Fur the win

Title Fur-Get About It The Thriving Venture of Ate Lars' Rodent Haven

As passionate individuals often find, exhaustion fades into the background when pursuing a beloved endeavor with enthusiasm.

In a peaceful corner of Binalan, Laguna, Marie Anthonette Lara, better known as Ate Lars to the local pet community, has successfully turned her love for small animals into a thriving venture that exudes life and charm. This young woman is the heart behind Lars Caviary, a cozy haven for one of the most endearing pets in the country – guinea pigs.

Ate Lara's journey with these adorable creatures began humbly when she discovered them online after the pandemic. Her experience caring for hamsters and rabbits laid the foundation for her newfound passion. I've always been an animal lover, but it wasn't until I encountered guinea pigs in the Philippines that I became utterly smitten, Lara shared with The Manila Times.

What sets Ate Lars apart is not only her love for guinea pigs but also her forward-thinking approach, driven by a realization that specialized facilities for these pets were scarce. Lars Caviary was born out of this need, offering a comprehensive space that combines home, pampering services, supplies, and temporary stays for these furry friends.

A pivotal turning point in Ate Lara's journey came when one of her guinea pigs was fatally attacked by an older male, Bob, teaching her the importance of understanding guinea pig dynamics. That's when I started to take it seriously and dive deep into learning everything about guinea pig care, she reflected.

Among the many guinea pigs under her care, Peanut Shakaboom Jr. stood out – transforming from a beloved pet to an unlikely film star in My Love Will Make You Disappear. The film's production team, featuring lead stars Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino, was on the hunt for the perfect guinea pig.

Ate Lara maintains a strict daily routine to ensure the well-being of her beloved pets. Before leaving for work, she replenishes their water bottles and checks the cages to guarantee their security. One lapse, like an open cage, could be fatal for them, she emphasizes.

To keep costs down, Ate Lara harvests grass herself – which makes up 80 percent of their diet. She stresses that proper shipping and transport are crucial, refusing to send guinea pigs to buyers from Visayas and Mindanao as mere parcels, prioritizing their safety and well-being instead.

An unexpected incident involving a mistakenly gendered male baby guinea pig led to an interesting outcome he ended up impregnating the entire female colony. They're not loyal partners and definitely not the type to stick with one, Ate Lara laughed.

Leveraging her platform, Ate Lara educates others on responsible guinea pig keeping, focusing on proper diet, care, and health concerns, in hopes of raising awareness. When guinea pigs trust you, they'll approach you on their own for food or attention, rather than being chased after, she shares.

Through Lars Caviary, Ate Lara aims to create a community that values the well-being and happiness of these beloved pets, showcasing her dedication to responsible pet-keeping practices.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.