A new course at the local community college is teaching guinea pigs how to perform household chores, and its inventor says the benefits are twofold.
“Not only does it give the guinea pigs a sense of purpose and satisfaction, but it also lightens the load for their owners,” said animal trainer Jennifer Johnson.
The course, which is currently being piloted with a group of 20 guinea pigs, covers a range of topics, including dusting, vacuuming, and laundry. Johnson says she’s received positive feedback from both the guinea pigs and their owners.
“I think it’s great that there’s finally a way for my guinea pig to contribute to the household,” said one student. “Before, I just felt like he was a burden, but now I know he can be useful.”
So far, the only complaint Johnson has received is from one student who says her guinea pig is “lazy” and “doesn’t do anything.” But Johnson says she’s confident that with a little more time and patience, even the laziest of guinea pigs can be taught how to be productive members of the household.
