Our Hammies

Jan and I have had 6 hamsters since we got together in 2001. As I grew up with animals, I really
wanted a hamster, and Jan (reluctantly) agreed to get one. Well, needless to say, once we had one,
we had another, and another, and so on, and Jan loved them just as much as me.

Champers, Napalm, Viper, Kuffs, Rusty and Babe (or Digger) - I wish God gave you longer lives, it
seems so wrong that you only get a few years. You were all special, and we miss you so much. Sadly,
you're buried in our old garden, so we can't visit you, but I hope you are at rest and happy
wherever you are.

Champers - well, what can I say. You were my special baby, and the way you died still haunts me to
this day. You used to sit in my hand and licked my palm, you were such a sweetie. I remember you and
Napalm were fighting for Kuffs attention - of course you were all in seperate cages, but the noises
you and Napalm made, calling out! And the time you got out and I found you under the wardrobe, with
a scratch on your nose - I knew you had gone sniffing at Napalms cage and he had had a go! Love you
poppet. xxx

Napalm - mischievious little fella, we weren't sure if or when you were going to bite! Most of the
time you were good, and then, just when we weren't expecting it, along came the nip! I took you to
the vet when that cyst started growing under your chin, he said there was nothing we could do - it
may be cancerous, it may not, but you didn't seem to be bothered by it, and you were a good age, so
he said to let you live out your days. It kept growing, and eventually you grew tired and we had to
let you go. xxx

Viper - I don't know why Jan chose that name for you as you were the calmest, most placid little
hamster, a ball of fur. You were the first to figure out how to open the plastic fastner to your
cage, we had to start selotaping it down cos once you learnt how to do it, you couldn't stop! Jan
misses you so much too, he loved holding you in the palm of his hand while walking to the treat
cupboard and giving you one of your choccies. Big kisses sweetie. xxx

Kuffs - Our first girl hamster, all black with little white cuffs! The time you were in your ball,
rolling around the flat, and I was in the bathroom, cleaning. I happened to glance out in the
hallway, and saw a little black thing running past the door - it was you! You were lovely, a proper
little character, and I'm sorry for the way you passed too. Your skin condition was caused by old
age, I know, but it was horrible to watch you go through that darlin. Rest peacefully now. xxx

Rusty - Our last hamster, wow, you were amazing! The one time you did escape you did it in style! I
still remember coming to the landing in the morning and seeing some chewed carpet, and called to
Jan, wondering if we had rats! Then, I went to your cage, and saw the door open (yes that was me
from holding you the night before, I forgot to shut it!) - I checked, and you weren't there! I
panicked, there weren't many places for you to hide on the landing, but you must have jumped or
fallen from quite a height as your cage was sitting on some shelves. We had a big black binbag at
the top of the stairs, and I heard a little rustle. I called Jan, and gently we moved the rubbish
out of the bag, I was scared cos there were tin cans and sharp lids in there, but you were sitting
at the bottom of the bag and looked up at us, like butter wouldn't melt! You were a good age, and
when it was your time to go, you were such a fighter, 3 weeks went by with you tottering about, but
I had to go to Ireland. You were the only hamster that I wasn't with when you died, and I still
can't forgive myself for that. Miss you so much. xxx

Babe AKA Digger - our baby. Beautiful looks, but unfortunately I think you had a few neuro problems.
You would not stop running round in circles, and your food bowl was your favourite thing to run
around - all day. Sounds cute, but we knew there was something wrong, the only time you stopped was
to get some water or food, we tried to get you out of the cage as much as possible to stop you doing
it, but you still did. You were a year old when you died, you had a stroke and were paralysed, I got
lots of soft food and nursed you through it, you were ok! When you were back on your feet again, you
started doing the circles thing again, and this time, suffered a fatal stroke. Rest in peace baby.
xxx

♥♥♥♥♥ Beyond the Rainbow ♥♥♥♥♥

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

(Written by CG - 1995)


════╔══╗Gone But
════║══║Not Forgotten
═╔══╝══╚══╗♥ ♰ ♥ ♰
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═╚══╗══╔══╝
════║══║Put This On Your
════║══║Page If Your Pet
════║══ Is In
════║══║Heaven's Garden