IT was a love affair from when Forsyth was just eight years old — and it's been a lasting one.
Although there was a period in which Ms Forsyth had a bit of a break from following her love, and her hobby, she has today returned to that interest — in cavies, or guinea pigs.
"I had a brother and a sister and Mum thought having guinea pigs was a good way to get started on having pets," Ms Forsyth said.
"They're easy to look after and they have their different temperaments and personalities.
"But people do look at you when you go into the shops and buy 15 kilos of carrots; sometimes that starts up a conversation.
"People's faces light up when you tell them about your guinea pigs.
"They're good for all ages, for people to cuddle."
Ms Forsyth will be among those attending the NSW Cavy Club's upcoming show on October 5.
At the show the club's members will have their pure bred/pedigree cavies judged to national standards.
Club spokesman Karl Kilpatrick said there are more than 50 varieties of pedigree cavies in Australia, from smooth to coarse coat and long-haired cavies.
There will be guinea pigs for sale and there will be free health and general care information available.
Club members will be ready to answer questions and there will be demonstrations on nail clipping for cavies and information on how to identify their gender.
There will be free entry for the public.
The NSW Cavy Club show is on October 5 at Loftus Community Hall, 119-129 Loftus Avenue.
Judging starts for club members at 9.30am.
Inquiries: Tricia Chrissimos, 0416 147 849, and cavy judge Karl Kilpatrick, 9548 3525.
