“I didn’t think I’d end up being a mother of two very spoilt but sweet boys, but here I am,” giggles Resshaya during a chat with FMT.

She is, of course, talking about her two guinea pigs – not actual sons – but she begs to differ.

She loves these boys as much as any mother (to both humans and furr-kids) would and could.

Her journey into pet motherhood began six years ago, during her birthday when she, as she says, was “given a tiny ball of cotton as a birthday present”.

It wasn’t a cotton ball, per se. In fact, it was a pure white guinea pig.

“As a massive ‘Game of Thrones’ fan, I named my first-born Ghost as an ode to Jon Snow’s furry companion,” she says.

And just like the fictional character’s pet, Ghost has proven his loyalty through and through as he accompanied Resshaya through the late nights and mental breakdowns during her post-graduate student days.

“He has earned himself an honorary Master’s degree in Health Sciences just for being with me throughout that phase,” she laughs.

However, despite how busy she got, Resshaya made sure the duo would make time to celebrate the precious little ball’s birthday every single year.

Ghost was four years old when both his and Resshaya’s life changed.

“I came across an article saying that it’s illegal to have just one guinea pig in Switzerland because keeping one in isolation is considered an act of cruelty,” says Resshaya, who said that she was struck with absolute horror after reading said article.

“Ghost has always been a happy and chirpy little piggy, or so I thought!”

Resshaya admits that she began second-guessing herself: “Have I been a cruel mother all these years?”

Ridden with guilt, she decided to alleviate the problem immediately and swung into action.

She went onto Petfinder.com and found another guinea pig who is the sweetest little boy; it was kismet!

“I made the instant decision to adopt him, with the strong support of my other half – who is extremely allergic to guinea pigs but loves them fiercely anyway.”

Resshaya then shares the sad story of the little black guinea pig, whose original name was Q2.

Apparently, he was first rescued from a poorly-run petting zoo, passed on to someone who had given him up and then temporarily adopted by someone who had another guinea pig called Q1.

Q1 passed away, and that was when he was put up for adoption again.

“My heart ached for this beautiful boy who had been through so much. He was black as coal with a gorgeous shine; I fell in love in a heartbeat!” she gushes.

As for the name ‘Buster’, it just made sense, according to Resshaya.

“It didn’t take me more than a second to name him. Ghost and Buster, it fit!” she laughs.

The two guinea pigs got along just fine at first, then they became regular siblings who squabble and chomp on each other out of frustration.

They do come with “motion sensors” because according to Resshaya, once the fridge door is opened or a plastic bag is crinkled, they ring their alarms in search of their favourite baby carrots, romaine lettuce, Japanese cucumbers, watermelons, cherries, bell peppers and tomatoes.

“Ghost loves being cuddled by humans, and gravitates towards children and senior citizens because that’s usually where the unlimited pats and rubs come from,” says Resshaya.

Buster, on the other hand, was initially timid. This is understandable, of course, given his traumatic past.

“But we gave him space to be himself. We didn’t force any love onto him, but it seems that he prefers the company of men.

“He’s comfortable being carried and touched by my husband, father and brother,” says Resshaya, who says she’s fine with this arrangement because Ghost still prefers her.

When the two piggies aren’t busy enjoying all the attention, they yawn, fit themselves into enclosed spaces and occasionally join in on TikTok trends.

Resshaya, who had just tied the knot last December, says she can’t imagine going through her wedding without Ghost and Buster as her groomsmen.

Though they were not able to attend the event itself, they were bedecked in gorgeous outfits and had a little photography session too.

“They usually don’t comply when I attempt to put anything on them, but it’s as if they knew that this was important.

“They looked extremely handsome if I do say so myself!”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.