The Author
I will briefly introduce myself before devoting the rest of the site to the much more important subject of guinea pigs. A biologist and educator, I have worked with a range of wild and domestic animal species in various settings. As a volunteer I have worked in animal rescue, as a scientist in ecology and conservation and veterinary publishing. Among subjects I have taught at degree level are animal ecology, evolution, conservation biology, husbandry, ethics and welfare. Currently I work in animal welfare as an educator and researcher, and practice the 'Let Animals Lead®' method (created by Kathleen Prasad), which takes into consideration how our own energies/emotional states, such as fear or stress, can affect our companion animals, and how we can help build a relationship of compassion, empathy and respect, 'listening' to what our companion animals are saying.
When I was young, I had various companion animals but never a guinea pig. However, in 2019, I adopted two rescued guinea pigs, sisters called Belle and Roxy. Deciding to provide a home to rescued guinea pigs had a profound impact on my life, with a renewed ethical consideration of human-nonhuman animal relationships including multispecies families/communities. On deciding to adopt guinea pigs, I started on a journey of discovery about their needs - about respecting guinea pigs as individuals and as a species. I try to see the world from a guinea pig's perspective, to be open to their consciousness and vulnerability, which naturally invites compassion and kindness - as Henry Thoreau wrote: "Is there a greater miracle than to see through another's eyes, even for an instant?" It's wonderful to share my life with these charismatic animals, there is so much satisfaction in observing them and becoming familiar with their personalities. In giving better lives to our non-human animal companions, this enriches our own lives too.
In memory of dear Herman, who will never be forgotten
My aim is to promote positive animal welfare by empowering owners, with evidence-based information, to provide appropriate environments for your guinea pigs. The site brings together findings from the scientific literature on guinea pigs, as well as links to already existing sources of information, to share what others, such as guinea pig rescues have learnt. I do not wish to repeat good information that is already available so I will share links to other sources where relevant. Updated information due to ongoing veterinary or ecological research will mean that the site content may change over time. I am not a veterinary professional, nor am I an expert (we all have so much to learn about cavies!), but my hope is that both owners and guinea pigs will benefit from the resources shared on the site. I do not receive commission on any products I recommend.
Warm wishes and 'wheeks'.
Alison Hillyer BSc, MSc (Biological Sciences); member of Guinea Pig Welfare UK
Contact: kindtocavies@outlook.com