Out with 2022…
…and don’t let the door hit you on the way.
Hey all. I just wanted to give a quick recap of 2022. I know Whimsy’s has been quieter than usual on our Facebook page and main website. This year has got to go down as the most difficult ever.
Even still, it’s been a head scratching experience when folks have sent an email to ask if we’re still in business. Yes, Whimsy’s is still very much ready to fulfill orders, take in surrenders and adopt out rescues. As much as possible, we’ve been trying to keep things relatively normal. Anyway, the ultra-reserved web presence has had its reasons.
There have been challenges this year. Whimsy became an orphan and lost both parents 6 months apart. Sister-in-law died the day after dad. The kids little sweet 16 half-sister passed with a rare form of brain cancer. Whimsy’s uncle and even the family dog died this year. To make matters worse, there is unending anxiety with best friend who has developed serious health complications related to the jab.
We had a tornado rip through the property and a fire in the workshop and a neighborhood herd of deer that find our baby orchards irresistible. Fortunately, no deaths, injuries or major destruction happened with those acts of God!
Now on a more positive note. Surrenders have been going down from year to year. I’m not quite sure if it’s because people are less likely to risk breeding their beloved pets, or if the shame for irresponsible breeding is finally taking hold, or if the information about how to gender ID a chinchilla became common knowledge. It could also be that folks are wising up to the fact that chinchillas on youtube who enjoy brushing and dressing up in doll clothes are NOT normal.
We had 21 chinchilla adoptions go to wonderful homes this year and 19 surrenders also from wonderful homes. Sometimes life situations happen that are beyond our control. I’m happy to report that the majority of the surrenders came in very well-kept condition. Our current number of available adoptables is the lowest we’ve had in 14 years. Hooray!
Whimsy’s was quoted in an article for The Spruce Pets regarding best chinchilla cages. While we don’t necessarily agree with the choices, it was nice that they asked and included several of our quotes.
Also, this year Whimsy’s won the ChinPals Chinsgiving poll! That included a $500 donation gathered from their sales and donations generated between Thanksgiving Day and Giving Tuesday. In addition, it was and is heartwarming to see friends old and new consider us in their support over the holiday season and beyond.
We appreciate those who spread the word about our rescue and webstore. I don’t like to self-promote, except when it comes to hand crafted soap. (Please buy my soap so I can make more.) Issues with the supply chain have made it difficult to keep certain items in stock. But the majority of our classic chew toys and cage accessories are available.
Anyway, we’re looking forward to a new year, new friends and new experiences while we enjoy old friends, cherished memories and work that keeps us close to the land. Blessings to you, all who choose to read my humble blog posts. We look forward to hearing from you and serving you with gratitude.