Fluffy

We are feeling sad today because Fluffy died last night. He had become quite sick over the last couple of days, probably from illness related to old age in hamsters. Fluffy was probably a little over 3 years old. He lived with us for the last two years. He was a good friend and companion for all of us and we are happy to have shared our lives with him.

I think Fluffy enjoyed his time with us as well. When we first adopted him from the Humane Society, his name was Nibbles because he bit everyone who tried to pick him up. He did not bite us and let the kids hold him constantly. He slid down slides and learned to ride in slings and in pockets and purses and on skateboards and in roller skates. It was a pretty active life for an older bachelor hamster.



Here are some of our favorite memories of Fluffy-

*when he sat quietly on the couch to watch a show and didn't try to go anywhere

*when he got "frisky" and tried to get away (where was he going?)

*when he nibbled on snacks like apples and pasta and almonds

*when he ran in his ball all over the house

*how he didn't like carrots

*how he loved watermelon

*when he sat very still when Jack would come and sit close by

*when he rode in the roller skate

*when he slept on Eva's lap

*when he was just such a cute little guy

*when he kept a little cache of food near his nest so that he could eat while sleeping

*when he put lots of snacks in his pouches to save for later

*when he liked to run around in his ball with his pouches full because that is how it would have been in the wild

*when he escaped inside the couch or behind the couch or under the couch

*when he made that little tttttt sound to say hello or while he was just rummaging around his cage for food

*when Magoo would sit next to his cage for company

To help him stay comfortable during his last hours we kept apples and lettuce in his nest for him to nibble on when he felt up to it. We put the space heater on to help keep him warm. He sat with Eva for one last time yesterday. Today the kids and I buried Fluffy surrounded by some Mum's we planted. We put rocks on his grave and a marker so we wouldn't forget. We will miss Fluffy. We love him so.