I love guinea pigs. I grew up with them when I was young, and when we moved to the U.S., I begged my husband to 'please!' let me get some guinnees. He needed some convincing, so I searched online and found a guinea pig rescue center close by DFW. I eventually talked him into visiting the rescue center one Saturday morning. When we got at the 'center' (it really was just a house) we were greeted by Tony and Julia Hinrichs. The friendly couple took us inside their home and we couldn't believe what we saw. There were guinea pigs in every room, on every table, and in every corner of that house. Guinnees that were no more needed, outgrown by kids, or used in laboratories. Some were blind or deaf, some had diseases, and others were perfectly fine. Even my husband was convinced that we needed to help this couple - and we walked out with two furry friends ourselves. That was about five years ago. Ever since we adopted Texas and Ranger (yes, I thought those names were brilliant at the time - we just moved to Texas from the Netherlands), I have wanted to help Tony and Julia. The perfect opportunity finally has come along.I received an email from the Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue a few months ago, explaining Tony and Julia's desperate situation.
"Last month, after eight months of doctor visits and numerous tests, Tony was diagnosed with a malignant pancreatic endocrine tumor (or pancreatic tumor). He is currently pursuing treatment and will have surgery, followed by a long recuperative process. We do not know what the future holds, and may not for a long while, but we do know that the guinea pig rescue cannot continue to operate in Tony and Julia’s home. They simply cannot do it alone, and need help" (theguineapigrescue.com).The organization raised enough funds to open a new center in Lewisville, something the couple had dreamed about since they founded the rescue in 2001. We visited the grand opening of the new center last Saturday. The new building has warehouse space, several rooms to house the guinea pigs, and a space for the pet supplies store. I spoke to Julia, and she said the main problem the organization faces is the fact that it's still operating from two places. Since they don't have enough volunteers to attend piggies 7 days a week at the Lewisville location, they still house the guinnees at their home. The organization's main problem is a need for volunteers, and it's hard to get the word out because many locals haven't heard of the guinea pig rescue center. That's why I am very excited to help the Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue with a communications plan. This is an organization in dire need of awareness, and I hope I can contribute a little bit to it. It's the least I can do for Tony and Julia.
"Last month, after eight months of doctor visits and numerous tests, Tony was diagnosed with a malignant pancreatic endocrine tumor (or pancreatic tumor). He is currently pursuing treatment and will have surgery, followed by a long recuperative process. We do not know what the future holds, and may not for a long while, but we do know that the guinea pig rescue cannot continue to operate in Tony and Julia’s home. They simply cannot do it alone, and need help" (theguineapigrescue.com).The organization raised enough funds to open a new center in Lewisville, something the couple had dreamed about since they founded the rescue in 2001. We visited the grand opening of the new center last Saturday. The new building has warehouse space, several rooms to house the guinea pigs, and a space for the pet supplies store. I spoke to Julia, and she said the main problem the organization faces is the fact that it's still operating from two places. Since they don't have enough volunteers to attend piggies 7 days a week at the Lewisville location, they still house the guinnees at their home. The organization's main problem is a need for volunteers, and it's hard to get the word out because many locals haven't heard of the guinea pig rescue center. That's why I am very excited to help the Texas Rustlers Guinea Pig Rescue with a communications plan. This is an organization in dire need of awareness, and I hope I can contribute a little bit to it. It's the least I can do for Tony and Julia.
