Please say a little prayer

The youngest member of our "chain gang," our beloved Hammy, passed away today. Madelynne was devastated. She cried uncontrollably for about 2 hours, and is now worried about the little grave we made for him outside. She is worried the cats outside will dig it up. She is somewhat better tonight, but blames herself, saying she didn't take good enough care of him. I reminded her that he was 3 years old, which is a good average life for a dwarf hamster. It's hard to understand that 3 is an old age for a hamster. Even harder when the hamster is so sweet and sociable. We knew he wasn't doing well, though. His breathing changed over the last couple of months. I've been trying to prepare her for the inevitable.

Of course, she wants another hamster immediately, but I told her with the baby, that now is not the right time for one. We have too many irons in the fire right now. So, we'll be waiting for a while. Especially until she can completely take care of it (cleaning the cage out from start to finish without help). The cat's litter box would be manageable for her if it weren't for the weight of the box when it is time to dump out the litter.

Anyway, we are a two-pet family now, but for now, that will have to suffice. (I am having a flash into the future of our little boy wanting a snake as a pet . . . that will have to be a big NO.) Sorry, the best snakes are the dead ones, in my opinion. Okay, animal rights activists, please don't come after me on that one. I don't deal well with pets with no fur (and tarantulas aren't on my list). Well, we did have a hermit crab that was pretty cool. Fish are okay, but they aren't too interactive.

So, in memory of sweet little Hammy, here he is again.