Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Final Hamster Blog
By Catya
Catya is a judge with the California Hamster Association. She shares her experiences in hamster ownership from a high school student's perspective.
Click image to enlarge
I've been "growing up hamster" since 2003 when I drew this picture of my Campbell's dwarf hamster. |
Photos Courtesy of Catya
Now I'm going off to be a university student, but I will always remember my hamsters. |
Dear Readers: As you read this, I am 2,000 miles away from home and my hamsters. After eight years of growing up hamster, and two years of blogging about it, I’m starting a new journey as a university student.
Getting ready to go away to college involves a lot of “lasts” – the last high school final, the last youth orchestra concert, the last night in your own bed. For me, one of the most important “lasts” was my last night handing out hamster treats.
As I checked on each hamster, I thought about what it would mean to be away at school, nearly 2,200 miles from them. I’ve been planning for college for years now, ever since I started my hamstery, and I planned the breedings so that my mom and dad wouldn’t have too many critters to take care of while I was away. But there are still nine little stalwart hamsters at home, most of them “over the hill.” I know that Mom and Dad will take excellent care of them for me, and my friend Liz is watching them while we travel, but it’s still hard to leave them behind.
After all, my hamsters have been a huge part of my life for so many years. I’ve grown up alongside five generations of them, and been through all the joy and sorrows that come with having hamsters. I’ve stayed up countless nights with ailing hamsters, giving them medicine, trying to help them get well, or just comforting them through their final breaths. I’ve smiled a thousand smiles watching sweet little baby hamsters take their first wobbly forays out of the nest. I’ve laughed at their antics and enjoyed each one’s quirky, individual personality.
For the last two years, a big part of my hamster memories has been this blog, and sharing with you, my readers. So now I get to add to my “list of lasts” my last entry in the story of Growing Up Hamster. It has been a lot of fun introducing you to my critter friends and keeping you updated on their latest hijinks. I enjoyed thinking of what to write about each time, and wondering what would be interesting and amusing for you. Thank you all for taking the time to listen to my stories and share your thoughts. I wish you and your critters the very best.
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