In a converted office building just north of Boston, Salisbury resident Kimie Smothermon opens the doors each morning to the chirps, squeals and occasional purrs of nearly four hundred rescued guinea pigs. The Guinea Pig Sanctuary, located about 40 miles from the state capital, has become a lifeline for abandoned small‑pet owners across the country.
From a Family Hobby to a Full‑Time Rescue
Smothermon’s involvement began when her grandson Alex, who recovered from a childhood fire injury, discovered that guinea pigs were safe for him to handle. The family began taking in unwanted pets, first from their New Hampshire home until a 2019 fire destroyed that residence and claimed dozens of guinea pigs, two dogs and a grandson. While living out of a hotel, neighbors continued to drop off animals in need, prompting Smothermon to formalize the effort.
In early 2026 she relocated the operation to Salisbury, converting a modest office space into a sanctuary. Today, the facility houses 350‑400 guinea pigs in cages stacked from floor to ceiling. Each animal’s name is displayed on its cage, and volunteers tick off personality traits as they care for the residents.
Daily Life at the Sanctuary
Volunteers and occasional visitors navigate narrow aisles, cleaning cages, checking for illness and providing fresh lettuce and other vegetation. The work is physically demanding; the space is described as “cramped and chaotic,” yet moments of joy break through as the tiny pets scurry, cuddle or even give kisses, as one volunteer, Janet Woodman, observed.
Woodman, who has spent considerable time with the animals, believes they rank among the best therapy animals, second only to horses, because of their sensitivity and affection.
Community Support and Outreach
Smothermon’s sanctuary fills a niche that few other rescues address. While many animal shelters focus on dogs and cats, only a handful of organizations in the United States specialize in guinea pig rescue. The sanctuary not only provides permanent homes but also offers boarding for owners who travel and encourages re‑homing when possible.
People from across the country call the sanctuary seeking help. Recent requests have included eleven guinea pigs from Illinois, seven from Texas and ninety‑seven from New York, many of which are expected to have litters soon. The sanctuary’s policy is to accept animals in pairs whenever possible, recognizing their social nature.
Compassion in Action
When an older woman arrived with two cages, explaining that her husband’s illness left her unable to care for the pets, Smothermon waived the usual intake fee and welcomed the animals without hesitation. “If that’s what you need to do, I’ll take on the responsibility,” she told the woman.
Despite the emotional rewards, the work is relentless. Smothermon admits she takes only a handful of days off each year, noting that “if I don’t get up, they don’t eat and they can die.” The constant demand keeps her grounded and reinforces the sanctuary’s role as a community resource.
Looking Ahead
As the sanctuary continues to grow, Smothermon hopes to expand volunteer capacity and secure additional space to accommodate the increasing number of rescues. For now, the squeals of the guinea pigs and the dedication of the volunteers remain the heart of Salisbury’s unique animal‑care operation.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
