They've been thrown into a trash bin, left behind during a move, let loose to roam the streets and fed to pet snakes.

It seems that to some people, guinea pigs are disposable pets.

"I guess they feel like if it doesn't work out, it's OK," said Vicki Knight, a veterinary technician who runs the Cave Spring Piggie Rescue.

The rescue group got started about four years ago after Knight's boss at Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic bought a pig, Deuce Pigalow, from a breeder and discovered that it had health problems because the breeder had not provided the animal with proper care.

That prompted Knight, who had previously owned three guinea pigs, and other employees at the clinic to start a guinea pig rescue and help pigs like Pigalow.

All of the employees at the clinic are involved with the rescue group in some way, whether by providing foster homes, giving the guinea pigs medical care or helping Knight care for the pigs she fosters.

Since its beginning, the rescue has found homes for almost 80 pigs, Knight said.

It is caring for 10 guinea pigs now.

People have laughed and poked fun at the group, but Knight and her colleagues have just as much compassion for a guinea pig as they would a dog or a horse.

"I want to change people's ideas that this is 'just' a guinea pig," Knight said. "They're still a creature."

Rescuers and adopters love the guinea pigs for their squeaks and distinct personalities.

Some guinea pigs that Knight has fostered have followed her around her house, like a dog would, and tried to crawl up her leg as if begging to be picked up.

They're smart, too.

Some guinea pigs know that they are going to be fed soon after they hear the sound of the refrigerator door opening and the rustling of the plastic bag that holds their lettuce.

Danielle Dumler of Vinton adopted two pigs from the rescue and then decided to foster several others, including Marty and Doc.

Guinea pigs typically live to be between 5 and 8 years old, so at 4 years old, Marty and Doc probably won't be adopted because people want younger pigs, Dumler said.

That's OK, though.

If no one adopts them soon, she plans to keep them permanently.

"They're sweet pigs," she said.

But guinea pigs aren't for everyone.

The group has rescued pigs from people in Southwest Virginia who left a sick pig in a trash bin to die, and others who have left pigs behind in an empty apartment after moving.

Botetourt County Animal Control has even picked up a few guinea pigs that were apparently let loose to roam the streets, Knight said.

The SPCA, which took those guinea pigs from animal control officers, gave the pigs to the rescue group.

Dumler believes many people don't feel as bad getting rid of a guinea pig that cost them $29.99.

"Our society has such a disposable attitude," she said.

She also said pet stores contribute to the problem because they don't properly educate guinea pig owners about the level of care the pigs will need.

"A cat is almost an easier pet," Dumler said.