Hammy in Heaven

It is with sadness that I inform you our hamster, Hammy, has died.

Hammy 

March 2018 (?) – March 23, 2020

We first met Hammy at a pet store when he was almost six months old. He was jumpy, a frenetic white ball of energy with light brown patches around his red eyes.  Hammy lived with us for 592 days. Those days were all good ones because he was a funny, amiable little guy.

At first we set Hammy up in a small, simple bachelor’s cage. M. decided that wasn’t good enough. Naomi agreed, so we bought him a rodent’s equivalent to Graceland as Marina’s Christmas present. His palatial cage had an exercise wheel, a basement and two levels. Multi-colored piping connected each section. It kept him busy. Like most nocturnal animals and college students, he partied at night and slept a good part of the day. We often heard his scratching and cage-bar-gnawing at night when we were trying to sleep. He liked to stuff several chunky food pellets into his cheeks, then scatter them around the cage and forget where he left them. We’d put them back in his food tray. He always looked surprised and delighted when the food pellets reappeared, like he’d won the lottery.

In his younger days Hammy would hop on the wheel and run a hamster marathon or two. In middle age, rearranging his bedding and staying warm during the cooler months were his hobbies. He loved stretching his body through those colorful connector tubes and sleeping inside his little turquoise-roofed cottage.

He would poke his nose out the window when I blew coffee flavored breath his way; it was his way of saying hi. He was a calm hamster, never bit anyone --not once-- even the many times the kids were being rough and he had every right to nibble back in defense.

We like to think that Hammy waited for our return from spring break vacation before leaving us. As though he wanted to hang with us for a little bit more before his final goodbye.

We sensed Hammy had lost his sight during the last few weeks he was alive when he had trouble scampering about. The Rising Daughters were gentle and sweet, touching him frequently and making sure he could find his water bottle. Showing love and compassion.

Hammy died on the evening of March 23, 2020. Naturally we were sad when he passed. We had a little wake for him that night. The next day, we stood in the rain and gently placed him in his beloved tiny house, then buried it in a spot picked by the girls in the backyard.  He brought this Rising Family™ much joy, and taught the girls about responsibility and life. Hammy will be missed.

M. said: “I miss you, Hammy. I hope you see your family and friends in heaven! I love you because you were nice, gentle and you were always smiling.”

“Hammy was an energetic hamster who we all loved. He was always very gentle and we want him to have the best in heaven. We love you, Hammy,” said Lady E.

“Thanks, Hammy, for helping me psychologically,” said Naomi.

Adios, amigo.