My Sammy, my favorite-- and the one who opened my eyes and heart to the endearing, lovable, enjoyable nature of hammies is happily running free now.
March 2011 my husband told our daughter she could have a hamster as a reward for an accomplishment at school. I said 'no way! they are smelly and messy, I do NOT want hamsters. YOU will be cleaning the cages'. Ha! That lasted until they got home and I held Sammy...I hate to say it, but I kind of took him over. The beautiful, bright, black eyed cream with long soft hair, I had no idea hamsters were this cute...! Where had this cutie been all my life...
I had begun going to school at the same time we got Sammy and it was very sacrificial--as a mother, and with a demanding home life we had already with a home based business and a lot of stress on many levels. Well, I found out straight away that my Sammy was a true smile maker
So during the day, with the kids are at school and my husband working, I was home alone studying--and all the stress and tears of frustration and everything else that challenged me, were eased by my Sammy. From day one, he was a floppy, hang out in your hand type of guy, with complete trust, he always relaxed in our hands and laps. All I needed to do was go get Sammy and I couldnt help but smile. Sammy's fur dried many of my tears over the last 2 years. He would snuggle and soothe me on the worst of days. In the evening as soon as he got up, he would be running to whatever side of the cage in the direction I was at to get my attention, he was so excited to see me, all of us. I miss him.
Sammy was the sweetest hamster I still have ever encountered. I could take to the kids classes and never worry about him biting even though dozens of 1st grade hands could be all over him; he would just stay relaxed and patiently let them enjoy him. He had a connection with human emotions that I am at a loss for understanding or words to describe. Sammy would not bite, no matter what.
Of course, when he was about a year old I knew he was entering the second half of his life and I wanted to pass his genes on. So I got a beautiful little lady, Violet, and they produced 11 gorgeous offspring: All long haired, 6 sable and 5 little Sammys (black eyed creams). I got into the habit of calling her mommy because she was so nurturing. I screened interested parties for the homes and even refused some...I can happily say that there are families enjoying Sammys offspring and some still contact me with updates and remark on how sweet their little hammy is...no surprise, they came from Sammy. I am so glad I did that and I kept a little Sammy for myself and a sable.
March 21, 2013: Sammy is 2 years 2 months old. He had been shaky and slow, sleeping a lot and lost some weight for a couple days now. I go to pick him up as usual, he is alive but very cold. Nothing worked to raise his body temperature, I knew it was the end. It was so sad. I had just had a miscarriage a week before, please not Sammy now! I wanted more time, I had not played with him much lately because I had physically been weak and tired myself...I just wanted another month at least. No, he died the next day in my hands. I had tried dropper feeding him, had him swaddled in washcloths, and just holding him when his labored, slow breathing ceased.
We buried him in the front yard with letters from me and the kids. We miss him. I miss you Sammy, my smile-maker...I will NEVER forget you. God gave you to me to help me thru a rough season and you have made things so much easier to bear. Now I believe God took you back...maybe my babies in heaven wanted you
I love you Sammy, I miss you so much. Thank you for countless smiles, laughter, and joy. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart in a new way. My sweet Sammy, run free little guy.
Miss you Sammy!
Play well at the Bridge little Honey 17/5/13 and Peanuts 16/9/13, Play well at the Bridge too little Orchid 12/12/13
Linear Mode
