A chance encounter between strangers may have averted a tragic ending for Wind and Windy.
Donna Ross, head teacher at Queen’s Park Preschool, was recently walking to work when she met a man who was walking his dog. He told her he’d seen two guinea pigs in the Queen’s Park bandshell.
“We went over there and these guinea pigs were huddled together, shivering and scared,” Ross said in a press release. “There was some food on a newspaper, but they seemed to be abandoned pets someone didn’t want anymore and left there in the cold.”
Together, the two strangers coaxed the frightened creatures into a small Tim Horton’s box and took them to the preschool. After a visit to the vet, where they got a clean bill of health, a hair trim, a bath and some mite medicine, Ross said the guinea pigs returned to the preschool where they became an “instant sensation” with the students.
“The kids treat them like rock stars,” she said.
According to Ross, staff of the non-profit preschool paid for the veterinarian and other costs related to the guinea pigs and several families were quick to donate items for the care and shelter of the two eight-month old females, who were named Wind and Windy by students.
“Fortunately, it turned out well for Wind and Windy, but it easily could have ended in disaster,” Ross said. “We definitely encourage people to reach out. You don’t have to leave your unwanted pets in the park. There are places and people who can help.”
If anyone has pets that they’re unable to keep and properly care for, Ross suggests they contact the New Westminster Animal Shelter at [email protected] or 604-519-2008 (or 604-526-4691 after hours), or the SPCA.
