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Deportation Crisis Leaves Guinea Pigs In Desperate Need Of Rescue
Close-up of a guinea pig inside a cage highlighting the urgent need for rescue amid the deportation crisis.
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Deportation Crisis Leaves Guinea Pigs In Desperate Need Of Rescue

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As deportation fears grip families across the country, a quiet but devastating consequence is unfolding. Companion animals being left behind with nowhere to go. In Chicago, that heartbreak has taken the form of ten gentle guinea pigs now in urgent need of rescue.

Their guardians, facing growing uncertainty about their immigration status, made the decision to return to Ecuador. But they can’t bring their guinea pigs with them. With no other options, the family reached out to Famous Fido Rescue in a last-ditch effort to spare them from being abandoned.

“It’s something we’re seeing more often,” said Gloria Lissner, founder and executive director for Famous Fido Rescue. “Families leaving under pressure, not by choice, and their animals are caught in the middle. It’s increasing shelter intake numbers, but even worse, many never make it to a safe place.”

Famous Fido is primarily a dog and cat rescue, but the organization stepped in anyway, unwilling to let ten lives slip through the cracks. A partner rescue has agreed to take in the guinea pigs, but only if $750 can be raised to cover the cost of neutering and vet checks, which amounts to $75 per animal.

In an already overwhelmed shelter system, these types of emergency cases stretch resources to the limit.

“Every animal we save depends on community support,” Ms. Lissner said. “And this is no different. We don’t want deportation to become a death sentence for these guinea pigs. But without help, we can’t get them to safety.”

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The clock is ticking. The family is preparing to leave, and the window to secure funds is rapidly closing.

Those wishing to help can donate directly at https://famousfidorescue.org/donate. Every dollar counts toward ensuring these guinea pigs aren’t forgotten in the fallout of a broken system.

“Animals feel the weight of our human crises, too,” the Ms. Lissner added. “But unlike us, they have no say. All we can do is speak up and act before it’s too late.”

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    A cry for help

    10 guinea pigs are at risk if donations aren’t raised

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    Gloria Lissner

    Gloria Lissner

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Gloria Lissner is the passionate Founder and Executive Director of Famous Fido Rescue and Adoption Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Chicago. With over five decades of dedication to animal welfare, Gloria has been rescuing homeless dogs and cats since 1975 - long before “rescue” was a household term. Her journey began when, at just 18, she opened a grooming shop and later the renowned Famous Fido Doggie Deli. Witnessing boarded animals abandoned or left behind, Gloria felt compelled to act. By collaborating with Chicago shelters and founding Famous Fido Rescue, she created a place focused on animals deemed “unadoptable” from high‑kill shelters - especially seniors, special‐needs, or trauma‑affected animals. Under Gloria’s leadership, Famous Fido has grown into a state‑of‑the‑art, no‑kill sanctuary with a Learning Center, micro‑chipping and spay/neuter initiatives, and educational programs for adopters and the public. She instituted a comprehensive adoption process, including interviews and home checks, to ensure safe, lasting matches. Gloria believes that Chicago can become a model no‑kill city through united outreach, advocacy, and responsible guardianship. She devotes herself entirely to this mission, drawing on experience, compassion, and a bold vision, to rescue animals deserving of love, respect, and forever homes.

    Read less »
    Gloria Lissner

    Gloria Lissner

    Author, Community member

    Gloria Lissner is the passionate Founder and Executive Director of Famous Fido Rescue and Adoption Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Chicago. With over five decades of dedication to animal welfare, Gloria has been rescuing homeless dogs and cats since 1975 - long before “rescue” was a household term. Her journey began when, at just 18, she opened a grooming shop and later the renowned Famous Fido Doggie Deli. Witnessing boarded animals abandoned or left behind, Gloria felt compelled to act. By collaborating with Chicago shelters and founding Famous Fido Rescue, she created a place focused on animals deemed “unadoptable” from high‑kill shelters - especially seniors, special‐needs, or trauma‑affected animals. Under Gloria’s leadership, Famous Fido has grown into a state‑of‑the‑art, no‑kill sanctuary with a Learning Center, micro‑chipping and spay/neuter initiatives, and educational programs for adopters and the public. She instituted a comprehensive adoption process, including interviews and home checks, to ensure safe, lasting matches. Gloria believes that Chicago can become a model no‑kill city through united outreach, advocacy, and responsible guardianship. She devotes herself entirely to this mission, drawing on experience, compassion, and a bold vision, to rescue animals deserving of love, respect, and forever homes.

    Ieva Midveryte

    Ieva Midveryte

    Moderator, Community member

    Read more »

    Hello Pandas! My name is Ieva, though it's often mistaken for the word 'Leva,' and in Lithuanian, it means 'loser' (insert the pain emoji). While I don't take offense if you accidentally call me a loser, I thought I'd share something interesting with you, which I also do professionally at work.Anywayyy, my favorite part here is introducing you to creative people who deserve just as much recognition as famous celebrities. Besides that, I also enjoy memes and funny, lighthearted posts, and occasionally, I find myself drawn to a bit of internet drama.

    Read less »

    Ieva Midveryte

    Ieva Midveryte

    Moderator, Community member

    Hello Pandas! My name is Ieva, though it's often mistaken for the word 'Leva,' and in Lithuanian, it means 'loser' (insert the pain emoji). While I don't take offense if you accidentally call me a loser, I thought I'd share something interesting with you, which I also do professionally at work.Anywayyy, my favorite part here is introducing you to creative people who deserve just as much recognition as famous celebrities. Besides that, I also enjoy memes and funny, lighthearted posts, and occasionally, I find myself drawn to a bit of internet drama.

    What do you think ?
    Tiffiny Winters
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How about just literally separating the males from the females to make sure they don't breed, instead of saying you need almost 800 dollars to be able to save them. That's unnecessary and ridiculous. 🙄🤦‍♀️ Just save them.

    ptbkcspzxf
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are right about that i have 4 guinea pigs i had 8 its not that hard tbh and if you don’t want them sell them or give them away

    Load More Replies...
    Marleina Hershberg
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I donated; only $50 more needed for the goal amount!! But 2 others need more donations as well! Screenshot...6-jpeg.jpg Screenshot_18-6-2025_144542_famousfidorescueorg-685309e61af96-jpeg.jpg

    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All of the guinea pigs were placed into foster care - with the females and males separated. The females are on pregnancy watch - and all the guinea pigs are receiving medical care to prepare them for adoption with Norm's Piggy Pen. Thank you to all who helped!

    Betty-Lou Luijken
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they are better off when they are rescued. I don't think they were pets. People in Ecuador eat guinea pigs. I've been to Ecuador and there were all kinds of places where you could buy food with guinea pig as an ingredient.

    Shortyy Sanchez
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor baby please save them I have two guinea pig of my own there like my kids I don't like to see innocent animals like that 😞 getting left behind

    A John
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is no crisis, this is ridiculous. What about the American residents that hoard Guinea pigs and 130 of them have to be taken in by an Illinois shelter. It is only a crisis when it is illegals. Plus they are eaten in Ecaudor anyway...... you might be trying to save food. IJS!!!

    Odin Attano
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How f*****g dare you ask money to do the shadiest neutering imaginable. I hope whoever at that shelter that decided to start ruining the lives of those poor babies. F**k you I hope someone cuts your brake lines you c**t

    Ashley Dunnam
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a large heart of my own here in Tennessee. And none of mine are spayed and neutered. All that’s needed is proper separation. If you need someone to take all of them getting in contact with me, I will take them. all !!!!

    Allan besner
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spaying and neutering Guinea pigs is dicey. They don't do well under anesthesia and it is much more expensive than a dog or cat to spay. After care they need extra attention. Simply s*x and separate male and female. There are exotic and rodent rescues that assist with properly sexing animals. I have a large herd of my own and work with rescues in Minneapolis frequently.

    daisysavang.ds
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s ridiculous. Take them to pets mart where they can be taken in for safety measures.

    Kristine Wigand
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have 6 guinea pigs myself. This heartbreaking

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just a heads up: I tried to find the shelter's website. As of today (Wednesday, June 18) and noon eastern time US, the site has been hacked and compromised.

    Kristine Wigand
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    https://famousfidorescue.org/donate. It is not compromised or hacked.

    Load More Replies...
    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    5 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Marleina Hershberg
    Community Member
    5 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Load More Replies...
    Tiffiny Winters
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How about just literally separating the males from the females to make sure they don't breed, instead of saying you need almost 800 dollars to be able to save them. That's unnecessary and ridiculous. 🙄🤦‍♀️ Just save them.

    ptbkcspzxf
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are right about that i have 4 guinea pigs i had 8 its not that hard tbh and if you don’t want them sell them or give them away

    Load More Replies...
    Marleina Hershberg
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I donated; only $50 more needed for the goal amount!! But 2 others need more donations as well! Screenshot...6-jpeg.jpg Screenshot_18-6-2025_144542_famousfidorescueorg-685309e61af96-jpeg.jpg

    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All of the guinea pigs were placed into foster care - with the females and males separated. The females are on pregnancy watch - and all the guinea pigs are receiving medical care to prepare them for adoption with Norm's Piggy Pen. Thank you to all who helped!

    Betty-Lou Luijken
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they are better off when they are rescued. I don't think they were pets. People in Ecuador eat guinea pigs. I've been to Ecuador and there were all kinds of places where you could buy food with guinea pig as an ingredient.

    Shortyy Sanchez
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor baby please save them I have two guinea pig of my own there like my kids I don't like to see innocent animals like that 😞 getting left behind

    A John
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is no crisis, this is ridiculous. What about the American residents that hoard Guinea pigs and 130 of them have to be taken in by an Illinois shelter. It is only a crisis when it is illegals. Plus they are eaten in Ecaudor anyway...... you might be trying to save food. IJS!!!

    Odin Attano
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How f*****g dare you ask money to do the shadiest neutering imaginable. I hope whoever at that shelter that decided to start ruining the lives of those poor babies. F**k you I hope someone cuts your brake lines you c**t

    Ashley Dunnam
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a large heart of my own here in Tennessee. And none of mine are spayed and neutered. All that’s needed is proper separation. If you need someone to take all of them getting in contact with me, I will take them. all !!!!

    Allan besner
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Spaying and neutering Guinea pigs is dicey. They don't do well under anesthesia and it is much more expensive than a dog or cat to spay. After care they need extra attention. Simply s*x and separate male and female. There are exotic and rodent rescues that assist with properly sexing animals. I have a large herd of my own and work with rescues in Minneapolis frequently.

    daisysavang.ds
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s ridiculous. Take them to pets mart where they can be taken in for safety measures.

    Kristine Wigand
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have 6 guinea pigs myself. This heartbreaking

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just a heads up: I tried to find the shelter's website. As of today (Wednesday, June 18) and noon eastern time US, the site has been hacked and compromised.

    Kristine Wigand
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    https://famousfidorescue.org/donate. It is not compromised or hacked.

    Load More Replies...
    Boris Long-Johnson
    Community Member
    5 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Marleina Hershberg
    Community Member
    5 months ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Load More Replies...
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