Shortly after I moved into my place last year, the reality of living alone kicked in. But more than that, what sucked most, was not having any fur-babies to keep me company. As I live in an apartment block, I would have to go through an application process to have either a dog or cat. Not a major drama, but it requires filling out forms and getting approval from the other residents - too much for my impatient self. So what did I do? As any sane, animal loving, 20-something does, I got a guinea pig.
Meet Agatha... the MOST spoilt guinea pig in all the world.
Baby Agatha - she was approx. 6months old here, the day I got her. |
People thought I was mad - what grown woman has a pet guinea pig? Guinea pigs are for kids... But I disagree. These little creatures are one of the cleverest out and Agatha fast became the love of my life. Corny, I know. When I'm home, she's never far from me. I love the softness of her fur, the little licks she gives when having cuddles and the squeaks she makes when I open the fridge door. Something my best friend, Emma, insists Agatha is acutely aware of... It is true, madam only ever squeaks when it is ME who opens the door! Told you they were smart.
When I'm crafting, Agatha spends her time snuggled up on my desk in her snuggie...
We celebrate having her favourite treat of strawberry tops...
We enjoy afternoons on the patio knitting...
But when I'm not home, she's alone, spending most of her time sleeping in her tunnel...
Guinea pigs are herd animals and need company. While Agatha is very much loved and has every treat imaginable, nothing can replace the companionship of another piggie. Soooo this guinea pig mama got a major case of the guilts. How could I deprive my dear little piggie, who brings me so much love and happiness, of a friend? I couldn't.
I was determined to get my next piggie from a rescue/shelter. (Agatha, dare I say it, was a shop bought piggie - NEVER again!). So we looked - I say 'we' because I Agatha sat on my lap every time I searched online - and read many piggie profiles. It was seriously like online dating for guinea pigs!
First port of call was the RSPCA. There were often piggies available, but they were either at distant shelters or male piggies (not gonna happen!). Then finally one weekend there was a baby girl available at my local shelter... problem was, by the time I got there, she was already adopted. The following weekend I checked the site again. Three new baby piggies had arrived, 2 girls and a boy. So off I went, very excited that Agatha would FINALLY have a sister. When I got to the shelter, all ready to adopt, the attendant regretfully advised me that they had mis-sexed the piggies and ALL of them were male. My second visit with no second piggie to love...
By this stage I was feeling a little disheartened. But my stubbornness would not give in. I wanted a sister for Agatha and I wanted another piggie to love. That's when I stumbled across the wonderful guinea pig shelter, The Cavy Cottage. I gave them a call. Yes they did have a couple of baby girl piggies for adoption and yes, I could visit them that afternoon. Yippee!!! So off I went.
The staff were SO lovely and helpful. I first held a baby pig about 6months old, who was very sweet. Full of character and confidence, yes, she would do well with Agatha. But then the lady brought out Sybill. Darling, baby Sybill. She was two weeks old. Abandoned during the cold snap down in NSW. The titchiest piggie I have ever seen! She had my heart instantly.
The introduction went much better than expected. Agatha shared her food happily and even allowed Sybill to snuggle for a bit.
Baby Sybill arrives home. |
Agatha is still adjusting to having a friend, and will occasionally give Sybill a little nip - more to show dominance than inflict harm. But every so often, I will catch her snuggling up to Sybill, being all protective and big sister-like. Then she'll realise I've seen her and literally kick Sybill away. Poor Sybill.
And bath time with two piggies is always entertaining!
However, night time snuggles are the best. In my opinion it's one of the best ways to spend a cold winter's night - piggie snuggles, a hot cup of tea and a good book.
Happy Sunday All!
H xxx
PS More can be found on Agatha's Instagram page - @adventures_of_agatha X
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