THE love affair has lasted on and off for 35 years and it has been unconditional as far as Karl Kilpatrick is concerned.
"There is nothing like coming home and picking up one of them, you feel calm straight away," said Mr Kilpatrick of Engadine.
He was speaking about cavies, known by most people as guinea pigs, and of which he has about 50.
"They don't carry any disease that humans can easily catch, and they all have different personalities," he said.
"There are many different pedigrees."
Some of the cavies he owns include a black and lilac Dalmatian, similar to the colours of Dalmatian dogs, and there are long-haired, coarse and short-haired cavies.
Mr Kilpatrick began his interest in cavies when he was a youngster and has become more involved with them during the past eight years.
He is about to judge the NSW Cavy Club show at Loftus.
The non-profit NSW Cavy Club started in the 1970s for the growing hobby for young and old.
Its members show quality pure bred cavies of which there are 50 breeds shown in Australia.
The show will have free care sheets, health advice and nail clippings during the day, and cavies and supplies will be on sale.
It will be at Loftus Community Hall, 119-129 Loftus Avenue, Loftus, on Sunday, August 3, starting at 9.30am. Entry is free.
Details: Tricia Chrissimos, 0416 147 849 or Karl Kilpatrick 9548 3525.