My Purrfect Pets Series focuses on different bloggers and their families – including their furry family of course! We all have different lives and I find it amazing to get a glimpse into other peoples homes and connect with them on all levels so I put them under the grill and ask them some questions. As a pet lover myself, I’m always keen to investigate how other people are doing it. This is a pet-positive series that any families with a pet of any kind can take part in, send me an email if you’re interested in being the next featured purrfect family!
Today we’re with Jennie from Ricecakes and Raisins. You can follow Jennie on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!
Can you tell us a little about the animals you have and your family?
We have a pet guinea pig named Albert. He’s quite an old man now at 5 and a half! He’s really sweet and extremely laid back!
What made you choose a guinea pig as a family pet?
I always had guinea pigs as a child as they make such lovely pets. I’ve never known them to bite and they seem such happy social little things. Before we had Albert and prior to having our children, we had a guinea pig called Edward. He was a rather pampered pet as he had an indoor home and enjoyed cuddles every evening! Unfortunately Edward only lived until he was two years. In 2012, after Edward had died I fell pregnant but unfortunately I later suffered a miscarriage. My partner and I went to buy Albert a couple of weeks afterwards as a bit of a distraction and to give us something lovely to focus on so he’s always been rather special J
Do you think your children benefit from having a pet?
Definitely! They’ve learnt really useful skills in how to care for an animal from giving him fresh water every day to cleaning his hutch. He brings them lots of joy.
What would you say is the most challenging thing about having your guinea pig?
They do need cleaning out a lot and I’m also very aware that he needs lots of interaction so he doesn’t get lonely! This isn’t always easy with two little boys to look after too!
What would you say is the best thing about having your guinea pig?
Watching how happy he makes the boys and seeing him pottering around the garden going about his guinea pig business! He’s like another member of the family. He makes some cute squeaky noises too!
Do you have any advice for anyone who is thinking about adding a guinea pig to their family?
I’d advise people to read up about how best to care for guinea pigs and providing they are able to provide the right sort of home then I’d say go for it! They really are lovely little pets and I’m sure they will bring you lots of happiness.
A big thank you to Jennie from Ricecakes and Raisins for giving us a glimpse into her life and letting us get to know her pack! If you’d like to be the next featured family in this series, drop me an email or a message on Twitter.
5 Comments
Guinea pigs are so cute. I often look at them in pets at home when I go in for cat food.
I’ve seen them in pets at Home too – the squeaking is adorable when they’re in a big group.
Another great installment to this series. I’m really enjoying these. Still pet-free here and can’t decide which would suit us best.
I’m actually working on a few posts right now which will go over the pros and cons of a wide range of pets and what families they are suitable for, so maybe that will help you out! 🙂
It’s great to read about other families having a pet and being responsible owners. I’ve grown up with animals and although we now only have one cat now others have passed away (used to have four and fostered for Cats Protection) I think it can be great for children to learn about caring and responsibility. As a volunteer for an animal welfare charity it is so disheartening to see pets abandoned when children come along or because owners haven’t thought about the long term commitment involved. But they can offer such joy to your home and are a great destresser – something as a working mum I often find a need!