Hundreds of guinea pigs fill Massachusetts sanctuary with squeals, purrs and lots of love

Kimie Smothermon opens her eyes to the chorus of nearly 400 guinea pigs each morning, squealing, chirping, and purring with a mix of endearment and exhaustion. Located in Salisbury, Massachusetts, Smothermon's Guinea Pig Sanctuary houses these furry creatures in a crowded, cluttered space. Despite the chaos, the sanctuary offers a haven for abandoned guinea pigs, a need that has grown due to the responsibilities of pet ownership.

Smothermon, who lost loved ones in a fire years ago, now runs the rescue out of her home, fielding calls from across the country for guinea pig adoptions. The sanctuary also offers boarding services and encourages rehoming when possible. With guinea pigs being social animals, the sanctuary ensures pairs are adopted together. Despite the challenges, Smothermon finds joy in the animals' personalities and their ability to connect with their caregivers.