The Story of 366-Archie - A City Cavalier

The Story of 366-Archie - A City Cavalier

Greg Actipes lives in a townhouse in Lincoln Park in Chicago. In Greg’s own words, “I've always been a BIG animal lover, but allergies kept me away from being a pet owner. I thought I was even allergic to my sister’s 'hypo allergenic' poodle. Go figure.”

Greg met his very first Cavalier, a gorgeous Black & Tan girl named Tag while visiting a bird store. Although this venue may sound odd-- it was love at first sight. Coincidently, a friend of Greg’s who lived in the same building had adopted a Blenheim girl, Sable. Surprisingly, as much as Cavaliers shed, Greg found he had no negative reaction to her! Like many Cavaliers, Sable is a total love bug and Greg fell in love with the breed.

Shortly thereafter, a friend of a friend (you do the math!!) had their second child and found they were not able to properly care for, nor give the needed attention to their nine-month-old Cavalier, a Blenheim boy named Charlie. Greg gladly “adopted” Charlie, his first Cavalier. Sadly over time Charlie developed congestive heart failure (CHF) and he lost his battle in June 2012, at age 7. Greg was heartbroken.

Thankfully, Greg’s sister is extremely supportive of rescue and urged Greg to attend a Cavalier gathering in August of 2012. At the event, Greg met Julia Rivera who heads the Chicago Cavalier King Charles Group. Several volunteers of the Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue were also in attendance and gave Greg information and lots of encouragement to fill out an adoption application when he was ready.

In February 2013, Greg attended the GCCR-sponsored “Champagne and Chocolate Pawty” – an event that would change his life and the life of one of GCCR’s lucky rescues. At the event, Greg thumbed through a book of adoptable Cavaliers and saw Keegan (now Archie), a 1-year-old Ruby boy who caught his eye. He sat down with GCCR’s Helen Cordell and showed her photos of his townhouse, including the amazing outdoor space.

That night Greg submitted an adoption application and a week later Karla McKanna (another GCCR volunteer) brought Archie and Merlot (another Ruby boy who had been rescued with Archie) over for a home visit. Archie got along with (read ignored) the resident African Grey, Bubba; however, Merlot was way too interested. Greg knew Archie was the one.

Archie is living the spoiled life as a “City Cavalier!” Merlot, now Moe, was adopted by another family in Chicago, so Archie and Moe still get to see each other frequently!

September 2014, Rev. 11.9.14