Orange County Register

Super-cool guinea pigs are coming to a theater near you.

In Disney’s new movie, “G-Force,” computer-generated guinea pigs save the world and score legions of adoring fans.

And that’s exactly what guinea pig people are afraid of.

The Orange County Cavy Haven rescues hundreds of guinea pigs a year, most of which are abandoned by clueless owners who bought the cute critters on impulse.

Courtney Brooks, 13, helps educate a curious youngster at the 2009 Pet Expo.

Animal-oriented movies like “101 Dalmations” and “Beverly Hills Chihuahua” have in the past created demand from parents trying to please their child’s request for the adorable talking creature that charmed them in 90 minutes.

Dana Hoglind, a Cavy Haven member and the group’s activities director, encourages parents to do just the opposite.

“We’re really hoping that when people see this movie, they don’t run out and get a guinea pig,” she says. “We hope they take some time, do some research and find out what’s best for their family.”

Hoglind says people often underestimate the fragility of guinea pigs and the time needed to keep the animals happy and healthy.

“I’ve had more vet expenses for my guinea pig than any other pet,” she says.

Guinea pigs can live up to 8 or 9 years, should live in large cages, and can be sensitive to a host of ailments and health issues including anorexia, mites, ear infections and bloat, to name a few.

“Go and do some homework and read; it’s a much bigger investment than people realize,” Hoglind says.

She recommends people first seek out foster groups that can provide information and available guinea pigs that have been examined and cared for by experts.

Despite what “G-Force” portrays on the big screen, guinea pigs are not action heroes.

They scare or startle easily, and if you don’t have a good hold, they will run.

“Guinea pigs can’t jump,” said Fenella Fpeece, president of Wee Companions Small Animal Adoption Inc. in San Diego. A fall, even from a sofa, will paralyze them, break their backs and then “they are probably as good as dead.”

Fpeece is worried about the big plastic balls used in the movie and sold in pet stores. They are made for hamsters and mice, she said. “Guinea pigs don’t have flexible backs and they don’t go in wheels.”

Another little-known fact about guinea pigs: They must eat every day or they’ll die. Leaving them alone while a family vacations is tantamount to disaster.

“If you forget to feed it, it’s done. Its little life is over,” Fpeece said.

Alfredo is the O.C. Cavy Haven's oldest pig at 9 years of age. When he lost his brother, Romano, he became a "nanny" to baby boars in the rescue. He now lives with one of the OCCH volunteers with her personal pigs where he gets full run of the house.

About 795,000 homes have guinea pigs as pets, according to the American Pet Products Association, based in Greenwich, Conn.

Disney is aware of the power of the movies and works to promote a strong pet responsibility message, a studio spokeswoman said. For “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” Disney made sure most of the animals in the movie came from shelters and each was adopted when the movie was over.

For “G-Force,” a statement is posted on the movie’s Web site (scroll down to the small type at the bottom) and on other promotional materials, advising viewers to be responsible and research any pet “to make sure that it is suitable for your particular situation” and consider adopting from a shelter.

For more information on guinea pigs, follow these links:

O.C. Cavy Haven: Dedicated to rehoming guinea pigs in Southern California

Guinea Lynx: A medical and care guide to guinea pigs

Guinea pig cages: Best practices and tips

– with reporting from The Associated Press

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