucks are looking after cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs and gerbils to help teach the animals to trust humans again.
If you could provide the guinea pigs a loving home contact Jane on 07748 307869 or smallanimals@rspca-southbucks.org.uk
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