The Reality of Rescue Life
When people see the heart-warming photos of bunnies and guinea pigs in rescue, it’s easy to imagine everything ticking along smoothly. Fundraisers pop up, raffles are shared, and wishlists get filled — from the outside, it can look like money is always flowing in.
But the truth behind the scenes is very different. Veterinary bills are relentless, often running into thousands every single month. Every rabbit and guinea pig who enters a rescue needs essential care — vaccinations, neutering, dental checks, and often urgent treatments. On top of that, there are the daily basics that never stop: hay, pellets, fresh greens, forage, bedding, litter, and enrichment.
This cycle never ends. As soon as one bill is cleared, another emergency comes through the doors. It’s overwhelming, and for many rescues across the UK, it feels like a constant uphill battle.
My Own Experience in Rescue
I know this reality all too well, because I lived it. Before starting Guinea Gourmet Treats, I ran my own small sanctuary, taking in guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals who needed a safe place to land.
Like many rescues, I juggled the emotional highs of seeing animals recover with the financial strain of never quite catching up. Vet bills stacked up, food costs soared, and the worry of “how will we get through this month?” never left.
Eventually, it became too much. I had to make the heartbreaking decision to step away from frontline rescue work. Not because the love or passion had faded, but because the financial and emotional toll was simply unsustainable.
Why I Work With Rescues Through GGT
Walking away from direct rescue didn’t mean walking away from the animals. It just meant I had to find a different way to help. That’s why Guinea Gourmet Treats was born.
Every handful of forage, every treat bag, every subscription box you buy — it’s not just a product. It’s part of a bigger mission. The more profits GGT makes, the more I can support rescues who are still on the frontline, fighting those battles every day.
From donations to postage sponsorships, to including rescues in our fundraising hub, I’ve made sure that GGT is rooted in giving back. Because I know exactly what it feels like to be in their shoes — and I know how much difference even the smallest bit of support can make.
How You Can Help
Supporting rescues doesn’t always have to mean handing over large sums of money (though, of course, donations are always vital). There are so many small ways you can make a huge difference:
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Shop with businesses like Guinea Gourmet Treats where part of your spend helps rescues.
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Share posts, raffles, and appeals from rescues so they reach more people.
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Buy a wishlist item if you’re able — hay, pellets, and enrichment are always needed.
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Consider sponsorships for long-term sanctuary animals who may never find a home.
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Simply comment, like, and interact with rescue posts to help boost their reach.
Each action builds into a ripple effect of support that keeps rescues afloat.
Why Your Support Means Everything
For rescues like SRR and so many others, the costs are staggering. Vet bills can hit £15,000 in a single month. Without constant fundraising and community support, they simply couldn’t survive.
This is why your support of GGT matters so much. The more we grow, the more I can pour back into the rescue world that shaped me. While I can’t run a rescue anymore, I can still stand alongside them — and so can you.
Every bag of forage, every treat box, every subscription you choose helps us keep supporting the animals who need it most.
Thank you for being part of that journey.
Explore our full range of natural, hand-foraged treats here: https://www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk
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