One guinea pig helped her son heal. Now she has to feed 400 every day, running America’s biggest Guinea Pig Sanctuary

Kimie Smothermon wakes to the sounds of nearly 400 guinea pigs, her sanctuary in Salisbury, Massachusetts, teeming with the squeals, chirps, and purrs of her furry charges. For Smothermon, the daily routine is a blend of challenges and joys. While she wishes she could find a way out, she believes her dedication would keep her awake even if she never wanted to get out of bed.

The sanctuary, now housing 350 to 400 guinea pigs, is cramped and chaotic, with volunteers and visitors navigating through the cages stacked from floor to ceiling. Despite the stress, there's also delight - the guinea pigs' squeals as they eat lettuce bring laughter, and some even seek comfort from their caretakers. Each animal, with a name clearly marked outside its cage, has a distinct personality.

Volunteers note that guinea pigs are highly sensitive and their favorite caretakers draw them in. The sanctuary is one of the few in the U.S. dedicated solely to abandoned guinea pigs, offering boarding services and rehoming opportunities. Smothermon believes these small animals from South America, descended from Cavia porcellus, require social interaction and cannot be kept in cages permanently.

She welcomes guinea pig pairs into her sanctuary, offering them a safe haven. Since opening earlier this year, the sanctuary has been flooded with surrender requests, including a woman who had to give up her guinea pigs after her husband fell ill. Calls pour in from across the country, asking for help with guinea pigs needing rehoming, often expecting litters.

The sanctuary's journey began when Smothermon's grandson, Alex, found solace with guinea pigs after surviving a fire that claimed his life and the lives of two dogs and dozens of animals. The tragedy led to Smothermon's depression, but when her family was staying in a hotel, they continued to receive guinea pigs in need. This experience motivated Smothermon and her family to carry on Alex's dream, leading them to relocate to Massachusetts.

While the work is demanding, with only a few days off each year, Smothermon feels compelled to wake up, as the welfare of her 400+ guinea pigs depends on her.