The Coming Guinea Pig Crisis.

[rvablue]

Over the weekend, guinea pig activists (they exist!) raised our collective furry hackles by declaring Disney's latest animated offering, G-Force, to be the next 101 Dalmations. Like the puppy movie before it, they said G-Force (about a rogue band of world-saving guinea pigs) would be one of the cute and cuddly family films for which Disney is known. They predicted it'd be a smash-hit at the box-office, due in part to 3D ticket premiums. And they said it'd be funny, thanks to its comedian stars Will Arnett, Tracy Morgan and Zach Galifianakis.

Also, it would inspire millions of children to rush to adopt, then cast aside, America's guinea pig population. And their viewpoint is snowballing, as G-Force snagged the No. 1 spot at the box office this weekend. Per the Associated Press: "'I can tell you, every single rescue in the United States and abroad took a look at that movie trailer and said, 'Oh God, here we go,'' said Whitney Potsus, vice president of The Critter Connection, Inc., in Durham, Conn." And then the Contra Costa Times: "nimal rescue groups bracing for an onslaught of homeless Guinea pigs, thanks to parents caving in to children who want said rodents because they think the critters talk like Tracy Jordan . When the Guinea pigs/rodents end up not talking like Tracy Jordan, the kids will no longer want the animals."

Now, there are reports that Disney will put "a statement will be posted on the movie's Web site and on other promotional materials, advising viewers to be responsible and research any pet ... consider adopting from a shelter," the AP reports. (**Update: We checked in with our pals at Disney, who said there is now a responsible-pet-owner disclaimer appending every single page of the G-Force website. The official take: "Raising awareness for responsible pet ownership is important. When applicable, we stress in our materials that owning a pet is a major responsibility and requires daily care and constant attention. Before bringing a pet into your family, it is important to make sure it is suitable for your particular situation. Learn about and be willing to undertake the serious responsibilities of pet care. Always consider adoption from a reputable shelter or rescue program.")





http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/popvox/archive/2009/07/27/summer-2009-the-season-of-the-anti-movie-wingnut.aspx




((edit: woops! I double pasted!))

[redqueen]

1. It's really sad that so many parents don't already know this.

About responsible pet ownership, I mean. Many just buy the animal to appease the kid, I guess. Sad.

[Wapsie B]

4. Same thing happened with dalmations after that movie came out.

[Warpy]

8. Dalmatians are big, hyper dogs

and weren't a good fit for most families with young children. They'd be great country dogs.

Guinea pigs, on the other hand, are not terribly demanding, just a clean cage, veggies, water. and a place to hide and they're pretty happy. Gentle human companionship is a plus.

Still, kids under 5 or so will expect them to talk and some stupid parents will get them to shut the kids up.

And so it goes.

[bobbolink]

5. Well, they're just like a sorta furry Micky Mouse, aren't they?

Just another stuff animal to put on the kid's bed, right?

There aren't an abundance of guinea pigs, and they are more expensive than mice and hamsters and such, so this could get interesting.........

[flvegan]

2. I saw Transformers and now I want my own Megan Fox.

[Drunken Irishman]

6. I keep mine locked up in the basement.

[YOY]

7. Yeah, I asked my parents for one but they got me a Michael J Fox instead...

They never listen to me...

He's a nice guy and all but I feel kind of guilty asking him to do much of anything in his state.

[Pavulon]

3. I ate one on roasted a stick in Costa Rica..

tasted like chicken..

[me b zola]

9. Poop in his hand, poop in his hand!

But seriously, responsible pet ownership is an important topic.

[FarCenter]

10. HOW TO EAT A GUINEA PIG

http://www.moreintelligentlife.com/story/how-to-eat-a-guinea-pig

...

"In Peru, I learned that cuy was prepared in a number of ways. You could make it stuffed and roasted, piquant and quartered, or flattened whole and fried. And while my host family in Cusco, the Mariscals, never served it at almuerzo, our main midday meal, cuy is said to be widely consumed in Peru. According to the author of Unmentionable Cuisine, veterinarian and food expert Calvin Schwabe, cuy provides over 50 percent of Peru’s animal protein. Many people raise guinea pigs at home, and others buy them killed and cleaned in the meat section of the market. Ask a Peruvian if he or she eats cuy, and you will hear that person wax sentimental about the way his or her mamá prepared it--just the same way an American will rhapsodize about Mom’s apple pie or fried chicken. Still, as much as the Peruvians boasted of their favorite cuy fricassee or roast cuy, not once did I see an Andean or a Criollo actually eat cuy."

...

"The Peruvians think it is bizarre and hilarious that Americans keep guinea pigs as pets."

...

[muriel_volestrangler]

12. I remember seeing a skinned whole guineapig in an Ecuadorean supermarket

a bizarre sight, and not very appetizing. The exposed front teeth made it look quite aggressive.

[Orangeone]

11. Guinea Pigs are the best!!!!

They are great pets for older children. I've had pet rabbits, hamsters, mice and rats but guinea pigs are my favorite. They are very cuddly and have funny little personalities :)